In Canada, July 1 is a national celebration of our nation. There will be people in the millions decked out in red and white, waving the Maple Leaf and enjoying the freedoms we have in this wonderful nation. Differences will be put aside and many will come together to sing O Canada, voices raised in somewhat perfect harmony. In Alberta, the celebration will be two fold. The Covid restrictions will, for the most part, be lifted and we will be able to celebrate a new beginning and a fresh start to the summer. Now, as I said that, there was a shiver went down my spine and it was not one of fear and trepidation but rather of relief and joy. You see, for the past fifteen months we have focused primarily on physical health and healing. In order to tackle the virus, we have put the priority of spiritual and mental health of the nation into a hold pattern. You could meet with a counsellor but it had to be virtually or in a Covid safe manner. There was the loss of an aspect to counselling that was lost in the absence of in person sessions. Churches were either closed and had to rely on virtual services or they were under restrictions that took away from the spiritual health that a faith gathering nourishes. The wellness of the nation took a hit but July 1 marks a new start to personal wellness.
Let us hold tightly without
wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let
us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And
let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one
another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Heb 10:23-25
NLT
This wonderful piece of scripture deals exactly with what
has been missing. By gathering together, supporting one another in prayer and compassion,
we can be the catalyst for a healing. Many will cling to the past and to the darkness
of the past fifteen months but I challenge you to consider the hope that comes
with the new day. July 1 marks the start to the second half of the year. Let us
leave behind the darkness of the past many months and embrace the newness of
community fellowship. Not only will this renew our emotional health but will
build upon the foundation of a spiritual wellbeing for us all. Let us not neglect
meeting together and sharing in each other’s strength and joy but also
encourage one another to embrace the wholeness and unity of our faith. There
are so many distractions in this world right now that divide and weaken us as a
community, as a person but if we focus on the healing and the gathering, we can
find a greater peace and a new outlook going forward. The time has come to rise
up from the ashes of the past year and a half, embrace the Light and reach out
to help those around us to rebound from the chaos.
This week, our District celebrates our annual assembly;
Reunion 2021. On Sunday, we will be broadcasting the online from our General Superintendent
but will lead into the service with a time of worship and praise from our own
Worship Team. We invite you to join us either in person at 10:30 AM Sunday or
online at:
Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31
YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA
We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Blessings,
Pastor Todd
www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.com
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