Sewing love, stitching hope

Every Tuesday morning the ladies of the Stitching Group at Amberlea gather in the lower level of the church. I love popping in to watch, to learn and witness the talented ladies at work.

I went down this past Tuesday and in the gentle rhythm of sewing, something truly beautiful was happening. It’s not just fabric being stitched together; it's lives being touched, hearts being comforted, and hope being woven into the fabric of many families.

Some, in this group, are beginners and others are quite accomplished with decades of quilting experience, but all of these kind-hearted women come with a common purpose to sew together. Many make quilts for Amberlea’s ministry to indigenous families in need called Hearts and Hands in Harmony.

Each quilt they create is much more than just a piece of art. Every stitch made by their hands is an act of care, intentionality, and prayer. As they sit together, working side by side, they reflect on the joy of contributing to something greater than themselves. These quilts are made not just to provide warmth, but to offer a sense of belonging, dignity, and comfort to families who may be struggling.

As they sew, they also "stitch" their prayers into the fabric—prayers for the families who will receive the quilts, prayers for their health, safety, and restoration. In this way, each quilt is a tangible manifestation of God's love, wrapped in the warmth of a community that cares.  It is truly a beautiful thing.

On this particular morning I watched as one of the ladies carefully cut pieces from a variety of fabrics, each one destined to be sewn together into a quilt. In that moment, I realized how sewing and quilting beautifully mirror our spiritual journey. Just as a quilt is crafted from many different pieces, our lives are shaped by a tapestry of moments, experiences, and people. Some bring joy, while others bring pain, yet each piece contributes to the greater design. As we sew, we are reminded that God can take the different, often mismatched pieces of our lives and stitch them together into something beautiful and meaningful.

The Apostle Paul encourages us in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Like the patches of fabric in a quilt, our lives—when placed in God’s hands—can be woven together into a masterpiece of His design, even if we don’t see the full picture at the moment.

I have had the privilege of praying over the quilts before being shipped North, asking God to bless it as it travels into the hands of those who need it most. We pray that those quilts serve as a reminder of His provision, care, and unending love. The fabric, in a sense, becomes a vessel of grace, carrying with it the prayers and good intentions of the women who made it.

To the women who have given their time and talent to this ministry, thank you. Your dedication is a beautiful reflection of God’s love in action. Each quilt you create is a symbol of your faith, a gift of hope, and a powerful reminder that we are all part of God’s family, called to serve and love one another.

Lessons from a hockey arena

I was recently at a hockey game, live and in person. Have you ever had the chance to see the Toronto Maple Leafs play live? There’s something truly electrifying about gathering with thousands of like-minded fans, all gathered under one roof, united in purpose, cheering on a team they’ve remained faithful and steadfast to through thick and thin. It’s an experience that leaves you feeling connected, even to strangers. We share in the highs and lows together, and it becomes about more than just the game—it’s about the community.

As the game unfolded, I found myself feeling that same sense of connection that so many others around me were experiencing. We all feel the collective tension when a player misses a shot or a perfect pass falls apart. And when the team scores? It’s pure euphoria. The crowd rises to its feet, we high-five complete strangers, and for a moment, we forget about the world beyond the ice. It’s the ultimate display of unity.

But the losses? Ah, those are tough to swallow. When the game ends and the Leafs don’t come out victorious, you can feel it in the air. The crowd becomes quiet, the energy drained, and we all slowly filter out of the arena with our hearts in our throats and our heads hung low. Someone even joked about it, saying, “It’s like the walk of shame.” And in that somber moment, I realized something profound: the community we share in both the joy of victory and the agony of defeat is something that transcends the game itself.

It reminded me of something I’ve experienced at church, oddly enough. You might not immediately see the connection between a hockey game and a Sunday service, but bear with me for a moment. Whether you’re attending a live hockey game or gathering in church on Sunday, you’re participating in a community of people with a shared purpose. You come together, united in your common goal—cheering for your team or worshipping with a heart full of gratitude.

In both settings, there’s an unspoken bond. When a goal is scored in a hockey game, it’s like we all share in that victory. In church, when a prayer is answered or when someone finds peace, we rejoice together. When a loss is suffered, be it in a game or in life, we’re there to console each other. In both spaces, we remind each other that we’re not alone in our journey. We can pick each other up and walk out of the arena—or church—together, heads held a little higher.

The Bible speaks a lot about community and being united with others. One scripture that comes to mind is Romans 12:4-5, which says, “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Whether we're on the ice or in the pews, we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. We might not always have the same role, but we are united in a shared purpose. In the arena, our purpose is to cheer, to support, to lift up. In church, our purpose is to worship, to support, and to serve. It’s the same idea: community and belonging.

So whether you're sitting in a seat at a hockey arena or a pew at church, there’s something truly special about that moment when we come together. We all have our highs, our lows, and moments when we just need someone to lean on. But in the end, we walk out together, grateful for the experience, knowing that we are part of something greater.

That camaraderie, that connection, is something worth celebrating—both in the arena and in our faith. And even when the game doesn’t go the way we hope, we can find peace in knowing that we have each other to lean on, no matter what.

In Hebrews 10:24-25, it says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Whether we’re cheering at a hockey game or supporting each other through life’s challenges, it’s the community that makes all the difference.

So next time you're at the game, or sitting in church, remember that you’re part of something bigger. You’re part of a community that has your back—win or lose. And that, my friend, is worth celebrating.

Give up and Give out

Did you know that Lent began this past week on Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent directly following Shrove Tuesday or better know to some as Pancake Tuesday.  So why pancakes?

Lent is a time of fasting, moderation, and giving things up traditionally observed by Catholics and some Protestant denominations. So Shrove Tuesday is the last chance to “indulge” and to use up the foods that aren't typically allowed in Lent. Pancakes are eaten on this day because they contain fat, butter and eggs which were forbidden during Lent.

Lent begins 46 days before Easter (40 days not counting Sundays).

During this season of Lent you may decide to fast, eat sparingly or give up a particular food or habit. It’s not uncommon for people to give up smoking during Lent, or to swear off watching television or Facebook or eating candy or telling lies. It’s six weeks of self-discipline.

How about this?  Sure give up something but how about give out - give something in return?

Many of us at Amberlea in years passed have participated in 40 acts of generosity during Lent.  You can go to the website 40Acts and sign up, it’s certainly not too late.

As we live life generously, I want to challenge you each day to remember God’s faithfulness to you. It is in the remembering that we find the encouragement to trust God today (regardless of what’s going on) and trust God with our tomorrows.