Good morning members, adherents, friends, and family of Knox and St Giles,
Our next 10 days bring country music and stampede splendor, visitors to Calgary for all the attractions, and fireworks that celebrate people coming together to honour the history of cowboy culture. Whether it is the Calgary Stampede or any other celebration, people of all nations and all cultures and all religions recognize the goodness of the gifts of hospitality and fellowship. The blessings of eating together and sharing stories creates relationships that bring harmony, understanding, and peace.
We are blessed as Christians to also recognize that hospitality and fellowship, combined with worshipping the Father and Son and Spirit together, creates deeper unity with the One who made this all possible. Worship reminds us of our true identity in Jesus Christ. And it allows us to both celebrate and rest in God with each other.
This weekend marks the first official ongoing worship between Knox Presbyterian and St. Giles Presbyterian as we proceed on our amalgamation path. Rev. Terry Fach, General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Calgary-Macleod, will be joining us to provide us an update on the amalgamation process and words of wisdom as we continue our walk together in the creation of our new congregation.
The scriptures this week – Zechariah 9:9-12, Psalm 145:8-14, and Matthew 11:16-19, 25-35 – remind us of God’s desire to rescue and restore God’s people. God is abounding in loving devotion and God’s compassion rests upon all Kingdom people. Christ invites us to come to Him, all who are weary and burdened, and He will give us rest. So whether you are tired from stampeding, troubled with grief for any loss, or weary of carrying the weight of work in church and work in the world, come this weekend for restoration. Come to participate in worship to the God who made us and loves us all. Come to be with your brothers and sisters in Christ so we may share our stories and our burdens with each other, reminding one another of the hope we have in Christ and the gratitude for God’s mercy. Simply come, just as you are. Everyone is welcome in Christ’s church.
The service begins at 10am, and is followed by a stampede brunch in the backyard with the other worshipping community in the building, The Vine Church. Please see the attached bulletin for announcements, the scripture for reflection, and our weekly Living Faith reminder. May God walk gently with you into the weekend and worship this week.
Blessings,
Rev. Chandra Mannix