Dear Friends,

This Sunday, Jason Locke, the Senior Choir, scripture reader Preston Tran, and amazing guest preacher Rev. Dr. Alydia Smith will lead us in an experience of worship that will draw us closer to God and to each other. A long weekend is an invitation to a little bit of extra rest, to make space for peace and to know that X marks the spot, right where you are.

Sometimes being in one place isn’t easy, lately my heart has been in two places, here with you but also prayerful and supportive of my husband. Many of you do not know that Rev. Adam Hanley, my husband, has been training as a military reservist chaplain for the past two years. He completed Basic Training for five weeks in Quebec this past September, and for the past four weeks he has been in CFB Borden full-time doing his practical counselling training. He is called to this at the same time he is still serving at the national office of the United Church of Canada. I’m grateful to be away this Sunday because Norah and I are able to spend a long weekend with him celebrating her 11th birthday.

May Christ’s peace that passes all understanding remind us that X marks the spot, and that God meets us all wherever you are. I can’t wait to be with you and author Sara Jewell to mark the celebration of Pentecost.

God bless this community that follows in the way of Jesus, grateful to serve alongside you.

Rev. Maya