Dear all WEUC family members 

 I am holding each and every one of you in my prayers today as I read this letter as my prayers of the people today.  We, Willowdale Emmanuel United Church have joined as one family, with two cultures and languages to practice our faith.   Jesus asks us to be One in the body of Christ.

We are so grateful for this faith home community that God provides so that we can continue to serve the world and our community as diverse people of the church.

We are One but many, we are One in love with many different dreams and hopes.

We are seeking One world but respect God’s creation and diverse human beings.

We are One as a church with many differences and challenges.  Thanks be to God.  

  Oct 1, Thursday, Chuseok (추석), is one of the main celebrations, the most important holiday of the year for Koreans since ancient times.   As an agricultural society, it is a celebration day where family and friends gather in their hometowns, return together, and visit the ancestors’ place.  Under the Covid-19, we can’t celebrate much, yet, we are holding all our church members and friends far and near, for this special day with God's blessings.     

We give our extra thanksgiving to God for God’s love, care and gifts to all our church members and families in difficult times.

We remember with gratitude all those involved in God’s mission and ministry to our world and communities.  May they continue to flourish.

 We hold people who are not well physically, spiritually and mentally at this time and those who are experiencing loneliness, depression, fear, anxiety, grief and loss.  May God touch them with healing power. 

 Finally, let us hold in prayer all our government leaders, in Korea and Canada at this uncertain time.   Leading our countries is not an easy task for them as they live through this responsibility of care and safety for all.

The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem, and gathers the dispersed people of Israel, healing the brokenhearted, and binding up their wounds.” (Psalm 147: 2-3)

Remember the Psalmist prayers today, we hold many who walk in darkness. Open our hearts, arms and minds to embrace all who need our love and care as Jesus shows the way.

Thanks be to God,