Weekly Newsletter
A Note from Rev'd Heather
Dear St George’s,
I would be remiss not to begin this newsletter by acknowledging the collective grief and outrage that enveloped our city this week. On Monday three people died in Cote-de-neige due to gun violence. Our prayers go out to everyone affected by this horrific incident. To the bystanders, to the families of those who died, and to all those whose fragile sense of safety have been scarred.
The celebrations of this year's Jean-Baptiste Day, this past Wednesday, felt a little more somber, a little more tentative and cautious - at least they did to me.
I have been drawn lately toward a concept that I was introduced to by our Vicar General, the Venerable Dr. Deborah Meister. One that shifts the conversation from creating safe spaces toward creating brave spaces. Please do not mistake me - I remain committed to ensuring the highest standard of safety that it is within our ability to enforce but, there is so much that is beyond our control.
In this city, in the world, in our lives, in our very churchyard there is much that is beyond our control. Yet, God’s promises remain steadfast and true - we are not in this alone. God is with us. To quote Matthew 28:
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
When we face weeks like this one - with shootings in our city and flaming recycling bins in our church year - I pray that this passage will settle on your shoulders like a blanket, or the arm of a loved one, or perhaps like a prayer shawl stitched with love by our own Sacred Stitches.
Faith grants us the tools to face this world as it actually is and the courage to find beauty in the world around us, in the faces of others who are just as fearfully and wonderfully made as we are, in the wonders of Creation - in our parks and green spaces - and in the creativity and surprising facets of other’s perspectives.
Yours in a positivity born of Christ that does not edit out the realities of this world,
H+
