Sermon by Shawn Newton.
Earlier today, I walked through our building, now piled high with boxes, evidence of the purging and packing that has now been underway for several months. The feeling of change in the air is palpable. And bittersweet. A poignant reminder that it is possible to feel excitement for the future and a sense of loss all at the same time. If you’re feeling this mix of emotions, too, be gentle with yourself. Change is complicated.
On Sunday, I will speak about what our upcoming move means for us as a congregation, and what will be required of us as we put down our roots in a new and different neighbourhood. Melissa Lobo, Dallas Bergen, and Michel Ross will help lead our service. And Juleth Dawson and Gaby Byrnes will sing their beautiful rendition of Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up” one last time in our sanctuary.
A reminder that next week’s service—on the 29th—will be offered only online to accommodate the quick pivot to the Annual Budget Meeting at 12:30pm.
As some of you are aware, we have been strengthening ties over the past two years with the wider interfaith community through a program called Sharing Sacred Spaces. Margaret Kohr and Richard Kirsh have been our primary ambassadors in this effort (great thanks to them both!), which culminated this winter in our congregation’s entering into a covenant of friendship with several other houses of worship in Toronto. The next stage of this program involves continued deepening of our relationships, while also working in common cause on projects that serve the wider community. Richard and Margaret are ready to pass the baton to new leadership for this next chapter, so if you might be interested in getting involved, please reach out to me or to Margaret and Richard. You can learn more about this initiative through their recent report, which can be found here.
Wishing you all a wonderful start to summer on this long-weekend!
In faith and love,
Shawn
