Members of Central, Sackville and Visions United Churches,
Happy New Year! I have been easing into this new year gently, as I hope you are too – for while there are many joys (my son and his partner became engaged last week) there is also much that worries us (my dad was rushed to hospital the other evening), and while he, and the rest of the family are now returned home to their own routines, it is a healthy practice to be gentle with ourselves.
In years past I would often begin the New Year with goals and resolutions – and those can be helpful and provide direction – but as I grow older (and wiser?) I am beginning to learn that the greatest gift I can give myself is to be present to the moment – for they pass all too quickly.
One of my intentions for 2025 is to manage my time better and create a healthier work/life balance – not any easy thing to do when one seeks to be of service to others… thank you to all who have encouraged me in this direction over the past few months!
As we move into 2025 together in this Collaborative Ministry, might we be ever more present to the moments, each other, and these communities of faith, that we are each a part of.
Yes, of course, it will be good for the governing bodies to set some goals and objectives for our communities of faith – but let us not ever lose sight of the promise of the realm of God that is our togetherness, working for justice and peace, small acts done in great love – and let us remember that loving ourselves is God’s work too.
Faithfully,
Lloyd
Looking Ahead
I am writing and sending this on January 2nd and will not circulate anything January 6th as Julia and I will be spending January 6th and 7th engaged in some long-range Sunday Gathering planning so that we can provide Administrative Staff and Music Directors with information with as much lead time as possible.
Today I am in the office at Sackville United Church and have visits schedule in Sackville, Dorchester and Moncton. Friday and Saturday will be days off and on Sunday I will offer leadership at Sackville United Church. Julia will be at Central and Visions will be gathering in community to share in a hymn sing and/or view the livestream from Sackville United Church. You can participate in-person at one of the communities of faith, or via Vimeo or Zoom! Again, Happy New Year!
As above, on Monday and Tuesday Julia and I will be engaged in long-range Sunday Gathering planning.
On Wednesday I will be in Sackville in the morning as Coffee with Open Sky resumes. In the afternoon I will be at the Drew and other places for Pastoral Visits.
On Thursday morning I will meet with the Pastoral Care Committee of Sackville United Church, followed by hospital visits and pastoral visits with two families.
Friday and Saturday will be days off. On Sunday January 12th, I will be offering leadership at Sackville United Church at 10:30AM (livestream) and Julia will be at Visions United Church. Sackville United Church will gather in community for a musical Epiphany event!
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