Sunday Gathering

Unbind Him, Graphite in sketchbook

Gathering

You may want to light a candle.

Take a deep breath
and be grateful for the person who is reading this with you.
Take a deep breath
and imagine your "pew buddies" sitting around you in church.
Take a deep breath
and know that you are not alone, but sitting in the communion of saints.

Opening Prayer

Holy One, be with us in this time of devotion, 
bring us peace of mind,
bring us comfort and hope,
bring us a sense of connection to your family in faith.
Amen.

Reflection

Do you remember, as a child, learning the shortest verse in the bible?

John 11:35, “Jesus wept.”  

I know that I have been navigating profound grief this last week.  

Grief that we aren’t gathering for worship: that means no smiles, no familiar faces, no deep eye contact, no hugs, no hymns, no shaking of hands, no shared laughter or tears. No affirmation. No “thank you for your service.” No group endeavor to make something beautiful.  

But I’m also grieving the plans I’d set for travelling across the country for two month by VIA Rail. I’m grieving not physically visiting my mom once a week. I’m grieving regular coffee dates with my friends. I’m grieving the loss of regular routines that create stability in my life, like shopping on my way home from work. My weekly routine around creating worship. And I’m grieving the loss of an assumed sense of security.  

Add to this funerals we’ve had to cancel or postpone, as if the loss of the individuals isn’t sad enough, we aren’t even able to celebrate their lives the way we normally would.  

We are all grieving so much right now.  

In the face of Mary and Martha’s profound grief, Jesus did not say, “Look at the bright side.”  

Jesus did not say, “Cheer up.”  

Jesus did not say, “At least he isn’t suffering anymore,” or “He’s in a better place now.”  

In the face of Mary and Martha’s grief, and the grief of the gathered community, Jesus wept.  

Jesus simply wept.  

Jesus felt and honoured the sadness.  

And after acknowledging his grief, he came to the tomb where Lazarus had been dead three days and said, “Lazarus, come out!”  

May we honour our sadness.
May we let the waves of grief wash over us.
May we be present to the sadness of our friends, family, and neighbours.
May we be present to the grief that is shared by a whole planet as medical systems strain and so many people die, and so many live with fear and insecurity.  

And may we also keep our hearts open… that when we come to the tomb, we might hear Jesus proclaim, “Come out!” and know new life.

Prayers

Take a moment to be silent and grateful for the new life promised in Christ.

Sending Forth

May the God of Ezekiel, Lazarus and Jesus
raise us up from the valley of dry bones:
apathy, exhaustion, boredom,
pain, fear and denial.

May he call us out of our tombs
and make us generous and joyful in thanksgivng.

Let us express our gratitude to each other
for this time spent together. Amen.

Announcements

Giving

• if you are already on Pre-Authroized Remittance, thank you.
• we do ask that you continue to offer your financial support even though we are not meeting face to face, our ministry together continues.
• at the top of the screen you will see a "Donate Now" button. If you click on it, it will lead you to our donation page.

Prayer Cycle (not to be confused with the prayer circle)

• Please think about, pray for, call, email, and write the following people.
  • Shirley Robitaille
  • Marj Parker
  • Rea Van Holten
  • Wendy Bailey
  • Win Flemming