As we move into the summer months we now worship in what the church refers to as ‘ordinary time’, although there is nothing “ordinary” about our call to discipleship, which is always a privilege and an imperative to action. In June which is designated as PRIDE month as well as Indigenous History month, our call asks us to be inclusive, welcoming, and willing to learn about what we don’t understand.

Let us remember St. Anne’s Anglican Church in Toronto which was destroyed by fire very recently. A designated national historical site, which contained the only known work by members of the Group of Seven on a biblical theme, the loss is felt keenly by many, but most of all by the people who gathered there for worship. Let us keep them all in our prayers at this time of devastating loss.

I would like to express my  appreciation to Rev. Karen, who presided over the liturgy and preached while I was on vacation. I am grateful also to Karen as well as Sheila and John Prins for their monthly ministry to the residents of  Glengarry Hospital,     a ministry they carry out with generosity and love. Thank you also to Joan for steadily maintaining the labyrinth, making it a welcoming space for our community and for all in the neighborhood to enjoy. This is beautiful weather for walking the labyrinth and I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to do that.                

A reminder that during these summer months I am aways available for conversation with any of you.  Just let me know and I’ll be glad to make an appointment with you.  A reminder, too, that if you are unable to come to Sunday worship, I am happy to bring communion to you and pray with you, but again, you need to request it.

Blessings

We want to take advantage of our lovely courtyard, weather permitting, especially during the wonderful summer months.  Accordingly, please bring a lawn chair (and maybe a hat) on the third Sunday of the summer months.  If the weather turns threatening, we'll do what we do so well:  adapt! 

The third Sunday is also our healing prayer Sunday, and we will figure out the most comfortable spot for this quiet offering of prayerful support.  We might choose a quiet part of the courtyard; we might sit inside the church; we might even use the chapel.  

The good people of St. Matthias are generous and kind ... there are abundant thank you's always in order for the contributions each of you make to our community -- within our walls and beyond!  Today, please take a moment to appreciate Paul Olsen's gardening skills.  The peonies in this picture came from our church garden and graced the church on June 9th.  After worship, two bouquets found their way to appreciative homes, so the beauty was shared beyond Sunday.  

As you come to St. Matthias during the week, you might notice Paul diligently tending the garden.  Please take a moment to appreciate his work and maybe even say a quick hello.  

Marilyn Denton, another gifted and generous gardener, works hard in our garden.  A little bird mentioned that a few more hands would be welcome -- even if your gifts might tend to the "simpler" aspects of gardening, such as weeding! 

The summer can be incredibly busy, as we enjoy the warm weather and opportunities for gathering with families and friends.  Summer can also bring a somewhat slower pace, when we might have time for a somewhat different task.  

Is "key sorting" calling you?  Like every home, we have (a few!!) famous "odds and ends" drawers.  Not really a drawer, but we have a collection of keys that aren't properly labelled or sorted.  Might we have a volunteer or two or three to take a "handful" of keys and try to match them with the various doors, cupboards and cabinets we have in great abundance?  A couple of summers ago, Marilyn and Hazel made great progress, but time ran out.  We'd like to make sure that the keys we have are all properly labelled and matched with the corresponding doors or furniture.  If there's no match, the keys can "depart."  Meanwhile, if we found missing keys, we've restored use to certain items, saved the need for additional copies and .... well, who knows?  This task can be done at almost anytime, but needs to be coordinated with office hours or with one of the "Keyholders" who can provide you access at a mutually-convenient time.  

How about the kitchen?  We want to organize a kitchen-organizing bee.  As you likely know, we have lovely photos that show the designated contents of our kitchen cabinets.  We need to "adjust" the odd cabinet and also take the opportunity to do a bit of cabinet cleaning.  Thanks to Brenna, our new verger, the kitchen is much brighter and fresher, but we could make it even more workable.  Unlaterally, Cory's thinking of some Tuesday in July, perhaps about noon?  Any volunteers?