Time Away – Easter 2023

Easter 2023

Dear Grace United Church,

What a joy it is to be journeying with you! Would you believe that this is our third Easter together?

I have been blessed, and still am, to be serving congregations that understand the hardships of being a minister and offer a reprieve following the high seasons of the church, Advent/Christmas, and Lent/Easter. Preparing weekly worship with meaningful sermons is the small part of the iceberg that is visible from the pulpit each week. Not many realize the depth of accompanying all those who are walking through the shadow of death. Of course, there is also the welcomed celebrations of life such as weddings, baptisms, and so much more. Ministry is a balancing act, to say the least. However, every minister who takes their vocation to heart yearns to fully carry out their duty of love to which God has called them.

During the high seasons of the church, the journey goes on overdrive to catch up with all the necessary steps to make these special seasons of the church meaningful, and also to assist us to grow in our faith.

As many of you know, this past month has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride with my personal health, but thank God for amazing doctors who care for us. Most of all, thank God for God’s Grace which reaches us, no matter where we are.

Therefore, this coming week (April 12-19), I will be away from my daily responsibilities of the ministry we carry out together, and enjoy some time with my family, to rejuvenate my heart, mind, and soul. This Low Week/Sunday helps a minister catch up with all the overtime they put in and the statutory holidays they miss, such as Good Friday, for example.

Therefore, I want to take advantage of this opportunity and wish you all a Blessed Easter and a wonderful week ahead. If I may suggest, invite a friend or two to join you at church next Sunday, April 16, and enjoy the message of the Holy One through Tammy Fergusson, our amazing Licensed Lay Worship Leader. Don’t forget to invite a friend or two to join you at church next Sunday.

Should there be any pastoral care needs, Liz Church has agreed to step in, and you may reach her at: (902) 441-5357 or by e-mail: lizchurch1@hotmail.com

I remain your spiritual leader who loves you more today than before; and God’s servant-daughter,

Rev. Takouhi Demirdjian-Petro
Incumbent minister