Peace reigns
Malcolm was always encouraged to take an interest in conversations around him, and expected to initiate conversation.
The dinner was finished and during the cleanup his mother said, “Malcolm, ask Donna something about her new community.” Without missing a beat, Malcolm, 8, asked, “Donna, what it the best thing about your town?” Inviting deeper conversation, my response was quick. I think the lazy river is the best!
Before long, Malcolm was planning a visit to the YMCA in the Pictou County Wellness Centre. It thrills me every time we visit, to have such a wonderful facility in our county. It’s such a vast improvement over the basement of an old building in downtown Sydney, where I earned my lifeguarding credentials and volunteered in the community for the first time.
Yet, the philosophy, though repackaged, is still one of building community based on the principals of healthy mind, body and spirit.
Assembled to listen to the testimonials of the young emcees, the pep-talk from their executive director and the inspirational message of Tareq Hadhad, were some of the most convinced leaders in our community.
I was among them as part of the Safe Harbour Group who received a Peace Medal. It is humbling to realize that work started by a small group of determined people has expanded to make such a difference in our community as we receive newcomers and participate in the joy filled experience of providing welcome and safety.
Humility was not the only feeling, though. As the event unfolded, I could not help but reflect on the foundation and formation of the YMCA. The acronym (YMCA) is used almost exclusively now, though from the time of its founding in 1844, the principals of Christianity have been employed by the Young Men’s Christian Association. By developing a healthy “body, mind, and spirit” it endeavoured to offer productive activity for young men. While the “Y” has gone beyond those beginnings, having reinvented itself in keeping with societal changes and challenges regularly, what made it successful then continues to play out in its mission and vision.
Beyond the deep dedication of the staff and board, its success lies in its intentional inclusivity. All are welcome regardless of race, religion or economic status to participate in the activities of the Y, and together a healthy community is grown. Intrinsically the “Y” understands that the base for a thriving community needs to be broad.
This week, many churches are thinking about what it means to be under the “Reign of Christ.” Institutions and communities of faith who claim Christ as their king, or inspiration, would do well to think about what it means to be a subject in that kind of reign. It is a kind of power that is not of this world. Not so much about greatness, but conversely about humility. The power held in the mission of Jesus is not power as the world gives.
Service and inclusion; compassion, equality and peace offer clear insights into his reign. While churches are busy trying to figure out how to survive, they may well miss the point of survival. A faith for today, built on the power of love within the world from the beginning of time, is a faith worth proclaiming. Today I heard it. Not in the manner one might expect, but in the gathering, the recognition of leadership, and the reflection on our place in the world and the reality that the goal of peace belongs to all.
What a privilege to be a witness to that.
Rev. Donna Tourneur lives and works and enjoys ministry among the people of New Glasgow and the congregation of Trinity United Church.