Welcome to Highlands United Church!

Things are not normal. I have a friend who says, “Why are you surprised at that. Normal is just a setting on your dryer. That’s all normal is.” I just came back from a walk through the usually bustling Edgemont village and I actually saw empty parking spots!!! That’s just not normal, and neither is anything else these days.

I sense that we are getting over the initial shock of our life being turned upside down by the Coronavirus pandemic, although the winds of change are still swirling around us. Many of you are staying home; some working from home, businesses are closed for the foreseeable future. Kids are going to get the longest spring break in recorded history. Everything has changed. We are starting to get the hang of social distancing and the important habits we need to adopt in order to stem the spread of this virus. Together, as we all play our part, we will get through this.

At Highlands we began the season of Lent with a scripture reading from the prophet Micah: “What does the Lord require of you, but to seek justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God.” As steady as that word is in our tradition, it needs to be applied and re-applied to ever-changing circumstances. So what does it look like to seek justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God now? That is a question that never goes away for us- that we might even ask ourselves on a daily basis through this turbulent time.

We are working hard at the church to stay connected and reach out with support and encouragement as so many of the usual resources for living are shut down. For my most recent video message, Click here. Stay tuned for opportunities to connect throughout the week. We are working on ways of people of all ages to gather, connect and have some fun together online and we will publicize these as they go live. I sure hope you will come to church online this week. We are collaborating with St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church and Rev. Dan Chambers is offering the reflection. I am also told that Inlet United Church in Coquitlam/Port Moody, North Lonsdale United Church just up the hill, and Harvey United Church in Harvey New Brunswick will be joining in.

Stay in touch and take good care of each other.
Blessings, Will

Rev. Will Sparks
Lead Minister, Highlands United Church