And looking at those who sat around him, [Jesus] said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:34-35)
Greetings, all! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
There has been a lot over this past week that has reminded us of our connection with a wider family, and the pain and hope that this wider family embodies. Many of us have joined in the chorus of lament for the 215 children’s remains found in an unmarked mass pit at the former Kamloops Residential School. This has solidified what many of us bore witness to in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Our Indigenous siblings have been hurting for generations. And some of us might be hurting right now, having had our own experiences of loss and trauma brought up.
But this is a time to hold one another in support, honestly listen to our Indigenous siblings, and to strive towards reconciliation. Instead of upholding systems that still try to “kill the [Indigenous person] in the child”, we need to honestly look at how we as a Church continue to apologize and live out the apology for our role in this intergenerational trauma. I encourage you to seek out resources, learn more about local treaties and Indigenous communities, call on politicians to fulfill promises, and explore how we as a congregation can live out right relations with all our brothers and sisters.
We also have other ways to help support and celebrate our siblings. Our fundraising for Camp Menesetung continues all this month. We are always eager to support our local camping ministries, however they will take shape this summer. Contributions can be sent to the treasurers of the congregations. This is also the start of Pride month, where we uplift and celebrate the many steps taken by LGBTQIA2S+ people towards inclusion and safety. Yet we recognize that many people in this community are still extremely vulnerable around the world and sometimes in our own communities. Part of being a united, diverse family is learning from and standing in solidarity with all our siblings.
And be sure to connect with your congregational siblings in various ways:
Upcoming Events:
- For the time being, we will be pausing our Fellowship Times on Tuesday and Wednesday morning on Zoom. This is due to the nicer weather and more people working outside. However, once restrictions are lifted, we will likely have in-person fellowship times. Stay tuned for more details.
- We are currently planning outdoor programming for our youth ministry going into the summer. If you have any ideas or would like to be involved in any way, please be sure to reach out to Alex.
- 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!
- We are looking for Blyth folks who would be interested in helping to man a multi-church hospitality booth, either as part of the Blyth Market, or as its own stand if the market does not go ahead. We will be handing out youth ministry packages and providing conversation to passers-by. If this is something that might interest you, contact Alex.
- We are having a Bible study on the Book of Acts. Come learn more about the narrative of the early Church, and how we might be called to act as Church in the community coming out of this pandemic. If you would like to take part, contact Alex.
Upcoming Dates:
Throughout June – Joint Mission: Collection for Camp Menesetung. Financial donations can be sent to the treasurers of either congregation. Contact Alex or the church offices for more information.
Sunday, June 6th – Union Sunday/Pride Sunday service available on Youtube.
Tuesday, June 8th – Book of Acts Study at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
Wednesday, June 9th – Blyth Ministerial Meeting
Wednesday, June 9th – Brussels Homecoming 2022 Meeting
Thursday, June 10th – Book of Acts Study at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
Sunday, June 13th – Third Sunday after Pentecost service available on Youtube.
Monday, June 14th – Lay Supervision Team Meeting at 2 p.m. (Blyth United)
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
Brussels & Blyth United Churches 