Stain Glass Lens of the 21st Century

Category: Community Building

  • That’s So 2020

    That’s So 2020

    The new neighbors moved in about a month ago filling our neighborhood with a new sound.  Each morning at about 7:00 a.m. they begin clucking like chickens and this continues for about 45 minutes, then silence until the next morning.

    The reason they cluck like chickens is because they are chickens!  Our new neighbors brought with them a chicken coop and so, for the first time in my 53 years of urban living, I have my breakfast to the soundtrack of chickens in my yard.  I am unclear why they cluck so loudly in the morning; I know nothing about chickens except that B-B-Q is my favorite!

    The chicken coop is located only 3 houses from the main thoroughfare of our town so each morning their clucking is mixed with the ordinary sounds of traffic, sirens, and distant church bells; the juxtaposition sums up 2020 perfectly.

    2020 will forever be the year when the extra-ordinary was blended abruptly with the ordinary. The year of working from home, carrying masks and hand sanitizer everywhere and the year the chickens began to cluck during my breakfast.  

    I now take comfort in their clucking; it has become familiar and homey. Even this morning I found myself smiling as their clucking filled my kitchen.  Similarly, there is a comfort I find in the wearing of masks and the use of hand sanitizer; I feel as though I am doing my part to end COVID-19 while also protecting myself and all those I love.

    As Albert Einstein wrote, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change” and certainly 2020 has been a test to both!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The photo with today’s Blog was taken by Hannah Oliver and used with permission/Unsplash.

  • The Rain Barrel Runneth Over

    The Rain Barrel Runneth Over

    Two weeks ago, the grass had turned a dull shade of yellow and made a crunching sound with every step. Water bans were placed on several cities forbidding lawns and flower beds to be watered.   We were not under a water ban as of yet, but in anticipation of its arrival I was tempted to fill my almost empty rain barrel with the water from the back yard hose.

    Thankfully, it didn’t come to such delinquent behavior!

    The rain arrived first with short “isolated” showers and eventually, within a few days, the sky burst open and torrential rain bounced off the hard and barren front lawn.

    We sat on our front porch debating if we should risk getting soaked so to spread grass seed on the brown spots that had formed.  We needn’t worry.  The perennial grass filled itself with the fresh warm rain returning to a lushness which seemed near impossible the day prior.

    The same can be said about the almost empty rain barrel; fresh summer water now spills over its top, nourishing the once wilted flowers by its side.

    Such is life. We go through some journeys that leave us dry and parched; convinced that we cannot possible carry on and all flourishing has passed.  Then, out of the blue something happens.  Sometimes it is as simple as a phone call from a friend, a card in the mail or an email that leaves us smiling and able to take the next step.

    God has promised we will not be left alone in such difficult times. If we hold onto our faith and trust in God’s presence our dried up souls will once again be filled with refreshing waters.

    As promised in the 23rd Psalm,  “My cup runneth over .  Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life;…” (Psalm 23:5-6)

    Join us this Sunday for a shortened summer worship service at Port Elgin United Church (virtually via YouTube, Facebook or our website) as we spend some time singing, reflecting and praying to our ever abiding Shepherd!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    Photo by Waldemar Brandt used with permission/Unsplashed

  • Enchanted Wonders!

    Enchanted Wonders!

    We went out to our backyard late in the evening on July 4th, lit up a campfire, set up the telescope, and after applying a few generous layers of bug repellent sat back to view the night sky.

    We had gathered to witness the lunar eclipse but were held in awe by so many other “hosts” on that enchanted evening.

    The full “Buck” moon graced the sky as it silently kept its course toward other horizons.  We slowly readjusted our chairs several times to keep a clear view hoping not to miss the moment that the sun and moon met but were distracted by the skilled aerodynamics of the bats.

    And, just as the light of the moon was dimmed by the treetops a few flickering lights appeared in the lilac bush.  A group of Fireflies had joined us and were putting on a most magical light show!

    The smell of the fire, the warmth of the summer air, the star-filled sky, the magnificent moon moving ever steadily toward an unseen sun, the antics of the bats, and the enchanted fireflies made for a most blessed evening.

    As I sat there savoring every bit of it the words of Psalm 8 came to mind,

    “When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
    what is humankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?”

    Like the Psalmist, I asked, ‘why would a Creator who has put so much detail into star-filled skies, full moons, and magical eclipses be mindful of me?’

    As the bats entertained and the Fireflies charmed I decided God created me to offer praise and worship in response to such beauty.  I suspect God is deeply praised by my wonder and awe. Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when he said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”  (Mat 18:3)

    As the author and Theologian G.K. Chesterton wrote,  “We are perishing for want of wonder, not for want of wonders.”

    May your summer be filled with childish awe at the sight of God’s countless wonders!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The photo with this Blog was taken by Patrick Hendry

  • The Wave of the Wild Flowers

    The Wave of the Wild Flowers

    They seemed to have appeared overnight; tall bunches of wild daisies, blue chicory, and delicate yellow buttercups waving as though they had an important message.  I slowed and listened closely as they called me to bright mornings full of birdsong; shady afternoons under my old maple tree, and warm star gazing evenings.

    These roadside beauties heralded summer’s arrival as though nothing out of the ordinary has happened in the past few months!  Perhaps their unawares is part of their charm; reminding us that despite whatever befalls, summer still arrives.  They call us to clear our minds and settle ourselves to the melody of the summer breezes, the refreshing refrain of the babbling brooks, and the playful dance of the butterflies.

    This Saturday summer will slip in where spring once resided leaving behind all that spring 2020 held.  It will be a new beginning; an opportunity to calm down, rejuvenate, and gain some perspective.

    The wildflowers wave to remind us to get out the lawn chairs, load up on firewood, and find last year’s sandals; summer is almost here!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The photo with this Blog was taken by Chris/Unsplash

  • God In the Chaos

    God In the Chaos

    It was a warm June afternoon; the week after school had ended so I was in an especially leisurely mood as I lay on my back looking up into the far-reaching branches of an ancient chestnut tree.  For as long as I could remember in my 9 years of living this old tree supplied plenty of shade over the summer and the best chestnuts conkers in the autumn.

    I stretched out my right arm and drew in one of the long dandelions that had gone to seed.  Holding this wispy plant inches above my face I began to look closely studying the tiny rows and rows of seeds.   Within seconds I was sitting up barely able to breathe at what I found in that dandelion.

    In the symmetry and beauty of a weed gone to seed I had met God, it was a life-altering moment.  From that moment on I have known without a doubt that there is a great Creator. No one then, or now, could convince me that the tiny and perfect design of a simple weed happened randomly.

    Since that moment I have been blessed to experience the wonder of God’s creation daily. It has been easy trusting in a God who creates order out of chaos, who has little ducklings follow their parents in a straight line, geese who fly south in a perfect V formation or who create snowflakes to be so darn beautiful.  There are God’s flowers, leaves, and the design of the human body that are awe-inspiring.

    But, now in the second half of life, I find myself seeking God where chaos seems to reign.  Where disease takes innocent lives, hatred is the accepted norm, and money is valued over human lives.

    It was in the midst of such chaos that I went for a walk.  With thoughts full of questions and prayers full of doubts I came across a field of dandelions that had gone to seed.  It didn’t take long for the 9-year-old in me to pause, smile, and decide to stay awhile.  I sat down and just enjoyed the beauty of that simple weed gone to seed.  Later, as I was getting up to leave the words of the Apostle Paul ran through my thoughts, “….faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrew 1:11).

    It is easy to find God in orderly neat situations but our faith must mature to also trust God in the worldly chaos that we reside.  As mature people of faith, we must not lose hope, instead, we trust even when we have no evidence of God’s presence.

    I arrived home with a fist full of dandelions that had gone to seed and peacefulness I hadn’t felt in weeks.   So, if all the news is getting you down, go out and find a dandelion that has gone to seed and take a close look at one of God’s masterpieces!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The photo with this Blog is a photo I took in that field of dandelion.

  • God in the Dust and in the Omelet…

    God in the Dust and in the Omelet…

    Here we are at the end of May already!  Despite these continued “Safe At Home” days the weeks do seem to be marching on, it is hard to believe that next week we will begin the 12th week of this historic pandemic in Canada.

    We may make the mistake of thinking that not much new can happen after weeks of being confined to our homes.  However, Pentecost is a reminder that God’s Holy Spirit will show up wherever it darn well pleases!

    The disciples were “safe at home” when “a violent wind from heaven came and filled the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:2 NIV).  And if this wasn’t enough to catch their attention the Holy Spirit added more pizzazz,  “They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:3-4 NIV).

    This was the moment the church was born; a moment that began with the disciples sitting safely at home!  May we remain open to the movement of God’s Holy Spirit as we go about our daily lives of watering our flowerbeds, planting our vegetable gardens, vacuuming, dusting and preparing our meals for all this is done in the presence of our great and gentle God.

    Brother Lawrence, known as the Kitchen Saint, taught by the example of his life how great faith and wisdom can be found in our homes.  He wrote in the book, Practicing The Presence of God, “…it is not necessary to have great things to do.  I turn my little omelet in the pan for the love of God….the most holy and important practice in the spiritual life is the presence of God-that is, every moment take great pleasure that God is with you.”

    May we all remain open to the movement of God’s presence in our daily living and may this presence enliven and embolden our faith!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The Photo with today’s Blog was taken by Annie Spratt

     

  • Anything Can Happen…

    Anything Can Happen…

    Perhaps it is because we have now entered the third month of COVID-19 isolation or because snow so thick it caused whiteouts has fallen in Mid-May, I find myself thinking, “anything can happen.”

    As the “New Normal” slowly emerges from weeks of uncertainty cars in  “curbside” pick-up lines twist around the parking lots,  masked shoppers fill the grocery stores and security guards stop people to ensure they have used the hand sanitizer. Home has become the new classroom for e-learners, the office for executives, and the studio for TV newscasters.  Exercise weights are selling on Kijiji at a premium while gas and beer prices have dropped to a 30 year low.  Yes, most certainly, “anything can happen.”

    This relinquishing of expectations has been refreshing.  I find myself depending less on my own sense of control and leaning more into the presence of a God who has always specialized in the “anything can happen” category.

    Take what happened to Paul and Silas one day. There they were simply sharing the Good News of the Gospel, having just saved a young woman from a life of despair when her master had them arrested.  After being dragged and beaten to a pulp they were chained to a prison wall behind guarded locked doors.  And yet, so full of the Holy Spirit, they raised their voices in prayer and songs of praise. Paul and Silas weren’t praising God for deliverance; they were just praising God in response to life.

    In the middle of the night, the earth shook, the chains fell and the locked doors flung open.  The guard so moved by Paul, Silas, and their God he took them to his home where all his family was baptized (Acts 16:23-32).  See? Anything can happen!

    Let us never stop raising our voices in prayer and praise to the God who refuses to leave us, but instead will take our messes and create something new.  The Prophets of old tell us that the beginning of wisdom lies in knowing and seeking God; perhaps this is because in God we find that “anything can happen”!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The photo used in this Blog was taken by Jan Tinneberg

     

  • Fireworks In a Clear Glass Jar

    Fireworks In a Clear Glass Jar

    Each week during these “safe at home” recorded worship services I have been preparing crafts/science experiments for the children to try at home. Each creation is the sum of items one would find in their kitchen. This week we are creating the ultimate Mother’s Day gift; fireworks in a clear glass jar.

    For this, all that is needed is a jar full of warm water combined with a food dye and vegetable oil mixture.  As the mixture hits the warm water the colours burst into action and quite a display fills the jar.  What Mother wouldn’t love this as a gift?!

    It is amazing how everyday items can work together to create remarkable results. Isn’t that the way with the Holy Spirit?  Simple every day acts such as a wave, telephone call or a text message to simply say “Hello” when infused by the love of God, can make a delightful difference in someone’s day.

    The world is full of anxiety.  We can depend on there being certain folks who foolishly push their way through the crowds or exert their negative opinions for all to hear.  They may be the loudest or the most attention-seeking in any gathering but their actions last mere moments.

    Those with the lasting influence are the ones who carry God’s love desiring to be the peace bearers and joy bringers.  They may be quieter in their approach but their influence sparks smile, warmth, and welcome.  This COVID-19 world needs these sorts; the ones who take the ordinary moments and selflessly turn them into extra-ordinary occasions of divine interruptions.

    May we all commit to being these sparks of God’s love.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

     

  • Thursdays Are The New Sundays

    Thursdays Are The New Sundays

    Thursday mornings I hit the floor running and it is exciting!  This is the only day of the week that I am “allowed” to work in the church building; the day we record the worship service.

    As expected I pack a lot into these days.  Upon my arrival, I check my emails and voice mail before heading into the sanctuary.  It may not appear as though much attention has gone into the decorations but I have been doing my best.  Banners and paraments are changed as are the flowers and this week I am contemplating the removal of a couple of the tall Lenten crosses.

    There is always an 11:00 a.m. meeting with Brenda, the Music Director, she sits on one end of the long front pew and I sit two rows over on the other end.  We rather loudly plan the next few Sundays.  Then recording starts; Dave & Maria arrive while Brenda warms up and I light the candles and ensure the “Children’s Conversation” items are in place, with the soundcheck completed we begin.

    Following “worship” I prepare the weekly newsletters to be dropped off at the local retirement home. And, this week I also am to meet a family and the local funeral home staff in the cemetery for a graveside service.

    Social distancing while leading funerals and accompanying grieving parishioners is the most unwelcomed change in this new way of “doing” church.  I long to shake their hands or, even better, provide a hug; neither are permitted.

    This isn’t at all how I was trained to be a Minister; I have never done church like this before.  However, gone are the days of saying, “We’ve never done it like that before.”  Anyone caught saying these words are viewed as lacking vision and having a more self-centered view of ministry.  No one wants to do church this way but if we want the church to flourish and continue to be an agent of Christ’s love then we must be prepared to “step outside the boat” of familiarity and trust in the leading of the Spirit.

    Funny thing is, whenever I am tempted to buck the Holy Spirit and say, “No!  I don’t want to do church like this!”  A deep familiar voice from my childhood invades my thoughts singing a refrain that never fails to bring a smile and me, yet again, bends to the Spirit’s nudging (more like a pushy shove).  That voice is Tennesse Ernie Ford as he sings, “Children, Go Where I Send Thee.” (I have provided the link below).  This is proof the Holy Spirit has a great sense of humor while also leading me in the direction I am to go.

    When I was Ordained I said, with at least 500 folks as witnesses, that I was willing to go wherever the Lord would send me and have done my best to do so ever since.  Never did I expect it would send me to YouTube, ZOOM, and Facebook!

    Thankfully the Holy Spirit is determined to keep the church alive and well; the only question is, are we willing to follow?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI_6t2yq2eE

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • Hope & A Future

    Hope & A Future

    It snowed last night.  Funny though, usually waking to snow in mid-April is a tad disheartening but this morning, in comparison to the headlines, the snow seemed a welcomed sight.

    COVID-19 is still ravaging the globe; re-prioritizing everyone’s life.  The vulnerable living in Long Term Care facilities hit especially hard.  Having been the Chaplain in two Long Term Care facilities I know firsthand how the staff members commit themselves diligently to each resident and each death means a friend has died.  These staff members have been working under dire conditions some while fighting their own COVID-19 symptoms.  They, along with all Healthcare workers, need our prayers.

    As the snow melts under the morning sun the birds begin to emerge.  These winged neighbors visit at my feeders filling the air with their chatter and melody which interrupts my thoughts.  Their presence reminds me that life continues and despite all the heartache of COVID -19 there is a future.  Lessons will have been learned; each death not in vain but instead a marker for the need for reform in Long Term Care Facilities in Ontario.

    As people of faith, we are not to become discouraged; instead, we are to trust God has a plan. We are reminded that just as God spoke to Jeremiah God speaks to us, “For I know the plans I have you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

    Let us commit to trusting in this hope and future,

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The photo with this Blog was taken by Luke Richardson