SEAGRAVE by Barb Martyn

This is a challenging time for friendships. Some of us are COVID-casual, others COVID-cautious. I am a COVID-cautious. There is a lot at stake during this time: our health, and the health of our loved ones, but also our friendships. Hopefully, someday soon we can laugh about our current situation over a pleasant meal together. William James said “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does!”. As a reminder have a mask with you at all times. This past Sunday, we had rain. It started out as a gentle rain, the skies darkened, the wind picked up, there was lightning and thunder, and then we had a heavy rainstorm, and the temperature dropped by 10 degrees. The rain was badly needed by the farmers and also homeowners. There is also rain forecast during this week. Happy Anniversary wishes to Tanya and Brett Puckrin on July 22nd and Teri-Murphy and Howard Payne on July 25th. Greenbank Bethel and the Pines Cemetery’s annual Decoration Service committee has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s service. The committee has prioritized the health and safety of everyone for this year. The Seagrave outdoor food bank, which is open daily, is in need of help from July 24th to the beginning of September to put out and bring in the food on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you wish to volunteer please contact Minister Stephanie at 908-718-8086 or this address: gspastoralcharge@gmail.com. The Greenbank Lions Club is collecting tabs from cans. Contact Don at 905-985-3595. The Seagrave Greenbank Pastoral charge has a committee, that has been working on protocols for how and when to re-open the two churches. Keep tuned for an upcoming update. Sunday, July 19th was the 7th Sunday after Pentecost. The scripture readings were Matthew 13:24-30 and Matthew 13:36-43, entitled “The Parable of the Weeds”. It is a parable of a man who sowed good seed in his field, and an enemy came along, and sowed weeds amongst the wheat. The servants asked the man, “Do you want us to go and pull the weeds out?”. “No”, said the man, “you may uproot the wheat with them, let both grow together until the harvest.” Weeds are part of every garden and field, and are essential for different reasons. Like humankind, we should all grow together, accepting each other as we are. We do not have to be the judge, God will do the rest. During Minister Stephanie’s virtual Sunday service we were delighted to see that Opal, our beloved ostrich hand puppet, has a new friend, named Cedric. Cedric is a porcupine hand puppet. Opal has now been able to open her heart, and is now able to love Cedric, as she has been gradually getting to know Cedric with a new understanding and acceptance. If you wish to continue with regular offerings or a donation to the Seagrave Church, the Par application is available on the website seagrave-church.com. If you wish to send a cheque, or have questions contact Carol at 905-243-4628 or e-mail at cc.coleman@sympatico.ca Please continue to send in your Coffee Hour photos for the virtual Sunday service. If you wish a personal prayer, grocery, medication pickup or just to chat, contact Minister Stephanie at 905-718-8086 or gspastoralcharge@gmail.com Our virtual Sunday services can be viewed on our website at seagrave-church.com If you have news for this column, contact Jean at grammiejean2010@hotmail.com or phone 905-985-9921.