Wow...where did May go? Maybe it's the still-chilly weather here. Or maybe it's denial that in just over a month I'll be back in the States to begin a new chapter. But my mind is struggling to comprehend that it's already June.
The last several weeks have been jam-packed with the regular day-to-day ministry of Cornerstone and weeknight youth groups, a vamped up schedule of Sunday school, and prepping for several events happening at Cornerstone and in the community. I also had to part with my sweet, amazing, lovely host family a couple of weeks ago as their moving homes soon. My new roomie (check the Contact tab for my new mailing address) is incredible, though, and made the transition super smooth. Though a whirlwind, they have been amazing and worth the work. Today, St. James partnered with 2 other community organisations in Denton Holme to put on The Big Lunch. The vision of this national event is simple: to create a time when people can come together over a meal and have face-to-face interaction with their neighbours. I'm not sure of the total count yet, but well over 200 people gathered together with their own picnics over music, children's activities, and good conversation. We were blessed with GORGEOUS weather (finally!!!) and tons of help. With all of the hard work of planning, my heart is totally happy with the turnout.
I've focused the teaching of the last 4 weeks of Sunday Club on God's love, how He cares for us, and how we should love others. The toddlers have been such a blessing in that I get to see their little hearts begin to grasp the love that He has for us. Sadly, though, last weekend was my last session with the munchkins. The first of my good-byes. Talk about scary!
God's teaching me so much lately about stopping and savouring these last few moments here, but also how to care for my introverted self in the midst of such a chaotic calendar. In short, I'm definitely figuring out the restorative power of breaks. Rough day in the office? Take a walk. Better yet, grab lunch with a friend. I recently had the privilege of lunch with the very lovely Crewdson's while they were visiting from the States. Talk about much needed! Finding the weight of your to-do list too heavy? Get a chunk out of the way and get away. A couple of weeks ago, I could feel the weight was getting far too heavy. So I went away to Liverpool for a few days. When I came back, my mind and my heart were ready again. I think there's something to be said about the beauty of rest...if we allow ourselves to take it.
Over the next few weeks, will you lift up the end of my time here? I really want to finish well, but my heart is terrified of leaving these people that have stolen such much of it. I'm also praying that my mind can stay focused on the present and save the worrying about the next chapter (college) for when I'm back in the States. Cornerstone has another Open Mic coming up as well a 24-hour prayer event that was accidentally scheduled for the same evening (oops!), we'll definitely need prayer for the navigation of those logistics. Also, Ignite begins its new summer format tomorrow evening. Instead of a structured time in the Parish Centre, we'll take on a street ministry approach. Weather depending, the team will go out to see if any of the teens are about and up for a game of basketball or soccer or just to hang out. I must admit, I'm a bit skeptical. But I'm praying He blows my expectations away. Actually, that's always my prayer. And He never fails to come through on it.
Remember, folks. Don't work too hard ;)
With love,
Britt
The last several weeks have been jam-packed with the regular day-to-day ministry of Cornerstone and weeknight youth groups, a vamped up schedule of Sunday school, and prepping for several events happening at Cornerstone and in the community. I also had to part with my sweet, amazing, lovely host family a couple of weeks ago as their moving homes soon. My new roomie (check the Contact tab for my new mailing address) is incredible, though, and made the transition super smooth. Though a whirlwind, they have been amazing and worth the work. Today, St. James partnered with 2 other community organisations in Denton Holme to put on The Big Lunch. The vision of this national event is simple: to create a time when people can come together over a meal and have face-to-face interaction with their neighbours. I'm not sure of the total count yet, but well over 200 people gathered together with their own picnics over music, children's activities, and good conversation. We were blessed with GORGEOUS weather (finally!!!) and tons of help. With all of the hard work of planning, my heart is totally happy with the turnout.
I've focused the teaching of the last 4 weeks of Sunday Club on God's love, how He cares for us, and how we should love others. The toddlers have been such a blessing in that I get to see their little hearts begin to grasp the love that He has for us. Sadly, though, last weekend was my last session with the munchkins. The first of my good-byes. Talk about scary!
God's teaching me so much lately about stopping and savouring these last few moments here, but also how to care for my introverted self in the midst of such a chaotic calendar. In short, I'm definitely figuring out the restorative power of breaks. Rough day in the office? Take a walk. Better yet, grab lunch with a friend. I recently had the privilege of lunch with the very lovely Crewdson's while they were visiting from the States. Talk about much needed! Finding the weight of your to-do list too heavy? Get a chunk out of the way and get away. A couple of weeks ago, I could feel the weight was getting far too heavy. So I went away to Liverpool for a few days. When I came back, my mind and my heart were ready again. I think there's something to be said about the beauty of rest...if we allow ourselves to take it.
Over the next few weeks, will you lift up the end of my time here? I really want to finish well, but my heart is terrified of leaving these people that have stolen such much of it. I'm also praying that my mind can stay focused on the present and save the worrying about the next chapter (college) for when I'm back in the States. Cornerstone has another Open Mic coming up as well a 24-hour prayer event that was accidentally scheduled for the same evening (oops!), we'll definitely need prayer for the navigation of those logistics. Also, Ignite begins its new summer format tomorrow evening. Instead of a structured time in the Parish Centre, we'll take on a street ministry approach. Weather depending, the team will go out to see if any of the teens are about and up for a game of basketball or soccer or just to hang out. I must admit, I'm a bit skeptical. But I'm praying He blows my expectations away. Actually, that's always my prayer. And He never fails to come through on it.
Remember, folks. Don't work too hard ;)
With love,
Britt