Holy Disturbance: Speaking Out

1 Samuel 1:1-8 

There is a certain contented comfort that comes from the status quo. But what happens when the status quo is neither comfortable nor contented, but rather painful and disturbing for some of its members? What if that pain, instead of being heard and addressed, is being ignored, minimized, gas-lit, or swept under the rug? The question “Where does it hurt?” gives those who are aching a chance to be heard. 

In this week’s story, Hannah’s weeping is a disturbance. Her heart and mouth are open as she speaks out her grief in the temple. Her cries make her husband uncomfortable, and he tries—unsuccessfully—to minimize them. Her heart holds hurt and hope at the same time. She refuses to be silenced. God, we find out later, is quite comfortable with her speaking out and even responds to her insistence.

Over these weeks of Advent, we will share four stories of holy disturbance in which individuals who yearn for shalom disrupt the placid waters of the status quo. 

As we explore these texts during Advent, may we welcome Holy Disturbance as a threshold into wholeness. May we trust that there is mercy in the mischief. May we believe in One Who Loves Us, who welcomes our truth-telling as gifts of intimacy, stirs up our groans for wholeness, and is waiting to receive us as we quest for shalom.

Worship Calendar

Location & Zoom. We meet on Sundays at 15639 24 Avenue, Surrey. Zoom is offered if you cannot attend in person. Zoom link. Meeting ID: 831 1690 9977 password: 753319

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Blogs
Catch up on Anne’s recent blogs under “News” on our website, southpoint.ca

Sun Apr 7
(2) Opening to Love
Rev Anne Baxter Smith
John 21:1-19

Sun Apr 14
(3) Receiving Clarity
Rev Anne Baxter Smith
Acts 3:12-19
 
Sun Apr 21
Rev Scott Swanson
Acts 4:5-12

New to Southpoint?

At Southpoint, it all begins with God’s love. Just as a plant grows, it receives sunshine, so we grow as we receive God’s love. At Southpoint, we are growing in our capacity to love God, ourselves, one another, and creation.

We seek to be a community of grace that is intentional yet organic, spacious yet authentic, grace-filled yet accountable. * We are fully welcoming. *

We encourage relationships rather than run programs, yet we recognize the importance of intentionality and structure as we nurture life together.

As a community, we seek to put our love in action. We value helping out on Sunday mornings, sharing food, and showing up in hard times. We keep our church life simple so folk have time to build relationships with family, friends, and neighbours. We encourage folk to serve in tangible ways within the wider community. We rent space rather than own a building, allowing us to do more with less, supporting missions at home and abroad.

Curious to know more?

These six slides express what motivates our ministry (best viewed on a monitor). Here’s the bio of our Pastor, Rev. Anne Baxter Smith.

If you’d like to really peek inside, sign up for our weekly Southpoint News (scroll to brown footer at bottom of page). The Southpoint News is a MailChimp distributed email—you can unsubscribe anytime and will not be added to our contacts list. Email us at office@southpoint.ca. Website: southpoint.ca.

In-person at Sunnyside 15639 24 Ave
* Please read our Covid statement and policy
* Wear a mask if ? 5 years old
* Need to zoom in? 

ADVENT
Holy Disturbance: Where Does It Hurt?

Sun. Dec 5, 10:00 am Faith
Reaching Out       
Speaker: Anne Smith Mark 5: 21-43

Sun. Dec 12, 10:00 am Joy
Pulling Apart
Speaker: Anne Smith Luke 5: 17-26

Sun. Dec 19, 10:00 am Peace
Breaking Through
Speaker: Anne Smith Luke 2: 1-7
Screening of kids’ Nativity performance (with thanks to Lily and Lynne Oger!)

Fri. Dec 24 
Christmas Eve service
Kingfisher Farm, from 4:00-5:00 pm
Wear your toque, bring a blanket (and a mask), we’re in the barn at 512 172 Street, Surrey. Service starts and ends promptly.

Parking is limited: come a few minutes early to keep the parking lot safe and car-pool, if possible.

New to Southpoint?

At Southpoint, it all begins with God’s love. Just as a plant grows, it receives sunshine, so we grow as we receive God’s love. At Southpoint, we are growing in our capacity to love God, ourselves, one another, and creation.

We seek to be a community of grace that is intentional yet organic, spacious yet authentic, grace-filled yet accountable. * We are fully welcoming. *

We encourage relationships rather than run programs, yet we recognize the importance of intentionality and structure as we nurture life together.

As a community, we seek to put our love in action. We value helping out on Sunday mornings, sharing food, and showing up in hard times. We keep our church life simple so folk have time to build relationships with family, friends, and neighbours. We encourage folk to serve in tangible ways within the wider community. We rent space rather than own a building, allowing us to do more with less, supporting missions at home and abroad.

Curious to know more?

These six slides express what motivates our ministry (best viewed on a monitor). Here’s the bio of our Pastor, Rev. Anne Baxter Smith.

If you’d like to really peek inside, sign up for our weekly Southpoint News (scroll to brown footer at bottom of page). The Southpoint News is a MailChimp distributed email—you can unsubscribe anytime and will not be added to our contacts list. Email us at office@southpoint.ca. Website: southpoint.ca.