Jeremiah and Convoys and Jesus, Oh My!

As you know, the past few weeks, I’ve been using sermons from other United Church ministers in order to free up some time for Interim Ministry tasks that were taking priority. I have to say that it felt a bit weird to be preaching other people’s words. And while I had planned to do that…

Go Back and Go Forth!

Picture a crowded auditorium. It’s the last day of General Council, the national gathering of the United Church, where approximately 300 delegates, an equal number of clergy and lay people from across the country meet to make decision that affect the entire church There are also a number of observers and guests from around the…

The Currency of Time and Place

The Transition Team is reading and discussing a book entitled Holy Currencies and I have been preaching on it. It is written by Eric Law, an Episcopal priest. We are accustomed to think of ‘currency’ as money. He redefines it in this way: The word currency comes from the Medieval Latin word currentia which literally…

Will the Truth Set Us Free?

The truth will set you free, but first it’s going to hurt like hell! Anyone recognize that quote? It’s a quote by Dr. Brené Brown; she is a research professor at the University of Houston; she has spent the past sixteen years studying courage, vulnerability, empathy, and shame. Her Ted Talk on The Power of…

Cracking Open

Like many others, I’m a first time vegetable gardener this year. Covid-19 and the enforced isolation at home, along with concerns about local food security, has many of us venturing into the new world of vegetable gardening. I planted a variety of veggies last Friday, including radishes. Each morning, I eagerly searched for signs of…

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…

Finding Your Cave: Listening Spaces

I really struggled with my sermon this week… I can’t tell you how many times I imagined myself sitting in the pew and wondering what I would need to hear. And wondering what you needed to hear. And wondering if what I need to preach is what you need to hear? Please know that every…