Wednesday 22 October 2014

Ottawa

Oh my God. It is hard to believe what is happening in Ottawa today. As I write this Jason Kenney has just confirmed that a Canadian soldier has died as a result of his wounds today and we also know that one of the perpetrators is dead. In crisis times it is difficult to see where God is acting in the world but we trust that God is acting because of our past relationship with Him. Wherever God is in this situation we must trust that She is working to prevent the further loss of life.

Oh God of Love, we come to you today with heavy hearts knowing that there has been loss of life and not knowing much else. We know that it must pain you when your children fight and kill each other, whatever the reasons. Please be with those who are seeking to bring to justice those who have taken lives. Be with those who are hiding and waiting to come out. Be with those who are waiting to know if loved ones are safe.
There are so many unknowns today, Blessed Creator, but one thing we know is that you are faithful to your people and that your love knows no bounds. Give us the grace to make it through this day and to start tomorrow to seek good questions and considerate actions.
Amen.

Tuesday 21 October 2014

PD Days

Our teachers are privileged and mandated to take continuing education to keep their skills current. So every so often they are paid to take Professional Development (PD) days and the children are discharged from school for the day. This sometimes leaves parents of school aged children scrambling to find alternative care arrangements.
Fortunately someone at St. Martin's came up with the idea of providing children's ministry during these PD Days. For the last few years we have been providing child care and Christian education for children who come to our church for the price of a donation to the Saskatoon Food Bank.

I've been at St. Martin's for two years now and Adrienne Starks led the PD Days the year before I was here. We usually get from twelve to twenty children! Most of the kids attend the church regularly but some are friends and some have just found us!
We have a morning sing along and bible story, then usually a time for crafts and games. There's a morning and afternoon snack time and after lunch we usually go to the park beside the church to play on the playground equipment and to explore the "forests".
It's a lot of fun--and a lot of chaos! Luckily we have volunteers who are willing to help out. If you are interested in helping you can contact me. Our next PD Day is on Monday, November 10.