To my Brothers and sisters in Christ at Rideau Park United church. You know how you always mean to do something but never get around to it . . . well visiting Rideau Park United again has been on my bucket list for several years, but as I face events I wonder if that item will ever be struck from my list. But there is one thing I am going to do, I want to acknowledge you the Faithful, and those who have gone before for the contribution you have made to my life and to my family. For your support in difficult times and for just being, my home church. I have over 26 years of memories of Lobster Suppers, Christmas Eve services, Coffee time, Lent, Easter, parking lot bar-b-ques,The Choir, Communion, struggles, the laughter, the frustrations, sacred moments and levity. Through so closed doors and opened windows you have been there. Your Staff and the fellowship and leadership of your Ministers (Don Frame, Bob Lockhart, Gordon Webber, Don MacLean, Larry Doyle, Elizabeth, Steve, Lillian, and of course Georgina); Saints like Doug Clark and Les McLaughlin, John Halstead, Marilyn McLauren, The Hagglunds, The Fergusons, The Gronwegs, Innigs, the Alices [Dunnewold and Campbell], Keith and Mary Harris and too many others to mention). I remember with fondness your children, youth, choir, band, elders, mens breakfast and of course all of the pageants and musicals, and it is where I first met my dearest friend Bruce Harding, but as I prepare to go for some significant surgery on Thursday I want you to know that when I count backwards from 100 fading into that artificially induced sleep before they stop my heart . . . my thoughts will be of the Sanctuary at Rideau Park United Church and for that brief moment beat in prayer for you. The serene calmness of the empty Sanctuary, those stained glass windows, its furniture, and the constant presence of the Holy Spirit will be with me. I will recall the promise of abundant life that oozes from the I am the Vine and You are the branches wall hanging over the Chapel that Lillian made one Lent. If you have the time please remember me in prayer but more importantly please hold each other in prayer this Lenten Season and at all times. Keep Faith and keep the space, sacred, and Holy that has been entrusted to you. I will wrap myself memory of the way warm light floods the Sanctuary on Sunday Mornings, of how the choir sings so beautifully and the Gospel is articulately and thoughtfully proclaimed from its pulpit and believe that this what Heaven must be like. This memory of Rideau Park has seen me through the darkest and coldest of nights, in the cruelest of times and evilest of places. Thank you, Rideau Park I though you should know that no effort in the service of The One ever goes un-noticed especially the act of intentionally being there. Thinking of you, love and blessings to all, Lp
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 13:56:20 +0000
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