July 8, 2026
I hope that you are all enjoying these beautiful sunny days of summer. Now that the horribly hot temperatures have abated, I find each day more glorious than the last.
Warm, sunny days invite a natural pause. The sudden burst of natural light triggers a soothing warmth, clearing the mind of daily noise. Whether you are observing a clear, calm lake mirroring the sky or just pausing outdoors, this atmosphere rejuvenates your focus and brings deep clarity.
On these bright afternoons, the shift in weather often directly mirrors our mood, nudging us from reflective or indoor states to feeling more active, peaceful, and refreshed. It is the perfect time for a stress-free day, whether you are enjoying a good book or simply taking a lazy nap in the midday sun.
As Hans Christian Andersen once noted: “Just living is not enough… One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” Reflecting on this environment helps us anchor our thoughts, allowing us to reset our perspectives and soak in the simple vitality the weather provides.
The urge to see new sights and to visit friends grows stronger. This is in direct opposition to the winter months where all I want to do is hibernate. I often think back to when I was teaching. I cannot even describe the feeling that I got when driving home after the last day of school. 2 months of summer vacation loomed ahead. The first week or two saw me keeping to the school schedule. (Early rising, regular meals and the need to always be doing something). However, once the second week of vacation came upon me, my body totally let go and I found myself napping in the afternoon. This would last for a week or so and once that was over, summer life set in. I had energy to do stuff if I so chose. I met with friends. I once again had the energy to do “stuff”. But that “stuff” was for things that I wanted to do and not what I had to do. I could travel, I could take courses, I could do nothing…whatever I chose. It was nice to be in control, at least for a couple of months.
I hope that you are all enjoying your summer and that you are pursuing things that make you happy.
Also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.
Ecclesiastes 3:13
A Taste of Italy Dinner
Outreach plans to host a dinner on Friday, October 23rd in the downstairs hall. It will feature an Italian themed dinner and will be prepared for us by the new culinary teacher at Thistletown Collegiate and his students. Chef Keith Hoare will be involved too. Ticket prices are $30 and all proceeds from the dinner will go to the Thistletown Euro Trip to Italy which will take place during the 2027 March Break.
The proposed date of Oct 23rd will be confirmed the first week of school in September. Please save this date on your calendar!
A Summer Devotional Update (June 16):
A new edition of These Days (July/August/September), as well as the current edition of Our Daily Bread (June/July/August) are available on the table in the church vestibule and in the devotional box on the church porch.
Common Scents
Please be advised that our church has a scent-free protocol. It seems that some of our dear parishioners feel unwell due to heavy floral smells. Please be considerate of those in our congregation who are affected by strong smells and odors and refrain from perfumes or colognes when coming to worship on Sunday mornings. Thank you one and all.
Lemonade for Fellowship Time
Effective June 14 we will be serving lemonade at the Fellowship time after worship. If you are so inclined to donate a box or 2 of cookies to help cover the summer months, it would be very much appreciated. Please give your donations to Kathy or Susan so that we can store them safely during the summer months. Many thanks to those who have already donated.
September Bible Study
Jacob Birch from the Canadian Bible Society will be leading an 8-week bible study beginning on Tuesday, September 15 at 12:15. He will be offering an overview of the bible from Genesis all the way to Revelations. Mark this in your calendars as it should prove to be a fascinating journey through the Bible.
Sunshine Quotes That Capture the Warmth
- Sunlight after rain reawakens the world.
- There’s nothing sweeter than the sun’s caress.
- During the shortest days of winter, I long for the sunshine of summer.
- Summer: When sunny days fade into starry nights.
- This kiss of sunshine on my cheeks is a balm for my soul.
- There are three things I need in my life: sunshine, laughter, and love.
- Sunbeams peek through my windows and kiss me awake.
- Your love is like sunshine for my soul.
- There’s nothing more glorious than sunshine after a storm.
- The shadows of the past have nothing on the sunshine of today.
- Seek those who bring sunshine into your life.
- The truth is like sunshine breaking through the fog.
- Bring your own sunshine when the weather is stormy.
- Clouds only block the sunshine temporarily. The sun always returns.
- The sun is always there, even when it’s hidden by clouds.
- All I want in life is to shine like the sun.