A word of encouragement and invitation from Marla

When the Israelites made it through the waters of the Red Sea, they anticipated the new possibilities to
be fully on display in short order. Instead, they were hungry, thirsty, homesick, grumpy, angry,
rebellious, and full of more questions than hope. The length of the journey became overwhelming at
times.

When I began my work at Seeds it felt like the congregational mood was one of relief and anticipation.
We have made it through the Red Sea and the “new land” is not to far away. Now, as we enter the
summer months, I sense some fatigue – “Aren’t we there yet? How long is the search for a permanent
pastor going to take? Behind these questions I think there is an eagerness or longing to enter a new
season and welcome a new leader.

The Lead Team has been working on various aspects of this journey for well over a year; facilitating
round table meetings to aid in direction setting, securing an interim pastor, and now in spring, striking a
Pastoral Discernment Team. Seeds will not be searching for a pastor for 40 years. Still, it is a process
that takes time. Over 25 years, Seeds has never had to do this which is a blessing (many churches move
through a hiring process every 5-8 years), which might make this time feel impossibly long and
frustrating.

Now we have reached the summer months – a season for play and exploration. A season to rest and re-
energize. This is so very good! It is also good to have points of connection during the summer months.
To sing, reflect and pray together. To gather around Christ’s table. We trust that planned shorter and
simpler Worship Services (dates listed below) will be gatherings where joy can abound as our collective
hope is strengthened and our energy is renewed and restored.

Weather your summer plans allow you to be part of some of these services or not, we hope that this
season gives space for all of us to imagine how we might re-engage in the Seeds Community come fall.

Be well,
Marla

Service Schedule:
July, 6, 13, Aug. 10, 24 – TCE at 10:30am
July 20 (Florence Neufeld’s) Lectio Divina – 10:30am
August 17 (Liana & Jonathan Toews’) Lectio Divina – 10:30am