It is always exciting to get away and enjoy new adventures but it is equally as exciting to return home. Marian and I enjoyed our week of retreat and week of vacation. On retreat in New York we stayed at a hostel operated by the an order of Roman Catholic sisters. From there we were able to walk to Central Park in one direction, and to Trinity Episcopal Church and the World Trade Centre site in the other. Trinity Church was a focal point of relief efforts during the events of 911 and stands as a beacon of God's love to a worshipping community in that part of New York. We were pleased to worship there while on retreat and also took advantage of the quiet surroundings to do some reading.

I was amazed at the opportunity for quiet moments that churches in New York afford to those who enter. In the midst of one of the largest busiest cities in the world these churches, although visited by hundreds of people daily, offer up an oasis of calm and tranquility. We visited a number of other churches, most notably St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Cathedral and St. John the Divine, the Episcopal Cathedral for New York, by far the biggest and most beautiful church I have ever seen.

We read, we walked, and we rested. In the faces of the people, in the different sections of the cities we were keenly aware and appreciative of the complexity and diversity of this wonderful world that God has created. As my reading while on retreat I chose a book about the apostle Paul. In his letter to the Ephesians which will be read this morning Paul suggests a similar wonder and hope. "But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ... in his flesh he has broken down the dividing wall." God calls us not to sameness by nature, but rather, to sameness by spirit. A spirit of justice, of compassion, and love for one another. That is the message that authors Borg and Crossan attribute to St. Paul. In the midst of such diversity, in one of the greatest cities of the world, that message is very clear.

There were some other highlights, and low lights. We were in New York for the 4th of July and so were able to watch the fireworks over the Hudson River. FANTASTIC !! And we watched the Blue Jays play the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees lost. NOT SO FANTASTIC

We returned home a bit early after receiving a disturbing phone call. Our grandson, Owen, was admitted to the IWK with a large lump on his neck. The range of possibilities for a diagnosis went from the very simple to the very serious. After a couple of days at the hospital and a variety of tests we believe that the very simple is the case but as we wait for final results I would ask you to keep Owen in your prayers.

Finally as we gather for worship this morning we give thanks especially for Gerry Walker and for Rev. Ron and his family as they give a new processional cross in her memory. We welcome George Heanut a long time friend of the family who will be our guest preached this morning. As well we welcome all family and friends present for the dedication of this processional cross.

May God's blessing be upon you this day and always,

Rev. Mike