"When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you -- a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant -- then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord." (Deuteronomy 6: 10 - 12, NIV)

Assuming our rather chilly spring days give way to warmer ones, summer provides many incentives to be out-of-doors. For some it offers opportunities for travel.

We live in a large, flourishing country, and there are many things to enjoy. Having only recently arrived in Ottawa, we have much to discover -- and our discoveries have begun in our own backyard.

The previous owners of the home that we have purchased were great gardeners, and left us a rich legacy of perennial plants which have been popping us through the spring season. A beautiful collage of colour adorns our backyard. Tulips, rosebushes, and a host of flowering plants the names of which we do not yet know are everywhere in sight. We are truly thankful, and humbled, to be able to enjoy the fruit of work we did not do.

In giving counsel to the Hebrew people, God told Moses to warn His people that in the midst of God's rich blessings, they needed to be careful not to forget the source from whom all those blessings spring.

The same is true for us. It is all too easy for the alluring sights and sounds of summer to divert our attention from God who has created all things and who sustains them. By all means, let us bask in the sunshine and enjoy the summer breezes -- whether at the cottage or the beach, strolling the golf course or wandering through the countryside -- but let us remember to turn to God in prayers of thanksgiving and in songs of praise.

Opportunities for worship and fellowship at Parkwood this summer are focused on two weekly activities. On Sundays, we will share in one combined service at 10:00 a.m., beginning on June 23rd. A summer Vacation Sunday School will be offered following the children's story, with a special invitation to children in the neighbourhood to join us.

Secondly, during the months of July and August, a mid-week Wednesday Evening Fellowship programme will give opportunity for recreation, reflection, and fellowship together. Recreation will begin at 6:00 p.m., with both active outdoor sports and more restful indoor games available. An exposition or study on "The fruits of the Holy Spirit" will follow, with plans for separate learning groupings for teens and children. At 8:15 p.m., cold drinks will be available to encourage conversation and fellowship among friends and visitors alike.

Whether the summer takes us far afield or keeps us close to home, let us ensure that we find ways in worship and fellowship with God's people. Let us remember the God whose creative genius gives us this wonderful season we call summer, the Shepherd whose watchful care leads His sheep to enjoy green pastures, and the Spirit who blows and breathes upon His people to produce abundant fruit in our lives and in our life together.

With warm greetings, anticipating both warm weather and warm fellowship,

In Christ,



Your pastor,

James T. Hurd.