[This week, we are going are taking a break from our walk through 1 Corinthians. We will pick up chapter 10 for next week, July 11. I released our regular Sunday video a day early for reasons I explain below.]

I am inviting us to take some time to join with other faith communities to listen to the hearts of our Indigenous brothers & sisters concerning the recent uncovering of graves at Canadian residential schools. At the One88 congregational meeting last Monday, Grant opened the meeting by calling us to acknowledge the pain that is found within the Indigenous community, pain that has risen to the surface once again because of these most recent findings. This was augmented by the irony found in celebrating Canada Day on July 1. Certainly, it is an appropriate time for us to lament what happened and stand with those who are living out the pain.

This pain is part of our small faith community at One88 with many of our friends living under the memories of residential and day schools. And while the scope of this tragedy can overwhelm, I am suggesting we begin by listening and lamenting. The Ontario Mennonite Brethren Conference put together a panel to listen to the stories of Indigenous brothers & sisters, to speak about how this impacts them. The conference has graciously shared this with us and it will be available to watch until JULY 5.

So for this week’s worship, I invite you to listen and allow the Spirit to lead us forward together.

(Psalm 6.2-4) Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing;
O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.
My soul also is struck with terror, while you, O Lord—how long?
Turn, O Lord, save my life; deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love.

[THIS VIDEO IS ONLY AVAILABLE UNTIL JULY 5]