Peace, Compassion in Advent
As the pandemic continues, the concern for our front line workers increases. Whether working in the pharmacy or the hospital, the grocery store or the gas station, there are many people who are continuing to work in order that things may bear some semblance of sanity. But we are particularly concerned about those working in the medical field. This last week, the CBC interviewed Roshi Joan Halifax, who works with clinicians on the front lines of the pandemic, teaching them mindfulness practices they can use to help with their own practice of self-compassion. It is a short interview full of insight. I offer it to all of you, for we are all care givers in different ways, but particularly to those who may be feeling the burnout that comes from long term care giving. Joan has simple, effective ways to calm the soul.
And also, in our on going effort to understand the racial tensions in our culture, Adele Halliday, the Anti-Racism and Equity Officer with The United Church of Canada, offers an illuminating article on the use of the images of light and dark in our liturgical language.
And have a look at what’s upcoming for the week, and the rest of the month. Remember that for the rest of the month, there is a zoom gathering on Sunday afternoons at 4:30 for those who want to chat about what they learned - or didn’t learn - on our Sunday Morning podcast.
Every blessing,
Candice
As health-care workers face 'soul-destroying' pandemic, Zen teacher offers tips for coping
Roshi Joan Halifax sees an opportunity to improve clinician well-being
CBC Radio · Posted: Dec 03, 2020
COVID-19 is revealing "profound cracks" within the culture of medicine, an American Zen teacher and medical anthropologist says.
"I think we're in a real crisis in health-care culture right now," Roshi Joana Halifax told The Current's Matt Galloway.
"The suffering experienced by clinicians, by caregivers, has become untenable. And the outcome of this, of course, is to affect not only patients, but caregivers themselves."
“All beings, including each one of us, enemy and friend alike, exist in patterns of mutuality, interconnectedness, co-responsibility and ultimately in unity.”
Our ingrained notions of black/white and darkness/light as inherently good and evil can guide how we treat each other.
Blackmail. Blackhearted. Black as sin. Washed white as snow. Over time, in our English language, we have become accustomed to equating evil as black, and purity as white. Even the dictionary adds credence to this. One dictionary defines “black” as “without any moral quality or goodness; evil; wicked.” The same dictionary defines “white” as “morally pure; innocent” (from dictionary.com). Similar definitions exist for the words “light” and “dark.”
UpComing This Week
CHECK THE CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS ETC.
This Week:
Sunday December 6, 11 - 12. Jamie and Ann McAlpine will be at Trinity connecting the December tithes, so come by and visit with them if you are in the habit of filling an envelope every week. Ann is sure to have treats!
Also, note that Ann and Jamie will be at the church on December 23rd from 4 - 6 pm for a little outdoor Christmas hello and to collect any December special offerings. This will be the last opportunity to give to Trinity for the 2020 year. Note: If you are wishing to bless Trinity this year with a special gift, you may consider the work that is being done on the building. Trinity Environmental Fundraiser DETAILS HERE
Sunday December 6, 4:30 - 5:30 on Zoom, Sunday Afternoon Reflection on the Podcast
Tuesday, December 8, 7 pm on Zoom, Trinity Council Meeting (Co ordinates will be sent out to council)
Thursday December 10, 7:30 on Zoom, Practicing Compassion study
Thursday December 10, 7 on Zoom, Trinity Budget Meeting (Co ordinates will be sent out to council)
Shelburne Hamper Program: Shampoo, Shoes, and Money
Trinity is offering their basement area to the Shelburne Hamper Assistance Program this year so they have a large area to spread out the toys that need sorting in ages. This will be on going the week of December 14th through to until the 19th. In addition, we are to collect 150 bottles of shampoo/hair products - for each hamper. Both churches are involved. You can drop off things for Primrose on site on November 28th 1 - 3, or contact Gail for pick up, or your care leader. Trinity will be collecting them on the first Sunday of the month - December 6th from 11 - 12, or contact Ann McAlpine for pick up.
In addition, we are offering to work with Alexandra from Shelburne Family Chiropractic who is organizing shoes for those who are receiving hampers. She will be organizing the shoes at the church. Please see her notes below:
#Shoes4Shelburne
Shelburne Family Chiropractic will be collecting new or gently used shoes for individuals and families who are unable to purchase a pair themselves. Shoes are very important for not only foot health but overall health. A good pair of shoes can go a long way with maintaining proper circulation and back health thus preventing other issues that could arise from improper footcare.
With the exception of very high heels and flip flops, all shoe types and age groups are needed.
The shoe donation box is accessible any time and any day of the week at 310 Main Street E, Shelburne, Ontario.
If you have any questions, you can contact Alex at: ShelburneFamilyChiropractic@gmail.com
This is another wonderful community gifting, so look around and see how you can contribute. This will be a difficult Christmas for many, let’s do what we can to help.
And don’t feel left out if you don’t have shampoo or shoes to give, you can always give money! Please see details here below. Or contact those in charge directly: shelburnechristmashampers@gmail.com
Mr. Scrooge is back, but this time, not for large audiences. Here’s an article from the Orangeville Citizen on what Mr. Scrooge is up to this year. See notes from Jeff below.
I am hoping to put on A Christmas Carol this year in people’s homes as a ‘special event’ fund-raiser for Partera from December 1 to December 24. It is first come first served and I am expecting a performance on Christmas Eve may be well sought after. Hopefully! It would all be done in accordance with Public Health guidelines. Lee Ann will be doing all the sound effects and playing Bruce’s recorded music through Bluetooth to speakers. No special lights or visual effects. So it is pared down from the way we have done it before. I am suggesting it be a family event or for social bubbles. People can book this by calling me at 519 378-5704.