Thursday Newsletter July 23/26

 God’s Kingdom in the Ordinary

We are in the middle of summer, next week is the last week of July, and I have been here for over three weeks so far. Have you planned for your summer?  Do you have family visiting, trips to go on, beaches to sit on and trails to hike?  With the weather so warm, the outdoors is calling; there are so many opportunities to do something different.  This season offers us an opportunity to consider other ways of being, of taking intentional time for ourselves, to slow down and share special memories with families and friends. 

Maybe that's where God's kingdom shows up best, not in the big things or the obvious places, but tucked into a slower afternoon, a shared meal on a patio, a swim in the river as the sunsets. Summer has a way of making room for the small and the unhurried, and so does the kingdom of God. It arrives without fanfare. More often it's folded quietly into the ordinary edges of an ordinary day, growing where no one's watching.

So What’s Coming on Sunday….

It’s mustard seeds and yeast and pearls of great price and nets full of all kinds of different fish. Short pithy parables about the kingdom of God from Matthew 13.  Unlike the previous two parables, there are no explanations this time. The kingdom of God is like…all these small things that make a huge difference and change the way you think about things and maybe also can change your mind.

And that's the invitation this week: to notice the mustard-seed moments already scattered through your own summer. A quiet trail. A porch conversation that runs long. An afternoon with nothing on the schedule. Small, easy to overlook, and maybe where the kingdom of God is already getting in.

~Heather

-- 

Blessings, Heather

Your vision will become clearer only when you look into your heart.



Who looks outside.. Dreams. 



Who looks inside.. Awakens. (Carl Jung)

 Wheat and Weeds

What a week! Heat warnings, storm warnings, air quality advisory warnings. As of July 15, there were 180 active fires in the north, 136 of those in northwestern Ontario. The largest is 350,922 hectares and still not under control. And the smoke, the haze. The skies are strange colours, the air a little toxic. Not good news.

So how do we live in this? What does the church do in the midst of this 2026 crisis, Scripture that's 2,000 years old (long, long before climate change was a thing).  We live in a culture that has mostly stopped looking to church for answers.  What matters in a week like this one? On Tuesday I was on a Zoom call with Meg Wheatley (internationally acclaimed author, management consultant, and teacher who writes on radically new practices for leadership in chaotic times), and she said something that, I think, speaks to this moment. She said that being part of a community is what pulls us out of fear and out of that reptilian part of the brain that just wants to run or fight. She said we only survive- really survive and become fully human when we do it together. That we can only find out what it means to be human by being in community with each other.

This is what the church has to offer. Not answers, but a place to stand together, to support each other, remembering what it is to be human, knowing that we are not alone, that God is with us.  This community is where the human spirit can flourish.

So, what’s coming on Sunday…..

The reading is a continuation of Matthew 13.

This is the second parable story we hear from Jesus.  Like last week’s parable of the Sower, it is using farming as its motif. This one has been branded ‘The Weeds and the Wheat’.  Like last week, this parable is a two-parter.  Part one is the parable as told to the crowds of people who have come to hear Jesus, and part two is the parable as explained to the disciples. 

It's a story about things growing tangled together, good and bad side by side, and about who gets to decide which is which — turns out, it's not us. That's God's job, not ours. I wonder what it's like to let something stay tangled, for now. Maybe that's not so far from where we are this week — fire and smoke and heat all tangled up with harvest and growth and whatever else is trying to take root, and no clear way to sort it out except together.

~ Heather

Thursday Newsletter (working on a title for this – any suggestions?)

I want to thank you all for your welcome on Sunday; what a friendly congregation. It feels like a wonderful beginning. I so appreciated the engaging conversations we had after worship, those at the door and those in the hall, and I'm grateful to everyone who came up to introduce themselves and tell me a bit about who they are. I look forward to getting to know more of you in the days ahead.

There are a few people I'd like to thank in particular:

Thank you to Rev. Heather for the transition ritual. Your words were a blessing as we transitioned the ministry from you to me.

A great big thank you to the Sunday School for the beautiful welcome on my office door. If you haven't seen it yet, walk by my office on Sunday and take a look.

Thank you to Kim for hanging my pictures and attaching the bookshelf. The office is beginning to feel like home.

Thank you to Virginia for all the orientation she is providing as I settle into this ministry. She has been able to answer every question I've had so far.

What’s coming on Sunday….,

Over the next three weeks we will be reading almost all of Matthew 13, which is a series of parables Jesus shares with the crowds coming to see him.

Diana Butler Bass (historian, public theologian, and author) writes that "the word 'parable' means to 'overturn' or 'cast aside.' The parables are stories told by Jesus and intended to upset what we think!"

This week it's the parable of the Sower. When I think of this parable, the image that comes to mind is the Canadian Bible Society logo which a figure sowing seed from a cloth bag. It's a gentle image, and yet this parable is anything but gentle; it's unsettling.

I'm looking forward to unpacking that together on Sunday so come curious about what gets overturned. See you then.

~ Heather

This is my first weekly newsletter to you, and all is chaos around me …. boxes, boxes, and more boxes ~ everywhere!  We arrived in Almonte yesterday to a rain ‘shower’ of welcome and a lovely team of folks who braved the rain to help us unload.  Thanks so much to everyone, you helped us more than you know.  Sunday is coming and worship will happen despite all the chaos. I look forward to my first worship with you.

This Sunday we will read Matthew 11, where Jesus is navigating doubt, criticism, and the resistance of the religious establishment.  He pauses in the middle of it all to offer invite us to: “Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.” And couldn’t we all use a little bit of rest right now especially after this week’s heat and storms.  

Besides reaching me through Virginia at the church, you can also contact me through my email, heatherjoandavies@gmail.com or phone 226-668-7331 (call or text).  I look forward to getting to know you and begin our ministry journey together.

And please call me Heather…..See you Sunday!

Good Sunny Day to All:
 

Today’s message comes with mixed emotions as it is my last; Rev Heather Davies begins next week as our new full time minister.
It’s two years since Rev. Mary left and I became your part-time interim minister. For me, has been a time of great comfort and peace coming only a few weeks after my husband’s death. I have truly enjoyed working with the AUC congregation again; you are so vibrant and filled with faith and joy. And I look forward to singing in the choir when September comes.🎶🎶
I know you will welcome the new Rev. Heather with open arms and give her your abundant encouragement and support like you always do!
Our scripture lesson this Sunday is from Luke 12:22-34 where Jesus tells his disciples of every age: “Don’t be afraid.”
I’ve heard via the grapevine that there’s a big party in the hall after worship with a potluck lunch; please bring your own dishes and cutlery to minimize cleanup.
In closing, let me extend many thanks to all for your loving care❤️❤️❤️❤️
Mega blessings, peace and love,
Rev. Heather K.  🙏🙏🌺🌺😍😍
PS: One of the banners hanging in the pavilion.

 

Hello Dearest Friends:
 

Happy Rainy Day to All! It looks like there’s no sunshine in the long range forecast so guess what? WE need to be the warm, bright sunshine in our church, community and world during these sometimes dark and dismal days😎😎😎
 

Due to technical glitches over the past two weeks, we were unable to email our weekly message. So let me tell you about last Sunday’s service led by our devoted Sunday School children, Youth Group, and awesome leaders. They carried the theme of Earth, Sky, Water and Land entirely through the worship service culminating outside with the Blessing of the Pavilion and the four hand-woven banners which they created. Many, many thanks to All who made this service so very inspiring🙏
And if you haven’t seen the banners, make sure to drop by the Pavilion to take a closeup look at them; they are intricate and very beautiful.
 

You won’t want to miss this Sunday’s service when we celebrate “The Blessing of the Animals,” both much loved live and toy pets. Virginia has created a very special bulletin for the service and it promises to be a most inspiring time of thanksgiving and fellowship.
 

Looking ahead, Sunday, June 28th will be my last service as your interim minister; on July 5th, Rev. Heather Davies will begin her full-time ministry among us. Both services promise to be very special so please plan to join us; more details next week!
 

Let us continue to uphold in our thoughts and prayers all those who are sick, recovering from surgery, lonely or fearful of the future. And may God bless all of us, each one, with abundant faith and hope and love.
 

Fondest wishes. Rev. Heather 🙏❤️🌼
 

PS: This is an Itoh peony presently blooming in our garden. 😍 

Good Sunny Morning to All:
 

I hope everyone is getting an opportunity to walk, bike or drive through town to see the beautiful trees, shrubs and bulbs in bloom. Spring time never fails to amaze us with its variety of colours, shapes and textures.
 

This Sunday is Pentecost; the day we celebrate the gift of God’s Holy Spirit to the church of every age and denomination; the Scripture is Acts 2:1-21.
We will be officially welcoming new members into our church family and also celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion. It promises to be a very special and meaningful service.
 

Enjoy all the glories of spring time.
Blessings from Rev. Heather 🙏🌸🌺🌼

Good chilly morning to all: 

I’ll begin by commending all who made last weekend so very special. It started out on Saturday with the very successful High Tea and ended on Sunday with the introduction of our new minister, Rev. Heather Davies, who begins her ministry among us on July 1st. Her first Sunday will be July 5th; please plan to give her a warm welcome at worship on that Sunday. 

Now to this upcoming Sunday. We will celebrate three Baptisms on this Christian Family Sunday; the service promises to be very special. 

We will also be celebrating Mothers Day. We invite people who have purchased baskets or containers of flowers to bring them to decorate the sanctuary and then take them home after worship. Let’s make the church beautiful on this very special day. 🌺🌸🌼

And please don’t forget the Plant and Bake Sales on Saturday, the 16th; the organizers promise to have lots of goodies and choices for everyone. 

Until next week, enjoy all the wonders and joys of new life awakening all around us. 

And a Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mums, Grandmothers and Great-great grandmothers. ❤️❤️❤️

Blessings and Best Wishes, 

Rev. Heather 🙏🙏😍😍🌺🌺

Hello Dear Friends:

It’s a busy weekend here at Almonte United Church; here’s what happening:

High Tea on Saturday: A very ambitious group has organized a High Tea as a fundraiser; 

the tickets were all sold out without any advertising which is great!

I’ll report on the festivities next week🌼🌸

Rev. Heather Davies…our new minister will be at worship on Sunday morning; plan to attend worship and have an opportunity to briefly meet her. We really look forward to her full-time ministry among us on July 1st.

Make sure you look up at the new green roof on the pavilion. Many thanks to the hard-working crew who made it happen!

All around us, the spring flowers are blooming. Make sure you take a moment to enjoy them. The photo is Hellebore; an early bloomer in our garden. 🌺

Blessings from Rev. Heather 🙏🙏❤️❤️

 Good Sunny Morning Friends:
 

Isn’t this a spectacular spring day? We’ve waited a long time for this weather and the spring bulbs to bloom. Enjoy their fragile beauty while you can.  🌺🌼🌸
 

This Sunday we will be celebrating the Earth and all of its bounteous gifts. The scripture is Psalm 8 which talks about God’s marvellous creation.
 

During coffee time after worship, Emmett is doing a fundraiser, “Cakes for Apes”. Please plan to support these endangered species with delicious home-baked goodies from the Badger kitchen.
 

There’s plenty of great events coming up here at AUC; we’ll keep you posted!
 

This picture was taken by our talented Margie Graf; it’s two of our younger children heading off to Sunday School. I think the picture symbolizes who we are (regardless of age!) here at AUC; we hold each other’s hand as we endeavour to be disciples of Jesus here in this place and in our world.
 

Blessings to all, Rev. Heather  🙏🎶❤️

 

Good Holy Week to All:
 

In the midst of the bunnies, chocolate and eggs, I hope everyone is having an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual meaning of this week.
 

Tomorrow: Good Friday at 10:30 am: We will be remembering the terrible events of this day through song, scripture and story.
 

At 12 Noon: The Ecumenical Walk of the Cross begins at the Baptist church, then the Community Presbyterian church, then our United church. It then goes over to Main Street and ends up the hill at the Anglican Church. You are invited to join in any or all of this memorial walk.
 

Easter Sunday at 10:30 am: Plan to join us in celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead with special music and the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
 

A busy spring is planned for AUC; watch for more interesting details next week.
 

Blessings and best wishes for renewal and joy this Easter Season. Rev. Heather 🙏🎶😍🌺🌸🌼

 Hello Friends:
 

So I traded the sun and ocean for snow and slush….but, as always, it’s great to be home. I enjoyed a relaxing ten days in Costa Rica among the gorgeous trees and flowers and truly hospitable people; it was a real treat for me.
 

I wish to thank the many people who, so expertly, led Sunday worship in such creative ways during my absence. What special gifts you have to share with our church family! Many thanks again🎶
 

This Sunday begins Holy Week for us in the church calendar:
 

Palm Sunday, March 29th at 10:30: We will remember the joyous entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Rather than waving palm branches, we invite people to bring and wave colourful scarves as we make our own parade.
It’s also Birthday Sunday to celebrate the March birthdays in our midst; please plan to celebrate with cake and coffee after the service.
 

Good Friday, April 3th at 10:30 am:
Please plan to join us for a somber service as we remember the terrible events of Jesus’ conviction and crucifixion.
At 12 Noon: The Walk of the Cross through the streets of Almonte beginning at the Almonte Baptist Church or join at AUC;   People are invited to participate in part or all of it.
 

Easter Sunday at 10:30 am with the Sacrament of Holy Communion and very special music to celebrate the Resurrection of our Saviour.
 

Many, many thanks to all for giving so freely of your talents and time during my time away. And while I was writing this message, my luggage arrived after spending time in both the Toronto and Ottawa airports!
 

Fondest greetings to All,
Rev. Heather 🙏🎶🦧🌺🌼😎
 

PS: This picture is sunset on the Pacific. I wonder who is on the other side of this great ocean??

 

Good Cloudy Morning to All:

Isn’t Mother Nature wonderful as we watch those feathery snowbanks crystallize and shrink before our very eyes? And also that that some sugar makers have boiled sap already! Yum! Yum!

Mega congratulations to our wonderful Youth Group on their Walk in Carleton Place last Saturday night; with congregational help, over $1500. was raised for youth homelessness. 🤙🤙

This Sunday, March 8th at 10:30 am: A brief worship service in the sanctuary followed by the Annual Congregational Meeting in the Dining Hall where refreshments will be served; this will be followed by a very interesting presentation on “Looking Forward to ‘35.” Please plan for a very special and educational Sunday. 

The Annual Report is posted on the AUC website; please copy, read, and bring to the Annual Meeting. 

The Proposed Budget for 2026 can be found in the Annual Report section of this webpage.. Again please print it and bring to the congregational meeting. And many thanks to Bob Lesser and Bob Watson for all of their financial expertise!

AND Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night🕖🕖🕖

Bountiful Blessings to All, 

Rev. Heather 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

Good Sunny Day to All:
 

First a brief report on the great pancake luncheon last Sunday at AUC. It was a superb success with a fantastic group of all ages:  preparing pancakes, sausages, etc., setting and decorating tables, sharing the delicious meal….and, of course, the final cleanup. Many, many thanks to ALL who made it such a fun and delicious event😍
 

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday so we are now in the somber season of Lent.
This Sunday our Scripture lesson is the story of Jesus’ temptations in the desert from Matthew 4:1-11.
 

Next week on Saturday, February 28th, our Youth Group and friends will be walking in Carleton Place for an event called ‘The Coldest Night of the Year’ to raise money for youth homelessness in Lanark County. If you are interested in supporting our team in any way, please call the church office.
 

Also please mark March 8th on your calendar for our Annual Congregational meeting immediately after worship followed by a special presentation about future church endeavours.
 

And finally, it’s great news that the cast on my right arm was removed on Tuesday! Many thanks to ALL who assisted me over these past several weeks; I really appreciate all of your generosity and kindness.   And as a symbol of their love and caring, this bouquet of flowers was made for me by our AUC Sunday School children. What an awesome gift of joy!

Let us continue to hold those who are sick, grieving or hurting in any way in our thoughts and prayers.
Blessings to all from Rev. Heather. 🙏😍

 Hello All:
A lot of wonderful events have happened at the Almonte United Church since our last message:
—-an most inspiring candlelight service on Christmas Eve with all the pews filled;
—-an informal service in the hall with lots of music and goodies on December 30th;
—-Communion and prayers for the New Year on January 4th;
—-Celebration of Epiphany (the visit of the wise men) on January 11th and the Baptism of Jesus on January 18th, with
the return of our wonderful  organist, choir, SS children, leaders and youth for these services.
 

This Sunday, January 25th: our own Rev. John Peters will be leading worship. The Gospel lesson is the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:1-12. This is Birthday Cake Sunday celebrating our January birthdays so please plan to join in the celebrations at coffee time in the upper hall.
 

And finally, many of you know that on Saturday, January 10th, I fell and broke my elbow while carrying a box of small vases. Ask the witnesses! It was quite a dramatic scene: the helpless minister lying at the bottom of the stairs among many shards of broken glass! Many, many thanks to the helpers who rescued me!
My day surgery is this Thursday, Jan 22nd at the Montfort Hospital. Many, many thanks to ALL who have supported me in so very many ways; everything is very much appreciated.
Rev. John Peters has kindly offered to do pastoral care during my absence; please don’t hesitate to call him in case of emergency at 613-601-2148 or Virginia at the Church Office at 613-256-1355. I will be keeping Virginia updated on my progress!
That’s all for now! I hope you are able to know God’s healing, hope and peace in the midst of this cold, snowy January.
Blessings to all, Rev. Heather 🙏❤️☃️
 

PS: Two amaryllis bulbs brightening this gray day.