Walter read Ephesians 3.14-19 and shared a paraphrase of this beautiful prayer. We then spent some time asking “what gets in the way?” of receiving the fullness of this prayer. After sharing some answers out loud, we did some silent reflection while re-reading the passages and shared a bit more. See the handout for the paraphrase and the exercise.
Today we carried on from last week with more stories by Fredda Paul, Indian Residential School survivor, and Leslie Wood. Once again the stories centered on Fredda’s friend, Jonathan, and once again it was special. In this reading we learned of Jonathan’s death at the school but we also learned about the ways that his life has continued to influence Fredda. Peter Fitch, who read the stories, shared his desire to appreciate life after death through Indigenous perspective. Music at the beginning of the service was by Raymond Funk and the poem that followed was by Jessica Williams.
Today’s teaching time was special. Peter Fitch read a story written by Fredda Paul and Leslie Wood about Fredda’s experiences as a residential school survivor in Nova Scotia. This story focused on his sense of brotherhood with Jonathan, a boy with special challenges that became his best friend. People commented later that it was very meaningful to hear the insights in the story because it was richer than hearing about these things in the news, where details may remain at a distance. Fredda’s stories helped our imaginations to engage and almost to be there.
Here is a link to the story.
Today, for the first time in almost a year, we had a full band provide the music for the service. It was led by Lindsay McKay and it was wonderful. Unfortunately for us, the reason the band came together was to honour Lindsay as she is moving to Alberta to be closer to family. All in all, though, it was a special time, full of beauty and emotion. Peter Fitch gave a message out of John’s Gospel as he continues to look for ways to bring the best parts of Christian devotion and experience into a wider playing field that includes all people of good will.
