Monthly Archives: June 2017

29 Jun

Newsletter, June 28

Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Our constitution may not be flawless, but it is the best we have. As we celebrate the founding of the nation and the constitutional rights we all have, let us give thanks for our liberties and our civic duties. Our constitution affords everyone, yes everyone, an opportunity to have their case heard by a jury of peers. That’s a huge responsibility and duty of care. Jury verdicts change lives. Jesus calls us to a special place of compassion for prisoners. We see the impact that incarceration has on the lives of our PATCH children. Please pray for all jurors this week; for those awaiting trial; those who provide expert counsel and for all who strive for justice and the end of oppression in our society. May God bless America, and may you all have a wonderful Fourth of July. +
 

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22 Jun

Newsletter, June 21

Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week
From a little book I use for daily devotions entitled “Our Daily Bread” comes this little homily for Wednesday, June 21. It’s thought provoking in a time when we are so self oriented:  I share it with you:-
“How to be Miserable” (source unknown.)
“Think about yourself. Talk about yourself. Use “I” as often as possible. Mirror yourself continually in the opinion of others. Listen greedily for what people say about you. Expect to be appreciated. Be suspicious. Be jealous and envious. Be sensitive to slights. Never forgive a criticism. Trust nobody but yourself. Insist on consideration and respect. Demand agreement with your own views on everything. Sulk if people are not grateful to you for favors shown them. Never forget a service you have rendered, shirk duties if you can. Do as little as possible for others.”
St. Paul encourages us to empty ourselves of all this ego stuff – and fill that space with love and service to Christ and God. Sounds a lot healthier to me – so hey, let it go! +

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15 Jun

Newsletter, June 14

Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week
The second part of this coming week’s gospel is well known to many of you who serve in leadership here at St Stephen’s.  At the start of each meeting we begin with dwelling in the word, using a passage from Luke 10, where Jesus sent out his disciples in twos to visit the villages where he planned to go.  Travel light, eat what is given to you, and bless all you encounter, they are told.  But also beware – for the Lord sends us out as sheep into the midst of wolves.  It seems that being a person of faith was always to inhabit a hostile world.  When we encounter hostility, we are counselled to rely on God who will give us what we need to say at the time.  We could all use that advice, especially in a world where a wrong word, or an ill advised sentiment expressed in an email is so dangerous to our relationships today.  Maybe pausing long enough to be guided by the Spirit would avoid some of the blunders we all make.  Especially in these hot summer days – when our patience is short and tempers flare quickly, let’s pause for a moment, say nothing, until we have blessed people first.+

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07 Jun

Newsletter, June 7

Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week
Sometimes… it’s just about trust.  This week I am with my family as we make some family decisions about my father’s care.  Alzheimer’s is a horrible disease that takes away dignity and respect.  It isn’t about what or who my dad knows now, but what we hope for.  Simply a place where he will be treated kindly, gently and with respect.  The gift of the Holy Spirit has always been present as I look back over the most important events of my life and probably yours too; for example in knowing that we are in love, choosing a life partner, welcoming a child, changing a job, or discerning a calling.  The Spirit of God is present right there in the moment as we pray and discern these things.  I think we actually notice the presence of the Spirit in the harder moments of our lives, because it is then that we really understand that we have so little control, and are most willing to place our trust in God.  Come, Holy Spirit, come, as we walk through whatever awaits us.

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01 Jun

Newsletter, May 31

Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week
This weekend brings us to the end of the Easter season, with Pentecost, and the beginning of what is known as ordinary time.  Maybe it’s ordinary because there are no more climactic events, like the Resurrection, Ascension or Pentecost, where the divine seems to intervene directly into the life of the church. But let’s not rush.  Pentecost is, and should be a big deal.  It’s the moment where despite differences and everyone seemingly speaking in different tongues, everyone hears the same message.  How much our hearts yearn for that?  Peace, justice, equality, dignity – are all fruits of the kingdom of God.  Maybe the only universal language is that which shows itself as love.  The meeting of the eyes, the time to be present, the sharing of laughter and joy- these are all marks of love incarnate.  As we baptize Samantha this weekend, fly our red banners, celebrate our children, graduates, choristers and our musicians, let’s be open to the spirit of God’s love and joy.  Will we see the spirit of God alight on each one of us?  I hope so, at least in our smiles and faces. +