Celebrating Reconciliation, Healing, and Interconnectedness

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit Guides Us Into Truth and Healing

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to guide, teach, and empower his followers, and that same Spirit is present with us today, especially as we seek healing and reconciliation in our communities. The Spirit’s arrival at Pentecost transformed fearful disciples into bold witnesses, equipping them to speak and act in ways they never imagined. In our own lives, when we face challenges or the daunting work of repairing relationships and addressing past wrongs, we can trust that the Holy Spirit will move among us, offering wisdom, courage, and unexpected help. We are not alone in this journey; God’s Spirit is with us, leading us into truth and new beginnings. [36:02]

John 16:12-13 (ESV)
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you need the Spirit’s guidance to help you take a step toward healing or reconciliation today?

Day 2: The Power of Sacrificial Love in Families

The story of Stanley and Dorothy Mackay, who uprooted their lives to spare their youngest child from the trauma of residential schools, is a powerful example of sacrificial love. Their willingness to leave behind their home, community, and way of life for the sake of their child’s well-being reflects the deep, often costly love that parents can show. This kind of love is not always easy or recognized, but it can change the course of a life and bring hope in the midst of pain. As we honor fathers and all caregivers, let us remember the quiet sacrifices made for the sake of others, and consider how we might embody such love in our own relationships. [27:55]

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Reflection: Who in your life has shown you sacrificial love, and how might you express gratitude or extend that same love to someone else this week?

Day 3: Embracing Reconciliation and New Relationships

We are called to respond to the painful legacy of residential schools and broken relationships by seeking healing and renewing our connections with those we have wronged. This work of reconciliation is not just a matter of the past, but an ongoing journey that requires humility, listening, and concrete action. The Spirit moves us to take small steps—learning, building friendships, and supporting efforts for justice and healing. As individuals and as a church, we are invited to participate in God’s work of restoring relationships, trusting that we do not do this alone but with God’s help. [38:28]

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV)
“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to build or restore a relationship—whether with an individual, a community, or the land itself?

Day 4: Honoring Wisdom and Interconnectedness

Indigenous teachings remind us of the interconnectedness of all creation—“all my relations”—and the importance of living in harmony with the land, animals, and each other. Wisdom is found in respecting these relationships and recognizing that what affects one part of creation affects us all. As we listen to the land and to the stories of Indigenous peoples, we are invited to walk gently, honor diversity, and seek a more sustainable and respectful way of living. This is a call to gratitude, humility, and a renewed sense of responsibility for the world around us. [40:25]

Proverbs 3:5-7 (ESV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”

Reflection: How can you intentionally listen to the wisdom of creation or the stories of others today, and what might you learn by doing so?

Day 5: Living as Instruments of Peace and Justice

We are invited to dedicate our lives, gifts, and resources to the ongoing work of healing, reconciliation, and justice. This means not only offering our prayers but also our time, talents, and finances to support efforts that build a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate world. Empowered by God’s Spirit, we can become instruments of peace, embodying love and justice in our daily actions and relationships. As we journey together, may we be open to the Spirit’s call to participate in God’s work of transformation and hope. [51:14]

Micah 6:8 (ESV)
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Reflection: What is one way you can use your gifts or resources this week to support healing, justice, or reconciliation in your community?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering was a celebration of many things: Trinity Sunday, Indigenous Day of Prayer, and Father’s Day. We began by acknowledging the land we worship on, honoring the Haudenosaunee, Huron, Wendat, Neutral, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to live in harmony with all who share this earth. The spirit of celebration continued as we recognized fathers in our midst, reflected on the joy of last week’s United Church centennial service, and gave thanks for the beauty of our renewed sanctuary.

Our worship was shaped by the Four Directions prayer, inviting us to turn our hearts to new beginnings, compassionate understanding, healing, and wisdom. We remembered the deep pain and legacy of the residential school system, especially through the story of Stanley and Dorothy Mackay, who made profound sacrifices to protect their children from the trauma of these schools. Their story is a reminder of the generational wounds carried by Indigenous families and the ongoing need for healing and reconciliation.

We reflected on the Trinity—God as Creator, Christ as Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit as Sustainer. The Holy Spirit, promised by Jesus and poured out at Pentecost, continues to guide, comfort, and empower us. This Spirit calls us to participate in the work of reconciliation, not as a distant obligation, but as a living, Spirit-led journey. The United Church’s apologies and reparations are steps on this path, but true reconciliation requires ongoing learning, listening, and relationship-building.

Practical examples were shared, such as interfaith reconciliation groups and “Grandma’s Tea,” where Indigenous and non-Indigenous grandmothers gather to build bridges. We are invited to learn from Indigenous wisdom, especially the teaching of “all my relations,” which recognizes the interconnectedness of all creation. Our prayers and songs today were offered in a spirit of humility, gratitude, and hope, seeking God’s guidance as we walk together toward healing and justice.

Key Takeaways

1. True reconciliation begins with honest acknowledgment of past wrongs and the courage to listen deeply to the stories of those who have been harmed. The story of Stanley and Dorothy Mackay’s sacrifice for their children’s well-being is a powerful reminder that healing requires both truth-telling and compassion. We are called to bear witness to pain, even when we were not personally involved, and to let that witness move us to action. [23:30]
2. The Holy Spirit is not a distant or abstract presence, but an active guide who meets us in our fear, confusion, and longing for justice. Just as the Spirit empowered the disciples at Pentecost to speak and act with courage, so too does the Spirit equip us for the work of reconciliation and healing in our own communities. We are never alone in this journey; God’s presence is our strength. [36:02]
3. Reconciliation is not a one-time event but a lifelong process of relationship, learning, and humility. Small steps—like joining a learning circle, attending a powwow, or sharing tea with someone from a different background—can be seeds of transformation. The Spirit often works through these humble beginnings, inviting us to deeper understanding and connection. [38:28]
4. Indigenous teachings, such as “all my relations,” challenge us to see the interconnectedness of all creation. This worldview calls us to live in harmony with the land, animals, and each other, recognizing that what affects one part of creation affects us all. Embracing this perspective can reshape our faith, our relationships, and our stewardship of the earth. [40:25]
5. The journey toward healing and justice is sustained by prayer, gratitude, and the willingness to be changed. As we pray for wisdom, compassion, and peace, we open ourselves to God’s transforming love. Our offerings—of time, talent, and resources—become acts of dedication to a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate world. [42:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:26] - Honoring Fathers and Celebrations
[08:13] - Sanctuary Renewal and Community Thanks
[10:47] - Four Directions Prayer and Call to Worship
[14:28] - Lighting the Candles and Opening Hymn
[17:56] - Opening Prayer and Indigenous Day of Prayer
[22:45] - Father’s Day Reflections and Jokes
[23:30] - The Story of Stanley and Dorothy Mackay
[34:15] - The Trinity and the Holy Spirit’s Promise
[35:19] - Pentecost and the Spirit’s Power
[37:23] - United Church Apologies and Reconciliation
[38:28] - Practical Steps Toward Reconciliation
[40:25] - Indigenous Wisdom: All My Relations
[41:03] - Prayer for Healing and Reconciliation
[42:07] - Morning Prayer and Offering
[51:14] - Dedication of Gifts and Song
[55:45] - Prayers for the World and Community
[58:12] - Prayers for Peace and Comfort
[61:54] - Announcements and Ice Cream Social
[63:07] - Blessing and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 16:12-15 — > “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”
*(Referenced in the sermon: [34:15])*

Acts 2:1-4 — > “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.”
*(Referenced in the sermon: [35:19])*

Observation Questions

According to John 16:12-15, what does Jesus say the Holy Spirit will do for the disciples? ([34:15])
In the story of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), what happened to the disciples when the Holy Spirit came upon them? ([35:19])
What sacrifices did Stanley and Dorothy Mackay make for their children, and why? ([23:30])
What are some practical examples of reconciliation mentioned in the sermon? ([38:28])

Interpretation Questions

Why might Jesus have said that the disciples could not bear everything he wanted to tell them, and how does the Holy Spirit help with this? ([34:15])
The disciples were afraid and hiding before the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost. What does this say about the Spirit’s role in giving courage and direction? ([35:19])
The story of Stanley and Dorothy Mackay highlights generational pain and sacrifice. How does hearing stories like theirs help us understand the ongoing need for healing and reconciliation? ([23:30])
The sermon mentions “all my relations” as an Indigenous teaching. How does this idea challenge or deepen our understanding of community and faith? ([40:25])

Application Questions

The sermon says true reconciliation begins with honest acknowledgment of past wrongs and deep listening. Is there a story or experience you’ve heard that changed your perspective on reconciliation? How did it affect you? ([23:30])
The Holy Spirit is described as an active guide who meets us in our fear and confusion. Can you recall a time when you felt guided or comforted by God’s Spirit during a difficult situation? What did that look like? ([36:02])
The Mackays made a huge sacrifice to protect their child from harm. Are there ways you have seen or experienced sacrificial love in your family or community? How did it impact you or others? ([23:30])
The sermon gives examples like joining a learning circle, attending a powwow, or sharing tea with someone from a different background. What is one small step you could take this month to build a bridge with someone from a different culture or background? ([38:28])
“All my relations” teaches that all creation is connected. How might this change the way you treat the land, animals, or people around you? Is there a specific habit you want to change or start? ([40:25])
The journey toward healing and justice is sustained by prayer and gratitude. What is one way you can make prayer or gratitude a more regular part of your daily life, especially as you think about reconciliation? ([42:07])
The United Church has made apologies and reparations, but the sermon says reconciliation is a lifelong process. What does ongoing learning and relationship-building look like for you personally? Is there a group, event, or resource you want to explore? ([37:23])

Sermon Clips

As individuals and as a church, we can respond to this legacy. We can—there are options. Our faith calls us to seek healing and to renew relationships with those with whom we have wronged. Seeking healing and new relationships with those whom we have wronged—that is our challenge. And the good news, my friends, is that we are not alone to do this. God is with us. [00:32:30] (39 seconds)

The Spirit catapulted them out into the streets. And they started to speak. Speak in languages that they didn't even know existed. And people who were there from all over the countryside heard them and understood them. The disciples spoke about the mighty deeds of God. [00:35:35] (23 seconds)

So when we are going through challenges and difficulties in our own lives and in our community, we can rely that the Holy Spirit will come to us in some way. We don't know how, but the Holy Spirit does come and help us and move us in ways that we cannot imagine or that we cannot predict in very unexpected ways. [00:36:13] (27 seconds)

So this is the promise that we have, that the Holy Spirit does come and comes to help us. So we are not alone in seeking healing and new relationships with our indigenous brothers and sisters. [00:36:40] (17 seconds)

So it's just small steps starting out and learning and listening and getting to know one another, building relationships. So the above is an example of what reconciliation could look like. How is the Holy Spirit moving you and I to take part in reconciliation? [00:39:13] (24 seconds)

We know that the Indigenous peoples have taught us the concept of all my relations. Right? All my relations. All of creation is related to one another. We are united. What happens to one affects the other. [00:40:11] (18 seconds)

And let us celebrate the Indigenous Day of Prayer with a deep sense of gratitude and humility. And may we journey together in a spirit of reconciliation, healing, and love. [00:40:55] (18 seconds)

``We dedicate our lives, our gifts, and our resources to the ongoing work of healing and reconciliation. We also dedicate our hearts and minds on this journey. Empower us to be instruments of peace, your love, and your justice, as we work together to build a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate world. Amen. [00:54:52] (26 seconds)

May God open you to fullness of the divine image through all of creation. May Christ journey with you as you learn more about the first people of this place. And may the Spirit call you into this continuing ministry of reconciliation and healing. And may God's face shine upon you and bless you with kindness and peace. Amen. [01:07:03] (28 seconds)

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