Submitted by Rev. Sheryl Spencer
Have you seen the trilliums in bloom? They’re there, back in the woods. In fact, on a hike last week close to Carter Road, my companions and I came across a patch of them that stretched as far as the eye could see. There is hardly a word to describe that bed of trilliums amid a forest of trees and dappled light, except for magical.
And just as the flowers and trees are donning their miraculous spring colours, Tobermory too, has come back to life! This is the first time I’ve witnessed the transition between winter and spring here, and to say the least, it is profound!
Part of Tobermory United’s transition was to spring into action for the May 17 Chicken BBQ. Wow! Thank you to everyone who helped with the barbecue and also to those who ordered chicken dinners! What a finely tuned operation!
The Thrift Shop at 7101 Hwy. 6, is also getting set to open. See the events pages for donation days before the Thrift Shop opens for sales on June 15. Why not volunteer a half day per week? Just call the church office at 519-596-2394.
On June 1, our rainbow flag goes up, a symbol of solidarity with LGBTQ2S people, and also of diversity, hope, liberation and radical welcome.
Another important milestone will be a service on June 4 called a Covenanting service, where I will be officially installed as minister at Tobermory United. Many people have been asking me what “covenanting” means. It’s about promises, actually. I make promises to the community of faith. The community of faith makes promises to me. Representatives of the wider denomination and the wider community are also there to make promises. We all promise to support one another in the relationships that we hold and in the work that we are called to do. It’s a way of officially welcoming me into this work and into deep relationship. I look forward to this service, even though I already feel welcomed, not only by the people I’ve met, but by the trees and rocks and sky and birds, and especially the trilliums…
Rev. Sheryl Spencer is the minister at Tobermory United Church.
