Dear Grace United Church,
Spring has sprung, and winter coats and shoes are put away. The time has come to open up our hearts and minds to the great outdoors and the Universe, to be recharged and rejuvenated, to make this world a better place.
There is an annual conference that takes place in the United States, which I have attended since 2013, called Festival of Homiletics – in other words, Festival of Preaching – Yes, who would want to attend a festival of preaching and listen to 4-5 sermons and lectures per day? I would, yours truly! Why, you ask? Because to be in the presence of world-renowned preachers, authors and speakers, is a priceless gift. These individuals truly speak to the heart of ministry and ministers and offer food for thought, courage to preach and help us lead our communities of faith and beyond to make this world a better place.
May 2019 was the very last in-person gathering we had in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Since COVID hit the world, we have done this gathering virtually and it has been wonderful and inexpensive, but it is NOT the same. You all know there is some amazing energy that takes over us when we get together in person.
Back in November 2021, the festival organizers decided that the 2022 gathering will be both in-person and virtual. This year’s fitting topic is After the Storm: Preaching and Trauma.
I was planning to participate virtually, as I was afraid to travel during COVID. However, my eldest sister, Silva Atolikian, passed away on Feb. 25, 2022, in Los Angeles. Losing a second sister in a three-month period woke me up and gave me the courage to decide to participate at this amazing gathering in person. I remembered that life is too short to let fear overrule the blessings that are waiting for me, especially when I am also triple vaccinated. Also seeing so many of my family members and friends travel back and forth, I gathered the courage to get up and get going – literally.
I e-mailed the organizer of the conference to ensure that there was still room for one more in-person attendee, as there are limited seats available due to COVID restrictions. She e-mailed me back expressing what a wonderful news this is – and yes, there is room for me.
You all know how busy a minister’s life is. Balancing personal and congregational commitments. Learning how to celebrate the joys with those who are rejoicing, and crying with those who are journeying through dark and difficult moments of life. It took me a few days to let the M & P know about my change of plans from virtual to in-person participation. I also shared with them, as per their request, the cost of this in-person gathering. Of course, they were worried that the cost of this conference was more than double of what my allowance is. But I assured them that I will do like I have done since 2013, put everything on my credit card, and whatever is more than my allowance, my husband and I will pay the rest, slowly. This once-a-year gathering is like fresh streams of
water in the desert of a minister’s soul – even my husband can tell the difference after my return from this event.
To make a long story short, beloved, three days after my conversation with the M & P, I received a phone call from the organizer asking me if I would be interested to attend the conference free of charge? I pinched myself and I said, what?!?
She said: All you need to do is help the conference staff, if needed to communicate something to the planning group, while I can still fully participate in listening to the sermons and lectures that I so crave for, and making my GUC Allowance enough to cover the portion of my study leave.
Beloved, why am I sharing all these details with you? Because you need to hear the Good News of God’s Provision. God provides all our needs, as long as we are not letting our fears control us. You know it is said that courage is to do something despite your fears.
Dear GUC, trust God in everything and please pray for me, as I take a weeklong study leave and attend the Festival of Homiletics, in Denver, Colo. I will be back to work on Wed. May 25. The worship leader for Sun. May 22 will be our wonderful Licenced Lay Worship Leader, Tammy Ferguson, who will also lead worship on May 29, when I recuperate from our Regional Council’s AGM, which will take place on May 27-28, via Zoom.
Remember to invite your family and friends to hear Gpd’s Good News proclaimed through Tammy and the wonderful music that our music director and the choir offer every Sunday. Attending Worship Celebration every Sunday should not be a big secret, but it should be a JOY to share with all. You do not want to keep a Good Thing a secret, would YOU? Invite, invite, invite…
I cannot wait to return to the pulpit on June 5, Day of Pentecost, where we will celebrate the Birthday of the Church. And on June 12, we will celebrate our covenanting service during our regular worship hour and the 97th Anniversary of the United Church’s Union.
In the meantime, should there be any pastoral care needs, Rev. Lynne Gardiner, my colleague, and Soul Sister, has agreed to step in. You may reach her at: (613) 267-3855 or by e-mail: pastor@bethelchurchrideauferry.ca
I remain your spiritual leader and God’s servant-daughter,
Rev. Takouhi Demirdjian-Petro
Incumbent minister