In her book: Glory Happening, Kaitlin Curtis writes about finding the Divine in everyday places: in coffee shops, in the unpacking of boxes after a big move, driving home from grocery shopping.

And, in finding a new church.

Maybe it shouldn't be surprising that someone would find God in a church, but, sometimes it can be hard. It can be hard to feel welcome in a new place, with new people and unfamiliar ways of doing things, and in a new coffee hour.

One of the many things that I love about St. Anne's is the renewed focus that our leadership team has on welcoming new people to our church. We've been seeing new people come through our doors, and it's essential to pay attention to them, welcome them, and help them understand how we do things here.

It is important not to leave new people standing alone at coffee hour and to tell them where our washrooms are.

It can be scary to go to a new church, to consider joining a new community. 

One of our jobs is to welcome new people well and to trust that God will show themself to those who gather here. That can happen in all kinds of ways, including through the community gathered, the preaching, the prayers, and the Eucharist, and in a friendly face over a cup of coffee following the service, just to name a few.

Kaitlin Curtis writes about a benediction that was said in her new church home, and I wanted to share it with you because it was what helped her know that she had found the right place and I think it speaks to who we try to be here too.

May the God who seeks you find you when you fall.

May the God who loves you take delight in your living.

May the God who sends you send you now with joy.

For in your gladness and in your grieving;

in your brokeness and in your healing;

in your faithfulness and in your leaving,

the God who made you and redeemed you is the God who keeps you, still.

Amen.

With gratitude for our ministry together.

Marnie

Readings for next Sunday include:

Is 40:25-31; Ps 19; Phil 4:4-9; Jn 1:1-18

There is no easy link to the readings this week.

All are welcome to join in celebrating David's life at St. Anne's tomorrow afternoon.

If you are unable to join in person  here is the zoom link:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82183219046

A note from Chris about what to expect:

Clean Up Day – Saturday, June 21st | 9:00am–12:00pm

For those planning to join us for Clean Up Day, thank you in advance! Please bring along:

• Gardening or kitchen gloves
• Small gardening tools
• Your favourite dusters or cleaning cloths
• A household cleaning bucket (if you have one)

We’ll have both indoor and outdoor tasks, so please dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. We look forward to working together to give our church a little extra love and care!

Marnie is on vacation and will return on Sunday, July 6.

If you have a pastoral emergency, please call Pastor Christoph Rieners at Our Saviour Lutheran Church at 604-270-0085

The Rev. Areeta Bridgemohan is leading a retreat at Rivendell Retreat Centre on Bowen Island on an Introduction to Contemplative Practice. To learn more or to register please follow the link here.

Deadline to register is June 19, 2025