St. Barnabus Anglican Church 25th Sunday after Pentecost

I am so thankful I chose to go to church this morning .It was a hard start and late wakening.  But I soldiered on, making coffee, I’d roasted Ethiopian green beans yesterday.,getting dressed and getting Madigan dressed for the Vespa ride there. Rain was forecast but the skies didn’t open.  The ride was chilly pleasant. We actually made it on tine,

Patty who often leads the music was in fine form. Her guitar playing was Bruce Cockburn with a touch of Ry Cooder. She taught the congregation a marvellous old hymn. 

It all took me back to my teen years in coffeehouses when Jim Donahue sang the celtic round  “may the long time sun, shine upon you, all love surround you. May all love surround you and  the pure light within you guide your way home,”. Back then Pete Seegers had  written Turn, Turn, Turn, taking the words from Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. I’d spend a wondrous afternoon with just him and Arlo Guthrie and a few others sitting on  the grass in  Stanley Park. The Beatles sang Let it Be, George Harrison, My Sweet Lord.  Eventually Leonard Cohen would sing Hallelujah,  I loved the Third Day concert in Langley.  I love God inspired music so much more than booze and drug songs or another guy did me wrong music.  

I just love spiritual uplifting music. Patti, who has a marvellous singing voice, really brings alive Christian music.  Today it was this old hymn. Other times it’s been African and South American spiritual songs. Thanks mostly to her we’ve had some swaying and dancing in the aisles.  It’s a diverse congregation, young and old, here and there. 

Madigan was delighted to see his friend, Rev. Emily’s Schanuser Fritz.  I was especially thankful that he was quiet during Emily’s sermon on love and giving.  She shared some of her experience in Quatemala when she’d been there as a young missionary.  

I was happy and at peace , glad to participate in communion. There’s such comfort and depth in shared ritual. I say the Lord’s Prayer myself all the time but love when we say this together. 

I was truly touched too when Rev. Emily said we’d sing the Irish “Be Thou My Vision”  .   Be Thou My Vision is one of my all time traditional favourite hymns.  Right up there with Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, Blessed Assurance,, Holy Holy Holy.  I personally felt this as a gift of God, a moment of synchronicity to underscore the value of making the effort to join in spiritual community.   It was so good to go to  St. Barnabus today.   

What a wonderful experience.  Thank you Jesus.  Thank you St. Barnabus.