Kairos

Every few years, a national event for young adults of the United Church occurs and it's happening right now at 5 Oaks Retreat and Education Centre in Paris, ON. Ninety people from all across Canada arrived yesterday and we've begun the journey of building community and engaging the theme of "It Matters". Even though I fall beyond the 18- to 30-year old age range, I'm working as one of the chaplains for the event.

For those who like words, kairos is defined in church circles as "God's time" which is very different from chronos which is "chronological time". So in this week when the days are crammed full of program, worship, workshops and meeting new people, the time will seem to fly by but also convey a sense of longer history together. Kairos is that sense of combining "It's Friday already?!" with "I feel like I've been here/known these people for ever!" It is in these moments that God's work can happen most fruitfully.

In that vein, it is hard to believe that summer is almost over, we're getting back to school/September routines and that our congregational life will recommence with new energy. See you next week.