“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.” (Psalm 98:4)
Greetings, all! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
It is Mother’s Day/Christian Family Sunday this weekend, and we are celebrating with a hymn sing service. Thank you to all who offered suggestions and reflections. As the stay-at-home order drags on, we all need a good reason to sing out, to be loud in the world!
The funny thing is, when I think of my mom and being loud, it isn’t singing that immediately comes to mind. Mom actually is a great singer, don’t get me wrong. But what’s popping into my mind is “Japan!”. In high school, I would often be overwhelmed with anxiety and have unrealistic expectations of myself. One of these especially anxious times was around the same time as the tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan about ten years ago. Mom would often yell “Japan!” at me from across the barn or from upstairs whenever I was getting too worked up.
A bit blunt, but Mom wasn’t saying that my worries and issues weren’t valid; however, they need to be placed in the context of the world around us and the God that cares for us. It’s a reminder that we as a Christian Family are able to share each other’s burdens, and find comfort and guidance in God. Sing out loud this week, whether we sing out our praises or sing out support for one another. But also add your voices to our upcoming events:
Upcoming Events:
- Our Zoom Fellowship Times continue on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 10:30-11:30. Folks can join in electronically or by phone. If you do not have the links or codes, be sure to reach out to Alex.
- We are taking a few weeks off of our weekly Zoom Sunday School sessions. However, previous lesson and craft packages of our Youth Ministry from the past several weeks are still available for families to pick up or get delivered to them. Reach out to Alex for more details.
- Many thanks to our Lay Pastoral teams who are checking in with congregants and friends, and making sure that they are connected to the happenings of our congregations. If you know of someone who might enjoy a call, or who may need pastoral care from Alex, be sure to reach out!
- Stay tuned for information about upcoming events that you can take part of in to learn more about local needs and ways to live out our faith.This includes the Huron Women’s Shelter seminar, and a bible study on the Book of Acts coming later in the month.
Upcoming Dates:
Sunday, May 9th – Mother’s Day/Christian Family Sunday hymn sing service on Youtube.
Tuesday, May 11th – Zoom Fellowship session from 10:30-11:30. Please check your email for the Zoom link or phone passcode, or email Alex for details.
Wednesday, May 12th – Zoom Fellowship session from 10:30-11:30. Please check your email for the Zoom link and phone passcode, or email Alex for details.
Thursday, May 13th – Saturday, May 15th – Western Ontario Waterways Regional Meeting.
Sunday, May 16th – Ascension Sunday service available on Youtube.
Monday, May 17th – Huron Women’s Shelter Zoom Seminar at 1:30 p.m. Link will be sent to congregants next week via email; those not on the list can contact Alex for the link.
Blessings and Christ’s Peace be with you all!
Alex Jebson
Student Minister – Blyth and Brussels United Churches
Email: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com
Blyth Office Number: 519-523-4224
Brussels Office Number: 519-887-6259
Emergency Pastoral Number: call/text 705-344-3385
Feature Photo by Bogomil Mihaylov on Unsplash
Brussels & Blyth United Churches 