GC42 - Day 2 - Valerie Peyton Kingsbury

Simply Amazing

Called together by the songs that energize us, we enter into this space that is indeed sacred. We take a few moments to connect with the members of our table group. This is an experience that is simply amazing!! As we go around the table responding to the question “How do you feel this morning?” there is a feeling of trust and community. Tired, rested, excited are some of the words shared and these words lead to the sharing of other stories – remembering the bombing of Nagasaki; the justice work of the church; the elections in Haiti. These stories call us to a place of prayer as we unite our energies around the table and unite with the energy of the universe.

7 Teachings of the Grandfathers

The 7 teachings of the grandfathers form the covenant that we make. These words –

Be love, be wise, be truth, be respect,
be humble, be honest, be brave

will guide and give life to the time we share.

The Prayer we share in word and gesture is more profound that I can possibly explain. We move into the presence of the Great Spirit that fills us with blessing and surrounds us with beauty. Drawing these blessings into our being and holding all in our hearts we release them back into the world and share with one another.

Behold I make all things new

Behold I make all things new!!! These words are spoken by our Moderator and we are transported into a place of deep passion, challenge and inspiration.We are called into this moment to behold!! To pay attention!! To see with honesty and with clarity. To see deeply and trust that God is here. This love that will not let us go speaks to us as community and as individuals and longs for us to be.

Into this new relationship we respond by nurturing this reality; tending the hurt and the brokenness; stretching our hearts that might love our neighbours as ourselves; by doing our best to be an inclusive church, welcoming all; by singing and living out “ Draw the Circle Wide” .We come with all that we have and all that we are. In the unfolding of time all things are made new!!! Holy Mystery speaks; surrenders all power; draws us deeply into the future; and truly God is the dream that we are dreaming.

From worship we moved into the business of the day.

Accountability Report from Moderator Gary – WOW!!!!

As he stood among us it was a privilege to feel his presence and power; his sincerity and honesty; and to know that this church is amazing. As he thanked the United Church of Canada for being a place where he was able to hear and live the gospel there was an overpowering presence of something that I can only name as Holy Mystery. I have always been firmly planted and rooted in the United Church and I have always been thankful for this church that has allowed me to explore and grow in faith but I have never felt this more than when Gary spoke.

Members of the court stand to offer thanks to Gary. Their words reflect the breadth and depth of gratitude for someone who has offered us passion, challenge, insight and amazing leadership.

A leading elder of the First Nations community offered a blessing and named the part that Gary has played in opening us up and moving us as a church toward reconciliation with our first nations brothers and sisters.

The youth named what it has meant to have such an example and inspiration – one youth said, “We could listen to you read a phone book and be engaged!”

“You have kept me in the church now which means that I will be the church of the future.”

Two others named that they are here because of Gary.

And the people said AMEN!!!

In the evening we gathered in the arena for a celebration of our 90th anniversary. Actors took us on a journey from the beginning talks and inauguration in 1925 through to the present day. We laughed and experienced a history that speaks of risk, challenge, bold witness and ground breaking change.

And the people said Amen!!

Blessings
Valerie

GC42 – Day 2