Compassion is the cornerstone of every faith tradition. The movement out of yourself to the point of being concerned with the sufferings of another, is the beginning of the movement toward God. As the Dalai Lama says “ if you want to be happy practice compassion. If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.”
Happy Canada Day, friends!
I hope you find lots of opportunities to practice compassion as you enjoy time away with family and friends or perhaps you are enjoying a quiet and reflective day by yourself.
Whatever you are doing, we are all interconnected and woven together in the tapestry of our one great family we call humanity. From coast to coast we are stitched together by shared values of respect, peace, kindness and a longing for justice for all people.
Take a moment and give thanks for this beautiful and diverse country we call home. In the midst of our celebrations, let us pause in gratitude for the safety and stability we so often take for granted. No bombs dropping outside our windows! Give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy and the people both past and present who have worked to make this nation a more just and compassionate place. As we wave the flag and wear our red and white proudly (what a wonderful sea of red and white in our full congregation on Sunday- there was a renewed sense of pride and patriotism that I haven’t witnessed before!) enjoy our picnics, our time with loved ones or simply enjoying the coast to coast celebrations on TV today- may we also lift a prayer:
Creator God, thank you for Canada- its beauty, its people, its promise. Help us to be beacons of light and hope, bearers of peace and sowers of your grace and compassion. May we walk humbly, act justly and love deeply for the sake of this land and all who call it home. Amen.
With us now moving into the fullness of summer and its many festivals and activities, I am sending along a mini booklet with a comprehensive list of what’s happening in and around cottage country this summer. Muskoka Outings – Summer 2025 has been compiled by a new member of Trinity United Church- Ann Sutherland, a good friend of Joanne Briggs. Welcome! I challenge you to find a more detailed account of what’s happening throughout the Muskoka region this summer including the fall season! Enjoy! Thank you Ann for graciously offering this gift to our Trinity community. And yes, you are free to pass it along to others that may also enjoy reading it and being out and about this summer.
Save the date Sunday July 20th for a summer extraordinaire Light Beamer Sunday! All kids and grandkids living here or visiting here are welcome to be part of this faithful, fun packed event. Hope you can plan to include us in your summer holiday fun!
Before I wrap up, I want to send birthday wishes to a long time and faithful member of Trinity United Church- Joan Behm. Joan is blowing out her candles tomorrow! Best wishes Joan from all your friends at Trinity United Church! And Lynn McGregor will be celebrating her birthday this coming weekend. Ladies, each candle on your cake is symbolic of another trip around the sun. But more importantly, they represent all the times you both have lit up our world with all your goodness. Shine on! Birthday blessing and hugs to you both! We will sing to you both on Sunday!
As followers of Jesus and his movement of compassion, may we continue to show up in the world as people of kindness, justice and hope.
Hope you can drop in and worship with us this coming Sunday when we will be speaking about travelling light and letting go of unnecessary emotional baggage as we navigate our busy lives.
Scripture passages for this Sunday are: Luke 10: 1-9 and 17 as well as Galatians 6: 2-10.
May the smile of God brighten your day!
In friendship and in faith,
Rev. Diane