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Hi everyone! Warmest greetings—and let me wish you an early “Happy Canada Day!” I know it’s a bit early yet, but today is June 25, and we’ll reach July 1st before my next newsletter. Plus, I know that we’re going to acknowledge Canada Day this coming Sunday morning. So it seems appropriate to mention it here as well.

I feel very privileged and grateful to live in this wonderful country. Yes, I know, we’re not perfect. Canada’s history includes its share of mistakes and blemishes, as is true of every country. We haven’t always treated all our residents well. We’ve sometimes elected less-than-ideal leaders, and have sometimes allowed the development of less-than-godly policies and laws. There’s plenty of worldliness here, and Christian faith does not have the influence it once did, with less-than-ideal results. And, on a more mundane note, our national soccer team has pretty much no chance of making it far in the World Cup elimination rounds. Even worse, the CBC won’t be airing Hockey Night in Canada anymore! (News that hurts the heart of every red-blooded Canadian.)

We’re not perfect. No human kingdom is perfect. But still, Canada is a pretty good place to live. I have freedom to come and go wherever I want, whenever I feel the inclination. I can still speak my mind and say what I believe with remarkable freedom, as long as I do it wisely and graciously. I’ve had access to education. When I’ve needed medical care, I’ve been able to access that, too—without having to sell my home to pay for it. With a bit of reasonable care, I can walk around my neighborhood pretty much any time of day or night without being afraid. No one is dropping bombs on our community, and we’ve almost never known war in our own national territory. I have wonderful neighbors who reflect many different cultures and backgrounds, who all get along.

Beyond those social benefits, I am constantly amazed at what a beautiful and resource-rich place I call home. Even with water restrictions and a low snowpack, we have a solid supply of clean, fresh water. A matter of minutes from my front door, I can hike through woods, over streams, into a gorgeous wilderness area that stretches on for miles and miles. That means I breathe fresh air even though I’m on the edge of the city, and it’s easy to get to places that are both beautiful to the eye and refreshing to the spirit. I can scramble around in the mountains or walk by the ocean and watch for whales! Or both, all in the same day!

Every place has its blessings and delights. Every land God made reflects His wise handiwork. I know many of you would be quick to express your appreciation for other lands that you’ve called home, too, and that’s perfectly right. But with Canada Day coming up, I can’t help but reflect with appreciation on the many good things we enjoy here. May your heart be filled with the joyful echoes of God’s goodness this week.

This seems like a good time to remind us all of the thoughtful, thankful words of Canada’s national anthem (which, I think, we’ll be singing on Sunday as well). We don’t hear all 4 verses very often, but they’re all worth quoting.

O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada! Where pines and maples grow. Great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow.
How dear to us thy broad domain, From East to Western Sea,
Thou land of hope for all who toil! Thou True North, strong and free!
God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies May stalwart sons and gentle maidens rise,
To keep thee steadfast through the years From East to Western Sea,
Our own beloved native land! Our True North, strong and free!
God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer, Hold our dominion within thy loving care;
Help us to find, O God, in thee A lasting, rich reward,
As waiting for the Better Day, We ever stand on guard.
God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Don’t you love that last verse, especially? May we all remember to keep this country, its leaders, and its people in prayer that God might truly turn our hearts to Himself and guard us as we wait for our Lord’s return.

On other fronts, this week we’ll finish our sermon series on Genesis with its lessons for the family. I’m going to surprise you with this one rather than saying too much about it now. However, if you’re wanting to read ahead, I suggest going back and reviewing the story of Adam and Eve from Genesis 2 and 3. If time is short, focus on 3:1-15, with special attention on 15.

That’s my news for today. Have a wonderful rest-of-June, and we’ll see you soon. Blessings!

—Pastor Ken