Dear Canadians,
Even though this summer has been filled with many memory-making opportunities, I continue to reflect on the June working retreat with gratitude. Certainly, it was a load of work to plan, organize and shepherd along. But what sticks with me most are the common blessings of such gatherings when they go well: good food and a warming fire, hard work and passion-fueled discussion, hearty laughter and heart-breaking tears, ancient worship and new friendships.
For me it was yet another experience of the text that serves as a ministry anchor for me and many of my colleagues: Acts 2:42-47 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…” It was another experience of being reminded why our congregation decided not to limit ourselves to only local ministry, “trying to keep our heads down.” It was another experience of gathering with like-hearted Jesus-followers and finding myself thinking, “I want to do church with this person.”
What we did that weekend was an expression of our bigger goal, to expand that retreat welcome and culture across Canada, to include everyone: every church, ministry and person called to mutual support, shared discernment, and creative collaboration. I wish everyone could see what I get to see: gracious and committed people putting their shoulder to the ministry plow to prepare a new field.
If the summer’s steady stream of retreat reflections has left you feeling like you missed out, then I hope you’ll consider joining us in St. Albert next month. We’ll be doing it again, this time with an open invitation to everyone to be a part of our shared “Way-Making.” And perhaps you can add your voice to the list of newsletter article writers who have been saying, “I was so deeply blessed to be there.”
Everett Vander Horst
Pastor, Meadowlands Fellowship
Ancaster, ON
