I know that we are technically still in the Summer season, but as I do my customary walks with Miss Ellie around 7:30 PM I have noticed how much darker it is getting earlier and earlier. What used to be a lovely evening walk now threatens me with having to put the glow light on Ellie’s collar and for me to don the reflective harness to alert oncoming cars that yes, we are on the sidewalk and yes, we are crossing the road. I must say that I do not like walking her in the dark, as I do not know what else “lurks” in the darkness. It reminds me of walking in the dark in winter and slipping on unseen ice and having to deal with unplowed sidewalks. These shorter days do not fill me with any joy or optimism about what is to come. Here is what I found on how to look at the shortening days with a bit more of a positive and biblical point of view.
Religious reflections on the shortening days often center on themes of divine presence in darkness, the cyclical nature of life and time, a call to spiritual readiness, and a reminder of the need for patience and perseverance through difficult seasons. These reflections encourage spiritual introspection, preparation for challenges, and finding comfort and joy even in darker times.
Themes and Interpretations:
- Divine Light in Darkness:
The shortening days can symbolize life’s challenges or periods of difficulty, but faith traditions often view this as an opportunity to seek God’s light, presence, and beauty even in those times, as seen in prayers for “light as the days give way to darkness”.
- The Cyclical Nature of Life:
The changing seasons, including the decreasing daylight, are seen as part of a natural cycle, mirroring the rise and fall of human values or even cosmic cycles like the Yugas in Hinduism. This perspective can offer a sense of perspective that difficult times are temporary.
- Spiritual Readiness:
Some traditions interpret rapid changes in time as a sign of the approaching end of an era or the Last Hour, prompting believers to live a life of readiness for the divine presence.
- Reflection and Introspection:
The transition to shorter days and colder weather often leads to a natural inward turn, a time for retreat, pausing, and reflecting on life from a spiritual perspective.
- Perseverance and Hope:
Similar to how a tree is pruned in winter to prepare for a future harvest, this period can symbolize a time for spiritual pruning, clearing away the old to make way for new growth, and a call to remain faithful and hopeful.
In Practice:
- Prayer and Quiet Reflection:
The shift to shorter days can inspire deeper personal prayer, allowing for quiet moments of reflection and seeking spiritual guidance from scripture or other spiritual texts.
- Preparation for the Future:
Just as farmers or gardeners plan for the coming harvest, this season can be a time to focus on spiritual preparation and planning for what lies ahead.
- Finding Comfort:
The tradition of gathering indoors and seeking physical comforts during winter can be seen as a metaphor for finding spiritual comfort and closeness to God during challenging periods.
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bible Study.
Our fall bible study will begin on Tuesday September 30 at 12:15. We will be watching and discussing season 5 of The Chosen. This has been a most popular series which brings our bible to life. Here is a link to view the trailer for season 5. https://youtu.be/5CVj41dtkIA?si=2xyvie0E70jYnOg2
Couch Needed – If anyone has a couch they have been thinking about donating please contact Nancy McPherson.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Outreach is organizing a food/cash drive for the St James Food Basket to provide them with selected food products for their client families. The following items have been suggested: tuna, canned tomatoes and tomato paste, pasta (500 mg), canned beans – chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans, baked beans (NO PORK added), dried beans – lentils, chickpeas, etc. (smaller bags), canned soup – vegetable, mushroom, tomato (NO MEAT, INCLUDING CHICKEN), and canned vegetables. We will put a wheelbarrow at the front of the church beginning on Sept 28th to hold your items. If you prefer, you can make a cash donation (cash, cheque or e-transfer) which will be used to buy these items in bulk by the Food Basket. Please mark your donation for the Outreach account and include your envelope number. Let’s aim to fill the wheelbarrow to overflowing by Sunday, October 19th and share our blessings with those who are struggling to make ends meet.
Changing your PARS Donations
PARS program. – If you are on the PARS program for your church giving and you wish to update your monthly donation, this can be easily done by contacting Jackie Taylor either in person or by email at jacquelinet@sympatico.ca
Potluck Sign Up
Music & Worship is organizing a pot luck lunch after worship on Sunday, October 5. The sign-up sheet for this welcome back event is on the bulletin board in the entryway to the church. What a lovely way to spend time with friends and to be thankful for all that we have.
Egg Cartons
A message from St. James Food Basket: Thank you for so diligently collecting egg cartons. We have once again reached storage capacity. We will let you know when we need more egg cartons.
Saint James Food Basket – Bundle Buggies:
If anyone has a bundle buggy they no longer need and would like to donate it to the Food Basket, please leave it in the cloakroom by the Food Bank bin. There are several clients in need of a functioning cart.
A Fall Devotional Update
A new edition of Our Daily Bread (September/October/November), as well as the current edition of These Days (July/August/September) are available on the table in the church vestibule and in the devotional box on the church porch.
Coffee Sign-Up
It is that time of year again when we are looking for volunteers to serve coffe and tea during after worshihp fellowship time. The sign up sheet is on the bulletin board in the Adamson Lounge for now.
- Sept. 21 – Glen & Gregg
- Sept. 28 – Robyn & Margaret
- Oct. 5. – Pot Luck Lunch
- Oct. 12-26 – Outreach
- Nov. 2. – Loreen & Margaret
Thank you to all of you who have given so willingly of your time and efforts. We appreciate you!!
SING ETOBICOKE
Please be advised that Sing! Etobicoke sessions have been moved from Mondays to Thursdays. The time remains the same. Singing commences at 9:30 AM
To register, please visit: https://www.neilsonparkcreativecentre.com/event/sing-etobicoke/
For information, please email: alex@neilsonparkcreativecentre.com or call 416-622-5294.
WEEKLY GIGGLE
A Christmas in September Joke
The old Scot calls his son in London the day before Christmas Eve and says, “I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.”
“Dad, what are you talking about?’ the son gasps.
“We can’t stand the sight of each other any longer” the father says. “We’re sick of each other, and I’m sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Leeds and tell her.”
In panic the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. “Over my dead body they’re getting divorced!” she shouts. “I’ll take care of this!”
She calls Scotland immediately and admonishes her father. “You are NOT getting divorced,” she says. “Don’t do a single thing until I get there. I’m calling my brother back, and we’ll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don’t do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?” and hangs up.
The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. “Sorted! They’re coming for Christmas – and they’re paying their own way.”