Stain Glass Lens of the 21st Century

Category: Community Building

  • What’s Your Excuse?

    What’s Your Excuse?

    Photo by Brett Jordan/Unsplash

    My excuses have been many and varied.  Certainly I have used this pandemic as an excuse for many months and lately I have had the convenient excuse of the terribly cold temperatures.  One of my more plausible excuses is the condition of my left knee with a loose knee cap and a fascinating clicking sound with each step. 

    About 5 weeks ago I was challenged to help with a project that is very near and dear to me.  I was asked to help raise funds to keep Spiritual Care in the local hospitals.  Setting aside all my excuses I began each day pedaling my exercise bike to the rhythm of some of my favorite tunes.  Each ride ended as soon as the knee pain became unbearable.  At first I could only manage 3 miles at a time, then 5 miles, and twice I pushed it all the way to 10 miles but both times I paid for it terribly.  Now, I can safely ride up to 7 miles at a time and I completed a 60 km challenge for the fund raiser.   

    By leaving all my excuses behind I have discovered a renewed energy, a happier attitude, weight loss, and best of all, my achy knee doesn’t ache as much!

    It reminds me of the un-named man in the Gospel of John who spent 38 years sitting daily by the pool of Bethesda waiting to be healed.  Jesus came along and asked him, “Do you want to get well?”  Surprisingly the man doesn’t answer by saying “yes”; instead he answers with excuses placing blame on others.

    Jesus takes away all this man’s excuses by healing him; Jesus commands, “stand up, pick up your mat and walk!”  Now, the rest of this man’s life is up to him.  Does he find other excuses for not engaging life or does he embrace this second chance? The scriptures do not tell us.   I had a professor at seminary that taught whenever there is an un-named person in a biblical story we are to imagine it is us.  We become that person and their story becomes our story. 

    So, what excuses are you using for not engaging fully in the life you want?  How do you want the story of your life to go?  Perhaps now is the time for you to “stand up, pick up your mat and walk!”

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • Buoying Boredom

    Buoying Boredom

    Photo by Skyler Ewing/Pexels

    Boredom had set in.  Between the provincial COVID-19 lock-down, working from home (again) and days of frigid temperatures I had become tremendously bored. By week’s end I had tried three new recipes, planned every worship service through to the end of Lent and despite it only being January I had reached mid-June in my Read –The-Bible-In-a-Year Chart!  But nothing was working; the world just seemed differing shades of grey.  

    Then, the most unexpected thing happened.  Their arrival was marked by the strangest noise on the other side of my front door.  I opened it slowly to find at least 70 to 80 of them all over my front lawn and filling the bare maple trees. This hungry crew had only one thing on their minds; filling their bellies with the berries of the Euonymus Bush that grows up the side of my house, from the garden to the roof, taking in all two and a half floors. I stood in amazement listening as their chatter filled the air, a most charming melody.   

     I slowly closed the front door then quickly ran to the living room bay window.  The white polka-dotted plumage of these European Starlings added a certain jovial touch to the already fascinating scene. If it were not for the thin piece of glass that separated us I could have touched their fluttering wings and cupped their tiny feet in my hands; I stood among them as though I too was filling up on this feast. 

    There were about 30 Starlings fluttering mid-air waiting to dine, and as their turn arrived they would dive into the bush while others filled the hydro lines overhead.  I wasn’t the only one taking in this remarkable event; two cars had stopped and with windows rolled down they too were mesmerized by this flock of hungry birds. 

    Then, just as quickly as they arrived they were gone.  As if on cue they formed a large ink blot in the sky and flew out towards the bay.  As I watched them depart I noticed my spirits had lifted, I was no longer weighed down by boredom but filled with awe.  

     It is as though I had slipped into a mid-winter slumber and it took the unexpected arrival of a flock of birds to undo the spell.  Since their visit I have made a major discovery.  Boredom isn’t a situation we find ourselves in but a state of mind, an attitude we choose.  Nothing in my life changed, I was still working from home, the temperatures remained arctic cold and yet, my attitude is entirely different.  I am wide awake now, noticing the smell of bread baking, the ribbons of colour with each sunrise and sunset, admiring the shadows the full moon casts over my backyard, tasting the comfort of  bread pudding and appreciating the warmth and glow of the fire each evening.

    I am deeply grateful for a God who refuses to leave us alone but instead holds before us daily reminders of fresh starts and a glorious kingdom.  As it is written, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

    May you also find finger prints of God’s presence in your daily life and may they be reminders of the glorious presence that never leaves you nor forsakes you,

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel   

  • 60 km Bike Ride, Because I Care

    60 km Bike Ride, Because I Care

    Starting February 1st to the 10th, 2022 I will be riding my bike 60 km to signify the distance between my home and the hospital where I work as a Spiritual Care Provider (Chaplain). I know for many a 60 km bike ride is nothing more than a pleasant Saturday afternoon excursion but not in February!  It is a virtual bike ride.  I will be doing the 60 km on my stationary bike charting the progress daily.

    There is an excellent reason for this mid-winter jaunt. I and many others are raising awareness of Spiritual Care Providers in local hospitals as well as raising funds to help support the presence of Spiritual Care Providers in the Grey-Bruce Hospitals. The campaign is titled: “I Care ∴ I Walk (or ride):  A Spiritual Care Challenge to Grey Bruce.”

    In Grey-Bruce Counties there are trained Spiritual Care Providers in every hospital, hospice and at- home palliative care teams.  If you or a member of your family have ever received a visit from one of the Spiritual Care Providers than you know the invaluable care they provide. These trained professionals offer a non-anxious presence in some of the most anxious situations life has to offer.  Some are available On-Call 24/7 and are often called into crisis situations.

    If you would like to support the Spiritual Care presence in the local Grey-Bruce Hospitals please consider sponsoring me (every $20.00 donation or more is receipted) or email the Spiritual Care Office for details: ehazen@gbhs.on.ca.

    Recently, as I was ending a visit, the patient turned to me and said, “I didn’t realize how much I needed your visit until now.  Thank you for coming and could you come back soon?”  This sentiment is repeated often.  Please consider helping us to keep the gentle and attentive presence of Spiritual Care Providers within our local hospitals. 

    Thank-you,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • Park Benches!

    Park Benches!

    Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

    There has been a new edition to our daily walks; park benches! Over a two week period in mid-October the park staff were busy arranging new memorial park benches throughout the park. Each bench has been donated in memory of a loved one. One can now have a rest half way up the 1 mile trail allowing for a panoramic view of the winding creek.  Other benches were added along “Ring Road”, beside the Sydenham River, by each of the play grounds and in quiet out-of-the way spots in the park. 

    One of the highlights of my mid-day walk with Abby, my canine sidekick, is two women who share the same park bench.  They can be found around noon proudly sitting behind their walkers which have been decorated with flags and ribbons.  They both wear bright red headbands, navy coats and one has a lovely yellow scarf while the other wears a bright green scarf.  Each as cheerful as the colours they wear.  

    There is an elderly gentleman who I often see sitting on a bench in a quieter part of the park.  He nods in response to my “hellos” but never offers any more conversation.  I have assumed the bench was donated in memory of his wife and it is while sitting there he daily converses with her despite her physical absence.

    During one walk I found a sweet blue and white rabbit sitting on one of the benches, someone had carefully placed it there with a heavy rock upon its lap.  I stopped and smiled as I thought of the child who is looking for this furry friend and the many adventures they must have shared; my hope was that the bunny found its way home.

    Another time I witnessed a grandma sitting on the bench with a small child sharing a picture book.  I knew a child like this, one who would carry books everywhere, always preferring books to jungle gyms or slides.  I hope someday to sit on the same bench with one of his children, my grandchildren, sharing in a book while the others run and play.

    This past week I noticed that many of the benches have been decorated with bows or Christmas decorations.  Presumably this is done by family members of those whose names are on each bench; an act of remembrance which is most important during this sacred season.

    In the few short weeks that these benches have been present they have nurtured rest, reflection, friendship, healing, and created countless memories. May we never forget to pause and appreciate the small things for as it is written, “Enjoy the little things in life for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things.”

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • The Eternal Echo of Smallness

    The Eternal Echo of Smallness

    Photo by Lilaartsy/Pexels

    At Bible Study last week one of the participants asked, “Why can’t God do something as big as the disasters?  The flooding out west, the horrific carnage of the forest fires last summer or this pandemic that has taken over the entire globe.  These disasters cannot be ignored. Why can’t God do something that is so big everyone witnesses God’s power?”

    Her question expressed the true longing of the Advent Season; the longing for God’s kingdom to be realized. 

    Many others around the table nodded their heads in agreement and she quietly added, “I know God is at work.  We hear about those who step up to help and we hear about those who survived against the odds. We hear the heroic stories and know God is busy turning things around.  But why do we always have to look so hard to see the small acts of God?”

    She has a point.  God does do things in obscure places in seemingly unnoticeable ways; a baby born to poor parents in a barn who grows to lead an endless worldwide movement that begun with only 12 followers.  

    As the Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Corinth Church, “…God chose the small things…Yes, he chose even the things which seem to be nothing. He did this to destroy the big things.” (1 Corinthians 1:28)

    Forest fires are eventually extinguished by each tiny drop of water and each sand bag does its part to hold back the flood.  This is how God’s kingdom works, small and quiet acts that echo for eternity.

    We can help realize God’s kingdom by small acts of peace, respect, and acceptance. What a difference the world would be if each one of us decided to do one small act of kindness every day; imagine the tremendous wave of hope, peace, joy and love that would wash over the world!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel 

  • God-Size Ambitions

    God-Size Ambitions

    Photo by Brett Jordan/Unsplash

    The world is packed full of ambitious people.  Those who want to make a name for themselves, who want to be admired for either their accomplishments or possessions.  Usually these worldly types are not so concerned about impressing us with their meekness, gentleness or humility as they are with their might; whether it be physical, financial or wit.

    Then there are those who live their lives with God-Size ambitions.  God-Size ambitions cannot be measured by any worldly scale.  Instead, those who live by these ambitions focus on such things that endure; “…love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5: 22-23). These folks are busy building a kingdom that no earthly hands can destroy. 

    They are the ones who take time to speak words of light, love and encouragement.  They are the ones in the world who work in the shadows feeding the hungry, visiting with the lonely and empowering the lost.  They are the ones who always have the time to listen deeply, pointing in the direction of God’s love.  They are defined by their truthfulness, kindness and humility.  

    The late Rev. William Carey often said in his sermons, “Expect great things from God.  Attempt great things for God!” What great things are you doing for God today?  What are your God-size ambitions?

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel  

  • At The Going Down of the Sun and In The Morning…

    At The Going Down of the Sun and In The Morning…

    Photo by Ian Taylor/Unsplash

    I hope the weather is lousy this Thursday.  A bit of cold rain and a chilly breeze that cuts right through us would do just fine as we stand at the cenotaph shielding our faces from the cold, stamping our freezing feet against the hard ground, and rubbing our cold hands together. Then and only then, will we be in the proper stance for a Remembrance Day ceremony.

    There should be a certain level of unease at a Remembrance Day ceremony. It is a reminder of the tragic sacrifices made by those we are honouring.  We all are so tremendously blessed with comfort, luxury, and security, that we easily forget how deeply grateful we ought to be. We are indebted to those who bravely went into the unknown and fought against all that would take our freedom and comfort away: some returned silenced by the carnage they witnessed, others shared heroic tales, while many never returned.

    Even as we gather for Remembrance Day this Thursday, there will be those in other countries battling for everyone’s right to freedom.  They stand stoically before injustices and demonstrate sanctuary and strength for those who cannot fight for themselves.  Some have returned torn and deeply discouraged, and most struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) haunted by the loss of their friends who will never return; all are heroic in their selflessness.

    On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, may we stand in silence as an act of respect, gratitude, and pride of those who gave their all for each and every one of us.  To neglect one minute of your time is a deep disrespect and only minimizes you – not them.

    And when the trumpet sounds, may we turn our eyes skyward, thanking the great Creator for such brave souls.

    We will remember them,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel    

  • Strange Happenings In a Country Cemetery

    Strange Happenings In a Country Cemetery

    Photo by Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash

    It was a cool and rainy morning following a cool and rainy night.  He arrived to the cemetery just as the birds were beginning their morning song.  As he scanned the cemetery he noticed the lid on the wooden box behind the shed was a bit askew.  This box is used in the winter to hold salt and in the summer it holds large bags of grass seed.  He cautiously approached wondering what it was this time; a raccoon or a skunk that had slipped inside?  What he found was far more shocking!

    If it had been anyone else that opened the box they would have screamed, ran and dialed 9-1-1, but not this guy.  This retired Funeral Home Director, Pete, had seen countless dead bodies over his career, what was one more?

    Thing was, this body, although found in a wooden box in a cemetery, wasn’t dead. As Pete fully opened the box the shoe-less figure stirred a bit but didn’t wake until the one holding the lid said in a rather loud and booming voice, “Hey! What are you doing in there?”

    Startled the young man tried to get to his feet but was jammed pretty good inside the box.  Pete helped him to his socked feet then aided him in getting out of his cramped quarters.  They quickly walked to Pete’s pickup truck where he turned the heat on full blast and began to ask questions, many questions.

    Since retiring up to “cottage country” this Funeral Director had become active on a couple of country cemetery boards and had taken on the role as Grounds Keeper.  It was in this role that he arrived early that morning prepared to cut some grass, trim some weeds and put down new grass seed, instead he retrieved a tired soul from inside a wooden box.

    As the young man attempted to explain how he ended up inside that box Pete turned his truck around and headed for home to retrieve an old pair of shoes and a warm jacket for this wayward guest.  Pete then drove this young man back into town all the while listening to his not so happy tale.

    Apparently, he had been enjoying an evening at the local Pub when a group of guys suggested he join them for a bush party. Young, foolish and feeling a bit adventurous he agreed to join the group as they jumped into a car and headed out.  Before he knew it he was down a country road he hadn’t ever seen before and after a few more drinks he couldn’t possibly find his way home.   The same group of guys decided to head back into town but tired of his company so they took his shoes and dropped him off at a cross road.  He managed to walk as far as the cemetery, found the box, crawled in and the rest, as they say, is history.

    Pete dropped him off at a Tim Hortons while passing him a couple of bucks. The young man thanked Pete profusely before getting out.

    Jesus tells us that when we feed the hungry, cloth the poor and visit the lonely we are feeding, clothing and visiting him.  He assures us that when we serve the least among us we are serving him; what he doesn’t tell us is that these opportunities to serve will, at times, arrive rather unexpectedly.

    That morning Pete may have done more than just cloth and feed this young man but may have also restored this young man’s confidence in humankind; and modeled a loving response to life.

    I wonder, what would you do if you found a body in a wooden box in the cemetery?!

    Happy Halloween Everyone!

    Rev. Heather McCarrel   

  • The Echo of Orange

    The Echo of Orange

    One day in 1973, a little girl named Phyllis Webstad from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation began her first day at St. Joseph’s Residential School in Williams Lake, British Colombia, Canada.  She proudly wore an orange shirt her granny gave her for this special day.  Soon after she arrived at school, that shirt was removed from her. Forty years later, September 30th, 2013, she publicly shared her story for the first time and Orange Shirt Day was birthed.

    Sadly, in May of this year, with the use of ground-penetrating radar, 215 unmarked graves were discovered at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. Since then, over eighteen hundred unmarked graves have been found; children who died in Canadian residential schools. 

    Phyllis Webstad most likely never guessed the significance of what she began the day she nervously shared her story.  Her voice is now the voice of over eighteen hundred children and the Orange Shirt Day has become Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

    The Government of Canada has legislated every September 30th as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The passing of Bill C-5 follows the 2015 TRC recommendation that Orange Shirt Day be formally recognized as a federal statutory holiday. 

    This day is set aside for listening deeply and holding space for the stories of the survivors.  We are to reflect on changes needed to elevate the voices of our First Nations, Metis, and Inuit neighbors. 

    Take time on September 30th to watch CBC’s commercial-free programming honouring stories of survivors. You can listen to Phyllis Webstad at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3vUqr01kAk

    And, if you do decide to purchase an orange shirt, please do so from an Indigenous designer that gives proceeds to survivors and reconciliation work.  The photo with this BLOG is of a t-shirt purchased from M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre in Owen Sound and was designed locally.  

    May we live the commitment of equality for all,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • One Tuesday Afternoon…

    One Tuesday Afternoon…

    Photo by Forrest Moreland/Unsplash

    The Season of Creation has arrived! Do you know what the Season of Creation is?  Just as there is the Lenten Season and the Season of Advent there is within many denominations a Season of Creation.  For some denominations this Season runs from September 1st to October 4th while for others, such as the United Church of Canada it is called “Creation Time” and runs from September 12th to Thanksgiving Sunday, October 10th, 2021. 

    Although we may differ in the exact dates of this liturgical season we all agree on its focus; our God-given role as care takers of God’s wondrous and amazing creation.  We are called to awareness, prayer and action to strengthen our response to God’s presence and glory in all creation.

    And what an introduction to Creation Time we have had this past week in Grey-Bruce! Late on Tuesday afternoon darkness overtook the usual commute home which was followed by large hail stones, wicked winds and a torrential rainfall.  Trees were toppled, roofs torn off, fences and sheds scattered about as if they were simply children’s toys, and hydro wires downed that would take days to repair. And, just as the Creation Story begins in the Bible, there seemed to be chaos everywhere.

    This sense of chaos can leave us bewildered, exhausted and lost but that is not the end of the story; it is only the beginning!  Some have asked, “Where was God in this storm?” 

    God was right where God always can be found, with us in healing and helpful ways.

    Before this storm hit we were warned.  My cell phone sounded an alarm at 4:50 p.m and again several minutes later telling me to take cover and stay still until the storm had passed.  God has gifted us with those who have the knowledge of such meteorological events and the means to communicate warnings to us all.  With thanks to God for such gifts no one died during this storm.

    God’s presence was witnessed in those who jumped into action and began to ensure everyone’s safety.  The first responders such as the police, emergency crews and the hydro workers who immediately began to fix the downed wires; the following two days the sounds of chain saws and tree shredders echoed throughout Saugeen Shores.   

    One way God brings order out of chaos is by using us.  God created us to be the care takers of creation which includes each other.  We are called to aid others, those with the knowledge provide warnings, those with means provides the funds, those who can swing a hammer help to rebuild, each of us gifted in one way or another to aid our brothers and sisters through their chaotic times.

    May we all look around and see clearly the presence of our Great Creator even in the storms and seeming chaos.

    Blessings,  Rev. Heather McCarrel