Our journey through life is one unpredictable adventure, where I’m sure there are times when we all face tribulations and the fear of facing apparent defeat.
There is no better example of this period in all our lives than when COVID-19 invaded the world, when four years ago, it even crept into our little corner of the universe. This noteworthy event had a most significant effect on our lives at the time, and recovery to life as we knew it, is still latent in its manifestation.
For those of us who acknowledge church activity as an important aspect of our existence, the deprivation of affiliation at the period when COVID-19 prevailed, still has a lingering effect on our congregations.
At the height of the pandemic wearing masks was mandatory, and churches were actually closed for a period. In the interim, the primary form of worship was conducted online. Apparently, a majority of churchgoers got comfortable with online worship, and were reluctant to resume as formerly when COVID-19 somewhat subsided. We seemed to be hanging on for dear life and concerned where God was leading us.
At this juncture, the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador realized the importance of sustainability in the Church and their shared responsibility in the preservation of our planet Earth. Thus the emergence or birth of “Creation Care and Stewardship.” In May 2023, our Rev’d Jotie Noel was installed as a Canon of this new venture, alongside three other colleagues. At the same time, the congregation was introduced to the program with a distribution of the first edition of its “New Leaf” explanatory letter; it was the initiation of a new vision to broaden the parameters of our present Christian Ministries.
On May 26th, 2024, just a year later, we were blessed with the presence of Bishop Sam for a “Chancel Chat” with Canon Jotie.
The chat or question and answer period was an exchange emphasizing both sustainable planet and spiritual goals, and ambitions for the future. Progress achieved through team cooperation since the first “New Life” issue of Summer 2023 was acknowledged.
The topic for the “Chat” focussed on the title, “SET SAIL.”
Canon Jotie’s first question was, “WHAT is SET SAIL”
Bishop Sam’s reply was “SET SAIL” is a synonym for “MOVING FORWARD.”
In an attempt to instigate a plan for recovery, the Bishop used the analogy of the rowboat versus the sailboat. In other words, gradually moving forward as a strategy to achieve. In the past, no one missed Sunday morning worship, but that’s not the norm today. So we have to learn to both row and sail. The plan may not be firm or flawless but “Set Sail” is a proposed method of survival.
The Bishop didn’t say anything about closing congregations, but he did point out that neighbouring parishes may need help, and we should work together as discipleships in action.
In planning to “Set Sail”, I will emphasize some important reminders that Bishop Sam mentioned that we should take into serious consideration.
• He stressed the significance of how we look at relationships with God and our promise at baptism, to create awareness of our responsibilities or what is expected of us.
• The importance of how we react to association with each other, and how we welcome new members to our congregation.
• Having a serious reaction to stewardship in the protection of God’s planet.
• Keeping in touch with neighbouring parishes by sharing our activities, such as expanding our various outreach programs.
Most importantly, we must have hope to trust in God in all things, have faith to believe, and courage to act.
Some progress of sustainability expressed in issue 2 of Creation Care and Stewardship offers encouragement to move forward in subsequent stages of the program.
As the most anticipated chat concluded, I’m sure we all became somewhat more cognizant of the expected role we all should play in the sustainability of both the church and the planet.
So at this juncture after expressing appreciation for their most informative conversation, everyone proceeded downstairs for fellowship and lunch, while Amanda’s rendition of “Standing on the Wind” echoed special musical waves throughout the church.
Life without God is like
An unsharpened pencil
It has no point.
– Author unknown
