Category: Community Building

It was 25 years ago this past October that I began my “bed rest”; that was what they called it in those days.  From October 31^st to January 3^rd I was quarantined to bed.  I was pregnant with a set of identical twin boys and a few complications had set in.  These complications meant two months of bed rest followed by a set of tiny boys born 10 weeks too early.

There were so many uncertainties in my life such as: would the boys be born alive, strong and normal?  Could we afford for me to be off work so many months earlier than expected?  And, what would life be like after they were born?

Each time these concerned crossed my mind I would mutter, “by the time the tulips bloom we will know where we are at.” That was the marker on the compass I had set my sights; the blooming of the tulips.

This COVID-19 reminds me of those lonely hours lying in bed, the uncertainty of my situation and the anxiousness of the outcome.

COVID-19 has been a trigger for many, reminding them of anxious times.  I heard from one who told me this isolation resonates with her many weeks convalescing after cancer surgery.

Another was losing sleep over past anxiousness from a career they had retired from; thinking all the stress had been left behind.

I asked the cancer patient how things worked out and she spent much time sharing wonderful stories of recovery, renewed energy and a new lease on life.  The retired person also shared stories of a career full of success and fond memories; many more happy memories than stress-filled ones.  They both expressed gratitude for all God has done in their lives.

It took time for the tulips to bloom after our boys were born; the journey wasn’t straight and easy. These things take time and patience but eventually, the tulips did bloom and both boys were home and we were able to go for long walks and appreciate all the fulfilled promises each tulip represented.

In times like these, it is easy to be pulled under by anxiousness and be overwhelmed by negative thoughts.

God offers a remedy.

When Joshua was leading the Israelites on their final leg of their 40 year journey God instructed they build a monument with 12 large stones.  This monument was to be a sign to future generations reminding them of God’s providence through difficult times, “….so everybody on earth would recognize how strong God’s rescuing hand is …”. (Joshua 4:24 The Message)  May we never forget!

I saw some tulips pushing up through the cold hard earth today and was reminded of God’s promises fulfilled.  As John Lennon once said, “Everything will be okay in the end.  If it isn’t okay, then it isn’t the end.”

Blessings,

Rev. Heather McCarrel

COVID-19 arrived exactly 4 weeks after I arrived at my new church.  To be exact, it arrived in the area but thankfully, as of the time I write this, no one in the local church has contracted COVID-19.

With its arrival, it brought anxiety, locked doors, canceled pastoral visits, postponed funerals, online worship services and a level of uncertainty I have yet to experience in ministry.

Thankfully, God has provided.

This congregation of Port Elgin United Church has been videotaping their services weekly for years and has a highly capable AV crew.  Two members of the crew are a married couple, Dave and Maria, so together they do the work of 3 or 4 each Thursday as we record the services.

Brenda, the Minister of Music, is truly a rock star!  She plays and sings each hymn from the grand piano that sits on the far side of the sanctuary.  Brenda’s talent doesn’t end at her amazing voice and skilled playing; she has an uncanny ability at picking the perfect hymns each week!

I have been learning what it means to preach to an empty sanctuary; which is an unwelcome lesson.

Thankfully, the online services have been well received with over 250 views within the first day of being posted.   In fact, they have been so well received that on Monday, March 23^rd, when Premier Doug Ford announced the closing of Non-Essential businesses,  I was informed that our ministry is essential in bringing worship to people as they stay safely at home.  We were encouraged to continue taping our worship services.

As a faith community, it is our desire to be the hands, feet, and heart of Christ which has become rather difficult in this pandemic.  However, by the use of new ministries, we are discovering new ways to reach out.  For example, we are starting an Online Bible Study next week via Facebook.  Our Pastoral Care Team is sharing in the pastoral phone ministry ensuring those who live alone will receive weekly visits.  And, our Office Administrator, Kathleen, is still able to send out a weekly newsletter, the Friday File.

It hasn’t been easy leading a new congregation through this crisis.  Stephen Covey coined the phrase, “change travels at the speed of trust” (The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything, 2006) which means any minister who wants to bring changes needs first to develop trust.  This trust usually isn’t granted within 7 weeks.  We are getting to know each other rather quickly during this heightened stressful time.

Thankfully, these wise words by Corrie Ten Boom (concentration camp survivor) crossed my path recently. While writing about adversity she reminds us, “We have a God to go to, as did the Psalmist David who trusted God, made God his refuge “until these calamities be over past” (Psalm 57:1).  So pray and sit tight.  God’s got you.  Whatever adversity you face shall pass.”

With these wise words we will continue our Lenten journey prayerfully trusting in a God who always leads us to new life and new beginnings.

Blessings,

Rev. Heather McCarrel

Say “Bubbles.”

Right now, wherever you are just say the word “Bubbles” out loud.

Now, try saying it with an angry tone.

Can’t do it, can you?  It is impossible to say the word “Bubbles” angrily!  (go ahead and try it again)

Did that make you smile?  I hope so; we all could use a smile right now.

It has been a stressful couple of weeks with enough anxiety to last a lifetime.  COVID-19 has been a game changer; it has tested our sense of security leaving our vulnerabilities lying bare.  We worry how quickly and mysteriously it spreads, we worry what it means to be in a pandemic, we worry how long this will last (do we have enough toilet paper?) and, we worry what will be left behind when it is done with us.

Restaurants are closed, all public buildings are shuttered, schools are boarded up and even the church doors are locked.   Folks are queuing for their unemployment cheques wondering how to make ends meet on 56% of an already too low income.  Vacationers are stranded while others are paying astronomical fees to fly home.

And, we all end up in the same place.  Back home, washing our hands and asking, “Now what?”  I think that is the hardest part of this entire situation, sitting still and doing nothing at all.  We are being told to stay home and keep our distance from everyone.  We have been set aside while the storm passes.

As people of faith our “setting aside” can still be very productive.  As the Apostle Paul tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

By remembering our call to prayer, gratitude and peace we can set a Christ-like example.

So, let us daily cover the world with our prayers and petitions, remembering to list our gratitudes daily and to model peacefulness to our family and neighbors.

And, if things become a bit overwhelming, pause long enough to utter “Bubbles” as angrily as possible!

Rev. Heather McCarrel

The photo with today’s Blog was taken by Sabastian Pichler