August 8 - A new Chapter at Mill Woods United Church

Mill Woods United Church welcomes Rev. Dr. William Brook

Dear Friends,

It was so good to be with you last Sunday! It was disappointing that the barbecue was rained out, but it was wonderful to worship together. Thanks to Kathy Poechman for offering her hospitality. Thanks also to Elfrieda Penner, AJ Janewski, and all those who made worship happen on Sunday. Darolyn and I are so grateful for the warm welcome we received. We are already beginning to feel at home.

These past few weeks have been a whirlwind. We moved to Edmonton not quite two months ago, unpacked boxes in our temporary home, and are now packing them up again as we prepare for our permanent move this Friday. In between, I’ve been learning my way around the city and preparing for ministry at Mill Woods United. It's been a joyful season, but it has also meant stepping into a lot of change all at once and trusting that, in time, all shall be well. That's the theme we'll explore together this Sunday.

Trust isn't about having all the answers or pretending we're never afraid. It grows as we discover that God is present with us, whatever life brings. We can trust, not because life is easy, but because we never walk through it alone.

This week's readings come from two stories that, on the surface, seem very different.

The reading from 1 Kings follows a difficult story from the Hebrew Bible. Elijah has been caught up in a violent conflict, reminding us that the Bible tells the story of people living in a violent world. It doesn't ask us to admire everything we read. Sometimes it simply shares truths about where humanity has been (and may still be).

Elijah is exhausted, frightened, and ready to give up. Hiding in a cave, he expects God to appear in power. Instead, God comes as a still small voice. I love this story because it reminds me that God's deepest work is often quiet. Sometimes God's presence is found in the stillness we almost miss.

In Matthew's Gospel, the disciples are caught in a storm, and Peter does something both courageous and very human. He steps out of the boat, but when fear gets the better of him, he begins to sink. Jesus doesn't scold him. He reaches out his hand and catches him. Trust isn't about never sinking. It's about discovering that Christ never stops reaching for us.

As we continue exploring what it means to belong, we'll wonder together what it means to trust God's presence. I hope you'll join us as we worship, sing, pray, and continue getting to know one another.

Peace to you this week, wherever you may be.

William