I have a favourite Bible: the Contemporary English Version. It is ragged and torn, with many notations hand written on the pages over the years. It was given to me by a beloved and active supporter of SWU – someone who, unfortunately, is no longer with us - Shirley Turner. I wonder if she knew when she gave it to me that it would travel to many places and yet find its way home again?
As I thought about my return to SWU after six years leading worship in different congregations, I remembered some words circled in that Bible and found in Matthew 8: Jesus replied “Foxes have dens, and birds have nests. But the Son of man doesn’t have a place to call his own.” I wondered if Jesus was reminiscing about his home temple and thoughts of his life before he began his public ministry? You see, I too have sometimes asked myself if I had a church to really call my home?
I have missed SWU and the community it serves. SWU was where, at a somewhat “later” stage in life, I finally found the courage to fulfill my life long dream of serving.
SWU was the church family which supported me through my journey; first as a Licensed Lay Worship Leader in 2008 and then encouraged me in the discernment process towards my recognition as Designated Lay Minister which began in 2012 and ended in St. Andrews College in Saskatoon in 2016.
And now, Spirit has led me full circle: back to the place where it all began. Back to my “home” church.
Life is a journey with many stops and starts, leading us to places where we never imagined we would go. With faith, perseverance and, yes, a little luck, most of us travel relatively unscathed, loving and being loved by those God places on the path with us, supporting and being supported by those who believe in us and whose beliefs we share.
I am truly blessed to be “coming home” to the church and community in which I lived until 2017. With God, all things are possible and I embrace this opportunity to share the on-going journey with you.
In humility, I give thanks and ask God’s blessing be upon us as we walk together to wherever Spirit may be leading us.
Beryl