A Sanctuary

People come to church for many reasons; some stay, while others leave after just one visit, often deciding their connection to the community in that short encounter. When someone enters and chooses to remain, my heart fills with gratitude and curiosity.

Not long ago, one individual shared with me a striking observation: in a world filled with chaos, the church stands as a rare sanctuary of genuine kindness. This isn't just polite niceties; it's an authentic, radical hospitality that seems almost revolutionary. This person remarked on how quickly we learn and remember names—a simple act that can transform feelings of isolation into belonging.


For those wrestling with the harsh realities of life, I take immense pride in our congregation, which embodies a spirit of radical kindness and attentive care. Recognizing that not all churches embody this warmth makes me appreciate it even more.


For those of us experiencing calmer moments, having a refuge where we can simply be ourselves provides comfort and respite. Like the cherished theme from Cheers, it's a place “where everyone knows your name.” It might seem trivial that remembering someone's name can foster acceptance, but we often underestimate the profound impact of personal connection—such small gestures can show that someone genuinely cares.

As a minister, my heart is full of gratitude for a community that offers solace, a perfect word that encapsulates support, comfort, help, and relief. The harshness of the world usually doesn't dampen my spirit, but December tested my resilience. In crowded places like Costco, people collided with frustration, yelling at one another in a frenzy that revealed the depths of rudeness simmering beneath the surface.

A date night at Zoo Lights became overshadowed by impatience and pushing. What drives this behaviour?

In addition, the recent mail strike heightened tensions, leaving people on edge and causing them to fight for the perfect present during the holiday rush.

The recent resignation of Prime Minister Trudeau ignited social media into a frenzy of hateful discourse. Regardless of our feelings—happy, angry, or ambivalent—we don’t need to broadcast every opinion. Whatever happened to “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all?” The world desperately needs a reminder that we can disagree without harbouring hatred.

We all crave a space where kindness flourishes, radical hospitality thrives, and our names are recognized and cherished. This sanctuary offers us peace in a world that can often feel harsh. For me, that sanctuary is Parkdale, and I am immensely grateful!

Blessings

Rev. Kim

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