Thank God for creative minds
As is often the case in challenging times, the creative mind will provide a spark of hope, [a light in the darkness].
Two such sparks were recently provided from the creative mind of Reverend Vernon Reid, of St. Mary’s Anglican parish in Glace Bay.
The first was a combined prayer service, on a rotating basis, at five churches in Glace Bay and Port Morien. Ecumenical services aren’t unusual, of course. But, in this case, parishioners and clergy from five parishes – St. Mary’s Anglican, Holy Cross Catholic, Warden United of Glace Bay and St. John’s United and St. Mary’s Catholic in Port Morien – hosted prayer services on a rotating basis, during the seven Wednesdays in Lent.
As numbers grew a sense of enthusiasm and unity emerged. When you consider the level of religious bigotry that existed for so long, within our communities, this simple but positive spark could be considered a genesis moment.
The second of those sparks was a First Responders Service, hosted by St. Mary’s of Glace Bay. The theme was one of remembrance and appreciation for the lives and service of first responders. Reverend Duncan Roach of Calvin United in New Waterford was guest speaker.
The service featured readings by members from the various first responder groups. Family members and friends lit candles in memory of departed first responders. Music featured selected hymns by the choir, and solos by Bob MacLean and Aileen Butler.
In a world that is consumed by “spectacle events,” it’s refreshing to see how simple ideas, delivered with reverence, are still able to connect and engage people in a positive way.
Thank you, Father Norman McPhee, Reverend Robert Big gar, Reverend Carol Gillard, Reverend Myrna MacMullin and Reverend Vernon Reid. Your cooperative leadership truly exemplified the lines of St. Francis’ Prayer for Peace: “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
Al Moore Glace Bay