Message from Light of God Ministry ~ Reverend Mary White
Good Day and Blessings!
“Leap of faith” is a cliché often referred to someone who turns to the Creator only when some trauma happens, or their life is threatened. But, when logically analyzing the origin of the universe, many ancient philosophers also succumbed to the concept of a “Prime Mover”, to use Aristotle’s terminology.
With more leisure time, rather than losing our awareness to mindlessly watching television, I invite you each day to spend 30 minutes walking in nature and then another 30 minutes sitting in prayer and/or in quiet meditation. Connecting with the body-self and the mind-self feeds your spirit-self.
You will discover growth in your spiritual strength and will become more conscious of the life you are meant to live.
With Love
Rev. Mary White
Dear Friends,
While the weather continues to have a chill in the air, I am thankful for the warmth that comes from close relationships with family members and friends. Often we can take for granted that we have people in our lives who love us and support us in life's journey. Our connections with others might be a simple "hello" while passing by in the grocery store, or a deep conversation while sharing a walk or a cup of tea. Both warm the heart and both are essential for good health. It is important for us as adults to keep in contact with people, and equally important for us to encourage our children and youth to do so, as well.
The Parent Tot video this week has the reading of some poems instead of a story book, as well as these songs: 1,2,3, Jesus Loves Me; How Much is that Doggie in the Window; May There Always Be Sunshine; Listen to the Water; From My Head Down to my Toes.
The Family Fun video includes the reading of a book called, "Happy Dreamer" as well as these songs: Kum By Ya; I Can Feel You Near Me God, Grandma's Feather Bed, and Over My Head.
May you feel the warmth of God's love, in your life and your home, this day and always.
Brenda Pielle
Reaching Out to Families
Powell River United Church
Reading: Spiritual Nourishment
Excerpt from Constant Hope: Reflections and Meditations
to Strengthen the Spirit by Joyce Rupp
“Get up and eat, else the journey
will be too long for you.”– 1 Kings 19:7
Elijah, afraid for his life, went fleeing through the desert. There he reached a point of such exhaustion and hopelessness that he wanted to succumb to death. That is when the angel approached Elijah, “touched him and ordered him to get up and eat.” If Elijah had not followed this wise advice, he would never have made it to his destination or been able to give the valuable service he was meant to accomplish. Do you notice how we take spiritual sustenance for granted when life flows along smoothly? But let serious disruptions and ill-timed intrusions invade our controlled life and that’s another matter. Health problems, pressured schedules, financial struggles, catastrophes at home or work, these things arise and there we are, forging ahead as if all depended solely on our determination and decisions. We forget that we, too, are to “get up and eat.” That is, in those very times of unsettledness and adversity, we are like Elijah. We need to pause and partake of spiritual strength, the kind that comes with turning in prayer to the Source of Life who provides encouragement and hope.
Friday Meditation at 6:30pm ~ All Are Welcome With Love
Powell River United Church • 6932 Crofton Street
Poem: The Opening of Eyes
Excerpt from ‘River Flow’ by David Whyte
That day I saw beneath dark clouds,
the passing light over the water and
I heard the voice of the world speak out,
I knew then, as I had before,
life is no passing memory of what has been
nor the remaining pages in a great book
waiting to be read.
It is the opening of eyes long closed.
It is the vision of far-off things
seen for the silence they hold.
It is the heart after years of secret conversing,
speaking out loud in the clear air.
It is Moses in the desert
fallen to his knees before the lit bush.
It is the man throwing away his shoes
as if to enter heaven and finding
himself astonished, opened at last,
fallen in love with solid ground.
In-Person Worship Services are Temporarily Cancelled Due to Covid Safety Concerns
PRUC Online Worship Service
Please Join us this Sunday, February 6th
When we leap within our own heart, we find what we are searching for.
P R A Y E R
LIVING SPIRIT
You nourish us with a passion for life. May we remember to feed your presence within. We need spiritual strength to maintain our faith, and hope for a changing future. May our eyes be open to new visions that bring joy with anticipation for an inspirational existence. Through regular meditation, prayer, and gratitude may we be encouraged to acknowledge the Spirit in valleys and mountain encounters. May we recognize that all our experiences are life giving and are meant to be embraced.
AMEN
Powell River United Church, 6932 Crofton Street, Powell River, BC, V8A 5H4, Canada