Our Rector’s Page

Welcome Back to a New Season

I was reminded during Labour Day weekend how much healthier it is to approach each event with a thankful spirit. I was reminded of Psalm 100 which is a song of praise and thanksgiving that calls all people to celebrate God’s enduring goodness and faithfulness. As the weekend began, I was keenly aware of a need to simply relax and enjoy each experience as it came, meanwhile maintaining an attitude of gratitude for each relationship and experience alike.

It’s a long drive to Harrow, Ontario and yet watching the sun set and the cloud formations as well as the dozens of windmills made the experience of the trip quite enjoyable. The blend of God’s creation and humanity’s ingenuity and technology made for an extraordinary landscape.

My first day in Harrow began with a walk on the beach, taking photographs and enjoying the beauty of it all. This was followed by spending a couple of hours with a good friend who is living with cancer. I can honestly say that I admire her courage, tenacity and faithfulness. It is a true gift to be in the presence of someone who is fighting with all of her strength to live. Although I was quite sure she was uncomfortable, her endurance and capacity to find the best in most situations was an inspiration. The experience was far beyond my expectation.

Later in the same day, I was filled with gratitude as I met with a beautiful couple for their wedding rehearsal. The wedding was being held outside at Pelee Island Winery in Kingsville. Some imaginative architect had built a wonderful outside wall-less chapel. More importantly the love, affection and mutual respect radiated from the couple’s faces. Family and friends gathered to prepare what would be a beautiful wedding. My spirit was encouraged as I was reminded about all that is good with the world when a couple makes the decision to embrace the adventure of marriage.

The wedding was indeed an extraordinary experience and I am quite convinced that the over 80 people in attendance were touched by the words of the wedding liturgy and the obvious love between the couple. A fun time was had by all during dinner and dancing. I nearly forgot I could dance. Again, my soul was uplifted by the events of the following day when I got to meet with old friends whom I have known for over twenty years. There was lots of laughter, teasing and warm embraces as longstanding connections were renewed. I slept well that night, again filled with gratitude.

Early Monday morning I became keenly aware that the transition to the new fall season was alive and well at water’s edge in Amherstburg, Ontario. Coffee with another old friend reminded me that all of our relationships take time, patience, and perseverance, and maybe even a long drive.

I am so grateful for the summer and even more so as we begin the fall season together. Grace Church Brantford is growing and is blessed with many relationships. Each individual makes a healthy contribution to the life and ministry of Grace Church. May I take this moment to invite you to worship with us next Sunday at 10:30 am. New beginnings are always exciting, challenging and invigorating.  I invite you to be part of it all.

In gratitude to God for all the blessings of relationships,

Stephen