This past week, we have seen an increase of people from the downtown core dropping by the church needing pastoral care. Most people are looking for a word of hope and encouragement as these times of pandemic continue. It struck me how important the presence of Kamloops United Church is at the corner of St. Paul and Fourth. A few people have said to me that seeing the church is a reminder that there is a God, and that God is still present with them through this COVID winter.

As we think about the ministry and outreach of our congregation, we usually don’t consider the statement that our building makes to the wider community. It is a testimony to the fact that there is a group of Christians who still hold faith in these modern times. One man said to me, when he knew that I was the minister of KUC, “That is a safe place. I know because of the rainbow in front of the church.”

We passed the 2021 budget last Sunday and I want to thank everyone for their tremendous support of our faith community’s ministry and mission. I also want to thank the excellent stewardship of people in the past which has enabled us to have the building and the witness that we have today.

Blessings for the coming week,

Michael