A need for a sacred space & resting place

There is a growing concern that the area designed and designated for the chapel at Country Meadows Long Term Care Facility be returned to the original purpose. It is understood that there was/is a need for staff to have social distancing at break times, and a safe environment in which to work. It is also clear that the chapel is not accessible for it’s intended purpose. For residents simply seeing the beauty of the stained glass windows. designed and crafted with a unifying message, seeing the pulpit and the cross– visual reminders that resonate deeply and are encouragements and reinforcements in their faith journey– have been and are being denied to them. The items in this sacred space were carefully chosen and provided by the faith families in our community.

Another concern is the space generally referred to as the family room, a comfortable place for family to confer and refresh, is now a storage space.

As a concerned citizen, and a friend to many of the residents, in speaking with the director of the facility I learned that the storage unit provided for a family visiting site, would be returned to the province. Could it not be re-purposed to a lunch room or storage space, allowing the chapel once again to be a place of worship, and the family room a quiet retreat for family? I also understand that the vacant rooms can not be designated lunch break rooms. There will always be flues and outbreaks. May there always be a sacred space and a resting place within our care facility.

Rita Friesen Neepawa, MB

King Nebuchadnezzar got mad and ordered to bring three Jewish men, friends of Prophet Daniel to him. And there was more pressure from the King to force believers in one true God to worship the golden image (Daniel 3:13-15).

The response of three faithful men is outstanding in verses 17-18. Verse 18, “…let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up”. What? Seriously? Are you guys going to the fiery furnace to keep your faith in the one and true God, Creator of all things?

Can’t you just worship that golden image one time, right now to save your physical lives from fire and then return to you daily routine? Be smarter, be like everyone else. Save your skin!

If you have the Bible at home or on your phone I encourage you to read this account in Daniel chapter 3. Please, read the follow-up and Lord willing next week you will read the conclusion of this story in the next devotion in our community paper.

Pastor Vlad, 1st Baptist Church.

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Thumbs up, thumbs down

Thumbs down to the Department of Highways or whoever is responsible for the big sign on #16 highway going east. When you’re coming towards Neepawa off of #5 onto highway #16 the sign they put up by the bridge is very obstructive to oncoming traffic.

This sign has been installed for the last two winters and nothing is printed on it.

Lillian Barsalou Neepawa, MB

Thumbs up to Neepawa Access TV for the excellent coverage of the Viterra Provincial Men’s Curling Championship. Great camera angle shots and good commentary !

I am sure many people enjoyed curling .

Robert Smith Sidney, MB

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