News Update #9

Hello parishioners, 

What a gorgeous day! The sun is shining, it’s so quiet out, and the birds are trilling and warbling. And I feel delight. 

Jim and I are better; both of us working from home, going for two walks a day, eating well, resting and keeping up with loved ones. It’s a full life!  Here are some photos from Palm Sunday in the community: The adapted palm on the Westinghouses’ front door, and Deana’s fancy Palm Sunday wreath!    

FYI - KAT is working in the office Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00am – 4:30. If you want to come and drop off your giving envelope(s) just ring the doorbell and she’ll come and get it from you.  Mondays and Thursdays, she works from home so just leave a phone message and she will get back to you. 

I continue to work from home. I can access messages left on my confidential phone line so feel free to call that number. 

I’ve spoken to a few parishioners about how difficult it can be to create some structure to a life where you’re home every day and so many of the activities that ordered your life are gone from your calendar.  Especially if you’re on the computer or phone a lot, it’s crucial to create oases in your day where you have quiet time to walk (without your phone!) or do whatever it is that nourishes you without being constantly interrupted. 

Our prayer time at 10am every morning is the anchor of my day. Before 10am, I don’t look at email or make phone calls and I do what I like to do to get ready for the day. And by 5:30, I’m finished with outside contacts and work, and take the time to make a good dinner, go for a walk, and relax.

I read something a couple of days ago from a woman academic who has lived and  done research in war zones and places of trauma. She writes about the Covid-19 pandemic; that it’s crucial to respect the need for rest and self-care during this period of adjustment to the new normal; that for many, it is difficult to buckle down to work, or study, or chores they think they should tackle. This is a time to secure support, figure out how to get the essentials and to give the psyche time to adjust, allowing and accepting the full range of feelings.

Walk in love
Rest in love
Wait in love 

In my last UPDATE I invited you to consider writing a message to your fellow parishioners. Don and Pat offer the attached:  Our Train of Life. I spent some time with this poem thinking about how prepared I felt when I was left alone on the train by my parents, who have been the key passengers on my train ride, and how much I enjoy train travel – just sitting in the comfort of a gently jostling train car watching the world go by; imagining how the people live in the homes and towns I pass by.  You might like to spend some time yourself, considering your own train ride? Thanks Pat and Don! 

A sacrifice can be viewed as love in action. I’ve attached a poem, Love in Action, that someone (sorry, I’ve forgotten who!) sent along. Doesn’t it feel different to view our self-isolation as a loving action rather than a deficit? 

But it’s hard that we can’t see each other, and hug each other (if we want). Bill and Rita sent me the loveliest email after reading my sermon on Sunday telling me that they missed their hug. The feeling is mutual!  So I found another way of getting that hugging feeling- see Everybody Needs a Hug video attached. 

Some of the women from Tumaini have offered to make masks for those in the parish who would like one.  Come by on a Tuesday or Wednesday when KAT is in the office and she will bring the box of masks to you at the door and you can pick out one (or as many as you need). Pop it/them in the washer when you get home and wash your hands.     

Ringing the Bell to honour all our front line workers continues on Wednesdays at noon. If you live in Nanoose Bay, open your door and see if you can hear Elaine hard at work!       

On Thursday morning, you will receive a short program for an Agape Meal for Maundy Thursday if you would like to celebrate in some way.  All you will need is a candle, your dinner, and your imagination/intention. I look forward to celebrating with you across the miles but close with my mind and heart. 

Look for a short reflection coming your way for Good Friday. 

And then KAT will be sending out the service for Easter morning by 9:30am on Sunday. I hope to have mastered the technology to be able to come to you visually and audibly with a short video sermon. 

Wishing you all a special if not different Holy Week,and may God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you, this day, and always. 

In peace,
Selinde