Covenant Love

  We have entered the season of Lent… a time traditionally set apart to fast, pray and give alms. A time when Christians meditate on Christ’s life and impending death. A time to renew our commitment, our covenant, to following Jesus. Unfortunately, in many cases, Lent has devolved into simply giving up chocolate or something like that. The…

Lifted Up to Serve

Did anything jump out and grab you about the story I just read from Mark’s gospel? I think I was a feminist from way back… Even as a child, I remember being somewhat incensed by this story. If your mind wandered off while I was reading, let me refresh it. Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law of a fever, and…

Have You Come to Destroy Us?

  As I said earlier, today marks the beginning of the United Nations Interfaith Harmony Week. I am part of the Planning Team for the events and services in Halifax and I encourage you to check out one or more of them out. This afternoon is the multi-faith celebration at Mount St. Vincent University. And throughout the week,…

Give Up My Day Job?

Our scriptures are full of stories of God and Jesus calling people. Last week you heard part of my call story. This week we have two call stories: The story of Jonah and his reluctant response to God’s call. And also the story of Jesus calling Andrew and Simon, James and John. When I read these stories, I am…

New Beginnings: Call & Response

  The readings this morning are both about being called and responding. They are the perfect readings for a minister and congregation at the beginning of a relationship. Samuel, a young boy, serving the Eli in the temple, hears a voice calling him. He doesn’t recognize the voice as God’s… he thinks it is Eli calling him……