Canadian summer is a mysterious hole into which all our routines, meetings, and extracurricular activities get swallowed. I was amazed by this phenomenon of summer when I first moved to this country, and still am. Yet something remains consistent, like our need for God, each other - and the weekly message.
This Sunday I am preaching on, of all things, the common dandelion. It is based on the lectionary readings for this Sunday: Genesis 24: 34-38, 42-49 and 58-67 and Matthew 11: 16-19 and 25-30.
The Genesis story is about our friend Abraham and his ongoing struggle to make God's will conform to his. This time he is arranging for a marriage with the right girl for his son Isaac. He sends his servant on a mission to find that girl. The story of Rebekah is one of the favourites of the Bible. She delivers well. She shows graciousness and hospitality to Abraham's servant and gets to marry Isaac, and become yet another mother to Israel.
In the Gospel, we hear about the merit of wisdom in making choices. What has all this to do with Dandelions?
It comes to the basic Biblical idea that God choses the simple, the humble and the wise in this world to show Godly presence and mercy.
Rebekah knew that.
Dandelions are, in fact, not weeds but flowers of great strength and healing. I will be going to that this Sunday. What I'm doing now is actually looking for a dandelion. I think they are out of season.
But there are many other "weeds" in our lives to take their place, like Tiger Lilies. I was actually going to cut these down the other day till I looked at how beautiful they were.
I wish you well as we journey to the middle of July. Before you know it, September will be here, as will your long awaited new Minister. In the meantime, some things remain the same here at the church. I have new hours for the summer. I am here daily, from eleven to five. That is Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. On Wednesday I am in from one to seven to accommodate the prayers and worship in the evening. We continue to meet in the summer because the need for prayer is timeless.
I will also be engaged in an intensive visiting program. Do not feel "compelled" to have a visit when I call you on the phone. I am just making a connection. And when I come to see you, please, all I need is a glass of cold water in the name of the Lord.
God love you and yours,
Rev Jackie: Supply Minister
