Message of the Day from Tyler Nouwens
I felt moved to say hello to you all, many I have not seen for months. Many of you I recognize by name and some only by face. But all of you I recognize on a deeper level.
I write to you today from Tim Hortons somewhere near my son’s hockey camp in Surrey, B.C. I have just finished reading Wendy Barker’s moving message for the day and learning of Jim Erb’s passing.
I am feeling quite overtaken by love, for each of you, and for all of life itself.
Change will always be a constant in our lives. But that change really only applies to the external. Who and what we are in essence on the inside is eternal and unchanging.
I feel very blessed and fortunate to have spent the last 10 years or so affiliated with the Powell River United Church, and I feel fortunate for the opportunity to share my appreciation and gratitude with you.
I’m sure it won’t be too much longer before we are able to meet again in person. It has been an interesting period where we are being asked to welcome each other with love at a safe distance. And so, this is what we must practice doing.
If I am to summarize my message it is this:
Love
Love unconditionally.
No matter what the circumstance: Love.
Love is always there: Undying.
While we live, we must cultivate the vision to see Love: Everywhere, in Everything.
Love is its own reward, and is the only thing that can fulfill the soul.
God’s unconditional love is within us, as our true Self.
May we each be victorious in realizing this Love.
Enjoy the rest of your summer. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.
With Love,
Tyler
Scripture Revelation 3:21
“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.”
Poem by Kabîr
The light of the sun, the moon, and the stars shines bright: The melody of love swells forth, and the rhythm of love's detachment beats the time.
Day and night, the chorus of music fills the heavens; and Kabîr says "My Beloved One gleams like the lightning flash in the sky."
Do you know how the moments perform their adoration?
Waving its row of lamps, the universe sings in worship day and night,
There are the hidden banner and the secret canopy: There the sound of the unseen bells is heard.
Kabîr says: "There adoration never ceases; there the Lord of the Universe sitteth on His throne."
The whole world does its works and commits its errors: but few are the lovers who know the Beloved.
The devout seeker is he who mingles in his heart the double currents of love and detachment, like the mingling of the streams of India’s famous rivers (Ganges and Jumna);
In his heart the sacred water flows day and night; and thus the round of births and deaths is brought to an end.
Reverend James Erb
“Pride behind me, love around me, hope ahead of me.”
Jim was born in Toronto to Ethel and Benjamin Erb July 17,1933 and died peacefully at his home in Powell River August 22, 2020 at the age of 87. At age 19, he moved with his parents to Vancouver from Indiana, and spent the rest of his life in British Columbia. He graduated from UBC in 1955 and then studied at Union Theological College. He was ordained by the United Church in 1959 and served several parishes in British Columbia over the next 50 years, including Texada Island from 2000-2003 and Powell River from 2006-2010. Early in his career, he served as Minister of the Vancouver Fire Department and later as Padre of the Powell River Royal Canadian Legion. Throughout his ministry and following retirement, Jim was active in serving the wider community.
Reverend Erb was a man of strong and steady faith expressed through deep concern for others. In his pastoral care, and in his life, Jim had the gift to engage people anywhere he went, sharing conversation, laughter, and stories. Jim never hesitated to lend a hand up, an ear to listen, or a shoulder of support. His kindness, compassion, and humor had no boundaries or limitations and was offered without reservation.
Jim was predeceased by his parents (Benjamin and Ethel) and by Barbara, his loving wife, friend and partner of 25 years. He is survived by his son Kenneth (Amber); by his step daughter and loving caregiver Megan, by step children Gail, Laura (Colin), Evan (Melissa) and by his eight beautiful grandchildren, as well as his brother-in-law Bob and sister-in-law Janet.
Many heartfelt thanks to Dr. Barry McDonald and Dr. Pieter Rousseau for their unlimited availability, home visits, compassionate care, support, and friendship. His final months were spent surrounded by love, laughter, and ever-present Joy.
Jim’s ashes will be interred next to Barbara’s in Holy Cross Cemetery. A celebration of Jim’s life will be announced at a later date.
Prayer of the Day
Dear Lord,
I love you with all my heart.
Thank you for this creation.
Thank you for all that is.
Thank you for this opportunity to be conscious of you.
Dear Lord, may the distance between us be non-existent.
May I realize you as my very Self and soul.
May I no longer be an individual, may I merge with you entirely with all my awareness and being.
Thank you, thank you, thank you
my beloved Lord.
Forever Amen