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On Our Way to
Flourishing
I returned from our Chinook Winds Regional AGM in Lacombe just in time to capture this beautiful image of flourishing in our front yard.

The theme of our gathering was, “Flourishing: Where Living Water Flows.” I had been on the Theme and Worship Committee, and together we had been immersed in this flourishing theme since January. What a delight to come home to this special gift as a reminder of the renewal of life in all forms in spring.

The United Church Moderator, the Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne was our guest speaker. I loved her focus on ways of flourishing within faith communities, even when (and especially when) many church communities are in decline. Instead of focusing on what is missing, we need to focus on the gifts we already have and what we can offer to the broader community. It’s all about making new connections. That has been our philosophy right from the beginning of our commitment to First Third Ministry. Not to brag . . . but oh, why not – Sunnybrook is lifted up as one of the examples of flourishing in our region!

Aleesha was invited to share her initiatives, and the story of beginning a new ministry, not knowing where it may go, but being held in grace in a supportive congregation. Yeah, Aleesha! Yeah, Sunnybrook! Our First Third Ministry will always be a work in progress as we make new connections in the community, but it is reassuring to know that we are going in the right direction.

Ezekiel 47: 9b – and everything will live where the river goes. The Holy Spirit, like a river winding its way through our city, is present among us in our flourishing.

Peace and joy,
Nancy