Born on a mixed subsistence farm in rural Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, Canada. Moved to Ontario in 1967 to attend University at what was then Waterloo Lutheran University and moved to Oakville, Ontario in 1971. Without intending to live up to the name became a letter carrier the following January and have worked for Canada Post ever since. I retired in August of 2008.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Thanksgiving Worship

Mat 6:25  "If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body.

Mat 6:26  Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

Mat 6:27  "Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch?

Mat 6:28  All this time and money wasted on fashion--do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop,

Mat 6:29  but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

Mat 6:30  "If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers--most of which are never even seen--don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?

Mat 6:31  What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving.

Mat 6:32  People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works.

Mat 6:33  Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

 

 

I don't normally use this venue to promulgate my faith but the verses above taken from e-Sword THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language  seemed too apt to not share. The pretext for reading this passage of scripture was today's devotion from the Canadian Lutheran Publication, Eternity for Today. Don't think I could add anything that would make the message clearer.

 

The morning I rode up to All Saints Anglican Church for Thanksgiving Service. The small Anglican Church was sparsely filled but I was met at the door and there an old wheel barrow was filled with pumpkins and a basket of fruit. The windows were stained glass with a set of three-sided smaller lights in the upper reaches. The chancel enclosed by a partial screen and on one side a pipe organ played with more zeal than skill. I was handed a tiny copy of the hymnal, alas without the music and a similar sized prayerbook along with the bulletin. The pews had a book stand and kneeling rail with hanging cushions. It was not meant for kneeling upright unless your waist is tauter than mine. The service was conducted with full pomp and circumstance and the order of service dates back 47 years to 1962. No shortcuts were taken with the liturgy. I was surprised to discover that here in this small community communion is still offered by means of the common cup. After worship I met the pastor's wife who happened to be seated behind me and the pastor himself who happen to have a summer cottage in West Lahave 10 miles from my home in Lunenburg County.

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