Submitted by Rev. Sheryl Spencer
Summer is officially here. How did that happen? Wasn’t there ice still around not long ago?
There will be something new to celebrate summer this year, with Summer in the Spirit. This is a joint initiative between Tobermory United and St. Edmund’s Anglican churches. It came about after Pastor Janaki (minister of the Lutheran and Anglican Ministries of the Bruce) and I led a Lenten series. We got talking about the summer and why people from all over the world come to the peninsula. It’s not just about the beauty or the tourist attractions, we figured, surely there’s something sacred about this place. Graham Bland and Mona Goulette were also in on the conversation, and the four of us got brainstorming… Eventually, we’d dreamed up a whole series of events, one every Wednesday night through the summer, all of them designed to build community, honour the sacredness of place and celebrate Spirit. We’re thankful for so many others who have collaborated in the planning.
The first event is July 5, where John Keeshig and April Jones will lead a sacred fire and storytelling evening at the Gap near St. Edmund’s. The following week, July 12, will be an introduction to walking the labyrinth at Tobermory United. The week after that, July 19, you can gather at the Parks Canada Visitor’s Centre for a meditative walk on the trails, what we call Forest Church. July 26 will feature a music night with Nick Ferrence and Jon Newitt at St. Edmund’s. All events will be on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m., and more events will continue through August.
But before that, at Tobermory United, we’re excited to celebrate Pride Sunday on July 2! The Pride flag has been hanging proudly outside the church all of June, a symbol of inclusion and welcome, especially the LGBTQIA2S community. This service will feature special music by M.E. Kish and Gwen Chapman.
As the Thrift Shop is open and we prepare for the next chicken BBQ on August 5, it’s a busy time at Tobermory United.
Yes, summer is definitely here!
Rev. Sheryl Spencer is the minister at Tobermory United Church.
