Jim  Pot
Slideshow image

"Sabbath means quit. Stop. Take a break. Cool it. The word itself has nothing devout or holy in it. It is a word about time, denoting our nonuse of it, what we usually call wasting time."  

This is what Eugene Peterson, popularly known for his Bible paraphrase The Message, writes about the value of rest and vacation in his book Working the Angles.    

For most of the month of July, I'm going to follow Peterson's advice about wasting time.   Not because I'm exhausted.   I've thoroughly enjoyed the rhythm and dance of my work at Knox since beginning here last August.   And also, at least I think not, because I'm lazy.  Instead, because it's time for a well-placed season of rest and reflection, in order to return refreshed and renewed.  

Truth be told, I'm hopeful time won't just fritter away.   In addition to anticipating the birth of a grandchild in Hamilton and wasting time with new baby Hannah (yes she already has a name), Grace and I hope to spend more time with family, enjoy a few short side-trips to Quebec, do some landscaping on our property, build a waterfall in our backyard, and yes, sit in a couple of muskoka chairs with cold beverages in hand.   Plus, I hope to make a visit to Armenia in Belize where I'm a Director of the small mission, In His Footprints.  

I'm also very pleased to share that during my time away the roster of guest Ministers includes not only familiar faces but also much appreciated voices at Knox.  Our former Interim Minister Cedric Pettigrew will be preaching on July 3.   Bill Rasmus will lead the service on July 10.   And Robert (Sandy) Scott is scheduled to be at Knox for both July 17 and 24.   

So while the Knox Minister is 'wasting time,' I hope you too enjoy the often more relaxing season of summer, and take in Sunday Services at the corner of Elgin and Lisgar.   It's one other great way to 'waste time' as God originally designed for Sabbath worship.    And remember:  starting July 3rd, summer Sunday services @ Knox begin at 10:30 AM!  :)