A Moment with the Mission Centre President

I am sure I share with you a longing to be able to freely gather with family, with friends, and with church brothers and sisters – and even with co-workers in our work places or fellow students in our schools –  without the current constraints imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. There seems to be some “light at the end of the tunnel” as our various government jurisdictions begin to loosen some of those constraints. Yet even that loosening comes with cautionary warnings to continue to practice all of our social distancing principles which have become commonplace in the last couple of months.
 
You probably have one or two good stories to share of experiences during these last few weeks. Perhaps a story of something in your home or family that is related to forced isolation. Perhaps a frustration of not being able to visit with family members in hospital or care homes. Perhaps unexpected humour in your life despite the trying times.
 
For the last several weeks we have been holding “Virtual Visiting Fellowship” meetings via Zoom on Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings. People from across the Canada West Mission Centre (and beyond) have joined these meetings. We have fairly consistent groups of 15 to 20 people at each meeting. We enjoy an hour of sharing about whatever is going on in our lives and then a bit of sharing in response to a “theme question” to encourage a bit of creative thinking. I have two quick stories to share from each of the last two meetings. Last Thursday we enjoyed hearing from one of our members about her recent trip to Africa. She shared pictures and stories about the people and the animals and the landscapes that she encountered over about 18 days of travel through four different countries. This led to others sharing about “bucket lists” or “living life lists” of things they hope to see or do. On Tuesday morning people arrived and began actively visiting with each other before the “program” actually started. As I finally invited each one to introduce themselves (as we do for each meeting), just about everyone continued to share on the emerging theme from that informal sharing: experiences with mice, rats, or snakes! We entertained each other for a half an hour with our amusing stories. If you are interested in joining us, be assured there is always room for more “at the table.” Email me for details: steve@communityofchrist.ca
 
I hope that you have been able to maintain contact with those who are important to you in the last few weeks, whether by phone or email or video links. I hope you have felt supported when you needed support. I hope you have been able to offer and provide support to others when the opportunity has been presented.
 
May God continue to be present in your life. May you feel the support of your church community around you. May you be blessed with health - and/or with healing – and with a positive spirit. May God bless us all with God’s warm, loving presence.
 
Grace and Peace,

Steve Thompson
Canada West Mission Centre President
steve@communityofchrist.ca