Message from Our Minister Reverend Mary White
Good Day and Blessings!
Having twice attended the Multi-Cultural Tour in Vancouver guided by Dr. David McLauren, I am more open to understanding religious similarities. Whether in a Mosque, a Temple, a Church, or a Synagogue, the experience was the same. They were all welcoming and all spoke about their doctrine of community service and love.
We can learn much from all faith communities. So rather than eliminating religious studies in schools, why not allow students to discover all ways to explore the spiritual realm. Let us celebrate the divine holidays of all beliefs. We have nothing to fear by expanding our knowledge of all traditions. Because by doing so, we are more open to being accepting of the differences in our multicultural country. With understanding, we are less threatened and to a greater extent more at peace.
With Love,
Rev. Mary White
Reading: Toleration
Buddhism says, “Those who love a hundred have a hundred woes. Those who love ten have ten woes. Those who love one have one woe. Those who love none have no woe.”
Christianity says, “Whoever does not love abides in death” (1 John 3:14). The trouble is that each speaks a different kind of truth. If you choose for one as the truer and more profound of the two, then you choose against the other, granting it only a kind of proximate validity. Thus toleration must be limited in the interests of honesty.
It is sometimes argued that in our society the young should not be taught about Christianity. They should be taught about all religions. That is like saying they should be taught comparative grammar before they have mastered English grammar.
It is sometimes argued that no religion of any kind should be taught in schools. The name of God should not be mentioned, prayers should not be prayed, religious holidays should not be observed—all of this to avoid in any way indoctrinating the young. This is itself, of course, the most powerful kind of indoctrination, because it is the most subtle and for that reason the hardest for the young or anybody else to defend themselves against. Given no reason to believe that the issue of God has any importance at all, or even exists as an issue, how can anybody make an intelligent decision either for God or against?
Coffee in Trinity Hall
It was so heartening to once again sit with other members of the congregation to share a coffee and visit. Trinity Hall was no longer empty and cold, but was warm, welcoming, and gave us a chance to reconnect with each other after such a long time apart. It was good for the heart.
Next Sunday Coffee: Dec. 5
At this point in time, we hope to have coffee in this covid safe manner (coffee poured at the tables, cookies given out individually, masks worn by servers), on the first Sunday of each month. If we have people offering to help by bringing the cookies/cream etc or helping to serve. we could possibly have it twice a month.
If anyone would like to help with this important ministry they could contact Elsie Parsons at 604 485-9205.
Poem: I Do Not Know God
Excerpt from Joy Mead Glimpsed in Passing
But I do know:
the loveliness of laughter, the smell of a baby’s head, the trust in a child’s touch, the light in an older woman’s eyes, hope in a kiss.
I do know:
music coming from and leading to silence; words on a page – story and poetry connecting heart and mind, thought and imagination.
I do know:
the mystery of colour in an artist’s palette and the way the potter’s hands shape the clay.
I do not know God but I do know:
the kindness of cleaners and wisdom in unexpected places;
I do know:
that energy and love, vision and discernment make possibilities endless.
I do know:
suffering and joy, darkness and light as integral to being fully alive.
I do not know God but I do know:
that the intensity of love can be creative or destructive.
I do know:
that defining goodness is difficult, if not impossible but we know a good person when we meet one.
I do not know God but I do know:
that beauty is gratuitous and peace, beyond certainty or purpose, is in the knowing the unknowing.
Many thanks to those who continue to support our ministry through prayer, action and resources. If ever there was a time when our community and our world needed faith and hope in a loving and abiding God, it is now.
The unfortunate truth is that our donations have dropped by about $14,000 over the course of the past 2 years as age has claimed some of our people and Covid has disrupted our patterns of the past. We have been largely sustained by federal government subsidies that have represented 14% of our year-to-date income. The federal subsidy was discontinued as of October 23/21. We anticipate that by year-end, the deficit in our Operating and Special Projects funds will be at least $15,000.
Our aim has never been to stockpile money in the bank. However, our monetary resources do help to provide a ministry of worship and pastoral care, as well as to maintain a building that is gradually again being used by community-serving groups.
Again, my sincere thanks to all who have given their offerings towards our ministry.
Wendy Barker
PRUC Treasurer
PRUC Online Worship Service
Please join us this Sunday, November 14th
Experience the uplifting, healing and transformative power of Prayer
PRAYER
Adventuring Spirit
lift us out of our limiting thoughts and open our minds to endless imagining. You have travelled great distances with us, have graced us with curiosity and a desire to explore the abundant gifts offered.
May we observe the positive gifts that we have experienced during our life journey. May we more deeply appreciate with Love the diverse faith families.
May you continue to feed the adventurous child within and open our hearts to appreciate the mysteries of all that surrounds us. Spirit of pilgrimages and encounters, bless us this day, this night and always, keep us in Love.
Amen