Vine and Jesus

It’s Father’s Day in Canada and many other places around the world. It’s one of two relationships that we all have. Whether or not your father is living, whether or not you know who your father is, no matter what kind of relationship you have with your father, we ALL have a father. It’s one…

Are We on Fire?

Pentecost is one of my favourite Sundays in the church year. Sixteen years ago, I was ordained on Pentecost, wearing the stole you can see as a backdrop. Pentecost… the wind of the Holy Spirit swirling and dancing… tongues of fire touching each one, empowering the frightened disciples. Pentecost… passion, excitement and commitment unleashed upon…

Your Heart Knows the Way

The Transition Team met via Zoom on Monday, Grant MacLean led us in a beautiful spiritual grounding session that focused on where we were finding joy these days. That solidifed my nebulous worship plans and gave me a focus! With all that is going on in Nova Scotia, not to mention the rest of the…

Hearts for Abundance

What does it mean to have a heart for abundance? In North America and Europe, abundance is usually marked by the accumulation of things. Are any of you familiar with the comedian George Carlin? He can be rather crude, but he has this great monologue on stuff… He talks about accumulating stuff… and how we…

The Only Cure for Love

How do we celebrate Easter when Good Friday continues for our neighbours? That’s the question isn’t it? There have been so many thoughts and feelings this week… Disbelief, shock, anger, grief, fear, definitely fear, as the alert came across our cellphones yesterday and my son and his family live in Sackville. First let me say,…

Images of Jesus

Yes, it’s the strangest Easter… except maybe the first one. As a minister, the church and Holy Week are usually filled with so many details… choirs rehearsing… visual arts creation… worship being set up and torn down and set up… how will communion be served… how long should I preach… baking for a family feast……

Palms and Promises

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday and Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. In the church, the services of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday are full of drama and movement. We all know that this is not a normal year isn’t it? So what’s a worship leader to do when all her plans for…

Love One Another

Imagine Paul writing to us… To all God’s beloved in Dartmouth, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God and the Lord Jesus Christ. These are challenging times you are living in. Your everyday routines and rhythms have been disrupted in a way that is almost unimaginable. You may be…

No Touching!

This week has been quite a roller coaster hasn’t it? We are in uncharted territory. Many are anxious, some have already been laid off… businesses closed… gatherings of all sorts cancelled… schools shuttered… the list can go on and on. By some reports, it’s been hard for some people to change their routines and stay…

Finding a Word, Listening to the Text

Believe it or not, the scriptures for today were chosen weeks ago! And yet, they speak so loudly and clearly to our present circumstances. Listen again to words from Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though…