February 8, 2026
Greetings to Melville United Church
This note will cover a lot of things as the weeks go by, this week will be a little less about me…but I will get back to my story. This week, like many weeks or even days, is a mix of celebrations and wonder, and tragedy and pain. The two often go side-by-side and we can be overwhelmed with what we are feeling, confused about what we are supposed to be doing.
This week our nation has been impacted by the largest high school shooting in Canadian history with tragedy that unfolded in the rural BC community of Tumbler Ridge. We will never get the full story as to the “why” of this incident, but we know that there will be lifelong pain for those immediately impacted by death and injury as well as the effect on the wider community. Personally, and I don’t hold this up to level of pain that Tumbler Ridge is going through, this past week would have been my Mom’s 80th birthday, as many know she died in the fall last year, so for me and my family this is our first birthday without her and these special days bring their own loss and grief.
I contrast those two events with the love, joy and celebration of Wednesday night’s “God is Love” gathering – to welcome me and Amanda. The weather conditions, especially into the night, weren’t great but it was wonderful that so many came out to share food, conversation, games and laughter – across the generations. Over in Italy the Olympics are unfolding – athletes that have spent years training for this once every four-year moment and for me the pride and excitement of watching the (Canadian) athletes is always special.
Each of us can list on a day-to-day or week-to-week basis things that bring us lament and grief and those things that bring us joy and excitement…. As people of faith, we know that our lives have those mountain-top experiences, time spent in the valleys of loss, and more time living in-between the two. Life doesn’t give us directions, but we know that we can’t always stay in those places of glory and wonder and in faith we trust that we will find our way out of the shadows.
This brings me to this week, Transfiguration Sunday. It is the Sunday that marks the end of Epiphany and that next week Lent begins, and Jesus’ cross is quickly approaching. Jesus brings the inside group of disciples to the top of a mountain and is transfigured (no one is sure exactly what happens) before them and Moses and Elijah, great voices from the past, appear with Jesus. The disciples are confused and overwhelmed by what they see – and Peter proclaims a willingness to build tents so that this wondrous moment can continue. But, seemingly as quickly as this event begins, its over… and Jesus leads the disciples back down the mountain, back to the people where ministry is needed – but Jerusalem is clearly on the horizon.
From the mountain tops of wonder to the deep valleys of sorrow and everywhere in between, we trust that God is with us, always giving us just what we need, even when we aren’t even sure which way to turn. Maybe it is rest and rejuvenation, maybe it is a call to minister, or a willingness to receive care. Let us come to worship this week, seeking to “listen to Jesus” as we share Jesus’ light in the world.
It will take a while to get up to speed with the two congregations, but if there are pastoral concerns/questions please feel free to reach out to me via email at slongmoore@hotmail.com or by phone/text 519-381-8282. I do have business cards at both churches with my contact information as well, share with others as needed. If I don’t get to my phone, please leave a message… and if you do send me a text (at least the first one) please include your name so that I am not just looking a phone number wondering who is writing to me!
May we know that in all our life events, we are not alone.
Rev’d Steve Longmoore
February 1, 2026
Greetings to Melville United Church
First, I want to offer deep appreciation and thanksgiving for the welcome I (and Amanda) received at both services on Sunday…. With food and conversation before worship at Ilderton and the after church Birthday Lunch in Melville, I had a chance to touch base with many folks connected to the two churches. It will take me a while to remember everyone’s names (especially those who I primarily see on Sunday mornings) so please don’t be offended if I don’t remember your name, and please keep reintroducing yourselves! I will get there, just have patience as we grow into this relationship together! I also want to remind folks that our “welcoming” is not complete as we will gather on Feb 11th at Melville for a pot-luck God is Love supper event… all are welcome!
Between the food and fellowship of the past weekend, the language of fasting in the reading from Isaiah and being “salt” in the world in our Gospel reading, it seems like a good week to talk about food. There is a common thought that people will have a preference between salty foods and sweet foods. Many like both, but often there is lean. Amanda is both but leans towards the sweet table. Me, I am a salt person. Pass me chips (side story – I was at the Forest Curling Club a couple of weeks ago and someone brought in some Kettle Cooked Truffle flavoured potato chips after the game and they were awful. I can tolerate a lot of flavours but a strong never again from me and our table), pass me popcorn, pass me peanuts. pass me all those salty things that are bad for my blood pressure. It is those foods that make me happy, if you remember my question and your responses from last week! Really sweet things (like chocolate and ice cream) aren’t a favourite of mine so please don’t be offended at my pickiness. Also, I am not a coffee/tea drinker… though those were around our house growing up, I never acquired a taste for them even if as clergy there are lots of coffee and tea at events and social function. Instead, you will see me frequently with water, juice or Coke Zero on the go.
In the season after Epiphany, the themes of light and revelation abound. This week when we hear the prophet of Isaiah, speaking on behalf of God, calling out people for their worship and their lives being disconnected. The people were guilty of saying one thing in worship and failing to live that message in their day-to-day lives. If they change their ways, God’s light will shine forth. In Matthew’s Gospel the message of encouragement that started last week with the Beatitudes continues with language of being salt and light to the world… being salt and light is an invitation to impact the world so that the promises of God’s Kingdom can be revealed! The connecting theme of seeing and sharing God’s light in the world will be reinforced in our music. When we gather to worship may we ponder ways to let God’s light shine through us. In the words from the hymn (VU 509) Here I Am Lord, when God asks, “Who will bear my light to them, who shall I send?” May we proclaim, “Here I am, Lord”.
It will take a while to get up to speed with the two congregations, but if there are pastoral concerns/questions please feel free to reach out to me via email at slongmoore@hotmail.com or by phone/text 519-381-8282. I do have business cards at both churches with my contact information as well, share with others as needed. If I don’t get to my phone, please leave a message… and if you do send me a text (at least the first one) please include your name so that I am not just looking a phone number wondering who is writing to me!
May we amplify the light of God that pushes back the darkness.
Rev’d Steve Longmoore
Leave a Reply