Message from Our Minister Reverend Mary White
Good Day and Blessings!
Fear is a natural and very powerful emotion that at times is necessary for survival. Most fear today is a belief of looming anticipation, an emotion that is created by the feeling of an impending threat. Given all the horrific situations taking place throughout the world, we can become overwhelmed. But, on the other hand, if we practice a mindful existence –consciously living in the present—then we move to a different place, a place where we are free to totally function in reality. In this different place we have the opportunity to discover, or remember, that we are part of a Body, in which ‘if one part suffers, all the other parts suffer with it, if one part rejoices, all the other parts rejoice with it’. We are most fully ourselves when we are most fully part of the Body, part of a faith community. We are stronger because with Love, we have each other.
With Love
Rev. Mary White
In-Person Sunday Worship This Sunday February 27th at 11am
All Are Welcome with Love
Dear Friends,
Pink shirt day this week reminds us of the incredible damage bullying can do, and the importance of sharing kindness. These days bullying can be subtle and also everywhere as people can be bullied online as well as in person. Sometimes our children and youth have a difficult time sharing with us if anyone is upsetting them or being unkind to them. Checking in with them about this becomes more important as our children reach the teen years. Let's all continue to let our young people know how very special they are each and every day.
This week the parent tot video has a story about greeting the day and the night, as well as these songs: The More We Sing Together; The B-I-B-L-E; Itsy Bitsy Spider; God is So Good; and From My Head Down to my Toes God Loves Me.
The Family Fun video has a true story about a girl who writes letters as well as these songs: Kum By Ya; I Am Somebody; You Are My Sunshine; I Walk the Line; and I'll Do My Best.
Have a great week.
Brenda Pielle
Reaching Out to Families
Powell River United Church
Reading ~ 1 John 4:18 (MSG)
God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home, and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry, of anxiety—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is stifling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.
Message in a Bottle
Yes, your recycled bottles can carry a message of love to the children and youth served by PRUC! If you’re turning in milk or other beverage bottles at the Bottle Depot, you can ask to have the refund credited to Kids United. As we look towards more opportunities to reach out and connect, your bottles can help!
The Mystic’s Love is Undying
Friday Night Meditation at 6:30pm • All Our Welcome With Love
Powell River United Church 6932 Crofton Street
Poem: Fear of Birds
– Margaret Atwood, from “Dearly”
You said he was afraid of birds?
How could that be?
Someone so tall?
It wasn’t the augury.
Maybe the metal voices, gold, silver, zinc.
A jingling, a scream, a scrape.
Or a dripping sound in the dry forest.
Tink. Tink. Tink. Tink.
Not to be confused with singing.
Or the close-up craziness of the eyes: yellow, red, not cozy.
Inside that skull you’re not even a thought.
Wings of some sort.
Like those of angels, angels with claws.
Maybe that’s it.
A rustling, like thin paper.
Then feathers over the nose and mouth.
Muffled. A white smothering.
You said he was afraid of snow?
Much the same thing.
PRUC Online Worship Service
Please Join us this Sunday, February 27th
May you live from your heart, the loving core of your existence.
P R A Y E R
O Holy Spirit
Help us to live slowly, to move simply:
We ask for that quietness of mind and spirit which reflects the stillness in the heart of Creator, as a calm sea reflects the shining stars.
Enable us, to hear the still, small voice of eternity speaking through the sounds of time, that we may dwell in your calming embrace and be one with your love, through Christ our Security.
Amen
(Based on words by Raymond Hockley in ‘The Order for Evening Prayer’)
Powell River United Church, 6932 Crofton Street, Powell River, BC, V8A 5H4, Canada