Dear Glen Morris United Church, 

Part of the work of being your spiritual leader is about paying attention to the church from a variety of angles and perspectives. Each week, there is the work of tending to our day-to-day life, worship, and pastoral needs. Throughout the year, there are liturgical seasons that invite us to pay attention to different elements of our Christian story. Then there’s the long view - thinking about who we are as a church now and what kind of seeds we are planting for the future church to become. 

This week I read an article in Broadview Magazine, Christianity isn't just in decline — it's become obsolete, says sociologist and it echoed a lot of the conversations and literature on this subject since my days in seminary. 

It’s food for thought for all of us. We are at an exciting time in church history where we are challenged to imagine how God is calling us to serve this world where change is so constant, cultural shifts are big, and where innovation cannot be at the expense of leaving anyone behind. 

I love that we are a church that still calls people who don’t use email, prints out copies of the newsletter for people who don’t read it online. I also love that we are a church that uses zoom for worship and that congregants will send me a text message to get in touch. 

If you are reading this newsletter (and maybe not regularly attending church) and have a dream for what you think a local rural church can be, or if you have something you wish the church would offer - let me know! Our short conversation could be the start of something special! What I love about Glen Morris is the openness and dedication to build community. 

 

REMINDER: Let’s set a table together! I’m looking for your help to decorate the sanctuary for Lent!

Do you have a tablecloth, napkin, dish, or piece of cookware with a story? Please bring the item to church this week. So far we have had such wonderful stories shared and I love seeing the sanctuary come to life with beautiful memories. We still have lots of room for more decor! 

 

May the Peace of Christ be with you and I hope to connect with you soon, 

Rev Michiko