Hello friends,

It’s Friday, and a busy one in ministry at Islington United. A few of you wondered if everything was okay in our family because I had to cancel the Friday Community check-in. Be not dismayed as all is well. I apologize for the cancellation as a few pastoral needs emerged.

Life is full of choices, things to say yes to and things to say no to. I wonder how your list changes during the summer season?

I will take a break from the Friday check-ins for the summer, and we will see what emerges in the fall season. Perhaps you will use this time to get reading the next Islington Reads book club book: Have You seen Luis Velez? by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

One of the verses that has been calling to me is Jesus saying “Come unto me all you who are weary, and I will give you REST.” Perhaps it could be a prayer mantra for our church this summer; can you hear that invitation too?

Another reminder of this invitation is this image to be coloured:

Flat Jesus – arms wide open – inviting you to rest, and to notice that he is with you during the summer.

Michelle’s invitation to all of us is to print out Flat Jesus, colour him and tape him to a stick, and take him with you as a sign of Christ’s presence. Take pictures of yourself with Flat Jesus at home out social-distancing.

Send your photos to michelle@islingtonunited.org for inclusion in a slideshow to celebrate how Flat Jesus showed up this summer.

Next Week don’t miss: Resonance Project Worship!

On Sunday, July 26 at 7:00 pm, we will be hosting a Resonance Project Worship Service centring around the theme of Rest and Rejuvenation, and what rest can mean and look like in all its various forms. This will be the last Resonance Project event of the summer.

We would like to invite you to bring a piece of artwork or an item that might represent or inspire rest in your life. These items can take any form: a painting, a sculpture, a photo, a book, an album cover, an article of clothing, a favourite food. We encourage you to think outside of the box and look forward to seeing the range of items we bring to share!

Ask a friend, and see you there. Can’t wait!

Rev. Maya