A congregation of the United Church of Canada
Advent Event“We deck our holy halls!” It’s that time of year again – decorating for Christmas time. My family will take advantage of the mild temperatures this week and get our outdoor lights strung and our garlands wrapped around pillars.…
Deep, Bold, and Daring“How we’re living matters.” I want to follow up on last Sunday’s sermon with some more thoughts. Well, they’re actually not my thoughts – they’re the thoughts of our past Moderator, the Very Reverend Richard Bott. I…
Christmas Bazaar“It’s a labour of love.” It’s back! Every year around this time our church is absolutely abuzz. The reason is the Christmas Bazaar. Now that October and Hallowe’en are done the preparations for Christmas start to emerge – and…
Connectivity“That sounds hopeful.” My week is being bookended with ‘wider church’ work. Last Sunday afternoon I had the honour of presiding at a friend and colleague’s covenanting service. (Covenants are promises and bonds.) A covenanting service happens near the beginning…
Prayer for Peace“When words fail…” Once again, there is war in the Holy Land. Our news is filled with stories of horrors perpetrated, and retaliations launched. Sorting out who did which horror to whom, or who is retaliating for what…
Larry Island“I’m transported to and immersed in a sacred place.” I’m writing today from one of my happiest places on earth: Larry Island. It’s a tiny little patch of rocky land about 150 square feet small. It’s connected to the…
Thanksgiving“Your list of gratitudes should probably be endless.” Autumn has always been my favourite season. I like the temperature as the chill starts to enter the air, and jeans, and hoodies, and hats re-enter my wardrobe. I love the colours…
Lenses“It all depends on your lens.” If you only knew me from Sunday worship, or the video version of Noticings, you might not know that I wear glasses. I need them for distance, not for reading. Usually, I have them…
Calling Out Your Name“The fury in the pheasant’s wings.” One of the songwriters I admire most is named Rich Mullins. 26 years ago yesterday he was killed in a tragic auto accident. But his music lives on. So too does…
September Startup“We finally get to press the reset button.” When is the official end of summer? Is it Labour Day weekend when ‘back to school’ stops being a sale and starts being what kids do? Is it the astronomical event…