When I am down, and, oh, my soul, so weary
When troubles come, and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

We can’t sit together right now as Lent is reaching its conclusion. Our circumstances can bring forth despair. Like the song (You Raise Me Up), we can also find hope. You can listen to the song, complete with lovely scenery, in the link below. Music helps me get through disconcerting times. I encourage you to listen to Caitlin’s beautiful hymns on our Facebook page. What is filling you with hope? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DorNUsi5LE

On Sunday, we will meet Martha and Mary in their sorrow and joy. We’ll meet online; you can participate by phone too. Coffee Hour will start 10:30 with the service at 11:00. Fill up your mug and join us! Today’s SM News includes the bulletin, words for the hymns, and a version of the Lord’s Prayer (also known as the Prayer of Jesus). We will stream the hymns and prayer if you are watching on your computer or phone. Please join us in singing. Let’s sit together for awhile in community. We are not alone.
Meet you on the path,

Janet

Spring is unfolding in starts and stops as it does in late March.  I can hear a beautiful robin singing and a cardinal joining in sporadically through my open window. New life is breaking forth. How is new life breaking forth in you today?
We are finding creative ways to carry on while still honouring some time-honoured ways. We still reach out to others. Some people are phoning or emailing those whom they have not contacted for a while. We are rising to this challenge with love. We are building a world that is kinder and more compassionate amid this situation
We are in this together. Today, I have included a song by Serena Ryder from the PanAm Games 2015.  https://youtu.be/01wHgLfYK0U

Like many of you, I saw sporting events and attended many of the festivities. I particularly enjoyed the Para PanAm Games – attending events at the PanAm Centre on Morningside Road. During the swimming events, everyone stood up and cheered until each single athlete had crossed the finish line. We were one as we cheered with love for the determination and strength each athlete exhibited. We need that resilience, determination, and strength now. It may not be easy, but we can do this. We are not alone. Look for signs of renewal and love today.

Meet you on the path.
Janet

In this time when people are worried about catching COVID-19, I am seeing outbreaks of kindness, patience, and love. What are you seeing?
We are being forced to slow down a little and refocus on the essentials of life. Yesterday morning, I watched the snow gently falling. I enjoy stopping to savour moments, yet it is not always possible in our full lives. Let’s take this time to be intentional in finding joy and beauty in simple moments and actions.
What is bringing joy into your life right now?
 
Here’s another thought – what if we refer to this time as physical distancing rather than social distancing. We can still reach out by phone or other means. These encounters mean so much at this time when we need to be a united community that cares for each other.
 
I share a poem by Wendell Berry. Yes, I have shared it before and will do again. It is worth repeating.
Meet you on the path,
Janet
 

* * * * * 
The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

How wonderful that many of us shared virtual worship yesterday morning. Here’s a big thanks to Caitlin and Charlie. While keeping our distance from each other, we had fun. We are learning as we go and will have materials sent out to you on Fridays so that you can follow along. 

You are invited to listen to Anne Murray and Guests’ “We Rise Again”
https://youtu.be/Dkwj1hppsrs

Watch for more developments as we explore more ways to be community.
In the meantime, here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. What am I grateful for today?
2. How am I connecting with someone today?
3. How am I moving my body today?

 
Finally, I am focusing on finding beauty in simple things like these crocuses I saw on a walk last Saturday. Spring is showing us signs that better days are ahead.

Meet you on the path,
Janet

Isn’t it shocking to think of how quickly the world has changed in recent days? Our lives and our community have been disrupted. We are finding new ways to gather and reach out.

On Sunday, we will gather online for worship. This is new for all of us. We are living on the edge right now. In a time of uncertainty, we reach for the familiar. I will offer a paraphrase of Psalm 23 that I wrote before Lent. Our service will be abbreviated with a time for gathering, prayers, and reflections. We will gather in spirit.

As we follow measures of social distancing, we must be mindful of others. Continue to reach out with your heart, reach out your words, reach out with compassion. Remember the most vulnerable in society who do not have the resources that many of us share. I leave you with this poem which I received yesterday. We pray, we sing, we love.
Meet you on the path.
Janet