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Here's to Volunteers
8/27/2009 3:24:41 AM
Last week 52 explorers invaded Kerr Park. Most of them were less than four feet tall! Yes, it was once again time for our Annual Vacation Bible School. The theme for the week was “Discovery Canyon” and the kids had a terrific time learning about God’s love through music, crafts, games and storytelling. But the most awesome part of the week from my perspective was the volunteers who gave their time to make sure the kids had a great week. Sunday night a crew of 12 people helped convert the barn into a canyon through the brilliant decorating ideas put together by Joanna Shea. Monday morning and each morning for the rest of the week there were about 20 teens and women on hand to do everything from organizing the nametags to shepherding the kids from place to place; from preparing snacks to wiping noses; from leading singing, storytelling, games and crafts to applying bandages when needed. What a tremendous gift of time and attention and what gifts from the heart. Then on Friday morning another crew showed up to bar-b-que the hot dogs and set out the popsicles so the parents and children could enjoy the last hurrah before leaving our week together.
 
I cannot say enough to express my gratitude and awe to these people who gave so unstintingly. The church is a community of givers and I thank these people who follow the path of generosity.
 
What would you take? What would you leave?
8/7/2009 8:59:21 AM
The United Church General Council begins this Sunday, August 9th. When the planning began to host the Council in the picturesque town of Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley I am sure the organizers had not counted on forest fires as a major consideration in their contingency plans. Over the last weeks as fires have ranged in different spots in the BC interior the United Church has been keeping a close watch. The fires do not threaten the immediate area of the campus but there is, reportedly, the constant smell of smoke in the air. The plans for the Council will proceed.
 
Regularly on the nightly news there is an update. Last night they showed a crew of fire fighters in from Australia to assist our overextended emergency workers. There is often coverage of individuals and families who have had to evacuate. A few years ago, when my sister still lived in BC the fires came very close to her home. They had to pack into the car the things they thought they needed and wanted should their place be destroyed by fire. It wasn’t but it was a sobering exercise. This week a man, being interviewed on the radio, said, “It is so difficult to pack a few things, legal documents, photo albums and leave the rest behind. I had to drive away knowing it might all be gone when we come back.”
 
What would you take if you have to select only a car-load of possessions from all the things you have in your house? How would you choose what was of value? Jesus tells a parable about a man who had so much grain he had to build extra barns to store it all away. Do you struggle with material possessions and how much is too much? I know I do.
A Breath Away
8/6/2009 2:54:22 AM
It has been a rough few days in Muskoka. Holiday weekends always seem to result in injury and often death and this past long weekend was filled with tragic deaths. This afternoon I will officiate at the funeral service for a young man who was killed in a car accident. There were other accidents and several people drowned. Each incident a stark reminder that from the moment of birth, death is always just one breath away from life.
 
Many people are impacted by the grief and loss of tragic death. The family and circle of friends feel the pain most acutely but also affected are the many touched by the tragedy. It is never easy for the emergency workers who get called to the scene. I have stood often enough in hospital corridors and emergency rooms to know the medical personnel who administer care and support are not immune to death.  And then there are the many periphery people who offer assistance as the family stumble through their days of adjustment.
 
People often turn to the church at times of death. I know it is partly a cultural response but I think it runs much deeper than that. The church has filled this role for centuries. At the time of death we are faced with the big questions, the ultimate questions of life and death and the role of faith in the midst of that.
 
This afternoon I will say the words I always say at the beginning of every funeral “To love someone is to enter through a door that leads to life’s deepest meaning. To loose a loved one throws us back on the deepest faith we possess.” Please hold in prayer those grieving at this time.
 
 
Hit the Trails
8/5/2009 2:27:11 AM

It is raining again and I can hear the thunder rolling around. We have a saying in our house …”There is nothing rainier than a rainy day in Muskoka”! But this afternoon’s gray skies and showers can’t dampen my memories of a glorious weekend.

 

Saturday we took two hikes. The first was around the shores of Hardy Lake and the second on the Barrens at Torrance. It was wonderful to be in the forest at the lakeshore but even more impressive was to be standing on the barrens. The signboard at the entrance informs visitors that they are standing on rock that is millions of years old. The Barrens is one of the best places to get a good look at the night sky because of the lack of light pollution. Also, the absence of trees and buildings mean a great 360 degree view of the sky.

 

Then on Sunday afternoon we climbed up Huckleberry Trail and savoured the view of Lake Muskoka from the top of that big, old bald rock. There is really no better sight to quicken the spirit than a lake surrounded by craggy pine trees. Sometimes I think God must have had fun coming up with so many colours of green have you ever tried to count the shades you can see in a forested landscape?

 

We commented on each of our walks that while the trails are clear and well-maintained there weren’t a lot of people out there taking advantage of such a fabulous local resource. During our recent “Count Me In campaign” three people volunteered to start a Hiking Club. They have been asking people to sign up and they have been thrilled with the positive response. I am glad we have such committed volunteers in our congregation to take on this initiative and I am delighted that this will mean more of us have company when we go out to explore this wonderful planet God has given us.

 

Where are you favourite places to hike in Muskoka?

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