Passing the Peace - May 23, 2025

Dear Glen Morris United Church, 

I woke up last Saturday morning to the rain leaking through my tent and dripping onto my face. The sound of the rain all night had been soothing but as I opened my eyes to find puddles of water in my tent, the rain felt a lot less charming. I had always imagined that waking up soaking wet while camping would be the worst thing ever. It ended up being an invitation to wake up early - just in time to catch the most beautiful sunrise. The sky was an incredible gradient of purples and pinks for a short moment before the sun disappeared behind the clouds. Feeling grateful for greeting the day with pink hues dancing across the farmlands, I made some efforts to dry out my tent and carry on with my day. 

I was spending my weekend camping at the Fulcrum Skillshare - an intentional community gathering to share skills, fellowship, and food for the long weekend. These land-based skills felt more important than ever as I gave thanks to the sheepskin that managed to keep most of me warm and dry through a wet night in a tent. People gathered in the cold and camp learned how to start fires with a bow drill. Inside the barn, wool was being spun into yarn. The heat from the blacksmith’s shop drew people in. 

It’s easy to forget just how much we need each other when we feel all cozy in our homes, fridges stocked with food, a bathroom with running water - but just a small step away from these comforts was an opportunity for me to appreciate all the difference a generous and caring community can make. This was especially true when an afternoon thunderstorm turned my damp tent into a tumbleweed that only stopped rolling once it was impaled on a fence post. It was a humble lesson in how radical hospitality sometimes looks like a warm dry place to sleep for the night! 

I returned home so very grateful for the hot shower that awaited me but also with the wonderful truth that despite how much the weather challenged me my heart was full - there is a special kind of warmth that comes from being in community that can’t be rained out. 

We all belong to each other, 

May the peace be Christ be a treasure we share amongst everyone we meet, 

Yours in Christ, 

Rev Michiko