Musings: On the Wonder of Stories!

I imagine, as you gathered around thanksgiving tables, stories were told and often, one story would be followed by another to explain the first story. Stories help us make meaning in our lives.

In the Jewish tradition, bible stories are often explained by other stories called midrashim. One of my favourite modern midrashim is by Rabbi Marc Gellman. It goes something like this:

Before there was anything, there was God, a few angels and a huge swirling glob of rocks and water with no place to go. The angels asked God, "Why don't you clean up this mess?"

So God collected rocks from the huge swirling glob and put them together in clumps and said, "Some of these clumps of rocks will be planets, and some will be stars, and some of these rocks will be … just rocks."

Then God collected water from the huge swirling glob and put it together in pools of water and said, "Some of these pools of water will be oceans, and some will be clouds, and some of this water will be … just water."

Then the angels said, "Well, God, it's neater now, but is the world finished?" And God answered…

"NOPE!"

On some of the rocks God placed growing things, and creeping things, and things that only God knows what they are, and when God had done all this, the angels asked God, "Is the world finished now?" and God answered...

"NOPE!"

God made a man and woman … and said to them, "I am tired now. Please finish up the world for me … really it's almost done." But the man and woman said, "We can't finish the world alone! You have the plans and we are too little."

"You are big enough," God answered them. "But I agree to this. If you keep trying to finish the world, I will be your partner."

They asked, "What's a partner?" and God answered, "A partner is someone you work with on a big thing that neither of you can do alone…

On the days you think that I am not doing enough and on the days that I think you are not doing enough, even on those days we are still partners and must not stop trying to finish the world. That's the deal." And they all agreed to that deal.

Then the angels asked God, "Is the world finished yet?" and God answered, "I don't know. Go ask my partners."

This is of course, a story that seeks to give meaning to the understanding of covenant, we are partners with one another and with God. On Sunday October 20th, at 2PM, the faith communities of Central, Sackville and Visions United Churches will covenant with one another, Julia and I and the Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Regional Council – we will declare our intention to be partners with one another in learning and ministry. Plan now to take part in this special gathering.

Parking is free in the City Lot located at 28 Alma Street (also accessible off Church Street). Handicapped parking spaces are available just inside both entrances.

Hope to see you there!

Lloyd

Looking Ahead

After I send this note off this morning I am going to enjoy the day off with family. On Tuesday Julia and I will have our weekly planning meeting and then gather with the Lectionary Study Group via Zoom. I have two pastoral visits scheduled and in the evening the Commission will gather for its weekly meeting.

Wednesday will have me in the office at Sackville United Church in the morning, excited to welcome both Open Sky participants and local seniors at 10:00AM as Coffee with Open Sky resumes! Come out and connect with new friends and old over a cup of coffee and some amazing treats made by Open Sky participants!

On Wednesday at 6:30PM I will host the monthly Silent Prayer Circle. You can participate in-person or via Zoom, and at 7PM the Sackville United Church Executive will meet for their monthly Business Meeting.

I will be in Moncton on Thursday for a full day of pastoral visits followed by the monthly meeting with the Visions CLT.

Friday and Saturday will be days off and on Sunday I will be at Visions United Church presiding at the liturgy and Julia will offer the reflection from Central United Church, and, at 2PM we’ll all be at Central United for the Covenanting Service. The gathering can be viewed here. A reception will follow the service. Central is providing coffee, tea and juice. Folk from Sackville and Visions are asked to bring cookies or squares or sweetbreads to share!