The Psalms are among my favorite books of the Bible. One of the reasons why they are so prominent in our worship is that they express the broadest range of human experience. Despair (Psalm 22), trust and security amidst danger (Psalm 23), longing (Psalm 42), repentance (Psalm 51), envy (Psalm 73) lamentation and sadness (Psalm 88), rage and grief (Psalm 137), wonder (Psalm 139), exuberant praise (Psalm 150). The Psalms remind us that every human emotion can become prayer. This week we recite Psalm 19, whose first six verses celebrate creation, and the latter seven, divine instruction, featuring one of the most famous endings, “may the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and redeemer.”
How fitting for this week, the beginning of summer, the flourishing of the natural world around us; the culmination of our planet’s cycle around the sun, with the longest day of the year this Sunday, followed by a gradual shortening of days and elongation of nights for 6 months, where upon the cycle of longer days gradually returns after December 21. Year in, year out, the same wonderous cycle of growth and decline, each moment evoking awe and gratitude to God.
We have come to recognize June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day, and one fitting way of honoring this day is to approach the natural world with humility, wonder, and deep respect, recognizing our place within a creation far greater than ourselves. Indigenous spiritual traditions have long emphasized the sacredness of the land, the interconnectedness of all living things, and the responsibility of human beings to live in right relationship with the earth, one another, and the Creator. As we give thanks for the gifts of Indigenous peoples and cultures, may we also embrace the ongoing work of reconciliation, learning to live more harmoniously with the earth, its peoples, and to cherish the sacredness of God’s creation.
Yours in Christ,
Rev John Graham
Table of Contents:
Upcoming Events & Notices:
Visiting Choir Sunday June 21st
BBQ Postponed
Sunday School Summer Hiatus
Scam Alert
Freezer Last Call
Burst into Spring: Thank You!
In Memoriam
Community Events Corner
Philip Crozier Organ Tour
Tai Chi Club
Alongside Hope Trip (cost free!)
Alongside Hope Speaker Visit
Sunday Service Information
Upcoming Events & Notices
Visiting Choir Sunday June 21st
Please join us at the 10:30 service on Sunday the 21st for a special visit from The Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir. Hailing from Oakland, California, this touring choir of 40 experienced trebles ages 12-16 will be leading us in musical worship! We look forward to welcoming them and enjoying what’s sure to be a glorious service.
Community BBQ Postponed
The annual BBQ has been postponed until later in the summer! Stay tuned for the new date and event details.
Sunday School Summer Hiatus
Sunday school is on summer hiatus! Thank you for a wonderful year of growth and learning. We look forward to starting up again in the fall!
And if you're ever in doubt, contact the office or Rev'd Heather.
Freezer Last Call!
We will be cleaning out our freezer to make room for rental groups to use it! If you have left something in the freezer, please come claim it this weekend!
Burst into Spring Thank You!
Greetings from the Stewardship Committee! It is our pleasure to announce that the Burst into Spring Campaign has met and exceeded our goal! Over the course of the past two months, we have raised $11,500 from a total of 46 donors. This is over and above our stated goal of $10,000. Thanks to the generosity of our congregation and our community, we will be able to repair the structural damage caused by January's burst radiator incident. This is the third stewardship campaign we have run since the stewardship committee was re-established last year, and it has been our most successful yet! Thank you to everyone who contributed! Stewardship requires all of us, and we are so pleased with how the congregation pulled together to support this collective goal. With gratitude,
The Stewardship Committee
(Chloe, Tom D, Tom B, Susan, Robert)
In Memoriam
We give thanks for the lives of Brenda Jackson and John Otten, both passed this week.
Almighty and eternal God, from whose love in Christ we cannot be parted, either by death or life: hear our prayers and thanksgivings for Brenda, John, and all whom we remember this day; fulfil in them the purpose of your love; and bring us all, with them, to your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Members: Lucia Wong (leader & teacher luciawsc@gmail.com). Carol Spence, Carole Kapelanski, Carole Gabellini, Susan Mcintosh, Jeeva K., Robert Taylor (Bob), Thu Le Van.
Tai Chi Club
Group practice in Parish Hall, Tues & Thurs 1pm - 3pm
Visitors are welcomed !!!
Alongside Hope tour of Kahnawake
On June 26th there is a tour of Kahnawake which parishioners interested in Alongside Hope are invited to attend. The tour leaves University Ave. at the Cathedral on June 26th promptly at 9am and returns to the same place by about 215pm that afternoon. The bus is cost free! If interested, please reach out to the office.
Alongside Hope Board Visit
Alongside Hope's board of directors are touring Montreal and speaking about their work. Come learn more about the organization at our coffee hour on June 28th! For more information click here: https://alongsidehope.org/
This Sunday, June 21st
At 9 AM
Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17
Romans 6:1-11
Matthew 10:24-39
At 10:30 AM
Genesis 21:8-21
Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17
Romans 6:1-11
Matthew 10:24-39
Important Links for Services
The link for the 10:30 AM Sunday service can be found on our website:
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