Sunday, August 1

On this perfect summer morning, we paused before entering the church
to admire St. Andrew's glorious gardens, and also to seek out a particular
small stone tucked among the flowers. Painted yellow, the stone arrived
this spring, and it carries a cross, a name, a date, and the name of a far-away
country. This tiny leaf-covered memorial eases a sorrowful heart, I hope.

In the Sanctuary this morning were two bouquets, each a mix of garden
and field flowers, including loosestrife. These blooms had been lovingly
gathered, arranged and brought to church, and we enjoyed this gift.

As the church bell rang out in invitation, and the organ prelude began, I
was filled with gratitude that we are able to attend services in this church
where we feel so at home. This morning, the music was wonderful. It always
is. The "Rhosymedre" offertory was exquisite, the Vivaldi solo so beautifully
sung, and the postlude was powerful and uplifting. Of the hymns, the music
for one dated from the 16th century, while that of another was more recent, 1948.
How fortunate we are to be able to range through the centuries under the
guidance of out Director of Music. How wonderful that we have that treasure
house of psalms, poetry and music, The Book of Praise.

Our visiting minister today was The Rev. Dr. James Christie, Dean of Theology
at the University of Winnipeg, and Secretary General of the June G8 Religious
Leaders 2010 Summit, which focused upon the Millennium Development Goals.
No stranger to Ottawa or to St. Andrew's, Dr. Christie's opening prayer was
all-encompassing, quite wonderful, and I wish I had a copy of it.

The sermon took us on the road, three roads actually, all leading away from
Jerusalem: to Jericho, Emmaus and Damascus. The linked stories, of course,
were of the Good Samaritan, Jesus' appearance on the road to Emmaus after
the Resurrection, and Paul's sudden blindness, as described in Acts 9, 1-9. In
each case, the participants in these stories had their worlds widely expanded.
I couldn't help thinking that my Kennedy Grandparents (Knox, Cannington) would
have described this as "a dandy sermon", most deserving of discussion over Sunday
lunch and maybe over supper too. And so it was, a sermon to ponder, laced with
insights and dashes of humour.

We are so grateful to all those who contributed in so many ways to this rich hour of
worship with which we begin our week.

Sheila