Tuesday, July 4, 2017

July 3, 2017

I trust the summer warmth is bringing you pleasure and rest.

In Sunday worship we acknowledged Canada’s sesquicentennial with 150 years of popular hymns. Yes, we could still be singing! I chose a few favourites, though, that took us from 1867 to the present.

The scriptures we read were Psalm 100 (All People that on Earth do Dwell & Make a Joyful Noise), Micah 6 (Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God), John 13 (I give you a new commandment: love one another), and Psalm 72 from which the concept of Canada as a Dominion sprang. One of the Fathers of Confederation found it in his morning devotions: “Give the king your justice, O God … May he have dominion from sea to sea.”

The favourites we sing change from generation to generation. Did you know “What a Friend we have in Jesus” was written in Canada? Perhaps you grew up singing “Jesus Loves Me”. Some of our children now request the spiritual “Over My Head” and “Like a rock God is under our feet, like a starry night sky God is over our heads”. We are teaching them that God is with them everywhere.

God is with you everywhere. God is with you at all times. As you lean into the summer warmth, maybe you offer a prayer of gratitude. As you see the sun rise in the early hours, maybe you say a prayer for all God’s children everywhere. As a favourite hymn comes to mind, please know that your church holds you in love, peace, & prayer.

Many blessings,


Rev. Dr. Catherine MacLean

Thursday, March 9, 2017

March 9, 2017

I trust bright sunlight and warm friendships are keeping you cosy in these chilly March days. The season has shifted and we are coming close to Daylight Savings Time, St. Patrick’s Day, spring, and Easter. Anticipating Easter, we find ourselves in Lent now, with opportunity to reflect on life and love.

We treasure many things in this life: bright afternoons, tea with a friend, photographs of days gone by, security, health, hope.
Treasure was a theme for us Sunday. God desires good things for us: “I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places,” Isaiah reminds us in 45:3.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also," Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:2. Where is your heart these days?

Included in this letter is a small image of a treasure box. Denise tells me the image on the top means happiness! Sit with it in your hand, and call to mind what is in your heart.

Possibly it is a treasured loved one, lost to everyday life. Perhaps it’s the memory of being the treasure someone else found in their dark place when you brought friendship and hope. Maybe it’s the dilemma of aligning your treasure and your heart-ethics.

Here’s one more thing: God treasures you. You are valued for who you are, loved as you are, cherished always. Rest assured of that.

Warm, bright blessings to you,

Rev. Dr. Catherine Faith MacLean