Message from Rev. Louise Hazell

Dear Friends,

 I am by nature a social person and find this isolation difficult but also a blessing.  The thing I miss the most is the church services and the bible study.  I thank Delme for his preparation for the services on the internet.  It is not easy to prepare in a different format and I have found them uplifting.  I like the fact that I can listen to them a second and third time as each time there is something that strikes home. 

 It has also given me an opportunity to clean the cupboards and find some spiritual material which I used years ago called ‘Companions in Christ.’  Sue and I are going through this course and finding it uplifting and pertinent.

 Henri Nouwen one of my favourite authors writes, ‘Hope frees us to live in the present, with the deep trust that God will never leave us.’

 Many of us, myself included live with fear of the future, regret of the past and it takes real discipline to live in the present.  The birds are still singing, the sun is still shining and there is a time of being still and knowing that God is God.

 In this time there is time for contemplation and realizing again and again that God is with us. 

 Many of the old hymns and songs come to mind unbidden and I sing them silently or at times loudly, at times a CD helps me awaken my spirit and fill my mind with praise.

 It is a time to pray and praise God for the people we can assist in action, even a phone call, and prayer. 

 I have a little dog, Leila, who comes and paws me at about 4pm to tell me it is time to go for a walk because that is the routine.  So, God touches us to remind us not to lose heart but to continue to trust him. 

 Prayer:  Lord God Almighty, be with each person we love during this time of separation. Please comfort those who mourn and be with those who are sick, as well as the people who care for them.  Lord we trust you and glorify your Holy Name.  Amen.