28
May
2012
Practical Ecumenism
Ministry on the island is intimately pretty practical. I was planning to head to the Indian Fellowship Meeting at Rama First Nation today but last night one of the Roman Catholic women on the island stopped by. One of her relatives had passed away and was being brought home to the island today. Unfortunately, the priest, not understanding the need for his presence at this time, was not able to be available for the “welcome home to the island” ceremony. So…I threw on my clerical collar and went down to meet the ferry, then vested and led the service at the Catholic Church. As a former Catholic myself it was a little strange to be vested and leading worship in the Catholic Church in place of the priest! (But I kind of liked it!) The family isn’t sure whether the priest will be there for the wake tonight so I have to be prepared to lead that too… And be ready to play and sing as well.
It is interesting that the denomination doesn’t seem to matter much here. The family was just appreciative to have someone leading worship and meeting their needs. This is indicative of the kind of ministry here on the island. I have Catholics, United, and Traditional people come to the door. This is ministry in the best sense of the word – open to the winds of the Spirit wherever Creator chooses to blow!
Happy Pentecost,
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