A Pastor's Letter from Chris

Dear Friends at Eglinton St. George’s United Church

Greetings from the east.

Ever count how many blind people approach Jesus for healing? The author of Mark’s gospel introduces us to Bartimaeus, a man who had lost his sight.  When he discovers that Jesus is passing by, he won’t keep silent. He shouts that Jesus is the favoured of God, the son of David. The disciples want to stifle him, but Jesus invites Bartimaeus to approach and asks what he really wants.  “I want to see again,” Bartimaeus blurts out.  And Jesus restores his sight. 

On one level this is a simple healing story with the message: in Christ’s company people are cured of their diseases.  But it is also a metaphor that says: join Jesus on the road and your eyes will be opened.  You will see.  You will see the outcasts on the side the road who hunger for justice. You will see the love and mercy of God acted out. You will see a community of faith where the lost are found and all people have a place.   Once your eyes are opened to these wonders you won’t want to go back to your blindness. That is Mark’s point. 

Since Mark was written our vocation has not changed. As Christ’s followers we are asked to heal the blind—to open the eyes of those who cannot see.  I look forward to sharing that mission with you.

But it’s not just about healing. Our mission is also one of feeding: giving fresh bread to a hungry world.  Hospitality is key! I’ve done a bit of bread baking in my day and I look forward to seeing how together we can cook up a storm:  food for the body and soul. 

In both these aspects of our ministry: healing and hospitality, the dominant tone is one of rejoicing. As we move forward, I live by joy. My mantra is: “This will be fun! “  Fun is a very serious theological principle.  We’ll speak more of this no doubt.  Right now let me say that I am very excited to join you in your mission, opening doors, minds and hearts.

A bit about me. I have four children (two based in Toronto and two based in Fredericton), 2 grandchildren living close to the corner of Yonge and Eglinton and an adopted family in Cuba.  My energies are spread between preaching, teaching, writing and playing.  On the writing end I am working on publishing a piece of fiction and a text on the Lord’s Prayer. On the play side, my focus has been biking and skiing—all kinds of each.

I was born in Toronto and grew into my teenage years in Brantford. So I feel very much like I am closing the circle on my life and I thank you and God for this chance to return to my roots.

Enough of me … I can’t wait to meet you and share stories.

Until then …

Chris