It’s the middle of Holy Week!

Some days, we have to make adjustments for the wind!

Sailors know they have to set their sails according to the way the wind blows.

Golfers know that, on a windy day, a high drive could take an undesired turn.

A strong wind can turn patio umbrellas inside out or create whiteout conditions from blowing snow.

Last week, the power of the wind wedged a 400m (1300ft) tanker ship across the Suez Canal, blocking this important shipping and economic conduit.

The other day, the power of the wind took our neighbours’ gazebo for a roll through our back yard – destroying the gazebo and a bit of fence along the way.

And, some days we long for the wind.

On a hot summer night when the air is close, we long for a gentle breeze.

On a day when we are drying laundry outdoors, a steady but not too strong wind helps tremendously.

Jesus thought the wind was an apt metaphor for the Spirit of God:

‘The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” – John 3:8

The Hebrew and Greek words for ‘Spirit’ can also mean ‘wind’ or ‘breath’.

God’s Spirit, like the wind, is forceful and dynamic.

God’s Spirit, like the wind, can be surprisingly sudden and strong, and it can be constant and gentle.

During Holy Week, we read the story of Jesus in Jerusalem, aware that there is a powerful and uncontainable Spirit blowing through this story.

This Spirit will shift our Holy Week perspective from death to life.

This Spirit will move a rock from a tomb.

This Spirit filled story will remind us, again and again, that we are not alone, that God is with us!

God’s Spirit inspires us to compassion, forgiveness and hope and calls us to adjust our world view to ensure that all are welcome, that there is a place for all, that justice and love are our guides.!

In the coming days there will be several online worship opportunities to encounter this Spirit:

Thursday, April 1    
7:00 p.m. ZOOM Maundy Thursday Communion

Good Friday, April 2
10:00 ZOOM worship
11:00 ZOOM Messy Easter

Easter Sunday, April 4  
9:30 ZOOM Sunday School
10:00 ZOOM Easter Sunday Worship and Communion

Here is the Zoom link for all of our Holy Week gatherings: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7538449219

You can use the same link tomorrow to join our weekly Thursday morning check-in and chat at 9 a.m.

If you prefer to join us by being on a ‘Party-line’/’Conference Call’ style of phone call, the number to dial is: 204-272-7920

You will be asked if you want to ‘join a meeting’, (say yes), and then enter the meeting ID number: 753 844 9219

During both the Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday services we will celebrate communion.

At this time of COVID-19, what is important is how you approach this service of communion, not the elements you bring with you. If you are able and it is safe to do so, plan ahead so you have bread and juice prepared and ready. If you are not able or if it is not safe for you, please gather something you feel is appropriate to use – a cracker and water are perfectly acceptable to God. These are symbols and are intended to bring comfort and hope to you and to offer respect to God.

We look forward to seeing you again!
Jeff and Carol