This is a collection of some of the "psalms" of ECCers - these can be expressions of Worship, Poems, Laments, Praises, Prayers, in different forms: words, art, song etc.  If you would like to share your "psalm" on this page or during Psalms of the People in a Sunday service, please contact Fred.  Names are not necessary.  

JULY 2024

Modeling and Training for Life! July 7, 2024 

I have been ruminating on Samson’s Mom starring as “the woman” and Ken’s

challenge that we are all to be involved in the raising of children by modeling

and training them in the ways they should go.

This will surprise you, but I learned something at camp on Wednesday.

I was talking with 3 girls in front of the dining hall, one who shared with me that

she was saved on Tuesday night! It was her second year at Camp 1. She had a

sore knee but was joyously interacting with EVERYONE! “What’s your name?

Fred? Hi Fred. Hey, what’s your name? Yes, you in the blue shirt. Mika? Hi,

Mika.” As the three of us were talking, they told me how much they loved Bob.

Bob is 67 years old and was the “camp Dad”. Even he called himself that. He was

a rover, who filled in wherever there was a need. This included driving the

injured around. As I thought about the Camp Dad and his interactions with

campers and every staff member around him, I was sensitized to see all the

modeling of Christian living, loving and faith all around me. All the positive

interactions. It didn’t matter what the activity. I was surrounded by it. 

It took me back to the first year, James Copp and I were directing Co-Ed teen

camp #7. We were anxious about the mixing of campers, so we established a no-

PDA policy (No-public-display-of-affection). Ev and I modeled that so well,

campers were surprised to see us sitting together on the boat going home. “Hey,

are you two married? We had no idea.” We really missed the boat on modeling a

loving, Christian relationship to these teens.

And for training? I watched fascinated while 4 camp adults responded to

questions on faith posed by the camper cabins.

1. What is Heaven like?

2. When should you be baptized, and do you have to be baptized to be a

Christian?

3. Why do bad things happen to good people?

4. On the wisdom of Christian ethics, what is the uniqueness of Christianity from

the other religions?

5. How do dinosaurs fit?

6. Why are we not seeing miracles as much as we read about in the Bible?

7. When will Jesus return?

8. What does the Bible say about addiction?

9. Camp high is great, but what about after camp?

The panelists received the questions last evening and talked until 11 PM

together (all said it was a remarkable time for them). Their answers were

powerful, 3 of them cried as they described the hard things they’d experienced.

This made the responses even more powerful. They were funny, poignant,

informative. I found myself thinking of these answers/questions throughout the

morning and integrating them into conversations. Many of the counsellors reported powerful cabin times after this service.

From these examples:

the budding evangelist boldly interacting with everyone,

the camp dad joyfully serving and sharing his faith-based joy,

the modeling of loving relationships and family,

the Christians, loving, serving, worshipping together,

May we seek to have this spirit of Joy. May the tone of our week reflect God's

character and the life that comes from being together with Him and together in

love with one another. 

And then there was this post on Joan Breen’s facebook page:

Let us set the tone here at ECC, not just on Sunday mornings, but throughout

the week. Let us get to know all ECC’s children and let them get to know us.

Let us grow together.

____________________________________________________________________________________

JUNE 2024

Psalms of the People: June 9, 2024 

Luke’s Challenge: So What Do We Do Now?

1Cor. 10:31 FNV Here is my answer: whatever you do, whether it is eating or drinking or

anything else, do it all to bring honor to the Great Spirit.

Matt. 5:16 MSG Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open

house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up

with God, this generous Father in heaven.

1 John 3:9 MSG People conceived and brought into life by God don’t make a practice of sin.

How could they? God’s seed is deep within them, making them who they are. It’s not in the

nature of the God-begotten to practice and parade sin. 10 Here’s how you tell the difference

between God’s children and the Devil’s children: The one who won’t practice righteous ways

isn’t from God, nor is the one who won’t love brother or sister. A simple test.

1Pet. 1:14 MSG Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel

like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. 15 As obedient children, let yourselves

be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness.

1Pet. 1:14 FNV Because you are the children of the Great Spirit, follow all his instructions. Do

not walk with a bad heart, as you did in the past when you did not know the things you know

now. 15 Walk in a sacred manner in everything you do. For you were called away from your old

life by the Holy One, who walks ahead of you on a sacred path.

John 3:30 MSG This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to

the sidelines. <-Luke, this could be a theme verse for the ping pong pitcher metaphor!

Psa. 115:1 MSG  Not for our sake, GOD, no, not for our sake, but for your name’s sake, show

your glory. Do it on account of your merciful love, do it on account of your faithful ways.

Eph. 2:10 FNV We are like clay in his hands, molded from the Chosen One, made to be like

him, and walking the ancient pathways he originally created us for.

Eph. 2:10 MSG No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving.

He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has

gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.

Rom. 12:1 MSG So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday,

ordinary life–your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life–and place it before

God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.

Psa. 29:1-2 ESV Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory &amp; strength.

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. 

Col. 3:23 ESV Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Col. 3:23 MSG Work from the heart for your real Master, for God,

APRIL 2024

A Poem of Rahab shared by Ernie Hamm

–Author John Fellows found in “History of the Holy Bible as Contained in the Old and New Testaments”, based on the story in Joshua 3. Rahab is speaking to the Israeli spies which had come to peruse the city of Jericho before the Israelis invaded it.

I am convinced she cried

The Lord to Israel will perform His word

And the fair plains of Canaan give

Where His beloved sons shall live

For the people of our land in deep dejection stand

Having heard how God proceeds

To make your way by dreadful deeds

The roaring sea His power divides

And makes your passage thru the tides

The giants Og and Sihon slain

What hope to us can now remain?

Rahab was fully convinced that Israel would conquer the city of Jericho so in return for harboring the Israeli spies she asked that she and her family be spared when the invasion took place. They instructed her to remain in her house and hang a scarlet-colored rope out the window of her residence, which was on the city wall. Rahab became an ancestor of Jesus as listed in the genealogy in Matt. 1.

LEGO My Perspective - by Fred Harwood

 Last Sunday, as Andrea and Nick pulled us into the world of Legos,

And on how to construct our identities using our bricks,

I was immediately seeking out what I could use for a foundation to build my life on.

The biggest, flattest piece was triangular, a rectangular base missing a piece. 

I started here, while thinking “Do I continue to not fully see who God really is?”

If I built up the walls and shape of my life with stacked pieces, 

It would crumble under any pressure from the outside.

There must be overlapped pieces, so I chose blocks that would bridge over others,

Strengthening each joint, just like community where we support one another.

There was a big arch in the bag, “Ooo, I love to connect things, people, ideas!”

So, my arch spanned from one side to the other.

And needed to be anchored, intricately building up more complex supports on each side.

Now my journey is one of “growing older”, I continue to push out and learn new things,

Risking, challenging what I know, extending myself, I added some platforms.

These stretched out into the world around me, even into the unknown, unsure, potentials.

But they’d be snapped off easily under pressure if not supported in community.

More pieces supplied the needed strength and even stretched over to connect other ramps.

There were some transparent pieces, yellow and red, like lights. 

Yellow to light the way for others. Red to warn of dangers. 

These were placed high, on a hill and not hidden under bushels. 

Do these represent my roles of teaching, Gracelanders and even Psalms of the People?

Then I pulled out a long skinny piece, like an antenna. 

I need to raise this banner high, His banner, drawing eyes to Him.

And this is how I was shaping my bag of Legos into a representation of my life.

The importance of community clear, for strength, for purpose, vital in me.

And then a shift … a paradigm shift … altering my perspective … powerfully. 

“If this collection of Legos is me, it is not my hands shaping the pieces, 

Providing the strength through complex interaction!

I am being shaped by the Creator’s hands! 

Lovingly supplying what I need to be strong, resilient, to be His in the world.

I wasn’t picking people to build into my life, Jehovah Jireh was providing!

Connecting me on the left and the right, above and below, in community.

Vitally supporting who I am, who I should be, who I can be, who I will be. 

It is the Father’s fingerprints all over who I am. 

His creation – shaped by Jesus!

As we rest today in His presence, listening still, still listening, 

Observing how He is at work in His creation, this world, our community, our very being,

Let us give praise and thanksgiving for His shaping of our lives.

FEBRUARY 2024

Shaped by Jesus - Reflection by Fred Harwood, Feb 18

January 2024

Mission’s Month? by Fred Harwood (Jan 14, 2024)

 January 2024. Happy New Year!

We’ve come through the season of giving,

Meeting those monetary requests 

For the needs of a diverse set of charities

That we felt God’s Spirit calling us to support. 

Time for another Mission’s Month of services.

Time for another season of Gracelanders’ Bible Studies.

What questions can we generate for our weekly study?

But wait, Ken’s sermon last week tested my attitudes.

How do I make sure I’m not just checking boxes?

Give financially to God’s work – check!

Listen faithfully to various sermons on missions – check.

But wait, I have some non-traditional questions:

Are January’s Sundays a holiday for our usual preachers?

Why do I not take as many notes during January messages?

Is January the only time I’m to think of and act in missions in 2024?

Like the Grinch, does my heart need to grow a few sizes?

Where do I fit in with God’s heart, His grace, His plan this year?

Do I consider daily what matters to God, so must matter to me?

Do I extend the grace that flows from the well-spring He has shown me?

God’s heart does not restrict itself to Januarys.

Nor to check boxes, especially the ones I try to put God into!

Reflecting on His covenants and commands,

We see His heart in the heart of all He wants,

For me and you in January and all of 2024 and beyond.\

Not a Visitor by Eleanor Spruston (Dec 2023)

I called upon the Father

Asking for His grace

That He would visit me today

In my holy place.

And I heard Him gently whisper,

As I sat there in my chair

I am not a visitor,

For where you are, I’m there.

I am your Emmanuel

The God who is with you

The one who hears your longing heart

And sees all that you do.

I am not a visitor

I am Emmanuel

I love you as a Father,

I know you very well.

And I will be your strength today

Your wisdom and your friend

I am your Emmanuel

My love knows no end.

Psalm 62:1-12 

The Passion Translation

I am standing in absolute stillness, 

silent before the one I love,
waiting as long as it takes for him to rescue me.
Only God is my Saviour, and he will not fail me.
For he alone is my safe place.

His wrap-around presence 

always protects me
as my champion defender.
There's no risk of failure with God!
So why would I let worry paralyse me,
even when troubles multiply around me?
God's glory is all around me!

His wrap-around presence is all I need,
for the Lord is my Saviour, my hero, 

and my life-giving strength.
Join me, everyone! 

Trust only in God every moment!
Tell him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to him.
Believe me when I tell you—he will help you!

DECEMBER 2023

Reflections On Our Part in the Kingdom Now, Dec 10, 2023 by Fred Harwood

I’ve been thinking about the kingdom. Gracelanders have been following the Kingdom series

and weekly we are asked, “How can we, both individually and collaboratively, be part of the

kingdom here on the earth?”

There was an obvious time yesterday where Tapestry and ECC came together and immediately

served alongside one another like a family. It was wonderful on so many levels.

Now, I’d like to share two more subtle times. Remember Ryan saying it starts small and Elaine

quoted Eleanor Roosevelt, “It is better to light one candle, than to curse the darkness.”

Ev and I were in the Costco parking lot – Pre-Christmas – on a Saturday morning. It was

packed. The shopping carts were so built up at the collection areas that some cars were being

blocked from getting out. People not caring that they were adding to the problem for

someone else added to the stacks. We were loading up our car in a far corner and another

couple were loading theirs next to ours. We were ignoring each other. We finished a few

seconds ahead of these “neighbours”. I offered to take their cart back since I was going there

anyway. I walked these two carts and collected a few others from behind someone’s blocked-

in vehicle and took them back to the front of the store. When I got back, Ev was still talking

with the couple. Seems that a simple act of kindness made people pause and consider one

another. We had a lovely 20-minute talk. Turns out we were connected from decades ago.

Marg Budd and Ev’s sister Marlene were our new neighbour’s favourite Sunday School

teacher. She and her husband are attending Bakerview. We would have passed unconnected if

we didn’t pause in the moment. I also realized that in the sharing of the story, others were

given a lift, encouraged!

The second reflection came from my teaching a very difficult class for 5 days in a row. I did

what I could, even though I cannot speak French much, and when I do my pronunciation is

laughable or cry-able, depending on your passion for languages. The stress of this class did

make my health suffer a bit. I returned to the school the next week in another capacity. One of

the teachers came to me with a Christmas gift. “This came for you from one of the girls in your

class.” In it were two puzzle books and a piece of art that was gorgeous (and fit our living room

colour scheme wonderfully). The card brought a smile to my lips, and has continued to make

others feel lighter, as I shared it. What a powerful encouragement in a time of darkness. Don’t

think that I saw my week as dark as war in Ukraine, Gaza or other parts of the world or

environmental problems, or homelessness or, or, or,... I am just showing how simple acts of

encouragement, service, thinking of (and acting for) others is this “lighting of a single candle”

and are much better than cursing the darknesses, of which there are many.

Now, we get to hear God speak to us on this theme through Dwight.

May 2023

Challenging Life, May 21, 2023 by Fred Harwood

With a title like this, are you thinking of ‘challenging’ as a verb or an adjective?

I like it like this because, “Lessons from the High Ropes Course”, sounds too prescriptive 

for what we experienced up at Camp Squeah, on our community retreat. 

Verb or adjective, this or that, and sometimes both! 

So, it was for me at the High Ropes Course. 

Notice the grammar of ‘at’ and not ‘on’ the High Ropes Course. 

There is much to be observed, even when not exactly fully out there, up there.

You see me and Lexi . . . Alexandria and I, donned our helmets and helped.

Lexi was like a prayer warrior, taking time to support her sister Gwen on her adventures.

But then she steadily supported everyone else, with a smile and encouragement,

While she held her ladder, like a soldier faithfully never deserting her post.

Around her were a whole community of support, taking up the lines of security.

Giving and taking rope as advised, allowing others to risk on their leaps of faith.

How are we supporting our fellow Christian brothers and sisters on their walk?

So many powerful stories of the narrow way 

displayed at and on the course of these high ropes.

Have you wondered why the Bible says, “Fear Not” and “Do not be afraid” so often?

Life is challenging! Some of these challenges seem daunting, results unknown.

But following these warnings and urging to not be scared, come a call to trust, have faith,

And a call to focus attention on the strength, character, and love of the Lord!

So how are the High Ropes a metaphor for our Christian walks?

How does “Challenging Life” fit into this musing?

Well let’s look at Brooke and Tamsin. Tamsin and Brooke.

Sounds like it would be an intriguing television show.

Not a firm of Lawyers, nor an office of accountants, but an action thriller.

And that is what Tamsin and Brooke were, on the high ropes’ giant ladder.

They had both tackled their leaps of faith and several other obstacles,

But they looked to the ladder to heaven with its challenging big gaps.

“Let’s challenge this together”, they declared! “How do we do this?”, they puzzled.

Not knowing the full plan did not stop them from attempting the first rungs.

How often are we not progressing on our paths because we don’t know all the steps?

Do we then let fear put the brakes on our challenging life?

Would we be more willing if we didn’t try to go it alone?

Brooke and Tamsin seemed totally comfortable with the 2 sets of belay ropes & handlers.

They didn’t seem to pay any attention to them, but focused on the path before them.

What followed was 40 minutes of struggle, frustration, joy, satisfaction and interaction.

Much like our own walks with the Lord in the world. . . except for it being only 40 minutes.

The girls huffed and puffed, tried and failed, tried again, sometimes another way.

They learned to rely on each other, sometimes exhorting from below, 

Sometimes encouraging from above, with a push, a pull, an inspiring word.

They learned how they could support one another in the challenge. 

Talked each other through those, “I-just-can’t phases.”

Because – yes they could!

I was really moved when Tamsin, turned to her support anchor and asked, 

“Could you give me more slack for me to try this next move?”

She WAS conscious of the support that she was putting her trust in,

That allowed her to risk without fear, or too much fear?

Have we ever paused to request a little slack to attempt a challenge from God?

Is our faith and trust in God’s power, promise and plan enough to risk?

“He will not let you fall, He will not let you fall, He is never weary and He will not let you fall”

These Maranatha lyrics ran through my mind. 

With smiles in the hard work and struggles, they worked in tandem, all the way to the top!

Compelling – Compelling is the powerful word that described this ladder’s challenge.

Compelling were Brooke and Tamsin totally drawing in their crowd of witnesses, 

Fascinated by how Tamsin and Brooke (and their two belay anchors) strove!

Each of us want to challenge life as successfully as them.

Are we compelling in our journeys?

Emmanuel Christian Community, a community helping each other in the challenge.

Emmanuel ¬¬– God with us, He will not let us fall.

Let us trust him on our paths together, compelling the crowd of witnesses. 

Wondering Again, May 14 by Nels Spruston

View this Psalm HERE

APRIL 2023

Earth Day: Four questions and one desperate plea

by Jo Gray

Planting?

I.

Yesterday, being Earth Day

I had in mind

to plant those new bulbs:

bleeding heart and allium.

Of course I’m months late.

Maybe they’ll make it,

and maybe not.

II.

This morning I read

a few Earth Day sermons online.

Pretty well the usual:

Genesis, Eden, serpent,

naming all the critters,

being charged with their care.

Pretty well the usual.

Business as usual.

Footprint?

lll.

I haven’t measured my ecological footprint since the 90’s.

It’s swollen since then:

car-driving, meat-eating,

house with only three occupants

(excluding the dog)

that could handle six or eight;

a generous yard of arable soil

just growing grass,

to be mowed by gas.

lV.

Of course I recycle

… to a degree.

But those #6 and #7 plastics

are a bummer, and what’s a gal

to do with acrylic skin care jars,

and where, really, do our

slightly faded iphones go to die?

… oh,

and what’s to happen when

we fill all the barges to the brim

and there’s nowhere left to dump?

V.

Maybe we should just steer clear of air travel.

But heck, let’s kick around some numbers.

Each kilometer in flight, how much

do I gulp in fuel, oxygen,

tarmac, manufacture,

heat, light, and fertile soil?

And for those same kilometers,

How much do I spew into the clear blue:

CO 2, oxides, and killer contrails?

How much am I costing the earth, anyways?

Sin or trespass?

Vl.

Is this sin or trespass?

Laying aside, for now, the notion that

God is all powerful, and that somehow

our willful harm is God’s plan,

Which is worse?

To sin, breaking covenant with our Maker,

to care for all that lives on earth, or

To trespass: breaking covenant with our neighbours,

flooding their cities and scorching their fields?

Perhaps?

Vll.

Perhaps it is too late to plant

bleeding heart and allium;

perhaps we are undone.

Perhaps there are too many

coal burning plants in China.

Perhaps we cannot forgo

the luxuries of travel

we just need or so deserve.

Perhaps we cannot staunch

The flow of landfill waste

to Delta or the far Pacific.

Perhaps the bulbs

will dry to hollow husks.

Plea

Vlll.

Maybe we don’t give much thought to the Holy Spirit

(She’s the one who comes after …Father, …Son, and…).

It’s about time. Now.

Holy Spirit, our counsellor, teacher and guide,

Don’t whisper in our ears.

Don’t nudge or encourage or gently remind.

We are a thick-necked, thick-skulled people

and we plead

Save us!

Save us from ourselves!

Save our world from us!

Bind us together in hope

Open our hearts to beauty

Lift up our eyes to love

and set your seal upon our hearts each morning:

Forgiven.

Forgiven, again.

Forgiven, yet once more.

That, so cleansed,

we will

love God,

love God’s world,

love all our neighbours

as we love ourselves.

In Jesus’ name.

MARCH 2023

An Ode to the Wonder Wanderer, by Valerie Heyn 

Sticks for swords, walking canes, and wands.

 Your little fist clenched around the bony stick, flailing it around in some imaginary game you’re playing. 

Wonder…wander…wondering…wandering

You are a dreamer, and watching you wonder helps me to wander.

Wonder and wander in the beauty He beholds.

“To walk this world with open eyes”, as the great OC poet, once lyricized. 

Reminded of my staleness, and how I forget to gaze up at the stars I once loved

 or take pleasure in the dirt I use to play so freely in. 

Walk, walk, walk.

Skip, skip 

and STOP!

Hover over the grass intently. We’re hovering. We’re hovering. Still hovering…

“Okay, darling… time to go, I say gritting my teeth, and with a huff and a puff

You don’t flinch, but brew over the great treasure you have found, holding it in your tiny hand as if it were a precious baby to be delicately handled, and tenderly loved. 

I sigh and mutter a prayer under my breath trying to be struck by the “beauty of this moment.”

 All the while running through my to-do list for the day. 

Knowing that at any moment your brother will burst into tears because it is late for lunch 

And soon you will get temperamental for the dreaded long walk home.

But still…

We ponder over the yellow flowers and pinecones you have gathered… and declare them good.

Let the little children come to me. 

Let them linger in my sunlight and bask in all my glory. 

Let them find rest in the grassy hills and adventure climbing up my trees. 

Let them smell all my flowers and tumble in all my weeds. 

Your dirt covered hand reaches up for mine, to place another rock you have found that just has to be added to your already growing collection. 

I stuff your treasures in my pocket in contempt, wrinkled up like “Zuzu’s petals”.

But then, 

when all is quiet and still…

 and you’re fast asleep in bed…

I clutch those little pebbles to my heart in agony and hope.

Reminded of your purity and your newness to this earth…

“I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always” I softly sing, choked up in my chest.

Wonder…wander…wondering…wandering

You are a dreamer, and watching you wonder helps me to wander.

Wonder and wander in the beauty He beholds.

Just as you are arriving in your childhood, I am reconciling my own.

It wasn’t so long ago that I was wandering the neighborhood looking for treasure, searching for adventure.

In my memory, all my statues are fully formed, but you poke and prod at them causing me to search for all the little pieces and parts again.

 To build the bits and bobs into a new story out of the dust of the past. 

 The realties I understood and misunderstood, or simply took for granted into a whole new light;

In the light of your eyes. The eyes of my child.

  Remembering the weights, I held at such a small age…looking back I seem to be older

 But looking at you right in front of me now, you’re so small.

I couldn’t have been your age when I carried weights so big.

I realize how frail and yet beautifully strong a child can be, if they need to.

What would happen if we wandered together?

What would happen, I wonder?

 What would happen if I wandered in this world as a child?

Would someone be there to care for me? 

In the moment that I am care-full will I find myself, cared for? 

Perhaps that is why it is easy for me to be so sharp. 

Remembering the weights, I carried from the fore fathers and mothers before me, when still too small for weights so big.

Childhood stay a little longer with me, let us wonder together. 

Let us make memories in light of, this new child before us. 

We can be the child we didn’t get to be and, the adult we wish we had. 

Wonder…wander…wondering…wandering

You are a dreamer, and watching you wonder, helps me to wander.

Wonder and wander in the beauty He beholds

I remember you spinning around in that glorious, flaky, white snow all bundled up in your puffy scarlet jacket making it difficult to see your true form underneath. 

Like a vision from some cheesy Christmas film.

Basking in the true gift and miracle that winter brings. 

Ready to walk and run in this glorious new substance you have discovered.

 Yet only seconds later, like some sort of distressed mental patient, you’re in a ball on the ground screaming at the cold, shivering and begging to go inside. 

Such is life walking with you. 

I will never have this moment again with you…

Both blissful and frustrating. 

Highs and lows, so radically unpredictable. 

Never knowing if I will walk into the scene of a tragedy 

or into the blissful sea of Lego where you’re happily creating some world you dreamed up. 

 Or the moments when you say words so profound, I can only conclude

 this is why Jesus said, “out of the mouths of babes”. 

You are full…

full of emotions…and experiences…you fully feel it all

…and are ever present with the present…

with no filter and no ability to discern caution or care for others. 

Just as you should be, for now, dear child.

Brutally honest…uniquely you. 

Here is my ode to the wander wonderer…

You skip the hills like they are play things to be conquered.

You ravage the present, as if it were a huge gift to be opened.

You beg for more, but are content with so little.

You are my wonder wanderer.

And watching you, makes me wander, into wonder.

FEBRUARY 2023

Daffodil Dancing, Feb 19, by Fred Harwood

Isa. 55:12    “So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.  The mountains and hills will lead the parade, bursting with song.  All the trees of the forest will join the procession, exuberant with applause.

Luke 19:40   But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.”

January 2023

A Conversation with God, January 22, 2023

"Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you."

Samuel 12:23

I'm continually amazed at how one verse, that's been read a multitude of times,

can jump off the page, strike my soul and make me dig for more. Today it was

the prophet Samuel's words while speaking to the Israelites, after they asked to

be ruled by a King. The message for me: Failing to pray is sinning and I'm guilty.

This commission was given in the Old Testament. "Now if you obey me fully and

keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.

Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a

holy nation." Exodus 19:5-6. God's people were called to be a kingdom of

priests, that is, intercessors on behalf of their fellow man.

And it wasn't a title or requirement rescinded when our Saviour redeemed us. Today God calls me his priest. 1Peter 2:9-10 tells me "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." I've been raised to such a powerful position, but I spend so little of my time in this role.

Lord God, I'm humbled that you would ever speak to me today, let alone call me

one of your people, a kingdom of priests. I just have to bow my head and say,

with the apostle John, "To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by

his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and

Father- to him be glory and power for ever and ever Amen." Revelations 1:5-6.

DECEMBER 

Treasured and Pondered, by Fred Harwood, Dec 18

I’ve been pondering!

What?

Was that a collective sucking in of your breaths and a few gasps?

I couldn’t help pondering

Angela shared a few weeks ago on Mary and

The statement from Luke 2:19 created a resonance,

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Likely, it was because it was read aloud by a mother

A mother who has known great joy and heavy sorrow.

Recited by a mother who shows us and tells us

what is in her own heart.

So, I pondered,

“What does it mean to treasure something in your heart?”

It can’t be like a collector of fine art who purchases, or steals, priceless art

and then locks it up in a secret vault for only their own enjoyment.

No, I think it must mean precious gifts,

heirlooms meant for display.

They would be displayed in a central location, a place of honour

With careful lighting to draw eyes to highlighted details.

Viewed frequently because of their deep meaning and beauty.

These treasures would be protected from daily grime &amp; smudgy fingerprints.

Now Mary was storing up the words of the angel that spoke to her.

What pregnant &amp; elderly Elizabeth shared with Mary when she visited.

Joseph’s sharing of his vision and his willingness to trustingly accept.

What the shepherds beheld and their wonder at their angelic visitors.

And the new precious life they had named Jesus.

And there were many things she stored up and meditated on as Jesus was growing.

The wise men visiting and presenting gifts, temple visits and amazed declarations.

Profound words from young Jesus that amazed the Jewish leaders.

For many parents, grandparents, Sunday School actors &amp; leaders,

what takes place in these plays will be stored up and remembered.

What of my own treasures to be stored in my heart?

The Father, Son and Holy Spirit

God’s precious Word.

Faith

Grace, Mercy, and Unfailing Love

The loving acceptance &amp; support of family

Fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ!

Providential relationships, pivotal circumstances

Purpose, mission, worship &amp; wonder

With God’s gifts for His Kingdom.

Do I have these hidden and locked away or are they on display?

Prominently placed so they can be viewed from different angles.

Viewed &amp; pondered from my own inward-looking eyes.

From the inquiring eyes of the great cloud of witnesses.

From the patiently, lovingly encouraging eyes of God.

Critical &amp; challenging stares give me insight into my veracity.

How do the young view the treasures I’m keeping safe in my heart?

And what of the preceptive, experienced vision of those older?

What do they recognize in how I’m preserving these gifts?

Pondering requires me to revisit these wonderful treasures often

And change perspectives to see them in different lights,

To make sure that I haven’t been careless in taking them for granted

Or letting the world soil them with their mucky hands.

Yes, treasuring &amp; pondering are not just one verse

But an active, reflective, and powerfully precious pursuit.

What shall each of us treasure and ponder in our hearts this Christmastide?

NOVEMBER

Anonymous Reflections on this past week...by Fred Harwood, Nov 20

You've set my feet up high

 on those lofty mountains 

where you dwell.

You've set a course for me.

 One I couldn't follow

on my own. 

You've carried me over every hard road, 

giving me strength, words 

and yes, even joy!

Your words are my daily food. 

Your people continue to bless me. 

I want to feed and bless others. 

As your kingdom grows 

here in this messy world, 

remind me often of your power

living inside me.

Separately, our lights are dim. 

Together we light up the world  

that others may see.

Come Rest in Me, shared by Colleen James, Nov 20

 You make it harder than it has to be 
 Come, take, learn and follow me
 I know you’re tired and the road seems rough
 An uphill climb, a little bit tough
 But…
 
 I’ll not forsake you my Beloved Child
 You’re in my heart to stay
 Before, behind you 
 I am here beside you
 All the way…
 Can you not see
 You are so precious to me
 
 Let lay my yoke upon you, little one
 Let me shape you with gentle, humble care
 When you feel weak I’ll still be near
 When you’re downcast
 When you fear
 (Chorus: I’ll not forsake you…)
 
 There was a time you said you’d go your own way
 Said: See you later, maybe some other day
 I let you go with a share of all that i had
 You let it slide, let it slip from your hand
 But..
 
 (Chorus: I’ll not forsake you…)
 
 Can you not see…you are so precious to me
 I’ll not forsake you, my Beloved
 You’re in my heart to stay
 Before, behind you
 I am here beside you
 
 Can you not see…
 Come, Precious One….come rest in me

OCTOBER

These are a few of my scariest things, by Fred Harwood, Oct 30

Flip through the TV channels these last few weeks 

– nothing but horror movies and Canucks games! Scary!

Flip on the news and it’s nothing but wars, rumours of wars, 

disasters and man’s inhumanity to man! Terrifying!

Walk through the neighbourhood on the approach to Halloween

            And it is eerily decorated with all manner of ghouls, ghosts, & gruesome sights!

Warlocks, werewolves, witches, wizards, vampires, & zombies are almost as frightening

            As Revenue Canada agents, both the real and the scamming ones. Shudder!

But as All Hallow’s Eve has morphed into Halloween and all that entails, 

            I thought I’d reflect upon that which scares me today.

I am frightened by apathy and its evil twin indifference. I don’t want to lose my passion!

Passion for His Word, for prayer, for His church and for His Holy Communion. I must be careful not to let 2500 communions dull the wonder and sacredness of these rites, each time. Jesus Christ has set us apart through this table and seeks to keep us holy and connected with our Head. The cross and the empty tomb makes the difference. It is a shared ritual that pushes us to make accounts with one another clear. It points us to the law of Christ and the way of love.

Indifference shows up in thoughts like “that is their cross to bear” and “each person needs to make their own decision for Christ”. These creep in, but they don’t absolve me from what love requires of me. It is a hardening heart that allows apathy to reign. 

I am scared by how often I fail to lead with humility. I can be triggered off to ramble on about myself. I don’t listen fully because I’m already preparing my counter arguments to sway others to my way of thinking. I need to access humility to trigger my second gaze and see with others’ eyes through empathy. 

I am fearful of division and discord when we fail to keep the unity. The world will wonder at God when they see we can disagree but not divide. We have been through this and vividly remember the negative impact on relationships, health, and faith. We are stronger now, but we must keep working at this. I tremble at the thought of me being a stumbling block for others.

It is not when the dog bites or the bee stings that I must recall who I am and what Christ has done for me. He wants you and I to fear not. But He does want us to avoid apathy, to be humble and to keep the unity in love. 

And then there are kidney stones. . . 

Thankfully Thinking by Fred Harwood, Oct 9

Is our Thanksgiving service just a gap-filler tradition, outside of our sermon series? 

Or is it integral to keeping the unity?

Ken pointed out that in Romans 13, quarreling was in company with sexual immorality and orgies in having negative impact on church life and growth. 

Really? Quarreling and jealousy on par with debauchery?

Yet Jesus said that we are to be known:

• By our love, as He loves, loving God, loving one another!
• By our Holiness, set apart through the Spirit and our desire to follow Jesus!
• By our unity, so unlike the world that it must be God-breathed!

As I meditated on God’s Word, recent sermons, and thanksgiving, I recalled the times we were and are challenged to be thankful and to give thanks in all situations.

What does a thankful heart encompass?

Are we truly thankful when we are focused on ourselves?

“Thank you, Lord, that I am not like this other man! Thank you that I have been able to earn all the money to buy my fine house (with the bank’s help).”

Or is being thankful a humble position that is looking outward at all God is doing? 

Is it being aware of God working through others and through our challenging circumstances?

(Perhaps our circumstances are not circumstantial?) 

“Lord, thank you for the gift of this home and all the church family who helped us establish it as a home of welcome, to share your love in.“ 

Gray, in ‘Our Steps Toward Our Future – Today’, challenged us to: 

Rejoice in our Spiritual gifts. Rejoice in God’s creation. Rejoice in rainbows and in mountains. Rejoice in sunrises and sunsets, in oceans, lakes and beaches. Rejoice in forests and flowers. Rejoice in animals, birds, and marine life. Rejoice in food, in little things, in grandeur. Rejoice in babies and in acts of kindness.      

As you open the window of your heart and gaze upon your world, 

what could you rejoice in today as you 

live faithfully–stepping toward your future–today?

As we open the windows of our hearts for thanksgiving 

and gaze outward upon our world, our community, our families, and our future, 

what could we rejoice and give thanks for as we live faithfully in unity–stepping toward our future–today and sharing the truth in love?

Are we thankfully thinking?

July 

Judi’s found poem from Randy Alcorn’s book “Heaven”, July 17

I once scorned ev’ry fearful thought of death,
 When it was but the end of pulse and breath,
 But now my eyes have seen that past the pain
 There is a world that’s waiting to be claimed.
 Earthmaker, Holy, let me now depart,
 For living’s such a temporary art.
 And dying is but getting dressed for God,
 Our graves are merely doorways cut in sod.

Calvin Miller, The Divine Symphony (Minneapolis: Bethany, 2000), 139.

John 16:20-24

20 Then fix this firmly in your minds: You’re going to be in deep mourning while the godless world throws a party. You’ll be sad, very sad, but your sadness will develop into gladness.

21 “When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there’s no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. ²² The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you’ll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you. ²³ You’ll no longer be so full of questions.

“This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. ²⁴ Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!

I Can Only Imagine

So, I’ve been thinking about heaven and the heavens, 

Imagining what it might be like…

Like Mercy Me’s song, I really don’t know,

But I wonder.

With the James Webb Space Telescope images in the news,

I recall the wonder of the previous Hubble’s B-field images

What had previously been thought of as almost empty space,

Was filled with thousands of galaxies in the tiniest of views.

These images shocked me and challenged my thinking.

Am I still limiting my view of whom God is with restricted imagination?

As human ingenuity grows, God’s creation continues to be revealed,

New life at the bottom of the ocean and yet the vastness of the universe.

When I restrict and box God to my finite imagination,

Do I also then limit what I believe of heaven and thus shrink my hope?

Jesus prayed to the father that our joy would be complete. 

When we see Jesus again, we’ll be full of joy”

Thus heaven, where we will see Him again, will be a joyous heaven! 

Consider what gives us joy here, the things that God created us to enjoy.

I expect these will be present in our eternal home in ever growing clarity!

With our new bodies, won’t our capacities for joy also be enlarged? 

Wanderlust here, won’t we be overjoyed to explore the vastness of space?

As we care, create, & cultivate here, won’t the opportunities be vaster in heaven?

Animals give us comfort & joy here, will there be even more possibilities there?

With all these new galaxies, can God have created even more life out there?

Yes, I wonder if all this world’s amazing wonders are but a beginning

In revealing the wonderfulness of our creator

Is God’s plan all a slow revealing of His mystery?

A mystery that will continue its revelation throughout eternity?

Yes, I do wonder what all I will look forward to.

And so here I shall live toward this coming and ongoing joy! 

MAY

Behold the Spotless Lamb of God by Terence Rolston, May 15

Behold the spotless Lamb of God

His visage glory bathed

What wonder fills each mind and heart

When eyes upon Him gaze

This sinless, righteous Son of God

In human likeness came

A man whose love would change the world

Whose sacrifice would save

How could this Sun of Righteous

So humbly take our shame

And willingly bear all our guilt

Our sin and judgment claim

He’d give his life, this Son of Man

To save us from our sin

His body wretched, His image marred

His precious blood he’d spill

For love, the sinless Lamb of God

Endured such pain and loss

A love so strong it has no end

This love it was for us

Behold the spotless Lamb of God

Now risen from the grave

His glory fills the heavens above

His scars exalt his praise

For now those ruby drops of blood

Once drawn from thorny quill

Like jewels adorn the Lamb of God

His crown with rubies fill

His tears of sorrow in likeness shine

From heavens glorious Sun

Like diamonds placed upon his brow

A crown of glory now

Behold the spotless Lamb of God

Upon his splendor gaze

Our risen, glorious Lord and Christ

To him our worship raise!

A Drop From the Golden Bowl (Rev 5:8)

Oh God my Father, author of mercy and love,
How can I sit here in my warm, safe house
eating good food, not fearing overhead destruction?
 
Who am I that you should ever have noticed me?
Chased me down as I slogged through filth,
Showed me the Way, Truth, Life
Imparting Your gift of faith on me,
setting a royal crown on my unworthy head
And calling me Your child?
 
Hear my cries, the aches of my heart
As I pour them into the prayer bowls before You.
In some mysterious way
You delight in them.
Surely you craft the cravings of my heart
into Your own.
 
Flood those suffering, starving, freezing
With Your mercy;
The mercy you showed me by withholding what I deserve.
We’re a world of fallen people, Lord
You know… You know…
 
Flood those people with your grace
The grace that flooded my soul
The very moment I heard, I believed.
 
We’re a fallen people, Lord
You know… You know...

MARCH 

The Parable of a Pea-like Faith by Fred Harwood March 20, 2022

Elaine had me wrestling with what a parable was.

I wondered if they only have one main meaning,

And not to explore the secondary possible explanations.

Or, are parables, like the Bible itself, densely layered,

Constantly giving us insights from the Spirit, life experiences,

And from other voices giving us new eyes, new ears to perceive.

Recently, I viewed a series of photographs by Bruce.

Amazing images of nature, life, history and here, close to home.

Many were of sights we routinely and casually walk by,

But Bruce’s utilization of available light and the camera’s filters,

Created an entirely new perspective to cause me to wonder.

Why did I not have eyes to see this before?

And in Mark 4, nine times we are challenged by Jesus

“He who has ears, let him hear.” Testing us to respond.

Does my love of gardening help me have interested ears

For the parable of the sower amidst the four soils?

I believe God wants me and wants you to reflect often

On Him through what we see and what we hear.

So contemplate on what makes soil good for growth.

Think about how to soften hard hearts before planting seed.

Ponder on how plants thrive with ongoing care.

Meditate on what we need in our own growth.

Consider the weeds distracting us from growing strong roots.

Deliberate on what each of our sermon series teach us here.

As I planted our garden peas, pushing a seed with a finger deep

I reflected on how this one pea should produce a plant with many pods.

Each pod can nourish or be utilized to start many new plants.

But I also remembered that the pea plant, when finished,

Leaves a legacy in the soil of nitrogen nodules for another season.

Lord, graciously and patiently direct me to a legacy of pea-like faith.

February

God With Us -by Isabelle McCaughey

My husband Bruce and I moved into our house in Richmond on February 1st 1982.  We had been living in Vancouver and attending Marineview Chapel.  We were there for seven years and made lots of friends.  A few years before we left, a group left Marineview and started a church in Richmond, which became Emmanuel Christian Community.  Because we knew the people who came, like George and Bonnie Mallone, the Poons, and the Dormans, it made sense for us to come to Emmanuel.  We have now been attending here for forty years!  We have been to all five buildings, the school, Saunders Road, the Christian School, the Alliance church, and now our own building.  We have seen lots of people come and go, and we have seen many changes and decisions, some which were difficult.  But through all the ups and downs, God has been with us.  As I thought about this anniversary of forty years, I thought that I needed to do a Psalm.  I don’t do written ones, I usually make something, so I made this little wall hanging, God With Us, which is the meaning of Emmanuel.  No matter what is happening, remember God is with you, and with me, and with us.  Amen?  Amen!

Space Maker, Maker Space, by Fred Harwood

Gray’s Holy Hug sermon had me reflecting,

Jesus began His earthly mission with no room in the inn,

No space for the Maker, as he began his life as the Son of Man. 

With His mission to reconcile the world, His Creation to the Creator.

So, the call to make space in my heart for the stranger resonated and troubled.

My blissful unawareness of the need for reconciliation to begin within my own heart.

To examine the foundational attitudes and acts that flow from the wrong biases there. 

The stranger to receive, the stranger to love, all realized and deemed as significant. 

In the space made by God’s love, grace and forgiveness melting my core’s hardness.

Safely sheltered in the arms of the Saviour, inspired to be the arms of God

As God’s ambassador of the Good News in the ministry of reconciliation,

Empowered by His Spirit working miracles: from the inside, to the inside 

Of this space – His space – space for the stranger – Maker space. 

Think what relationships will be powerfully restored and formed.

By our reformed hearts, where space exists for others

Transforming, revealing love and servanthood.

Praise to our Space Maker.

JANUARY 

Aw Nuts: A Psalm of the People - Fred Harwood, Jan 23

Aw nuts. There was an email from K.P. asking about Psalms of the People.

My reply, “None have been submitted and I don’t have anything on the back burner.”

Aw nuts. Does this mean I have been lax in thinking about where I see God?

Does this mean I’m not abiding in His love, centred, compelled, controlled?

Am I just sprinkling in a little Jesus culture instead of allowing it to displace the old?

Yet there in my lap was a small bowl of mixed nuts.

Aw nuts: almond, Brazil, cashew, peanut, pecan, pistachio, and even exotic macadamia!

So varied the shapes, the tastes, the textures, the aromas, the nutrition.

Each time, I randomly pulled out and tasted a new nut,

I was struck by the constantly changing stimulation and delight.

Aw nuts. What an amazing creation – storing life, sustaining life, restoring life.

And contained within a durable container lasting through the bleak winter.

Manna for so many creatures and for ourselves.

But why such diversity? Was God reminding me that he is Jehovah Jireh?

Showing our Good, Good Father’s love by lavishing it upon us!

Awww nuts! They did not have to come in such amazing variety.

Our Creator chose to delight us. Taste palettes & buds made ready for His cornucopia.

He is declaring His love in these wonderful bursts.

Diverse and enduring, one of His many incredible gifts: this food, these seeds

Proclaiming His amazing cycle of life and rebirth in every sustained seed.

And even in our enjoyment, He challenges us in His ministry of reconciliation

To store up life through His Word and reconciled fellowship

To sustain others, loving as we are loved, cherishing as we are cherished.

To restore life and relationships in our community, our neighbourhoods and our city.

Delightfully with our Creator, God of Reconciliation and Salvation as His ambassadors.

Phil. 4:6-7   Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your

worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. 7 Before you know it, a sense of God’s

wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful

what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

2 Cor 5: 14-15 Christ’s love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last

word in everything we do. Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died

for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat. 15 He included everyone in his death so

that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people

ever lived on their own.

DECEMBER 

Advent 2021 - Emmanuel!  

The Same old Story by Jo Anne Gray

Amidst expanding darkness, once again,

we anticipate Your coming.

It’s that same old story:

Gabriel, Mary, hubby,

faithful donkey, fresh straw.

Midnight clear,

smelly shepherds,

fragrant kings.

And that same crazy summons

you’d be nuts to refuse.

ANGEL

 “Come!

Star’s a’leading,

 babe’s a’borning”

 angels a’howling!

“Your presence is invited  

(…well, more like ‘required’,

if you know what’s good for you)!

Come!”

SHEPHERD

Thanks for the invite.  Really.

But you’ve caught us a little by surprise.

Around these parts,

aside from that tax census,

no one even stands downwind,

let alone summons our presence.  

Try those shepherds

over the next hill.

What of carpenters,

farmers, landowners, 

or, what the heck, 

rabbis?

ANGEL

 “Come!

Star’s a’leading,

 babe’s a’borning”

 angels a’howling!

“Your presence is invited 

 (well, more like ‘summoned)!

 Come!”

SHEPHERD (to self)

did I imagine, or did I hear 

something about shepherds 

leaving their flocks,

running in great haste,

without delay?

SHEPHERD

Winged friends, a moment.  

Lower eyes from that radiant glow, 

And look down at this flock, our flock, 

to see through our eyes. 

As every evening, 

approaching twilight,

they move, as one, 

to higher ground.

They draw closer

as sleep hovers.

Some standing nervous watch;

some laying in light repose.

The young, meuling all is well? 

The elders, assuring, all is well. 

And we serve them:

   search for the lost, 

   heal the sick

   attend to births

   lead to pasture

   and sweet water  

so that all will be well.

They yield their lives to ours,

   newborns for sacrifice

   milk-bearing mothers

   fleece to shear, wash, spin, weave, clothe,

   flesh to roast for feast.

So that all, too, will be well.

And yet, you compel us to come?

ANGEL

We do. 

As we have proclaimed, 

a babe is ‘a’borning.

Not a lambkin for your fold

not a daughter to your wife

not a son of Levi

but the Word

the Light

the Christ

born of Mary

God’s own:

Emmanuel!  

Who will forgive and heal;

save the lost and 

redeem the fallen;

 raise up the poor and 

send the rich empty away;

King of King 

and Lord of Lords

 Lamb of God, 

and final sacrifice.

Love beyond love,

Love beyond darkness,

Love beyond death

This is the 

Holy Babe 

who is ‘a’borning.

Come, shepherd.

We bid you

come.

SHEPHERD

I cannot.

I will not. 

But, here.

Take this fresh-birthed lamb

for the blessed babe

as gift, not sacrifice. 

My proxy and my pledge.

ANGEL

And leave you, 

to be sent empty away?

We will not. 

We will come with you,

on either side,

bracing as you stumble,

a fresh-birthed lamb, 

to find your legs.

No gift, no pledge, but you,

mind, heart, and soul

to receive Him, still.

We pray, knowing, In sweet gratitude, 

Your majesty, mystery, and mercy beyond merit; 

We pray, dark confessions,

   with assurance of 

   Your gracious mercy;

We pray, in courage and confidence,

   that all we should ask 

   in the Saviour’s name,

You will provide;

We pray, in hesitant determination,

   with muddled heads and equivocal hearts,

   with uncalloused hands and soft-soled feet;

We pray, in reckless confidence

   that we become Your

   sowers and reapers,

   builders-up and tearers-down,

   innocents and wise ones.

In a word, 

Your kingdom.

Here.  Now.  Always.

Come, angels!

Come, Holy Spirit!

Come, Saviour!

God with us.  

Not Like the Ones I Used to Know, by Fred Harwood

There I was singing along:

“I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas’

“Just like the ones I used to know.”

No! Abruptly interrupted

Christmas is no longer just like the ones I used to know!

Christmas is now in July, October, November and December on W

Hallmark has replaced God’s agape love with romantic love

that ends with a kiss at two minutes to the hour, every two hours.

The Christ of Christmas has been diluted to a little Christmas magic

That does not eternally save our sinful souls 

but does save the pageant, festival, farm, store, inn or mis-directed career

while finding Mr. Right, right there, after thinking him wrong.

And it always takes a snowball fight and then a food fight 

while making gingerbread houses or Christmas cookies

The comradery of fellowship and service, surely more than decorating together!

This time of the year should be about the Light of the World

Not just the annual lighting of the giant tree in the town square!

Decking the halls may be Hallmark’s formula of late 

but God’s plan began before the Word became the Son of Man

Not to restore a dysfunctional family and bring the stray back home

But to restore the whole world and to bring them back to their eternal home!

No, Christmas isn’t just like the ones we used to know.

So, what will we do to turn this little Christmas magic,

Back to Christmas magi’s heralding tidings of Good News

And to put Christ back into Christmas this Christmastide?

NOVEMBER

So Blessed, So Blessed Be, by Fred Harwood

In this season of Remembrance and Thanksgiving

Count your blessings!

See that they are not just possessions

But parameters and people and place

Heirship, hope, and Holy Spirit

Peace, Presence and purpose

Love, both being loved and loving

Wonder, worship and wisdom

Warmth, wit and the WORD

Creativity, craft and Creation

Nature, nurture and nourishing

And the list goes on and on.

God’s plan for each of us is to bless us

With everything we need to be His witnesses!

We are so blessed by our Creator, Saviour, Sustainer

Count your blessings!

We are called to be His witnesses,

But like horses hidden in the birches, 

His message for us is revealing

God’s plan for our future is to make us a blessing

With everything we need to be His witnesses!

It is a blessing to be a blessing!

So simple, so straightforward, so surprising

How will I be a blessing today? 

Lord, I yield to you this morning.

Father, lend me your eyes and heart and lead me

To be blessed to be a blessing!

SEPTEMBER

Inspired by the Illumination by Fred Harwood

In the garden, darkness continued to grow, deepening 

Obscuring the growing things that I loved to see, 

Colourful blooms, variegated foliage, flitting pollinators 

Amongst stately trees & well-shaped bushes, birds singing.

Praise God for the beauty and diversity of His creation

Sadly, I observed vividness consumed in failing light, looming dark,

What gave me joy, fading into blankness, shades of grey, paleness.

Suddenly, darkness was pushed back as pockets of light appeared!

The Master Gardener’s Lighting Engineer brightly at work 

Transforming the day’s garden, incisively in the darkness.

Strip lights clearly outlined the path I was to take,

Gently showing me the narrow way on which I should wander.

Wandering, I wondered at things I had missed before. 

The light focusing me, shades of Gray’s sermon pondering…

A light at a tree’s base, shining up, illuminated the trunk’s beauty

And the leaves sparkling in contrasts of light and dark facets.

The light directed my attention to more of the tree’s beauty.

Another tree, lit by a different colour, displayed its hidden strength

That emerged illuminated, starkly evident in the gloom.

A plain green bush during the day, shone as a Japanese lantern 

Illuminated by the light’s source within, radiance pulsing through the gaps.

Holy Spirit, light us from within & shine through our cracks.

In this dark age, make us pockets of Your light, pushing outwards.

Illuminate for us what You want us to notice and focus on

And to see the beauty and the strength we are missing without this light.

Holy Spirit, highlight the path you want us to walk, guiding us on Your way.

Light of the World, You illuminate Your creation, Your Word, Your people

And You transform the darkness through your Spirit with Your glorious light!

---

AUGUST

Ponderings of the People: August 1, 2021

I was musing on the metaphors of the Spirit, … while on the golf course. Don’t roll your eyes here, or at home, about another sport metaphor. Angela and Alastair both spoke of ‘wind’ of the Spirit. I’m not a good enough sailor to ponder the metaphor of wind in this genre much.Actually, I’m not a good enough golfer to ponder the aspect of wind on the course much. I just want to hit the little white thing in the direction of the flag. What the ball does after I swing is more a mystery than the wind. But I do golf with a good golfer who is hyper-aware of the wind. In John 3 v 8, Jesus talks about the mysteriousness of the wind and compares it with the mysteries of the Spirit of God. John 3:8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

On every shot, my nephew, is looking for the signs of the wind. He checks the flag and how it is blowing, he looks at the treetops all around, throws some grass in the air to ‘see’ the direction and speed, AND then, adjusts what he is doing, what club he is using, where he is aiming and how hard he is swinging so that he works with the wind to be as good as he can be.

And so there on the golf course, on a very hot day, while being cooled by a gentle breeze, I pondered about the Wind of the Spirit. Are we hyper-aware of the Spirit’s presence? We cannot see the Spirit. We can’t know what the Spirit is doing or planning to do. Do you and Iseek constantly for signs of the Spirit though, so that we can work with the Spirit? I know that the Spirit is also within us. Alastair talked of the 7 metaphors to help us understand the complexity of God. We can take time to ponder each one, to mature in our faith.

So, taking this small aspect, wind/breath, I was challenged to increase my awareness of signs that the Spirit is at work around me, within me and within you, within our community and the world. This maturing awareness of God will strengthen my faith, my witness, and my effectiveness for His Kingdom’s work. Breathe on us Breath of God, fill the sails of our souls,and send us on Lord. Let your wind blow.

JULY 18

I refuse to Be Discouraged - shared by Bev Hamm

JULY 11

Holy Spirit, you are welcome here, in the garden

by Jo Anne Gray

CLEMATIS

I begin my ascent,

Compelled.

I grope through empty air

to gain purchase

on the first

scrawny stem, twig, or wire

that will heft my weight.

I brush, snag, then clench

in coiled embrace.

In G-D’s good time,

My clenching gives way

to holding, gives way to

to being held, gives way to

to offering myself

as steady purchase.

HINT FROM THIS BREEZE

From this gentle breeze,

the grass, long enough

to bear feathered seeds,

takes the hint

and softly sways.

---

JUNE

Building is a verb - by Eleanor Spruston

Forty years ago

we were a church without a building,

a small band of people

unskilled in carpentry

building a church

not of wood or bricks

nor stone.

With God our architect,

His Son our model,

His Holy Spirit our project manager,

we were being joined together

in community.

We were building a temple

in rented spaces –

spaces we couldn’t remodel,

repaint or redecorate--

just spaces we converted

to holy sites --

though sometimes too big

or too small

too damp or too drafty –

and once burned down!

Just building a community,

part of a much larger one –

Christ’s church universal.

Then suddenly –

His miracle –

we did have a building . . .

and soon another beside it.

and we rejoiced

that we could go in, and out,

and sing,

and eat and laugh,

and play and pray,

and welcome strangers

soon not strangers,

and teach our children

as we learned to follow Jesus –

our cornerstone,

the rock on whom we are still building

a living, loving church community.

______

And then!

Pandemic!

And so in an almost empty building

A carefully numbered

distanced group

welcomes us to -- ZOOM –

our stay-at-home

come-to-meeting place.

And once again we learn

to be a church without a building.

And house groups meet not in a house

But in every house.

And friends E-mail, Text,

Message and Chat

and now and then

we visit masked in driveways

exchanging baking

and smiling with our eyes

as God’s Holy Spirit shows us

how to be

a socially distanced God community --

outside the building.

May 30

CLICK HERE to read psalms from Jo Anne Gray & Fred Harwood

MAY 9

CLICK HERE to read psalms from Marla Pattern and Fred Harwood.

---

APRIL 18

As I was pondering deep things of God and how He was teaching me…

CLICK HERE to read this week's psalms about God teaching us through animals.

MARCH 28 - On the Approach to Easter

CLICK HERE to read psalms about Jesus as the embodiment of Love and Hope in suffering.  Reflect on the real human experiences of Jesus and our real human struggle to know and follow Him.

The Psalms of the People have a different approach this week. These are a collection of Psalms with and without words.  Remember that originally, most of the Psalms were orally spoken or sung, including praise to God and lamentations to God. They would have reflections of seeing God in their lives. The first is a video - watch and think about what it teaches us about God and his Creation.

Marla’s Psalm:

I did wake in the morning early.
And I opened my window
We poked out the window in the morning and
listened to God’s creatures
They are sitting on the trees.
They are chirping and singing
I am singing and I watched the birds flying away.

We are created with capacities for beauty, joy, laughter, song and wonder. As we observe these in our daily lives, as Marla has taught us, we give thanks to our God for both His creation and the capacity for appreciation. We delight in God, what He has done, what He is doing and what He will do.

Here is a beautiful message from Pope Francis brought to my attention from John Chen about another created capacity:

“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves.  Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is…Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.”

Let us all remember then that every changing colour of a leaf is beautiful, and every changing situation of life is meaningful, both need very clear vision.  So do not grumble or complain, let us instead remember that Pain is a sign that we are alive.  Problems are a sign that we are strong, and Prayer is a sign we are not alone!!  If we can acknowledge these truths and condition our hearts and minds, our lives will be more meaningful, different and worthwhile!!

FEBRUARY 2021

SCARRED STRAIGHT by Fred Harwood

After a series of long days and many demands, I was exhausted.

We are warned not to drink and drive and to avoid distracted driving.

We are directed against texting and walking, and sometimes of chewing gum.

But where are the informative posters and TV ads against cooking while tired?

As you are imagining, I sport just such a public service announcement these last few weeks!

An angry red, two-inch square reminder, on my forearm, proclaimed my stupidity.

Too mild and too large for a bandage, the first-degree burn openly advertises my ineptitude.

But this condition was perfect to observe God’s valuable lesson.

Instead of being hidden away by a Paw Patrol band-aid, healing hidden,

It was there to remind me, each day, of a very important teaching.

That He makes all things new and has planned this from our very creation!

For day after day, the damage was fading, as the new cells emerged.

Our triune God reigns, and we are wonderfully made by our blessed Creator!

Yet my red spot pinking, while steadily healing, suggests so much more.

If He is mindful of such a small renewing, should we not trust Him,

Who healed us of our very great burden of sin, as planned from the very beginning?

He will make all things new in this series of long exhausting days and demands!

NOVEMBER

Fretting by Fred Harwood

Fears, worries, anxieties and stress abound!

I fret, like on the neck on a guitar, the pressure changes me.

My mind replays my growing doubts. My body starts and quivers!

But you, Lord, tell me to be strong and courageous.

Over and over and over again.

You seek to pull my attention away from my self-centeredness & woe.

Over and over and over again.

Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD. I am Christ your Lord.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you,

Fear not, I am the one who helps you. I will never leave you or forsake you.

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.

Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.

Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming,

Do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Do not be dismayed, for the LORD God will not leave you or forsake you.

Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.

Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.

Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent

In my Father’s house are many rooms.  If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Take heart. Get up; I am calling you.

Take heart; I have overcome the world.

OCTOBER

Wise Stability in Our Times

Is. 33:5-6 The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high; He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness, and He will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.

Lord, we confess that You are not exalted as You deserve to be.

Why are we so weak and self-centred not to give You all the glory?

Why do we seek independence from our Creator, our Saviour, our Goodness?

Lord, You dwell on high reminding us that You are alive and our hope secure.

As You fill heaven, You are our righteousness, cleansing us of our many sins.

Your justice is full of loving mercy, amazing grace and tender forgiveness!

Lord, we stumble and tremble. Be our stability in these most difficult of times.

May we find ourselves seeking our Rock, our Fortress, our Cornerstone,

We shall stand firm upon Your unchanging and unshakeable foundation.

Lord, you know all things on the earth. In wisdom you have made them all.

You bless us with counsel and understanding through Your Spirit & Your Word.

We need Your wisdom & instruction, to understand Your words of true sight.

Lord, we know our reverent awe of You is the beginning of our wisdom.

Lead us to wisdom, good understanding, obedience, and abundant praise!

Rightly we have returned to where we began – exalting You, our Treasure!

SEPTEMBER 2020

Psalm by Nels & Eleanor Spruston and Fred Harwood

AUGUST

JULY 2020

Prayer Flags by Isabelle McCaughey

Writing with Wonder, Discovering More of the Story Writer by Fred Harwood

Lord, as I was finishing breakfast one day,

A radio evangelist said you had authored three books:

Your Holy Bible, the Book of Nature and the Word made Flesh!

Truly each of these first two reveal the third, which was really first!

A trilogy had a certain ring to it, authored by the Triune God!

But I hadn’t wondered about Nature as a book.

It is an incredible read of wonder and discovery!

Every turn of a page leads to new insights and delights.

People tell authors to write on what they know.

Creator, You know Your creation and wrote it into being!

Then I wondered about our sense of wonder

And the glory in the joy of discovery!

Surely these are a gift created in each of us in Your image.

Sense of wonder and the joy of discovery are Yours first!

These threads are woven throughout Your Creation

I pondered about Your Book of Life.

You are the author and perfecter of our faith,

And have written us into this wonderful, dynamic book!

You’ve commissioned us to bring others to be part of it.

And You celebrate every addition, Amazing Father!

Haven’t you also got a Book of Lives on the go?

You know each of us, inside and out, the good and the bad.

Calling all of us to be the contributors of our stories to this tome,

You accept us, our brokenness and stumbling journeying.

You want us to reveal Yourself in our stories, as You do in Your books.

Even the thieves on the cross are in this writing process.

Their stories reveal Your Grace, Your Mercy & Your Forgiveness,

While also challenging us on our many choices,

Wise acceptance of Your gifts or foolish denial of Your authorship.

The thieves’ stories in Your Bible show You value each inclusion.

Throughout these wonderings, I thought too of our community.

Are we a welcoming place for all to share their stories?

Or do we unthinkingly add to the stigmas of exclusion?

Oh Story Writer, help us to be ever loving, ever sharing

Our journey stories, encouraging all to do the same.

A Simple Prayer: Psalm by Nels

JUNE

Below is an open poem (a poem that is meant to be added to by others). This one was reflecting on our brother David Dorman, while he was battling cancer for the third time.  Now we are in the midst of this pandemic, what verses can you add that reflect life in these times and where you are finding/seeing/hearing God?

Seeing Jesus - October 2012, by Fred Harwood

On Saturday night I turned off the TV early. The baseball game was not yet finished. Homework, tests, camp work unfinished. Being still, I prepared to go to the House of Lord

Already bathed, thinking about shining my shoes, I realized that I might see Jesus tomorrow!  His steps might be slower, more frail.  But his welcome, his smile and his laugh would be sure.

He would be there to share his evident joy.  That it is good to dwell in the House of the Lord together.  What a friend we have!  Shirley, goodness and mercy would follow him in.

He has been here and there and in the air.  On land and sea and in our hearts.  Yet here in the House of the Lord, he dwells.  Letting us see Jesus more clearly.

I realized I would see Jesus tomorrow!  He would greet me with a hearty handshake, a warm hug, and a smile of greeting to let me know how precious I was.  He would remind me to be thankful for each and every one.

We are Emmanuel Christian Community.God is with us, in us, together.  We are stronger together, richer together.  Where laughter, tears and love weave us together.

We will see Jesus today! He will be dancing in the back with small youthful steps, or in the aisle with an elder’s graceful, grateful praise.  He might limp in with a cane or stride in with drumsticks.

We will hear Jesus today!  Up front, in the back, or beside us in our seats.  In prayer, in praise, in preaching and benediction.  In greetings, in sharing coffee and bread and reminiscing together.

We are reminded that we have seen Jesus here.  And He has taught us: in lives of faith and their walks, in sickness and in health, in death and in new life.  God is good and it is good to be one here together.

We will share Jesus today!  Our friend will remind us of this by his presence.  And should this be a day he is not able to join us, he will send his spirit amongst us, to see Jesus here.

What a friend we have.  Shirley, goodness and mercy will follow him in.  What a friend we have in Jesus!  Surely His goodness and mercy will follow us always.

We will dwell in His House forever.  So let us dwell preciously in this house together.  Seeing, hearing, sharing Jesus as one.  Diverse, but richer and stronger together...

.  .  .

Send your verses to add to this poem to Fred Harwood or submit HERE

MAY

Holding Truly on the Way of Love by Fred Harwood

In Covid, In Christ Poem by Jackie Poon