Keene United Church
30 North Street K0L 2G0 Keene, ON, Canada

Good morning, Happy Earth Day. ...Continue reading

Good morning, Henri Nouwen in Raw Faith by John Kirvan writes:... I can only fly freely when I know there is a catcher to catch me. If we are to take risks, to be free, in the air, in life, we have to know that when we come down from it all, we're going to be caught, we're going to be safe. The great hero is the least visible. Trust the catcher. During these times when we are constantly weighing the risks of our decisions, fly free and trust that God will catch you. with thanks and blessings, N. Rev. Nancy Wilson Minister - Keene and Hiawatha United Churches (705) 295-6952 (church) (705) 696 - 2835 (home)

Good morning, Check out this video that was created by Thunder Bay Churches to observe last Thursday's vigil which drew attention to the Guaranteed Livable Income movement. See if you notice any familiar faces! ... As you watch and listen to them sing "This little light of mine" https://youtu.be/D-8z-XA4eeM consider where you have seen God's light shining in your world over the past week or two? Think of how you might shine a light of hope and help to others. Also, just a reminder that if you are looking to order some Greek food for tomorrow (Friday) night, please do so before noon today. Call or email Nikki Nelson at: SKH Events & Catering Co 705-768-0377 [email protected] *Money from each meal will be donated to Keene United/OSM Food Cupboard. with thanks and blessings, N. Rev. Nancy Wilson Minister - Keene and Hiawatha United Churches (705) 295-6952 (church) (705) 696 - 2835 (home)

Good morning, In Unexpected Miracles by David Richo, Marguerite Yourcenar wrote: "To stay in one place and watch the seasons come and go is tantamount to constant travel; one is traveling with the earth."... In these times of 'staying in one place" may you travel with the earth as you watch the spring come and new life emerge. with thanks and blessings, N. Rev. Nancy Wilson Minister - Keene and Hiawatha United Churches (705) 295-6952 (church) (705) 696 - 2835 (home)

Good morning, As we prepare for our Church Council meeting this evening and as we consider how we can safely share the Christmas story in ways that speak of 'Emmanuel' God is with us, may we focus on the 'big picture' - the connecting in with others, the sharing a message of hope, the offering of love in the world. Spiritual Reflection: ... Georgia O'Keeffe, the influential American painter, once suggested that everybody take a ride in an airplane. She thought the perspective from the airplane would change the way people see things. What is seen from airplane altitude is the connectedness of what appears from the ground level to be separated. John Shea in Starlight: Beholding the Christmas Miracle All Year Long Spiritual Practice: Think of and name situations when you are able to grasp the big picture. How do you see your community (and in particular your community of faith) painting a picture of connectedness during this time? with thanks and blessings, N. Rev. Nancy Wilson Minister - Keene and Hiawatha United Churches (705) 295-6952 (church) (705) 696 - 2835 (home)

12 is a number of completion and wholeness. There are 12 months in the year, 12 signs of the Zodiac, ... 12 inches in a foot, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 disciples of Christ, 12 steps, and more examples. Enjoy this collection of 12 quotes regarding play. https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/galle/category//4 with thanks and blessings, N. Rev. Nancy Wilson Minister - Keene and Hiawatha United Churches (705) 295-6952 (church) (705) 696 - 2835 (home)

Later in the day than planned but this spiritual reflection as we move into the waiting, hoping, loving, peace and joy of Advent. When we were given the capacity to love, to speak, to decide, to dream, to hope and create and suffer, we were also given the longing to be known by the One who most wants to be completely known. It is a longing woven into the very fabric of the image in which we were made.... Robert Benson in Between the Dreaming and the Coming True Spiritual Practice: Reflect upon how your yearning for God has deepened your life. with thanks and blessings, N. Rev. Nancy Wilson Minister - Keene and Hiawatha United Churches (705) 295-6952 (church) (705) 696 - 2835 (home)

Worship for Sunday Nov 22, 2020 Reign of Christ Sunday ANNOUNCEMENTS: As our area moves into Yellow Zone for the Pandemic precautions, we will find out more this week if and how that affects our worship offerings. In the meantime, the services outlined for Advent (and extra outdoor activities i.e. the Tree Lighting) are in the works so follow the announcements closely. ...Continue reading

https://youtu.be/DtRvETV7Lh4

Today is the Transgender Day of Remembrance - a day set aside to recognize those who have been killed due to ignorance and hatred, targeted because they were trans or gender non-conforming. The first event took place in 1999 in San Francisco to honour Rita Hester, who had been brutally murdered the previous year. You may or may not know people who are transgender or gender non-conforming. Even so, this day of Remembrance is a time to consider those who are often overlook...ed. misunderstood or forgotten by the world. We pause in honor of their lives. It is an opportunity to learn more about the challenges faced by transgender and gender non-confiming people. It is a time to meet hatred and indifference with love and respect. Spiritual Practice: Listen to David Kai's song "We are a Rainbow" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_7cab-80_s&feature=youtu.be Consider how you make room in your life for people of many different colours to express their identity and be themselves. Sending Forth (words shared by Jordan Sullivan - United Church Chapel service 2017) It is sacred work to make sure that in this world, all are treated equally, all have the right to live a safe life, and every person is counted as a whole and complete person created in the image of God. Let us do this work with our whole selves. Let us stand together and act together so that no one may remain broken. with thanks and blessings, N. Rev. Nancy Wilson Minister - Keene and Hiawatha United Churches (705) 295-6952 (church) (705) 696 - 2835 (home)