Dear Glen Morris Community, 

How delightful it was to welcome so many of you to the strawberry social at the manse last Sunday! Despite all of the storms happening close by we were blessed with sunshine and great company as we celebrated the completion of the Ministry Accessibility Project and the fact that it is strawberry season in Ontario. 

Did you know that strawberries hold special significance in Indigenous communities? Referred to as the heart berry, or ode’imin, strawberries are a source of healing and reconciliation. This story of the origins of Ode'imin, known as the Strawberry Teaching, comes from Elder Lilian Pitwanakwat of Curve Lake First Nation:

"In the Strawberry Teaching two brothers mischievously play at wrestling, against their parents’ wishes. Following the accidental death of one of the boys, the survivor is overcome with grief and ashamed to admit his role in his brother’s death. After years of grief and anger, the surviving brother is surprised to discover a strawberry plant growing on his brother’s grave. As the fruit matures it transforms from a tiny white bud to a beautiful red, luscious fruit, shaped like a heart. Eating this fruit restored his joy in life again and allowed him to release his guilt and shame. Change and healing took place not from the head, but from the heart following acceptance of his brother’s death.

The heart berry helps us understand the connection between the mind, body, spirit, and emotions. We need our heart to guide us in order to maintain personal balance. The heart berry also reminds us of reconciliation and teaches us how to maintain heartfelt relationships in our families and communities. During the strawberry harvest in June, many communities hold annual feasts, welcoming everyone home and letting go of differences, judgement, and self-righteousness."

We are very blessed to live in a part of the world with an abundance of fresh and local strawberries this time of year. I see the Ministry Accessibility Project as a reflection of the heart berries teachings, where we committed to maintaining heartfelt relationships by ensuring that the manse could be a place of welcome and gathering for all, including those with mobility challenges and who rely on the use of walkers and wheelchairs. The ramp, encircling a native pollinator garden that supports our local biodiversity, has been used by toddlers still learning to climb stairs, friends pushing strollers, elderly using walkers, and people of all ages excited to look at all the beauty growing in the garden. 

May you taste the peace of Christ savouring a heart berry this week, 

May you see the peace of Christ in all the ways people are working to create spaces of belonging and welcome that are accessible to all, 

 

Yours in Christ, 

Rev Michiko