Bon Voyage Shirley!

                                                                                  Geoff Butler 

1 I feel the winds of God today; today my sail I lift,

though heavy oft with drenching spray and torn with many a rift;

if hope but light the water's crest, and Christ my bark will use,

I'll seek the seas at his behest, and brave another cruise.

Voices United 625

 Ruth is very clever at finding just the right card for every anniversary, birthday, Bar Mitzvah...maybe not the latter, but every other occasion.

The image above is by Geoff Butler, a playful but insightful visual artist whose work we have enjoyed for years. Today Ruth will give this card to her sister Shirley who is retiring as a United Church congregational musician after twenty years. Following a career in teaching Shirley found her way into this role, directing the choir and leading congregational singing. A lot has changed in the UCC over two decades, including a succession of clergy in her congregation. Her continuity and adaptablitiy has been important, as it is for musicians in congregations everywhere. Music is vital to our expression of faith in worship in so many ways, literally from start to finish. 

Shirley has also been creative in involving other musicians from a variety of genres, including unconventional contemporary music.  With worship leaders she has included hymns, choruses, songs from both Voices United and More Voices, our two most recent United Church music resources.She's done so without a hint of "diva" in her work. 

Actually, we had a chat recently about the latest United Church music resource. Then Let Us Sing. It is hot off the presses and Shirley showed me her copy. She's made sure that there are enough for the choir, even though she will no longer be in that role. She will be missed. 

We are soon off to Kingston to attend her final service, along with her other siblings and partners. Well done, Shirley, and bon voyage!

Spirit, Spirit of gentleness,

blow thro' the wilderness calling and free,

Spirit, Spirit of restlessness,

stir me from placidness,

Wind, Wind on the sea.

                              Voices United 375

St. David the Tree-Dweller

 

                                                                  St. David the Tree-Dweller

Happy are those

    who do not follow the advice of the wicked
or take the path that sinners tread
    or sit in the seat of scoffers,
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law they meditate day and night.
3 They are like trees
    planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
    and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.

                             Psalm 1:1-3 NSRVue

I've known for decades about St. David, the patron saint of Wales, who according to legend got up to lots of cool things, including miraculously raising up a hill so people could hear him better while preaching. Clever and practical. 

This week I read that there is another holy namesake, St. David the Dendrite, or Tree-Dweller.  He lived in Greece from the mid-fifth to the mid-sixth centuries and he got his name from climbing an almond tree to escape those who hounded him for wisdom and prayer. He lived in the tree for three contemplative years, praying that God would reveal God's will to him. There are so many logistical questions here, but who am I to be dubious. This St. David had his feast day on June 26th. 

I've never been much of a tree-climber, but I do love trees. Ruth scrambled up trees for decades but retired last year after an unfortunate tumble that, happily, did no permanent damage. 

As an unabashed tree-hugger (feet firmly on the ground) I like the notion of a saintly tree-climber who presumably enjoyed almonds. Knowing the benefit of trees for sustaining the planet we might all mark June 26 on our calendars for next year. And as I've regularly mentioned, trees show up in the bible repeated, from beginning to end. 

The bio of St. David the Tree-Dweller at Holy Hermit Online (I'm not making this up) includes this lovely prayer:

God of creation, we give you thanks for the sanctuary we find in the natural world and all that you have made in nature. As we remember David the Dendrite and his need for time spent in solitude with you, may we be inspired to bravely advocate for our retreat spaces and serve our communities with faithfulness and wisdom. We ask your Spirit to help us discern when to withdraw and when to be active in communion with others in faith. May we see the coming of your Kingdom alongside David and all the other

Hermits we remember. Amen. 

  

A Summer Storm & the Web of Creation

 

Last weekend a massive thunder storm with downbursts rumbled through a portion of Ontario causing considerable damage. More than a hundred campers had to be evacuated from Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park on the Mattawa River, four hours north of Toronto. This gem of a park experienced many downed trees as did areas in Algonquin Park, an Ontario wilderness icon.

One of the campgrounds damaged in Algonquin was Lake of Two Rivers, a lovely area of large pine trees and old growth trails nearby. It is also the base for the Cathedral of the Trees summer worship ministry of the United Church. On Sundays during July and August different leaders offer worship inviting participants into "holy wonder", as the poster states.

 I was one of those leaders over several summers and all of us lived in the campground for a week  at a time, chatting with intrigued passers-by. Ruth and I did lots of exploring in our kayaks, on our bicycles, and swimming while we were there, as well as hiking the trails. We saw moose on the cycling trail, always exciting,  but one of our best experiences was paddling a river very early one morning and seeing thousands of spider webs bejeweled by dew. By the time we made our way back they were invisible. 

                                              Damage in Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park 

Because of the emphasis on contemplating Creation we never got into subjects such as climate change during worship yet there is sobering evidence that our forests and waterways are being altered, leading to drier summers with the risk of fire and more violent storms. I imagine that the campers in Samuel de Champlain and Algonquin parks last weekend didn't anticipate such violent weather, akin to a tornado. 

The web of Creation involves so many aspects, all related, all important. We need to be people of purpose and prayer, even as we celebrate the natural beauty we can't take for granted. I hope the Cathedral of the Trees summer ministry is able to get underway as planned

John Macallum Welcomed the Stranger(s)

 

                                                         John Macallum welcomes a Syrian family

When an alien (stranger) resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the native-born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 19: 33-34 NRSVue

...for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me...

Matthew 25: 35 NRSVue

A few days ago we stopped at the food pop-ups in Belleville's Zwick's waterfront park with the goal of buying lunch from the Syrian vendor. This family came as part of the wave of refugees entering Canada from late 2015 into 2017. We got to know the parents and passle of kids when they joined events held for the 23 Syrians we sponsored through a wonderful interfaith coalition. 

The pop-up was tended by the 16-year-old son and I asked about his three older sisters, who it turns out, are all in college and doing well. I inquired about his plans and he shared that he will be doing an electrical co-op term with the view of entering an apprenticeship to become an electrician. I mentioned that I remember seeing his father walking him and his siblings to school in the first days here, none of them knowing English. He said that he has no recollection of learning a new language, it just happened. He was open and friendly, a bright young man, and we parted with smiles. 

Shortly after this lheart-warming encounter we learned that John McCallum, a former Liberal cabinet minister, had died at the age of 75. Macallum was versatile, serving several portfolios including including national defence, veterans affairs, and revenue. He was also the minister of  immigration, refugees and citizenship who orchestrated the arrival and settlement of approximately 50,000 Syrian new Canadians. In his public interviews he always seemed both determined and affable, an excellent spokesperson for this initiative. 

We can be appreciative of solid public service by any Member of Parliament but I figure that the "jewel in the crown" for John McCallum was this monumental effort. Of course, his work was dependent on the efforts of faith groups and all the other sponsoring organizations across the country who chose to be hospitable to those in desparate need. 

It was a fine moment for Canadians and we can be grateful for those in government who were vital partners in these efforts. Thank you, John MaCallum. 

Canada at the NATO Summit

 

Our local grandchildren, almost-ten and twelve. just spent a couple of days with us because their school year has finished, parents are working, and summer camps aren't under way yet. On Monday afternoon they engaged in a "blast from the past" -- literally. Armed with water guns they had a blast under the tree canopy of the backyard in torrid heat. As they headed out the 12-year-old, a sweet soul, smiled at us and said "war." Is war the human condition? 

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has been meeting in the Hague, Netherlands. Canada is there, as it has been since NATO was formed in 1949 as a post-WWII alliance of mutual protection.  And Prime Minister Mark Carney is committing our nation to massive increases in military spending, as are other nations responding to the uncertainty of the role of the United States in protecting the mutual interests of NATO nations.

Of course, the Attention Seeker-in-Chief is driving this significant shift on the part of Canada and I don't like the outcome. He claims that Canada needs to do more and it probably does. But does anyone think that the United States will give up its addiction to military spending? The US spends more than the next nine countries of the world combined. The president campaigned on a promise of not getting involved in distant conflicts yet as the NATO gathering was about to begin American bombers launched strikes on targets in Iran on a flimsey premise. If you've got it, you want to justify using it. 

 I figured Carney would be the adult in the room as Prime Minister but I would never have supported what will possibly he 150 billion a year in military spending. I have the crazy notion that much of this would be better spent in other areas, say clean drinking water in Indigenous communities, an endlessly broken promise. 

When I've visited Washington DC the capital of the "Christian" United States the endless military memorials lead me to believe that the gods they worship are Odin, and Zeus, and Mars. Why are we being drawn into this fealty? 

As I mentioned, the NATO meeting is in the Hague, home of the International Criminal Court which "investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. War is always brutral, even when combatants are convinced they are on the right side. As Jimmy Carter said when awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, there are times when war is a necessary evil but it is always evil. 

Three Hoots for the Greenbelt

 

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
    the world, and those who live in it,
2 for he has founded it on the seas
    and established it on the rivers.

Psalm 24:1-2 NRSVue

In 2022 the Doug Ford Conservative government was caught with its Greenbelt undone, the revelation that secret deals had been done to transfer protected land -- 7400 acres -- to developers. There was a public hue and cry and lots of events including a Belleville march to protest these shady dealings. We froze as we walked along the Moira River but lots of people showed up.  The call this the Greenbelt Scandal for a reason although the consequences were minimal.  Some lackeys were fired and Ford apologized after a fashion.Bill 136 was eventually introduced to transfer land back to the Greenbelt.

Recently opposition politicians have protested the intentionally brief consultations about what transpired  and are seeking more public engagement about the bill.  Ford has responded in his usual nuanced way by saying the public "don't give two hoots" about the bill, inferring that we don't care about the ongoing support of the Greenbelt. 

Ford is wrong, of course, and I immediately spluttered, "I give THREE hoots about the Greenbelt Doug!" As a citizen of Ontario I fully support the Greenbelt for the present and the future of my granchildren. Yes, I want more affordable housing in this province but giving developers cozy deals is not the way to get there. As a Christian I want justice not only for those who need homes but for the Earth itself. I want protections for streams and forests and existing farmland because this fits my vision for Creation. 

I told our daughter who a graphic designer about my "three hoots" comment and she came up with a couple of designs. At the very least they delighted me and caused me to chuckle. Yes, this is a serioius subject and we can apply the proverbial owlish wisdom to our efforts but it's good to laugh as well. 

Prayers for Peace & for the People of Iran

 

Give peace to every heart. Give peace to every heart. Give peace, Lord. Give peace, Lord. (Latin) Da pacem cordium. Da pacem cordium. Da pacem. Da pacem.

                                                Taize Christian Community Chorus

Years ago we watched the Iranian film A Separation about a middle-class couple who part ways and the effect it has on their family. It won Best Foreign Film at the Oscars and was a reminder that a country many of regard as an "evil empire" is made up of people trying to figure out life under an oppressive regime. Iran's leadership is authoritarian and uses Islamic fundamentalism as a one of the tools in it's kit for control of a populace that largely wishes for societal freedoms. There was a day when women had greater autonomy and could pursue careers. Now every effort to protest stifling control is crushed and even mild resistance results in imprisonment and death.

 In addition Iran has funded terrorism around the world and particularly Hamas and Hezbollah. 

Still, as we watch the bombardment of Iranian nuclear sites and the homes of military leaders we need to keep in mind the millions of people who are living in fear and terror within Iran. Most of them have no place to go, The encouragement by Israel and the United States for those people to rise up against the government are disingenuous at best. The comment by Vice-President Vance that this is not a war on the Iranian people is fatuous and perhaps he knows it.

The worship service at Trenton United yesterday was on the theme of peace, in music and contemplative moments. We had the opportunity to come forward and light a candle for the situations, personal and global we wanted to hold before God and Jesus, Prince of Peace. I asked Ruth later about her candle and she said that her prayer was for the civilians, children and women particularly, of Iran. 

I hope we can include the people of Iran in our prayers for peace in the Middle East and our troubled world. 

Jesus, Compassion, & Mental Health

                                         Gadarene Swine -- Derek Clarke

 Then they arrived at the region of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. As he stepped out on shore, a man from the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had not worn[e] any clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs.  When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, shouting, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me,”  for Jesus[ had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many times it had seized him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds.)

                                   Luke 8: 26-29 NRSVue

We were away last week with friend whose opinions and outlooks we value. She is a physician and at one point we chatted about Medical Assistance in Dying, an option in Canada for nine years now. We agreed that our medical systems falls short in addressing the needs of those with complex health issues and that MAID shouldn't be the considered the only alternative for desparate persons. 

We also shared strong reservations about providing MAID to those who are mentally ill, even though the pain for sufferers can be excruciating. These indiviudals can end up isolated from just about everyone, including those who care for them as family and friends. 

When I saw the gospel reading from Luke for today it brought our conversation to mind. While this story of a man possessed by demons may seem to be a primitive outlook on mental illness it is a vivid description of someone ostracized from his community, the object of fear and prejudice. 

I think back through the decades to those dealing with mental illness to whom I provided pastoral care, often to no avail -- or so it seemed. A few were Institutionalized and at times it seemed as though they were possessed by darkness. There were even some who took their own lives and I felt helplessness and defeat. 

A pastoral care co-worker tried to support a friend who became increaslingly ill and unreachable until she died by suicide. My co-worker's comment was that for all our advancements in treatment for mental illness it did seem as though her friend was plagued by demons, even if that was metaphorical.  

For me the key in the story from Luke is Jesus' compassion and willingness to take the risk of encounter engaging in healing. We don't know whether the miraculous restoration of mental health for the man was permanent but in the moment relationships were restored.  

I'm not sure how this translates into our "modern" sensibilties yet Chrstian communties are still places where support and love can be demonstrated in so many ways. I do think we need to be vigilant in Canada as the proposed changes to MAID legislation regarding mental illness have been postponed but not rejected. 

Indigenous Peoples Day & the United Church

 

A year ago today we were visiting Haida Gwaii, the island archipelago off the coast of British Columbia. It was a deeply meaningful experience to be there at the summer solstice and on Indigenous Peoples Day in what we call Canada. We spent time at the Haida Heritage Centre and came upon an event for school children where we were invited in. The energy amongst these kids celebrating their Indigenous heritage was delightful. 

Haida Gwaii was subject to colonization and attempts at cultural extinction,as was the case for so many Indigenous groups across the continent. Despite all the efforts by the Church, in cahoots with the State and the Crown, to erase Haida identity the past 60 years has seen a resurgence of creativity and spirituality, along with governance, that is a marvel. 

Today we can all take time to celebrate Indigenous identity and to repent of colonial misperceptions and attitudes. This past week Ontario Premier Doug Ford made blatantly false anti-Indigenous comments that were shocking. He has since apologized but his belligerence  with First Nations who aren't falling into line with his development "vision" for land under treaty rights is disturbing. 

I just finished the historical yet also fantastical novel The Antidote by Karen Russell which explores what happened to the Pawnee people of the American West when settlers arrived in waves. There is a postscript with the title Land Loss Acknowledgement, a turn of phrase which hit home. Many United Church congregations include a Land Acknowledgement recognizing tradtional territories of Indigenous peoples on Sundays. We do so without a clear outlook on reparations or return of the land.  

How can we make a difference today and during this month? There are symbolic and practical ways to practice Truth and Reconciliation. 

This morning we paddled on the Bay of Quinte, actually"Kenhtè:ke" (Kente), the Mohawk name for the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory translated as "on the bay"  We made our way along the shore to the territory and took a few moments to recognize where we were, who was here first, and who is still here.

A reminder as well that there is a new Mohawk translation of the bible   “Ohiatonhseratokenti”, financially supported by the United Church. It is shown here beside the historic bible from the inaugural service of the United Church 100 years ago. It is now the official Union bible of the United Church. 

Here is a summary of actions recommended by the United Church. Once again I'll mention that our United Church Crest has been changed over time to include traditional Indigenous colours of the four directions and the Mohawk phrase"Akwe Nia'Tetewa:neren" or "all my relations." 

• National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21):

  This day is a time to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures, languages, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in Canada. 
• National Indigenous Peoples Month (June):

  The entire month of June is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating Indigenous peoples and their history. 
• Indigenous Day of Prayer:

  Traditionally, the Sunday before National Indigenous Peoples Day is observed as Indigenous Day of Prayer by the United Church, acknowledging the diverse gifts of Indigenous peoples. 
• Reconciliation:

  The United Church of Canada is actively engaged in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, acknowledging the lasting impacts of colonization and working towards justice and equity. 
• Celebrating and learning:

  The church encourages participation in Indigenous Day of Prayer and National Indigenous Peoples Day, including learning about Indigenous cultures, histories, and perspectives. 
• Actions:

  Individuals and communities are encouraged to take specific actions to celebrate and recognize these occasions, such as participating in local events, learning from Indigenous voices, and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives. 

Listening & Heeding Amidst the "Chat-er"

       

Does not wisdom call
    and understanding raise her voice?
2 On the heights, beside the way,
    at the crossroads she takes her stand;
3 beside the gates in front of the town,
    at the entrance of the portals she cries out:
4 “To you, O people, I call,
    and my cry is to all who live.
5 O simple ones, learn prudence;
    acquire intelligence, you who lack it.
6 Hear, for I will speak noble things,
    and from my lips will come what is right,

Proverbs 8 :1-6a NRSVue

Yesterday we joined an online event featuring the celebrated British nature writer, Robert MacFarlane. His latest book Is a River Alive? recounts his visits to rivers around the world that have recognition as persons under the law, including one in Quebec as well as his broader reflection on how cultures, past and present have considered rivers as living and sacred.

With MacFarlane as a sort of panel in a book store in Vancouver were several local persons who have worked tirelessy on behalf of rivers and other bodies of water. An exceptional young woman whose background is Haida spoke of her involvement in protecting a British Columbia watershed, taking part online. 

All of these participants deserved our full attention yet the scroll of the onmipresent "chat" was endless. There were more than 1200 participants online and it seemed that all of them were attempting to over some earnest comment as the event proceeded and some were in conversation with one another as the speakers shared their thoughts. Why did they need to do this? MacFarlane is one of the most respected writers in his field in the world. All the other speakers were excellent. In some presentations the chat can be silenced but in this case I held up a hand to block out the blah, blah, blah.

Should the earnest chat even be part of these events? During the pandemic I joined a presentation featuring David Haskell, author of Sounds Wild and Broken which is about attending to the sounds of our planet and sensory extinction.  It is literally about listening yet people chattered away throughout his brilliant reflections. I thanked the organizers for the event later and mentioned the irony of folk not giving their full attention to what Haskell had to say. The response? Crickets. 

Am I just a grumpy old guy? Of course! I also think we need to consider this insidious form of noise pollution in order to hear ourselves and God. 

This past Sunday which was Trinity Sunday there was a reading from the book of Proverbs describing Wisdom and the importance of listening. The intimation is that hearing the Creator, hearing others who are wise is essential to our being. In our chattery age in which people are often talking past and over one another, even with the most earnest of intentions, this is surely something we must heed

Our North Star on Juneteenth

 

This is Juneteenth in the United States, the celebration of the end of the scourge of slavery. While the Emancipation Proclamation officially ended slavery in January 1863i wasn't until this date in 1865 that it was enacted in every state. Juneteenth is now a federal holiday in America although this year there is a pall over the event because of the government's efforts to expunge recognition of Black history in many spheres. This is blatantly racist yet marches on. Meanwhile, many feckless corporations such as Amazon have withdrawn support from events to appease the administration. 

While this is an American holiday there is a connection between Canada and the United States in terms of slavery. The British Empire and Canada abolished slavery decades before the Civil War and so many enslaved people escaped bondage and made the dangerous journey northward. 

When we were in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, last week we came upon several plaques and memorials serving as reminders that many Blacks, including Underground Railroad icon Harriet Tubman. settled in different communities in southwestern Ontario. 

                               Voices of Freedom Memorial, Niagara on the Lake

Downtown NOTL tends toward lovely businesses and homes from another era but there is now a modern and striking memorial to this Black history called Voices of Freedom. One of the panels is dedicated to the North Star, used as a navigation tool for those who were making their way north. 

While cycling we came upon a small Black Baptist cemetery dating back nearly two centuries. One of the graves is for a man killed while trying to protect another from being returned to slavery in the US. 

We all need to look to our moral compass in these uncertain times. We can keep in mind that Christian faith was essential for so many of the courageous Black people who came to this country, including Tubman. 

Snappers on the Move!

 

Some of you are aware of my compact turtle shrine at the top of a set of stairs in our home. I pass it several times a day and it serves as a reminder not only of the reptiles but of Creator and Creation -- Turtle Island for some Indigenous cultures. The latest addition is a crocheted turtle created by our nin-year-old granddaughter. 

This morning we were out for a cycle along the Belleville waterfront, about 20 kilometres return trip, and on way we encountered three snapping turtles either scouting for a nest area or in the act of laying eggs. There were a couple more in the appropriately named Turtle Pond. When we went to a kayak launch site on the Moira River north of Belleville, on Tuesday, there was another snapper doing its reproductive thing. 

We are in awe of way this unfolds. One day we're wondering why we haven't seen turtles laying eggs yet. Then they group text and get digging. I am endlessly grateful to live in an area where we see map and blanding and painted and snapping turtles. Amphibians and reptiles are canaries in the ecosystem, to mix species. This means that our waterways are healthy enough to sustain them, so for this I thank the Creator. We really do need a turtle hymn of praise!

The G7 & the Dignity of Chief Crowchild

                                           Chief Steven Crowchild and President Donald Trump

1 Make me a channel of your peace:

where there is hatred, let me bring your love;

where there is injury, your healing power,

and where there's doubt, true faith in you...

 Well, the Orange One arrived at the G7 summer camp, trotted out a few inaccurate grudges about the past, had a cat nap, and left unexpectedly early, before he spoke with several of his counterparts from other nations. So much for being the leader of the free world.

Fortunately he did have a conversation with Prime Minister Mark Carney about free trade and it may have gone well. Let's be honest, we never really know.

There was also a brief exchange between Treaty 7 leader, Tsuut’ina Minor Chief Steven Crowchild, and President Trump as part of the welcoming delegation. Crowchild had mixed feeling about this encounter, wondering if he should be there. He reflected on what transpired afterward: 

Instead of war, I chose peace. Instead of hate, I chose love. Instead of hostility, I tried my best to show humanity. He was just another person, like the ones I greeted before him (some would say a horrible person and we all know many reasons why). I felt strong with my feather hat, which I received a transfer for yesterday, my treaty suit, my beadwork, and good medicine. I stood taller than him as a proud Tsuut’ina. Close as it gets...

These comments reflect maturity and dignity. Well done Chief Crowchild. They bring to mind the hymn, Make Me a Channel of Your Peace based on the words of St. Francis. 

On another note, the RCMP security team is acknowledging that it has installed 8-foot tall critter fencing because Kananaskis is grizzly bear country. I'm assuming that this protection is for the bears, not the humans. 

Culture Begins at the Banquet Table

3 This is the hour of banquet and of song; 

this is the heavenly table for me spread;

here let me feast, and feasting, still prolong 

the fellowship of living wine and bread.

4 Too soon we rise; the symbols disappear. 

The feast, though not the love, is past and gone;

the bread and wine remove, but you are here,

nearer than ever, still my shield and sun.

5 Feast after feast thus comes and passes by,

yet, passing, points to that glad feast above,

giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy,

the Lamb's great bridal feast of bliss and love.

                                                  Voices United 459

Today I was going to write about the G7 Conference now underway in Kananaskis, Alberta, with leaders from around the world. 

Since I have time to reflect on this event I'll mention instead that we've been watching the series Tucci in Italy, yet another travelling food show. Actor Stanley Tucci is the delightful host taking us on a tour of the regions of Italy, dish by delectable dish. Well, some of the food seems a bit gross, but Stan reassures us that everything is a culinary wonder. Just a reminder that Tucci is an actor who is rarely the lead of a film yet he makes everything he's in better. You may have seen him as a liberal Cardinal not-vying for the papacy in Conclave.  He was a star in the really good 1996 comedy/drama Big Night about restauranteurs offering a free sumptuous meal to celebrities. 

In Episode One Tucci visits the city of Sienna for the Palio, a thrilling bareback horse race that takes place twice a year in the city square, and has been run for centuries.Thousands of people show up, packing the Piazza del Campo and then they eat. Each district of the city prepares a marvellous meal and the participants eat outdoors. 

The footage for this event was remarkable with its sense of conviviality despite the high competitive energy of the race. It's even more amazing to learn that much of the work is done by volunteers from every walk of life who enthusiastically describe their involvement.

For me this brought to mind the imagery of the feasting Jesus in this lifetime, including the Last Supper. Then there is the prospect of the heavenly feast as an image of God's extravagant welcome. 

I went back to the introduction of a book by Mike Aquilina with the long-winded title Work, Play, Love: How the Mass Changed the Life of the First Christians:

Culture begins at the banquet table. In every religion, at every time in human history, shared feasts have formed—or deformed—the culture. Sharing a meal is the most basic and most binding form of social interaction. Who can eat with whom and when? The question is almost an obsession for many cultures, because eating together means communion. If we eat together, it means that we are part of the same community.

And if we eat together with God, it means God is also part of our community.

A religious feast brings us together as people of one faith. It’s the most important thing that happens to us. It takes us out of our ordinary daily routine of trying to survive and makes us part of something bigger and more important.

Stanley Tucci wants us to believe that everything he tastes is heavenly and he has the facial expressions and body language to support this. Why wouldn't we believe him, even if he is an actor? 

I wish religion could convey that sense of abundance and delight in word and deed. It was lovely that Trenton United offered a free catered meal last week to mark the 100th anniversary of the United Church. 

As a child we would sing the same communion hymn every time with it's imagery of the foretaste of the festal joy. Should we sing it again from time to time? 

The Hymns of the Creatures

 

Refrain: Called by earth and sky, promise of hope held high. 

This is our sacred living trust, treasure of life sanctified, called by earth and sky. 

2. Precious this gift, the air we breathe; wind born and free. 

Breath of the Spirit, blow through this place, our gathering and our grace

Today the Trenton United congregation will be in the park for worship and there will be a Battle of the Hymns. These events are more like skirmishes, or maybe soccer friendlies, with a degree of passion about favourites but without physical blows -- so far. 

We began our day with the hymns of Creation as we paddled a section of the Moira River before heading to the service. We were greeted almost immediately by the frogs, tenor leopards, and bass bulls. The kingfishers chattered amidst the profusion of avian voices. At 7:15 AM there wasn't any noise from fishing boats until we returned to the launch site. 

I think of The Great Animal Orchestra by Bernie Krause, an acoustical savant who maintains that in healthy ecosystems "All God's Creatures Got a Place in the Choir" (my interpretation.) This is a wonderful premise. 

The human hymns I would choose include Touch the Earth Lightly, God of the Sparrow God of the Whale, Come and Find the Quiet Centre. I'd be happy to sing blasts from the past such as All Creatures of our God and King and This is God's Wondrous World. The latter used to be This is My Father's World, a version which might be okay on Father's Day.

I hope you have a lovely day (it is perfection here) with plenty of singing and listening. 

All the hymns in yesterday's skirmish were Creation related, and we began with a verse from eight different hymns. We voted them down to four, then two. The winner was Called By Earth and Sky from More Voices. The choice for both of us, happy to say.