I find it striking that the pattern of the church year runs counter to the pattern of the earth’s seasons. As autumn begins, the earth yields its harvest and prepares for winter: a season of dormancy and rest before springtime’s new growth.

By contrast, our church and community life often moves from summer’s quieter pace —while still active in worship and service, we also make room for self care, spending time with loved ones, exploring new places, or resting in familiar places. And in the fall, we engage in a season of renewed activity, as the church year progresses through Ordinary Time toward the Reign of Christ, we turn again to planning, programming, and action.

This September, let us carry forward the renewal summer has offered. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that “those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.” St. Paul, in the letter to the Romans 12:2, calls us to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds.” In this turning of the season, we are invited to receive God’s renewal and with wells refilled and strength restored, dive into the ministries to which we are called, with hearts and minds open to God’s transforming purpose, in and around us all.

The post “Be transformed by the renewing of your minds…” appeared first on Perspective.

We live in a time where the world around us clamours with words of scarcity and fear – I will lead in reminding us of our story set in the abundance of God’s reign, offering hope in place of fear. As St. Paul wrote to the Colossians: “You need to remain well established and rooted in faith and not shift away from the hope given in the good news.”

Standing firm in the grace of God we move forward on this awesome journey of hope-filled faith, alive to the challenges which are, in truth, new opportunities to share the good news of God’s love with a world that is desperately seeking hope and meaningful purpose. Together with people of faith across our country and the world, we offer messages of hope, welcome and justice for all, a heart for reconciliation, and loving service in our communities, all “rooted and grounded in the love of God through Jesus Christ” strengthened by the Holy Spirit.

I am blessed to lead and serve as your bishop, and I offer my blessing to all of you as together we embark with energy and intention on this new stage of our journey in our Anglican Diocese of Ottawa.

The post A note of thanks appeared first on Perspective.