Today someone said to me that it is amazing that with the limited access to the church building and with all of the COVID safety protocols that we are following, that the “work” of Kamloops United Church is more than ever. They noted the number of new things that are happening as Kamloops United reaches out the our congregation and the community.

A highlight of this week was performing the wedding of a young couple, Angie and Austin. It was a small affair, with only two witnesses and the Bride’s parents. They were thrilled to be welcomed into our church for their special day.

Another new and first for me will be conducting a Zoom funeral service for a dear friend, Phyllis, from Vancouver. Her children are in California, Victoria and Saskatchewan. Tomas and I will be doing the service live from the church and I appreciate all those who are joining us to run sound, projection and cameras. Phyllis’ family are so thankful for a church service for their mother who was a life-long member of the United Church.

Another highlight was this week’s council meeting. As our meeting closed, I thought to myself that the members of Council Circle are doing a great job of leading our congregation through this time of pandemic with great wisdom.

The final highlight I wish to share with you is around worship. When you think that in six months we have gone from no live-streaming to sharing our worship services with people all around the world through YouTube, I think this is amazing and our sound, projection and camera people are amazing. Thank you to Tomas for his musical direction. A number of us are taking a course each week sponsored by the United Church on helping us with new ideas and techniques for worship in this time of pandemic. I am thrilled by the enthusiasm of those taking the course and we are seeking to put something from that week’s session into practice the following Sunday.

As the nights get longer and colder, want to leave you with this blessing that I came across this week:
          May the love of a thousand angels be beside you,
          May the light of the brightest stars always guide you,
          May a well of peace be felt deep inside you,
          May the joy of dreams fulfilled always find you.
                              Michael