GOD IS ON A MISSION and WE WANT TO BE PART OF IT

God’s mission is vast. Resurrection’s articulation of God’s mission through 2022 was God’s mission ‘for the healing of the world.’ This Gospel was proclaimed and shared. What follows are a few stories of the Gospel

working God’s healing through Resurrection’s hands.

God’s healing of the world:

Music ministry is Resurrection’s gift of healing to the world. A person is at home unable to leave a spouse with Alzheimer’s, a family sits with a loved one who is dying, a nursing home resident is in isolation due to COVID, a person has lost their ability to drive to church, all these shared in accessing the healing power of music and hymns through Resurrection’s YouTube channel and FB worship. Resurrection’s music has been used by Lutheran congregations across North America: for musicians to learn the music by ear, to support places without musicians, to help those without technical resources to make videos for their email services. 

God’s healing in the Neighbourhood:

In the overcast skies of January 2022, and under continued COVID restrictions, the mental health and hope capacity of Resurrection’s neighbours was a concern. Thirty-two cards of blessing and hope, that included $25 grocery cards, were delivered to mailboxes on Allan and Windsor Streets. Households took the cards and used the resources for their own households, passed them along to people they knew in need, or donated them to a favourite charity. Healing came both through receiving and giving. 

Daily, April-Nov, countless people and their dogs stopped at Resurrection’s dog library (a pile of sticks with a sign, “Dog Library – take a stick”) for sticks, selfies, or to bring their friends to show them. The smiles, joy, and conversations garnered by this small act were delightful. … “that the church should care so much to think about my dog.”

God’s healing in times of need and crisis:

One of our own, and a newly arrived Lutheran, found themselves homeless and living outside: one retired whose 35+ year marriage fell apart; one a university graduate in a new career leaving an abusive relationship, alone they could not find afford housing. Resurrection became a lifeline: a space to pray and worship, to feel love and belonging, a place to store personal items, a bathroom/wash facility, community, phone/internet, resource sharing. Both found safe places to live.

‘You are not alone. You are loved.’ This message, painted in bold white letters on the stairs, greets those who walk by Resurrection. The message was part of Resurrection’s actions for Suicide Awareness Weekend – providing conversation, resources, and homemade pocket-hearts. One passerby shared a helplessness in knowing what to do for a best friend struggling with depression. She took a heart for herself and one to share – taking a picture of the message on the stairs, she had hope for today, and hope for tomorrow.

God’s healing by wrestling with ‘big’ questions and study:

A group settled into lawn chairs in the parsonage yard for a series of conversations ‘Engaging Death.’ The group learned about MAID, the National Church’s statement, and talked about the end-of-life. Participants reflected and shared on a topic not usually discussed; this was healing.

God’s healing of mind, spirit, and soul:

Congregation members and friends from across the country spent time on their relationship with God, each other, and creation. Pastor Kimber received many personal communications related to personal healing through devotions and studies. Healing events included: devotional projects -Lent (14 writers), Caroling through Advent series (15 writers), 4 Weeks Online Summer Camp; Bible Book Club, a Lord’s Prayer study, weekly Bible Study, and daily reading and hymn on FB.

God’s healing of mind, spirit, and soul. God’s healing by wrestling with ‘big’ questions.

God’s healing in times of need and crisis. God’s healing in the neighbourhood.

God’s healing in the world.

All this was made possible through your generous donations!

Your money contributed to God’s mission, the HEALING OF THE WORLD.

With gratitude, Resurrection prays for you and gives thanks for you.

As you have shared the Gospel by bringing healing to the world, 

may God bring healing to all that ails you.