Reflections by Rev. Bill Weaver
I’m sitting here with a warm cup of coffee, the morning after we worshipped on the theme of “Loving Our Comfortable Neighbour,” reflecting on the life of faith we share together, and I can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. Week after week, this congregation reveals new and beautiful ways of what it means to be the church—not just within these walls, but out in the world where it really matters. Your kindness, your care for one another, your passion for justice, and those small, quiet acts of grace paint a vibrant picture of a living, breathing body of Christ, full of love and diversity.
A couple of Sundays ago, we worshipped with a beautiful liturgy created by Rev. Joanne that drew off the nine spiritual pathways outlined in “Sacred Pathways” by Gary Thomas—a book that invites us to recognize the many, unique ways we connect with God. Some of us find God in the beauty of nature, others in acts of service, through study, or in stillness and contemplation. As I all of you, I see all of these pathways reflected back at me. You are artists, caregivers, thinkers, activists, and peacemakers, each walking your unique spiritual journey—and yet, somehow, all of these paths weave together into the beautiful tapestry that is our church family.
Over the years, one of the greatest joys of being part of this community has been witnessing how God moves in and through each of you. It's in the warm smile you give to a newcomer, the hands that quietly prepare meals for someone going through a tough time, the voices lifted in song on Sunday mornings, and the silent prayers whispered in the quiet corners of our sanctuary. Each of these acts, no matter how small, is a testament to the diverse and beautiful ways we embody God's love.
What amazes me most is how you strive every day to embrace this diversity—not as something that separates us, but as something that makes us richer. In a world that often tries to put people into boxes, you all choose to celebrate the differences among us. You are the church for one another, meeting each other in joy and in sorrow, in doubts and in faith. And you don’t stop there—you’re also the church for the world, reaching beyond these walls to share love and hope in ways both big and small. In all of this, I see God’s presence moving among us.
When I think about Gary Thomas’ Sacred Pathways, I am reminded that our spiritual journeys are as unique as our fingerprints. Thomas outlines nine distinct pathways—Naturalists, who find God in nature; Sensates, who experience the divine through their senses; Traditionalists, who connect through rituals and liturgy; Ascetics, who seek God in solitude and simplicity; Activists, who discover God's presence in justice and advocacy; Caregivers, who find the sacred in serving others; Enthusiasts, who encounter God through celebration and mystery; Contemplatives, who commune with God through heartfelt prayer; and Intellectuals, who experience God through study and reflection. Even as I write this, I realize the summary doesn’t do justice to the depth you all bring to the journey of faith.
As I see these pathways lived out among you, I am struck by the beauty of our diversity. Some of you come alive in the stillness of a morning walk, feeling God's breath in the rustling leaves. Others are energized by diving into Scripture, uncovering new layers of meaning and truth. Some of you find deep connection in the rhythm of our liturgy, while others encounter God in the chaos and joy of serving our neighbors. Each pathway is a unique expression of faith, and together, they create a vibrant mosaic of spiritual life.
And here’s the beautiful part—these pathways aren’t fixed. They ebb and flow with the seasons of our lives. There might be times when you find God most easily in study, and other times when you need the comfort of nature or the grounding of service. The beauty of this journey is discovering how our spiritual practices can shift and grow, meeting us exactly where we are.
In a few short weeks, we will move into the season of Lent—a time of reflection, renewal, and deepening— and to that end, we want to invite you to journey with us even further into this exploration. Starting on the first Wednesday of Lent, we’ll gather for a weekly dinner and book study where we’ll dive deeper into Sacred Pathways together. We’ll share meals, swap stories, and explore the different ways we each experience God’s presence in our lives.
Picture this: sitting around tables with friends, old and new, sharing a meal and hearing how others connect with God. Maybe you’ll find a new practice that resonates with your spirit, or perhaps you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the ways others walk their paths. Our time together will be a chance not just to learn about these pathways but to experience them, support one another, and celebrate the beautiful tapestry of faith we create as a community.
Whether you’re someone who feels closest to God in quiet prayer, through serving others, or maybe in ways you’ve never quite named before, I hope you’ll join us. This is a space for everyone—whether your faith feels strong or shaky, whether you’re curious or confident. Together, we’ll celebrate the many ways God meets us exactly where we are and discover how these pathways can help us grow closer as a community of faith.
For now, know that I am continually humbled and grateful for the beauty and grace of this community. You teach me every day what it means to live out our faith in diverse and meaningful ways. Thank you for being the amazing, grace-filled people you are. I am so grateful to walk this journey with you.
With gratitude,
Bill