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Good morning St. Mary’s parishioners!

It’s a rainy, very green day down here in Shawnigan Lake. 

The lilacs are ready to bloom – today? The apple tree, which was harshly pruned this past year, is valiantly making a comeback with a splash of blossoms. 

We’re cozy in our home – no, we’re not in our tiny home yet - but this house is starting to feel small.   I’m feeling a bit restless; I’m ready for this pandemic to be over. Yet, what do I read in “God Calling” for May 1st this morning?   

Read the lessons of Divine control in Nature’s law.
Nature is but the expression of Eternal Thought in Time. Study the outward form – grasp the Eternal Thought, and if you can read the thoughts of the Father, then indeed you know Him.
Leave Me out of nothing. Love all My ways with you. Know indeed that “All is well.”
Delay is but the wonderful and all-loving restraint of your Father – not reluctance, not desire to deny – but the Divine control of a Father who can scarcely brook the delay.
Delay has to be – sometimes. Your lives are so linked up with those of others, so bound by circumstances that to let your desire have instant fulfillment might in many cases cause another, equally earnest prayer, to go unanswered.           
But think for a moment of the LOVE and thoughtful care that seek to harmonize and reconcile all your desires and longings and prayers.
Delay is not denial – not even withholding. It is the opportunity for God to work out your problems and accomplish your desires in the most wonderful way possible for you.
Oh children, trust Me! Remember that your Maker is also your Servant, quick to fulfill, quick to achieve, faithful in accomplishment.
Yes. All is well. 

Wow! This happens so often to me; that my thoughts, desires, grumblings, fears are answered through the words from scripture, in a devotional, words from family or friends, or words that seem to enter my head, unbidden. Yes, “All is well.” Just because I am feeling restless, doesn’t mean I know what is best in any situation.  I’m not the centre of the universe. My life is inextricably bound up with everyone else’s. As Paul tells us – we are One in the body of Christ. What is best is for me to keep my heart open, keep my eyes and ears open, learn what is to be learned from this situation, trust that all is well, and let my heart and mind be changed; to live into each day, co-creating the future with my faith and trust.

Does this passage speak to you in this time of Covid? What are your yearnings? What are you observing more fully, or differently, in Nature? How is God speaking to you?    

Look what Shirley’s contribution is for today!! Amazing.

         

Our psalm for this Sunday speaks to this trust as well: Psalm 23. You might want to look it up. Maybe read it aloud so you can hear it afresh.  The images of Nature are vivid. The sense of being led are clear. And the idea that we are not alone, is key.

We’re not promised a pain-free life, but as in the gospel reading last Sunday, we are reminded that we do not walk alone.         

The Gospel reading for Sunday is:  John 10:1-10 

Some fun things:

Proud to be a Canadian??   Claude sent this along: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37nGeXn2K9c&feature=youtu.be 

Don sent along something for all you golfers:  https://vimeo.com/user12422383/review/414123274/7ec6304276 

Your readings for May are attached.

Deana sends a challenge:

 
         if you can do this…let her know!      

May Birthdays…Give a “shout out” to them!                        

Birthdays
Lorraine V                              May 1
Onnig C                                 May 8
Jeremiah C                             May 8
Randy K                                 May 11
Teresa S                                 May 21
Bev O                                     May 25
Brittaney C                             May 26
Mary H                                   May 27   

Anniversaries
Jennifer B-C & John C             May 1
Rita & Bill G                           May 2
Harry & Jean C                       May 24
Claude & Roseleagh L             May 28

And today is Bishop Logan’s 70th birthday, which marks the end of his leadership as the Bishop of British Columbia.  I have personally thanked the Bishop for his support and leadership. Bishop Logan ordained me Deacon as well as Priest and posted me to a parish that has a special place in his heart (and mine!!). And the clergy have recognized him in special ways.  When I get back up to the office, I will organize a card to be sent on the parish’s behalf.

The Dean of the Cathedral, The Very Rev. Ansley Tucker will be the Diocesan Administrator, leading us until such time as we elect a new bishop.

Please pray both for Bishop Logan as he embarks on retired life and for Dean Ansley as she guides us through these next months.

And some good news: Bill E is home from hospital!! Welcome home, Bill! 

Something to do this Saturday night:
From the brothers at the Society of St. John the Divine (SSJD)

Dear Friends, This year, we Brothers will greatly miss the chance to gather together with you in person for Saint John’s Day, the celebration of our patronal saint.
Yet we’re delighted to invite you to join us online, as we are planning to stream a special service of Choral Evensong this Saturday, May 2, at 6pm. Br. James Koester will preside and preach.We will be video-streaming the service on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfSSJE
Simply navigate there at 6pm on Saturday, when the service will be live. (You don’t need a Facebook account to watch.)
You can also listen to an audio-stream of the service on our website at SSJE.org/chapel
We welcome the chance to gather virtually with all you whose presence we miss with us day to day. Your continued support and fellowship sustains us from afar.

May your mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health persevere. As Dr. Bonnie Henry says, “This is not forever, this is just for now.” 

She also said, “Wash your hands like you’ve just chopped jalapenos and you need to change your contacts.”

Go with God’s blessing!

Yours,
Selinde

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