The Night Before Circle

The Night Before Circle

Monday marked the beginning of the final learning circle for Kim, Barb, Karen, Joe, Christina, and Lorrie – the students in the Integration Year of the Diaconal Ministries program. Marcie Gibson has been their primary program staff person this year, accompanying them as they pull together all that they’ve learned and prepare to graduate.

Because of the coronavirus this year they are not coming together in Winnipeg for their final circle. Everyone is in their own home or office, connecting through videoconference.

On the night before the circle began, Marcie recalled that other members of staff sometimes like to join in for morning worship, so she sent out the following invitation…

It was the night before circle and all through the house, 
not a cat was sleeping, not even a mouse.
The agendas were posted on moodle with care,
and a hope that the internet still would be there.

And what to my wandering thoughts did occur,
an invite to staff, to come worship for sure.
There’ll be laughter and candles, scripture and song,
with only six students, check-in’s not long.

The students are nestled all snug in their homes,
Not jet-lagged or lost, or stuck on the phone;
And Kim in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Will settle in soon with the others to chat.

“Now, Scott! now, Cheryl! now, Michelle, and Lori!
On, Janet! on David! oh, with guests and glory!
To the top of the screen! to the top of the link!
Now dash away! multi-task! plan, pray, and think!”

I sprang to my email, to staff team gave a nod,
And then pressed Send, – they think me quite odd.
But I heard God exclaim, to her diaconal daughter,
This circle will happen, come Covid or high water.