Bound for Ireland
St. Cuthbert’s Island, with Lindesfarne (the Holy Island) in the background.
Dear members and friends of Sicamous United Church
Well almost a year has come and gone since I was appointed to serve at Sicamous United Church. It has been a joy to be in ministry with you. I have been able to let my creativity come out to play in worship – making biscuits together for World Wide Communion, including members of the Shuswap Vintage Car Club at our special Easter service, sharing music, and getting to know the wider community through the thrift shop and beyond. On June 6th it was an honour for me to present three bursaries totaling $3000.00 at the Eagle River Secondary graduation ceremonies, on behalf of Sicamous United Church & Thrift Shop.
And, it’s not over. For those of you not at church on Sunday May 18th, the congregation has extended their welcome and called me to a three-quarter time position to continue serving as your minister. I am happy to do so. Thanks to everyone who filled out a survey, expressed an opinion and continues to support the ministry of Sicamous United financially and through your time and abilities.
Jim and I were delighted to have so many of you join us for a BBQ at our home in Salmon Arm on June 7th. It was a beautiful sight to see people talking with one another in such a relaxed atmosphere. The next day, Pentecost Sunday, I felt such joy and tenderness as you told one another your stories of `holy moments’ when you felt the Spirit of God in your life. I hope, in the fall, some of you might be willing to share your stories in the context of worship – we can make time in the service for a `spirit story.’
Only days after I write this, I will be Ireland bound! I am taking my last week of study leave, combined with my holiday to take a spiritual pilgrimage to Ireland, accompanied by my beloved Jim, and my daughter Miriam, and my mother, Mavis. Of course I will take lots of pictures and will make a photo presentation next fall. We will continue our holiday by connecting with more family before my return to work on July 23rd.
In the meantime, please come out and support our worship leaders while I am away, and if there is a pastoral emergency situation, please contact Bernice Hyam (250-836-2300) and she will put you in touch with an `on-call’ minister.
A wee reminder – if you would like me to visit you, or you have someone in mind who might appreciate a visit, please let me know. And by all means, be the Body of Christ and care for and strengthen one another.
And now, on my way, I offer this Irish blessing:
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again, may you be held in the palm of God’s hand.
In God’s love, Juanita