I was in Timberlea, specifically Trinity United Church, on Sunday morning. I presided and preached, and then over a potluck meal, I remained for their Annual General Meeting. For the record, a member of the Order of Ministry (me) must be present to make such meetings legal and binding in the United Church of Canada. The Crossroads Pastoral Charge (Timberlea-Trinity and Goodwood-St. James) is currently without a minister, they reply on Sunday supply ministers each week (not me) but for meetings, until they call a new minister, I must attend their meetings. I thank Ann for her leadership on April 14, and in case you missed it, here is the livestream link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7LetscN8zk
People have been asking me, my brothers yesterday, what will I remember about my time at Bethany. I was asked this question at a funeral and wedding on Saturday, people with no knowledge of me or Bethany. This question, what we take with us from our previous experiences and relationships is constant. It’s obvious why this would arise at a funeral, but even a wedding, a collection of friends and family who frankly do not see each other as often as the hugs and kisses might imply, reveals the question, “what is it we take with us when we part?”.
For me (remember I do not assume any experience is normative for everyone) it is the stories, their wisdom, their guide to deeper truth, their inspiration, their humour, their lament, that remain. I remember the stories. In a few cases, the relationships themselves endure. My youngest brother uses facebook to connect with former classmates. Often, older siblings of people who know Chris will ask him to reach out to me. My view of relationships is this, they evolve, usually for a reason, and when we “move on” it is likely because each of us has changed. We cannot put magic in a bottle, the beauty of that relationship is both timeless (memory) and specific to a stage of life. I honestly carry forward no resentments or grievances. For the handful of toxic relationships, I just avoid these people. But I harbour no ill will to them, only good wishes. Excepting them, I am open to all relationships, confident something wonderful may come from a conversation, a sacred story.
Karen Finley found this old photo of a Halifax hockey team. You may recognize a few players. The past offers warm memories.