A Message from Rev. Maya Landell
The first month of 2020 ends today. We made it through the longest days and each day is an invitation to deepen into trusting in God’s love. We have not finished the Old Testament section of our reading through the scriptures, and this Sunday is Chapter 16, the beginning of the end of the kingdom of Israel.
January 31st – The first month of 2020 ends today. We made it through the longest days and each day is an invitation to deepen into trusting in God’s love. We have not finished the Old Testament section of our reading through the scriptures, and this Sunday is Chapter 16, the beginning of the end of the kingdom of Israel.
I reflect on these scriptures, knowing the chapters that are to come – it gets hard for Israel and the voices of the prophets get even more hopeful. It is the end of one way of being, which leads to a new way of being. In fact, in order to get to the gospels, there are a variety of endings along the way. Every ending is also a beginning.
As we continue to read about these Kings who “did right in the eyes of the Lord,” and those who did not, I am reflective on my own leadership, and my prayer for all our leaders at Islington United Church who are trying their best to do what’s right for our church and for this ministry.
There is much to pray about and, to quote Paul Hutchinson, “change is saying hello.” The spirit is inviting us to move forward in faith, to have some fun together, and to grow and learn and honour the gifts of this community that are to be used for bringing people closer to the heart of God – knowing Jesus in a new way and listening to and blessing the vulnerable.
These days, this is my prayer as I heed the call to this path forward:
May we make choices that allow people to draw closer to the heart of God and be a community that blesses the vulnerable with the compassion of Christ. Amen
Prayerfully, Rev. Maya
Whatever our story, whatever our struggle, whatever our path, we are not alone. These words of Isaiah proclaim this truth about God’s love, known through us:
