the Minister writes…

Dear Friends,
July often arrives like a deep breath—longer days,
lighter schedules, and, for many, a slower rhythm.
Church life may seem quieter too, with fewer events,
church services a little emptier as people go away, and
a gentle pause in our usual busyness. It can feel like a
lull—neither the fresh energy of spring nor the
anticipation of autumn. But even in the quiet, God is
not still.
In fact, some of the most significant spiritual growth
happens not during the high seasons of celebration, but in the
humble, ordinary spaces of life. When things feel less eventful, less urgent,
and perhaps even a little mundane, we are invited into a different kind of
faithfulness: the kind that doesn’t seek applause or attention, but simply
keeps going—gently, persistently, prayerfully.
Paul reminds the Colossians, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). That “whatever” might be as
simple as preparing meals, taking care of grandchildren, keeping in touch with
a neighbour, or quietly offering a prayer at the start of each day. In the
kingdom of God, nothing done in love is ever wasted.
This July, I encourage you to embrace the “ordinary.” Use the quieter pace to
nourish your soul. Read Scripture slowly, maybe out loud to yourself, or listen

to it being read. I receive Daily Bread reflections by email and there is a click-
option to hear the passage and the reflection for the day being read to you. It

takes no longer than about five minutes to listen and we take things in in a
different way when we use more than one sense. Sit in the garden and give
thanks. Reach out to someone who might be lonely. Take a walk and notice
the beauty of God’s world. These small acts of attentiveness are often the
ground where deep roots of faith are grown.
And remember: though the calendar may be less full, the Spirit is still
moving—in you, in me, and in our community. Let us remain faithful in these
small, sacred ways, trusting that God is continually at work, doing more than
we can ask or imagine.
With every blessing,
Sharon
P.S. I do urge you to read the farewell sermon from Revd. Dr David Hinchliffe,
outgoing Chair of District, which can be found elsewhere in this newsletter.