October 22, 2026 -Steadfast Love

Friends

As we catch our breath after the referendum, we turn our attention to another important event: the 50^th anniversary of Mill Woods United Church.

I have been learning a lot about this congregation through Rob McPhee’s book (did you get your copy yet?), our This is US series exploring each decade of this church’s history, and conversations with many of you.

Over the past couple of months, I’ve been asking as many people as I can three questions: what do you love about Mill Woods United? What do you struggle with? What is your dream for our future?

I’ve been grateful for so many open and thoughtful conversations.

This week I want to focus on the first question: what do you love about this church?

The answer has been remarkably consistent. Again and again, people speak about the sense of community. They tell stories of friendships that have lasted decades, of people who have supported one another through illness, loss and difficult times, and the joy of simply being together. I’ve even met folks who have been here 10 years (or more!) and still consider themselves newcomers.

What strikes me is the steadfastness of this love. Folks remaining committed to community and to one another, through all the changes fifty years can bring.

This is a beautiful expression of what it means to be church together and it is worth celebrating.

This Sunday we reflect on Jesus’ teaching about loving God and neighbour and Paul’s gentle words to the Thessalonians. We will consider what it means to care what has been entrusted to us.

In gratitude,

William Brook