This Sunday will, sadly, be my last Sunday giving leadership in worship at Leaside United Church. Two years ago, when I was first with you, I enjoyed our time together immensely. This time around has been even better; I knew the major players this time, some of the history, and – most importantly – where the dead bodies are buried! Thank you so much for the wonderful time we’ve had together again.
After all of the rich and full services of Advent and Christmas – the Christmas Tea, Carols by Candlelight, the Pageant, the Longest Night service and two Christmas Eve services – this Sunday will be definitely “low key”. As I’ve said to Matt, after the excesses of rich food and too much wine over the holidays, all I want to eat is toast and peanut butter! Well, this Sunday’s service is a “toast and peanut butter service” – low key, quieter, more…well “ordinary” somehow. And that’s just fine with me.
We don’t usually acknowledge “saints” in the United Church, but December 26th is St. Stephen’s Day, which gives us the opportunity to explore this interesting follower of Jesus (who most of us only hear about in the Christmas Carol “Good King Wenceslas”). The reading from Acts is a bit gruesome for the Sunday after Christmas, but context is everything, as they say (well, I say it all the time!), and there are some important lessons to be learned from this man and this story.
I know that many will still be in holiday mode, and I may not see you on Sunday. To those who are planning to be there – see you then! To those who are not – it’s been a blast!
Happy New Year!
Rev. Warren McDougall
Like to read the scripture ahead? If you like to look at the scripture reading ahead of time, this Sunday’s reading is: Acts 6:1-8, Acts 7:54-60
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