Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Musings at St. Andrew's
Rev. Dr. Ian Gray | Co -Interim Moderator

As I write this article, summer is fast approaching. It doesn’t seem that long ago that I was shovelling snow and now I’m cutting grass. The furnace was on to keep me warm and now the air conditioner is running to keep me cool. How quickly the seasons seem to fly by.

The same is true for St. Andrew’s. We are coming to the end of another busy season in our congregation, a time when so much has happened. During this season we bid a fond farewell to Rev.Marty and Rev. Barb. Rev. Jeff and I were welcomed as your co interim moderators.

St. Andrew’s has been a hive of activity during this time with events and activities too numerous to mention. Wonderful worship services, a growing children’s and family ministry, an amazing community outreach program in which we are reaching out with God’s love to many of our neighbours, and on and on.

We truly have many things to celebrate here. St. Andrew’s is a wonderful congregation, filled with amazing people doing incredible things in the Church and the world. Before we dash off to our summer activities let’s just stop and give thanks that we have the opportunity to be part of the life and ministry of this special community of God’s people.

None of this is possible without the commitment, sacrifice and hard work of many people. At the end of another busy season many of us are tired. We need to take a break to be renewed and refreshed. Thankfully, there is a season of rest and relaxation just ahead.

During the summer months take some time for yourself. Enjoy the natural world that is all around us, a world that displays God’s love and glory. From swimming in the lake, to walking in the forest, to sitting on the deck drinking lemonade.This is also a time to refresh and renew relationships with people you haven’t seen for a while. Seek out and embrace the many opportunities for rest and renewal that are waiting for you.

We all appreciate the ministry of care that Rev. Wendy has among us. During the month of July, while she is on summer holidays, Rev. Jeff and I will be available for urgent pastoral situations and funerals. Please contact the office or one of the elders if we can be of service to you in this way.

This will be the last Musing until September. May the coming season be a time of refreshment and renewal for you. I will leave with the words of the 23rd Psalm.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside still waters;
He restores my soul.

(Psalm 23:1,2 NRSV)

May your summer be a season of green pastures, still waters, and restoration. Enjoy it and come back to us at St. Andrew’s, a place of great people doing great things, bringing the Kingdom of God into this world.

A Peaceful and Blessed Summer to Everyone.

Ian

Rev. Dr. Ian Gray, Co-Interim Moderator