This was Thanksgiving Sunday on the Canadian calendar, and also the day we marked the 125th anniversary of this faith community, which began as a Presbyterian mission in 1899 meeting in the then newly built schoolhouse, and which over the decades grew to become Lilly Memorial Church and then in the 1950s, Cedar Park United Church. 

We indeed have so much for which to give thanks, together. And “giving thanks” is most fulfilling and most impactful when we can include a true “action de grâce.” When we accept that all things are God’s gift to all, generosity and sharing become the natural outpouring of gratitude.  

In this scripture reading and reflection from June 20, 2021, Rev. Dr. Elisabeth Jones reflects on Psalm 80 and the practice of making space for grief and lament – specifically around the communal and intergenerational impact of settler policies and actions on the lives of Canada’s indigenous peoples.

“Everything we know about God’s utter fidelity to God’s Dream of abundant, flourishing life for all, means that God will do whatever it takes for us to step into the story – not only of our guilt or grief, but of God’s mercy. 

This was the third practice in our 4-week worship series around SNAIL (Spiritual Nourishment practices that Anchor Intentional Living).