Searching for Solitude in a Noisy World

11 Growing up in the country surrounded by farmer’s fields, I never had to go very far to find quiet. I don’t remember looking because I never needed to. It was just there. I could curl up for a nap in the window sill or in a snowbank, go off beyond the hedge for a pinecone picnic under the pear tree, or even just hideout in the bathroom chatting with my sister (where no one seemed to bother us or ask us to do the dishes...). Slowly, like one does, I graduated from the carefreeness of childhood to the responsibilities of adulthood. And I moved to Toronto. I traded the sights and sounds of horse and buggies and combines for city buses and emergency vehicles. How does one think, let alone find a space for God amidst this chaos and concrete? A few years ago I suddenly found myself running mostly in survival mode and burning out on many ends without very many options for refuelling. I knew I needed a break and I desperately had to figure out a way to make it happen. And while I had been attracted to the idea of a silent retreat for a long time, I had never made the time to actually do it. It was long overdue. So I

took a vacation day from work and spent the day at The Sisterhood of St. John the Divine. Under some wise advice, I took with me simply a Bible, journal and pen, and tried to not have too much of an agenda for what I intended to accomplish during my time. But, as a task oriented person, I have to admit I was pretty determined to seek out and experience the labyrinth. Labyrinths had become a bit of a recurring theme in my life and I was looking forward to having the time and space to experience it more fully. But it was covered in snow. Ummm, well then, I’m-not-leaving-here-without-doing-thislabyrinth-because-I-don’t-know-when-I’ll-get-this-chance-againso-I-guess-I-will-just-have-to-figure-it-out. I’m grateful I did. It was the one place I was able to focus, stop fidgeting, tune out the traffic, listen to God, and have the clarity to hear. While poetry has never been my thing, I wrote down the words and thoughts that came to me in those moments and in the moments that followed. For me, it was a beautiful interweaving of my physical, emotional, natural, and lived experiences, combined with the spiritual experience of God transcending all of that. While this was written out of a deeply personal experience and unique circumstances, I hope it can be applied more universally. Especially right now. There are a lot of unknowns before us - daunting, scary, overwhelming and challenging unknowns. Like the journey of the labyrinth, the path is not direct, and our experiences are vastly different. But we can all be rooted together to the same God, the Prince of Peace.

Grey skies above White carpet beneath Colourless land void of life

The way is not clear, Buried beneath the breath of winter... crashing tumbling racing chasing...

Bitter wind ripping Frozen tears slipping Poison dripping

Here is where the healing of the soul begins Chipping away at the impenetrable walls of (hu)man Drawing strength from the solid Rock of Heaven

A fleeting ray of light, a moment of warmth, Remember. Beneath this colourless, frozen land the vibrant greens of a new season have begun to grow. Yet, I cannot see it I cannot hear it I cannot smell it I cannot taste it And I cannot feel it.

Is it there? Imagine. Believe. Mystery. Embrace it. It is beautiful. It is painful. I, am powerless.

Sunlight returns The skies are blue The quiet waters of peace fill the crevices of Doubt and insecurity Pain and frustration Helplessness and hopelessness

Rest for the weary.

Shadows still linger, dark clouds return.

But there is hope for a new season Embraced by a powerful mystery.

CONNECT ONLINE For the most updated list, please go to: www. springgardenchurch.ca/connect-online

LIFE GROUP - Connect for Community SUNDAYS 1:00 PM Together through bible study, prayer and sharing. Computers: Go to https://yorkvilleu-tfs.zoom. us/j/6011890492 (601 189 0492) Phone or Tablet: Download ‘Zoom Cloud Meetings’ Join with 601 189 0492 Audio Phone: 647-558-0588 ID: 601 189 0492

REFRESH - A Online Gathering of Women WEDNESDAY 10:00 AM A online gathering of women from our church and the community finding God together, reading and reflecting on scripture, sharing life stories and praying and supporting each other. Small children welcome, just let us know. To join or ask questions, please email Beverly Holtzman (holtzb@rogers.com)

EVENING PRAYER THURSDAYS 8:30 PM We are inviting you to a virtual time of liturgical prayer. If you would like to join us we will be using Zoom. <Join Zoom Meeting> Meeting ID: 851 072 803 One tap mobile +16473744685,,851072803# +16475580588,,851072803#

SPRING GARDEN CHURCH COMMUNITY - Facebook A group to encourage each other, share resources, connect, etc. Find us through groups in Facebook.

Day Camp 2020 - 4 Weeks of Fun! July 20th - Aug. 14th Come join us for one, two, three, or four weeks of camp! At our day camp, we strive to create a safe, loving, and inclusive atmosphere where the children can engage in fun activities and learn about God’s love for them. We believe that this is done through intentional relationships and thoughtful programming. The camp runs from 9am to 3:30pm and are for children currently in grades 1 - 5 (ages 6-10). Please sign up for each week you choose to attend online through our Events page. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jeremy at jeremy@ springgardenchurch.ca. SGC: Leaders In Training (LIT) July 13th-17th 9:00am - 3:00pm (Lunch provided) Cost: $50 We are planning an LIT program that is designed for youth 12 - 17 years old. This program will offer an introduction to leadership techniques and Camp Counselling. LIT's will participate in a variety of activities geared towards enhancing their leadership skills and abilities. Youth who participate in this program will have the opportunity to volunteer in different areas within our church, however, the main focus for them will be our 4 weeks of day camp. SIGN UP FOR LIT online on our Events page under Daycamp. Any questions can be addressed to Jeremy Ranasinghe (Jeremy@ springgardenchurch.ca)

16 MORE POSSIBLE EVENTS (click to see more info online): • Earth Day Community Clean Up - April 25 • Bike Blessing & BBQ - June 7th • Spring Garden Camping Trip - July 9 - 12 • Click above to sign up now.

In light of the current pandemic, we are taking steps to continue our ministry to both children and youth. We are still figuring this out and appreciate your willingness to venture with us as we navigate this time together as people of God.

Here is what we have for April!

Wednesday (Online) Hangouts!: Each Wednesday this month we will be meeting online using Zoom. Parents and caretakers, please use this link http:// tiny.cc/SpringKids to help kids get online with us.

Sunday Hangouts - We will be gathering together online using google hangouts to meet and catch up with one another, as well, we will be discussing issues relating to our present circumstances and reflect on this through scripture. Link - http://tiny.cc/SGCYouth Time: Sundays 2pm-3pm

April 3rd, 17th: We will be meeting online on Friday to play some online games with each other. Time: 6:00pm- 9:00pm **Meeting may end earlier depending on online activities**

Life Groups: Our Life group meetings this month are on pause as we navigate how to best do this keeping to the current regulations concerning social distancing.

Staying Updated: To stay up to date on what is happening for your youth, please visit our google calendar which has all our planned events http:// tinyurl.com/SGCYouth