Open Hearts

One of the ways I prepare to write my sermon is to read the scripture slowly… Then I read it again… slowly…. The third time, I pick up a pen and circle the words that jump out at me… This week, the three words that jumped out were opened, heart and listen. I was also…

Decisions, Decisions

My first thought, when I read through this passage last Sunday evening was, “I’m supposed to preach on a church meeting?” Because essentially that’s what this passage is… a report on a gathering, it’s called the Council of Jerusalem. To set the scene, we need to know a bit about what happened after last weeks…

Call, Conversion, Community

I sat in my study at home yesterday and pictured myself as a parishioner, not necessarily at Stairs, and pondered what I might need to hear on a Sunday morning. As a preacher, I am conscious that most weeks, there are a variety of needs and desires on a Sunday morning, depending on circumstances, personality…

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…

Leadership

Love Essence Acceptance Decisions Eager Respect Spirit Hope Inspiration Presence     Lydia is one of my favourite women in the Bible and especially the new or second testament. She was a business woman… resourceful… She is peaceful, yet attentive—good traits for a successful merchant—and she has learned to quickly assess potential buyers and sellers…In business, one…