Changes...

The primary purpose of this newsletter is to serve as a practical resource for selecting music related to lectionary readings and/or service themes. This opening section usually provides 'optional reading' where I typically share thoughts on any manner of subjects.

There is no shortage of big picture subjects which would qualify today as I write this. Fires. Climate change. War. Politics. Etc. You get the picture.

Instead, this time I’m offering a fairly lengthy summary of some personal recent anecdotes from our own life story as it’s playing out here in Qualicum Beach, BC. Yes, among other things, we’ve moved. Some will no doubt be critical of my use of this outlet in this way and see it as wearing my heart on my sleeve. Okay.

Over the years (read decades), I’ve provided leadership at churches of numerous denominations: United Church of Christ, United Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Roman Catholic and, of course, United Church of Canada. At a point in my life when my age-peers are focussed on improving their golf game, exploring photography, learning to paint, creating beautiful quilts... add your own passion here, I find myself immersed in a new-to-me denominational portal. I’m now serving at The Anglican Parish of St. Mark in Qualicum Beach and The Anglican Parish of St. Anne and St. Edmund in Parksville.

About the move: In April, Christina and I received word that the house we had called home, studios and office for five years was to be sold. We had just two months to secure a new residence to rent which would accommodate our domestic and professional needs. We had read with a certain amount of compassionate detachment about people having their homes sold out from under them. And suddenly, we were living it ourselves.

While in the midst of the panic this news brought, I learned I had a serious bladder and kidney issue all being driven by a prostate problem which would require some invasive surgery. Christina and I are of an age. We have friends and acquaintences with similar challenges; friends for whom we could provide support from a distance. And suddenly, we were living it ourselves.

I’ll spare readers the uncomfortable realities and details we faced and take a giant leap to the good parts.

• We found a house. It requires considerable down-sizing for us, but will be okay.

• With me finally able to begin working again, we’re making our way through boxes and crates and rebuilding our studio spaces.

• The surgery in early July and lengthy healing process was difficult, but successful. I’m re-energized and ready for new projects!

• Final biopsy reports received this morning reveal no cancer cells.

• The loving friendship and support I received from both of my 'new' parishes by staff and congregants was an eye-opener. Despite a fairly steep learning curve for me in terms of liturgy, I discovered that the core of any church — the innate goodness of its people — is what really matters. To quote a much-used phrase in the United Church: "We are not alone." RK