Preparing for our Voyage: Filling the Gap

Over 2000 years ago a wandering rabbi caught the hearts and imaginations of a group of rag tag people - not religious leaders, or politicians, or civic organizers - a collection of poor and dispossessed members of society.

Over 2000 years later that wandering rabbi still exerts influence. However, the years in between have caused a gap between what has become an established church and the everyday lives that we live. I like to think that our congregation is a place to close that gap.

We gather to listen to ancient stories of that wandering rabbi, Jesus. We gather to bring the spirit of those stories into our present-day lives. However, we engage with both our ancient stories and our present day stories in a variety of ways - young and old, different learning styles, listening or being in conversation, dancing or sitting quietly - however God’s Spirit can be felt and heard.

This Sunday we are seeking to fill that gap by combining our worship service and a congregational meeting. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated. Usually a Congregational Meeting follows after a worship service concludes, as a moment of business in the life of a church. But for me, separating the worship of God from the business of the church seems an alien concept. The life of our congregation is our ministry. And God’s Spirit is present in the life and ministry of our congregation. So on Sunday, we will enjoy worship and a congregational meeting as one event, a celebration of God’s Spirit at work in our lives, and a celebration of the many ministries enlivening our spirited congregation.

And we have a lot to celebrate. We will baptize two infants, welcome a new staff person, announce our rebuild architect, update our financial news, and present new Council members. Fabulous ministry is happening at Beach United Church. God’s Spirit is at work.

Shalom,

Abigail

In Our Faith Community

Jeanne Iverson, a long-time member of the old Kew congregation, died on Tuesday, September 21st. Jeanne was a very active leader and member of the UCW, Beach Couples’ Club and many other groups that helped to make the church run so well. There will be a  visitation tonight,  Friday, September 24th from 6-8pm. The funeral is tomorrow, Saturday, September 25th at 10am at Sherrin Funeral Home.

Marjory Bradley, Rosalie Bradley’s mother, died on Wednesday, September 22nd. The visitation will be this Sunday from 1-3pm & 5-7pm and the funeral will be on Monday, September 27th at 1pm at Giffen-Mack Funeral Home. 

Our thoughts are with Jeanne's family and Rosalie and her family.

Please click on HEARTBEAT to read more news and announcements of upcoming events and activities at BUC.