Happy Canada Day!

Some of us have seen a lot of change occur in our country over the last century. Before my grandfather passed in 2008, he would often share stories with me of his childhood, his years in military service and his adult life in Moncton NB. No matter what story I heard, he always finished with “It was a different time than you’re living in, Shawn; much different than mine.” I was never sure if that was positive or negative and in one of my last conversations with him, I asked him. Papa was always direct. He looked out the window of his porch for a few moments, and then turned back to me saying “Cherish what we’ve been through. And be smart with what you have now.”

Those words have echoed in my mind many times since that conversation. Some see the shrinking of churches as something to fear, but perhaps we should see it as an opportunity. An opportunity for us to stand confident in our relationship with Christ, which is much bigger than a church, and share that relationship with those around us. We should be smart with what we have now. We have a nation that is deperately searching for truth. Today, perhaps we could recommit ourselves to seeing God Kingdom furthered in Canada.

Lord of all power and mercy, we beseech thee to assist with thy favour the Prime Minister of this Dominion, and the Premiers of the Provinces. Cause them, we pray, thee, to walk before thee in truth and righteousness, and to fulfil their office to thy glory and the public good; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Canada Day! Thank you for joining with us.