A Weekend to Celebrate!

This past weekend found me in two different places but were each filled with their own celebrations of being church together.  Friday, I went to Riverview's version of BE, the new ministry in Maritime Conference that has been gathering a variety of people together in venues other than traditional churches to celebrate common values and just be together.  The energy in the room was electric as we ate, sang, heard stories of faith, had conversation and prayed together.

            People gathering                       True Colours


             

Music Team

Guest speakers included Paul Tonner and Aidan Legault, both dynamic speakers who openly shared their stories of how faith impact their lives.

                 

I think what most deeply impacted me was our conversation in small groups, where I heard passionate people who are seeking new expressions of faith for both their already existing church communities and for their personal lives.  If you have not been to one of these yet, it will be Charlottetown's turn to host on November 4th, and then in the winter, there will other dates announced to continue this new and emerging ministry.


Sunday morning found me at Saint David's United in Rothsay, NB, as we gathered to celebrate their 156th Anniversary.

                                   Gathering for Worship

It was a music-filled service, with lots of laughter and a children's time that reminded us that God's passion bubbles up inside of us and calls us to continue to be the church together.  Following the service, we had a sandwich luncheon, and of course, cake! Thanks to the congregation for welcoming me and to Rev. Sean Handcock, Alicia Walls, and Christopher Lane for the invitation! It was too much fun.  Attending these anniversary services reminds me of all that we have to celebrate and the dedication that goes into the ministries that are found all across our conference.


                                                     Cake!!

Alicia Walls, myself, and The Rev. Sean Handcock!

Until next time,
Love and Blessings.

Love and Blessings to Bermuda!

Dear Bermuda Synod,

This letter finds me in a place of deep heartache in hearing of Hurricane Nicole’s landfall in your midst.  Seeing photos and video that depict destruction and hardship have been reminding me that life is indeed fragile and that mother nature is ever powerful and changing.  Through all of these challenges, know that you are being held in love and prayer by all of Maritime Conference. 

As an Island nation, I am well aware that this kind of weather is almost too familiar to you, but nonetheless devastating each time it hits.  However, I also know that you are a resilient and determined people, and that your compassion and care for each other is what will get you through this disaster as it has so many before it.  Your churches and people never cease to amaze me with their faith and strength, so as you assess the damage, I have great assurance that your love and courage are among those things that have not suffered because of this storm. 

With assurance that after storms, come opportunities for life and growth once more, know that God’s love surrounds you, as do the prayers and support of all of our communities here in Maritime Conference.

Love and Blessings,

The Rev. Catherine Stuart,

President

Love and Prayers for Sydney and Inverness-Guysborough

The following is my letter to Sydney and Inverness- Guysborough Presbyteries in response to the devastation of Hurricane Matthew:

Dear Sydney and Inverness-Guysborough Presbyteries,

As I write this letter, my heart is heavy to hear of all of the destruction that rain and wind has done to our beloved Island and parts of the Mainland of NS.  It has been shocking to see images of roads washed away and homes and buildings flooded.  Through all of this hardship, it is with love and the Spirit of hope that I and all of our Conference Staff hold you in prayer.

As this devastation took place on Thanksgiving Day, it is in the Spirit of gratitude that I see images and hear stories of so many friends and neighbours, church people and other community members reaching out to help those who were most affected.  It is reassuring to know that some things never change: your determination and good will toward helping those in need continue to strengthen communities and will lead to rebuilding once the waters completely recede.  Heartiness and persistence, along with courage and your feisty spirits will enable you to rise from this disaster, as you have many times before. 

Be assured that the Spirit continues to be in your midst, that as the Psalmist reminds us, you have been “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139), and that as you work together to come to terms with what has happened and move forward from it, that you do so with the love and support of all of our church communities within Maritime Conference. 

Love and Blessings for the days ahead,

The Rev. Catherine Stuart,

President