Together, We Hope

In Romans 8:19-25, the scripture chosen to honour this year’s Season of Creation, Creation is like a prisoner of war, groaning for liberation, waiting for release from its bondage. Creation is also like a mother groaning, giving birth. The groaning of Creation in Romans is a reality we can see and feel around us. Wildfires and storms ravage the land, our seas are polluted, and countless species are pushed to the brink of extinction. Our own actions have caused immense harm, and Creation cries out in response. 

Will everything turn out okay?

Will we figure out a way to solve the mess we have made?

Will we find our way? 

Amidst the acknowledgement of these groans, in this passage, there is also this repeating word—hope. Paul uses the word “hope” five times in two verses. In this passage, hope is actively intertwined with the Creation’s labour for new life, the hidden work of God, and us becoming what God created us to be. 

Lyanda Lynn Haupt found a definition for hope in a lexicon while staying at a Benedictine monastery some years ago. Hope as defined by the Benedictines was “that virtue by which we take responsibility for the future.” And in that same old monastic lexicon, virtue was described as “the power to realize good, and to do so joyfully and with perseverance, despite obstacles.” Putting this together, she holds onto this definition of hope: 

“Hope is the virtue that asks us to take responsibility for the future, to act joyfully and with perseverance, despite the obstacles.” (Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit) 

This Sunday marks the beginning of the Season of Creation, a global Christian commitment to care for creation, our common home. The theme this year is “To Hope and Act with Creation.” In the image for the season, many hands are lifted up in hope, action and courage. In the centre, this is a dove, representing the Spirit, holding a sprig of green, representing Creation. We are coming together as Christians, with Creation, and with the Spirit, and there is power in our togetherness. In hope, we are invited into a profound collaboration with the life-affirming, life-giving power of the Spirit and the Creation. 

Hope asks us to participate with God in the renewal of the earth, however that will manifest. Hope asks us to lean into becoming what we long to be—the very children of God that Creation longs for. 

Deep peace and blessing,

Anne

Rev. Anne Baxter Smith
Pastor, Southpoint Church

Sun Sep 8
(2) Together, We Act 
Rev Anne Baxter Smith
Rom 8:20-21, part 2

Sun Sep 15
(3) Together, We Learn 
 Is 11:1-9 Jodi Spargur

Sun Sep 22
(4) Together, We Care 
ALL In service

Sun Sep 29
(5) Together, We Heal
All OUT service: No gathering at the Sunnyside building!

Sun Oct 6
(6) Together, We Love
Gen 2: 1-9 Krista Boyes

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.

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