Metropolitan United Church

   My first Sunday back in Canada seemed like an opportune time to worship in my own church among my own people. I've been long away. It felt strange making that familiar journey downtown once again. How would it be? How would I be? I arrived early and found familiar folk working at their liturgies and lives. Kind words were shared, connections remade. Home at last.

    I was taken again with the beauty of the place. The space is magnificent. The proportions so pleasing, and the way the morning light falls across the sanctuary both restful and spirit-filled. High in the tower the bells began their familiar dances. I was reminded of the peal of bells that so stunned me as I walked towards evensong at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, in June. There, the sound splashed like great dollops of water on the pavement. Here, the music soared through the air like summer birds in flight.

    Inside, the grand piano led us softly towards worship. A solo voice opened the heart. Then the great organ, rich and rare, awoke the hymns and responses. The rhythm was right, the sound fresh and clear. The scriptures were read with intelligence. The preaching was wonderful; clean, clear, real, full of earth and heaven. Then we prayed for the world. As the great city around us was shaking itself from sleep, we, people of faith, stood before God communing for its life and peace.

    In the handshakes and greetings that followed the worship we shared family news of losses and gains. One of our saints summed things up in a phrase. "We miss you, and we're doing fine." That was the best of all possible responses.

    As I step away again into the final third of my sabbatical leave I look forward with fresh appreciation to the wonderful setting in which I am privileged to work with you. It is the people, however, our people, who make it shine. Together we are, at once, canvas, colours and artist. The emerging masterpiece takes shape from what we see, feel, think and dare. The worth of it all, the gem, belongs to God.