tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31992065389686201202024-03-05T08:27:31.560-07:00Ministerial MutteringsSermon Previews, Newsletter Pieces, Random thoughts about Ministry and LifeRevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.comBlogger580125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-40484332585059155502020-06-26T12:45:00.001-06:002020-06-26T12:45:08.399-06:00Moving On --- Online SpeakingOne of the main purposes for this Blog has been to share its posts to Facebook. Facebook has blacklisted this URL for reasons unknown (and has not responded to requests to explain why). SO it is time for a successor blog. All new posts can be found at: <a href="https://gordsponderings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pastoral Ponderings</a>RevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-56256960434460200822020-05-11T15:15:00.002-06:002020-05-11T15:16:16.461-06:00Looking Ahead to May 17, 2020 -- Easter 6AThe <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=456215508" target="_blank">Scripture Readings</a> this week are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Isaiah 49:13-16</li>
<li>John 14:15-21; 25-27</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Early Thoughts: </b>We will not be left orphaned. We will not be forgotten -- "Can a mother forget her child?". An Advocate, the Spirit of Truth will be sent.<br />
<br />
<b></b>
Do we really believe that? All the time?<br />
<br />
I am not sure we do. At least I am not sure I always do.<br />
<br />
It can be hard to believe sometimes. Say, for example, when the world has been totally turned upside down by a pandemic. Even then can we believe that we are not alone?<br />
<br />
Maybe. Or Maybe not. But does that change how God is acting?<br />
<br />
Still some basics remain. We are commanded to love each other, to let love be our identifying mark. As John's Jesus has told us in Chapter 13, we are to love each other as we have been loved. Jesus, I think, knows that it will be challenging to remain true to the Kingdom when he has gone. This, I think, is why he is promising to send a helper, and Advocate, the Paraclete. The Spirit will abide in us just as we already abide in the Spirit (sounds very panentheistic to me -- as far as I understand <a href="https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/panentheism/" target="_blank">panentheism</a> anyway). This is how we can continue to remain true to the Way.<br />
<br />
God is with us in all this mess, all this turmoil, all this anxiety. God known in the Risen Christ continues to offer God's peace. Our hearts may still be troubled at time. We may still be afraid. But God is there, offering peace and hope, showing us the way forward.<br />
<br />
Even when we aren't sure we believe it.<br />
<br />
Thanks God. Amen<br />
--GordRevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-60771632528765532922020-04-27T14:00:00.002-06:002020-04-27T14:00:33.589-06:00May Newsletter<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We Could Use a Mulligan...</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I am
not a golfer. I do have a set of clubs (that were my grandfather’s
and are older than I am) but I have not swung one since Miriam was a
baby. But for three years in the 1990’s I worked at a golf course
and since I could golf for free I went periodically, usually with
fellow staff who were much better than I. That is when I learned
about mulligan’s – because they took pity on me at times and
granted me one. If you don’t know, a mulligan is a second chance, a
shot you can retake without having it count against you. With all
that has happened in 2020 is there a chance we can get a mulligan for
the year?</div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Or
maybe we need a Bobby Ewing moment. Years ago, in the prime-time soap
opera <i>Dallas</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> the show killed
off Bobby Ewing. But it turns out Bobby was a very popular character
and they needed a way to bring him back from the dead. So in the
closing moments of the last episode of the season Bobby’s wife
found someone in the shower and when her turned around there was
Bobby. The plot device used to explain it was that the whole thing
had been a terrible dream. It allowed the whole story-line to be
wiped out. I suspect that there are some who would not mind finding
our that 2020, with oil prices crashing, and a pandemic, and the
recent shootings in Nova Scotia has just been a terrible dream.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">A
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">third image. IN the second
act of the musical </span><i>Jesus Christ Superstar</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
Mary Magdalene and Peter sing the song “Could We Start Again
Please?”. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">It falls just
after Jesus has been taken to see Herod, and before his final trial
in front of Pilate. The text includes the lines:</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">(I
found the words here </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><a href="https://tinyurl.com/ycmqze5s">https://tinyurl.com/ycmqze5s</a>
</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;"> )</span></div>
<div align="left" style="background: transparent; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I'd
been very hopeful so far</span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="background: transparent; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Now
for the first time I think we're going wrong</span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="background: transparent; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Hurry
up and tell me</span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="background: transparent; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This
is just a dream or</span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="background: transparent; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Could
we start again please?</span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="background: transparent; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;">I think you've made your point
now</span></div>
<div align="left" style="background: transparent; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;">You've even gone a bit too far
to get the message home</span></div>
<div align="left" style="background: transparent; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;">Before it gets too frightening</span></div>
<div align="left" style="background: transparent; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;">We ought to call a halt so</span></div>
<div align="left" style="background: transparent; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;">Could we start again please?</span></div>
<div align="left" style="background: transparent; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">M</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ary
and Peter think things have gone off the rails and maybe a restart
would take them down a different path, one with less fear and
destruction. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">This image seems
to match the feelings I see expressed on Facebook some days.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="background: transparent; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">S</span><span style="font-style: normal;">orry
to be the bearer of bad news but n</span><span style="font-style: normal;">one</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
of those things are going to happen. Unfortunately history is neither
a merciful golf move nor a TV soap opera. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">This
is not a dream. We do not get a do over. But we might be able to
start again (please). </span><span style="font-style: normal;">But
what exactly do we want that re-start to look like?</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">D</span><span style="font-style: normal;">aily
I see people asking when things will get back to normal. Daily I see
people insisting that we have to hurry up and “re-open” the world
so we can get back to normal. I am going to suggest if all we
envision as our re-start is a return to some semblance of what
reality was back in January then we will have missed the boat.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">That
is the mistake Peter and Mary make in the song, they seem to envision
a restart that looks very much like the first go-round. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">But
of course that is not what the resurrection is. The story of Easter
does allow a chance to “start again” </span><span style="font-style: normal;">but
it is not a simple reboot. Resurrection is more of a new start. I
suggest that this is what we, as people of faith, need to be hoping,
looking, and working for after this period of disruption. Otherwise
we may well have missed a great opportunity.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">I
think we are learning a lot in these weeks. We have been challenged
to think about what is really essential for good health in our lives.
We have also been challenged to think about what really is not
essential. The government programs to provide financial support
should make us ponder what adequate support for healthy lives are –
and then to ask why some people do not get that support in a
non-pandemic time.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I believe God is with us in all this. I believe God is always calling
us to look for resurrection, not a reboot. I believe the life of
resurrection means a life that is different, maybe not even
recognizable at first glance (note that most people in the Easter
stories do not recognize Jesus at first). I also believe it would be
much easier, much more comfortable to look for a simple reboot, or to
call for a mulligan, and go right back to the way it was before. But
God does not usually call us to take the easier or more comfortable
route.</div>
<div align="left" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
What do you hope life will be like when we climb out of the pandemic?
What do you hope life will look like when we re-build an Alberta
economy threatened (perhaps as never before in the oil age) after the
most recent price crash? Where do you think God may be leading us
into resurrection? Right now is a time of disruption and grief for
what we think is being lost. But after grief comes the hope of new
life and we are a Resurrection People.</div>
<div align="left" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Gord</div>
RevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-62875514066512487422020-03-09T10:23:00.000-06:002020-04-02T17:21:27.019-06:00Looking Ahead to March 15, 2020 -- 3rd Sunday in LentFor the next three weeks we have long stories from John's Gospel to reflect upon. This week's reading is <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=450770632" target="_blank">John 4:1-42</a>.<br />
<br />
The Sermon title is <i>Thirsty?</i><br />
<br />
<b>Early Thoughts: </b>How thirsty are you? Thirsty for what?<br />
<br />
We NEED water. Without it we don't survive. Historically speaking, access to water is one of those things that determines where towns would develop.<br />
<br />
But is this story just about that clear life-giving liquid?<br />
<br />
I think not.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of their dialogue the Samaritan woman at the well thought Jesus was talking about water. Then she seems to have realized he was talking about something else. And out of that discussion she became a witness and evangelist. Jesus, it appears, touched some deep yearning inside her, some deep thirst that she needed to have quenched in order to have life in abundance.<br />
<br />
What deep thirst(s) do you have in your life?<br />
<br />
Jesus comes to bring us life in abundance. Jesus comes to quench our deep thirsts. I suggest we live in a world where many are incredibly thirsty. Sometimes we know what we thirst or yearn for, sometimes we just know that something is missing but have yet to identify what that is. Where does the faith story help us find what we yearn for? Where does faith help fill an empty spot? Where does the Living Water flood in and quench our thirst with a never-ending flow?<br />
<br />
Jesus meets a woman at a well. They have a very interesting dialogue. Her life is changed. Through her Jesus meets her neighbours. When we have our thirst quenched how can we help but invite others to that same well? Maybe they too will find what they have been looking for?<br />
<br />
For what do you thirst? What drops of Living Water can you share with your thirsty neighbours?<br />
<br />
All who are thirsty.....COME AND DRINK<br />
--GordRevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-88123825763714181122020-02-26T15:25:00.002-07:002020-04-02T17:21:05.235-06:00March Newsletter
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Cheery beginning to
the season of Lent is it not?</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Then again Lent is
not known as a season of fun and frivolity. That is part of why the
day before it begins some people celebrate Carnival and others Mardi
Gras as a last blowout before the solemn season. Lent is a time of
preparation and reflection as we walk with Jesus on the path that
leads to a cross on a hill. Lent is traditionally called a
“penitential season”, a time to reflect on how we have or have
not lived as Christ calls us to live. As we prepare for the New Life
and New Hope of Easter Sunday we reflect on who we are and how we
might need to change.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We begin with Ash
Wednesday, a day to be reminded of our mortality. But what about
those ashes? Some see the ashes as a sign of repentance. Some clergy
have services where they get people to write confessions down, put
them in a bowl, and then burn them as a part of the service. Some
have then used those ashes for the marking of the foreheads.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Or maybe the ashes
serve to remind us of the words of committal “ashes to ashes, dust
to dust”. Maybe they remind us that we are not permanent parts of
this world. Maybe they give us a sense of perspective on how
important we are.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I think both of
those things can be true. But I think there is one more thing.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Traditionally the
ashes for Ash Wednesday come from the burning of the dried out palm
branches of the previous spring. Palm Sunday’s story has within it
great hope and potential. “Blessed is the One who comes in the name
of the Lord!” Maybe this year the cheering will lead to the coming
of God’s Reign in full glory?!?
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But it doesn’t.
The hopes don’t come to full flower. And then we mark ourselves
with the remains of those hopes. Possibly as a reminder to hope?
Possibly as a reminder of failure?</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Reign of God is
not here in full glory – yet. We are not living as God wants us to
– yet. But we are (hopefully) moving in that direction. The cross
of ashes: a sign of repentance, a sign of our own eventual death, a
sign of dashed hopes; calls us to reaffirm our willingness to allow
God to transform our lives.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This Lenten season I
invite us all to reflect on how we have or have not lived as people
of Love. How have we loved God, our neighbours, our selves? How could
we have done it differently or better? When New Life comes again
where will we let it take us?</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In the end the ashes
are not the last word. From ashes can come life. It is happening in
the wildfires of Australia as I type. As I ponder the ashes I will
wear later tonight I also ponder the ancient myth of the Phoenix. But
maybe more about that come Easter, when the ashes give way to new
life, new hope, new possibilities.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
WE are mortal. We
can’t forget that. But we are invited into eternal life too. The
ashes wash off the face. Life and hope and love will win in the end.
Thanks be to God.<br />
<br />
</div>
RevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-84335096534765935492020-02-24T11:19:00.002-07:002020-02-24T11:22:28.795-07:00Looking Ahead to March 1, 2020 -- 1st Sunday in LentAs this is the 1st Sunday of the month we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Communion and we will be collecting our 2nd Offering for the Local Outreach Fund.<br />
<br />
Also our Annual Congregational Meeting will be taking place following the service. Lunch and Childcare are being provided.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=449562903" target="_blank">Scripture Readings</a> for this 1st Sunday of Lent are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7</li>
<li>Matthew 4:1-11</li>
</ul>
The Sermon title is <i> Who Do We Want to Be?</i><br />
<br />
<b>Early Thoughts: </b>Each year we begin Lent with the story of Jesus being led (or driven depending on the Gospel) into the wilderness for a time of testing. This year we pair it with the Genesis account of Eve being tested by the serpent. Repeatedly the Tempter says to Jesus "If you are the Son of God...". Part of the serpent's argument to Eve is "when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God". How many temptations in our lives tie in to questions of identity, questions of who we think we are and/or who we think we want (or perhaps ought) to be?<br />
<br />
Jesus has just been baptized by John. Many people, then and now, see baptism as a significant life event. Matthew tells us that when Jesus was baptized he had a vision of the heavens being opened and God's Spirit alighting on him. How does one respond to a significant event like that?<br />
<br />
Sometimes life-changing events [Jesus' public ministry begins after his baptism by John] prompt us to do some examination of our lives. We are pushed to ask if we are on the right path, or to ask which path we might follow from this point forward. At a deeper level we may start to wonder who we really are. This, I believe, is part of what lies under the story of Jesus in the wilderness.<br />
<br />
So who do we [as individuals, as a community of faith, as a city, as a nation...] want to be? Who do we think God is calling us to be? What are we tempted to think we could be?<br />
<br />
Traditionally the season of Lent is a time for self-reflection. Identity is a good thing to reflect on. We need to look at who we are currently and who we could be. We need to look at where we think we are living into our identity as beloved children of God -- and where we think we might be falling short.<br />
<br />
In our myth of how the world came to be less than God created it to be, Adam and Eve were tempted to be like God. In the Wilderness the Tempter offers Jesus a variety of paths, but Jesus chooses to remain true to his understanding of who God calls him to be. What tempts us from the path of wisdom? How do we resist?<br />
--GordRevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-71249835665752644892020-02-05T15:44:00.000-07:002020-02-05T15:48:00.479-07:00Annual Report for 2019<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a fire is meant for burning with a bright and warming flame,<br />
so the church is meant for mission, giving glory to God’s name. <br />
(Hymn #578 In Voices United, <a href="http://www.billysloan.co.uk/songs/as_a_fire_is_meant_for_burning.html">lyrics</a> by Ruth Duck)</div>
An Annual Report gives us the chance to ask how our fire burnt this year. In the pages of this document you will hear about many things that happened within this congregation in 2019. I am not going to recap them. I am however going to say thank you. Thank you for all the ways you have supported the work and mission of St. Paul’s United over the last 12 months. Thank you for financial gifts, for hours spent sorting Garage Sale Items, for food brought to the Beef Dinner. Thank your for reading Scripture, or greeting on Sunday morning, or serving communion, or preparing post-worship coffee. Thank you for sharing your music,. Than you for leading Sunday School and Youth programming. Thank you for holding each other in prayer. Thank you for all the other ways you have helped us live out the mission we share. Our flame has been bright and warm as we live out our mission because of you. THANK YOU.<br />
<br />
From a more personal level, thank you for the support offered to Patty, the girls and me last May with the death of my father. This is a very generous and supportive congregation and you continue to show that each and every month.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are learners; we are teachers; we are pilgrims on the way.<br />
We are seekers; we are givers; we are vessels made of clay. <br />
(Hymn #578 In Voices United, lyrics by Ruth Duck)</div>
An Annual report is also a chance to look ahead. In fact I think the main purpose of the Annual Report and Meeting should be to look ahead to the year(s) to some. As people who are constantly learning and teaching, as people sometimes walking boldly on a clear path and sometimes inching forward trying to find the path where will we end up this year? I firmly believe that everyone reading this (and everyone who is not reading this) has gifts to give, to share with us as we continue to live out our Mission and Vision. I invite us all to keep seeking for the best way to be who God has called us to be in the 21st Century. It will likely be different than who God called us to be in the years past, and that may be troubling. But we can seek for it together.<br />
<br />
“We are vessels made of clay.” As we move forward we will not always get it right. I invite us to be ready to take risks, to allow each other to make mistakes as we seek the path that God has laid out for us. I think the church is meant to be an un-fired piece of pottery, so that when the need arises we can be reshaped without being shattered. In the year(s) to come are we willing to let our clay be put back on the potter’s wheel and spun into a new shape?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
By our gentle, loving actions, we would show that Christ is light.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In a humble, listening Spirit, we would live to God’s delight. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Hymn #578 In Voices United, lyrics by Ruth Duck)</div>
<br />
In his book The Phoenix Affirmations Eric Elnes includes this <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Affirmations">Affirmation</a>: “Acting on the faith that we are born with a meaning and purpose, a vocation and ministry that serve to strengthen and extend God's realm of love.“ This, I think is our call. To me, this is what it means to say: Through Faith, we walk on the path that Jesus set for us. The people of St. Paul’s Belong…Believe…Love… Listen…Lead. In 2020 we will continue to share God’s love, we will continue to light God’s light shine through us. We will do this because it is part of our very identity, it is where we find meaning, it is our vocation.<br />
<br />
God is at work in the world. The congregation of St. Paul’s United is part of how God is at work in the world. It has been true in the past, it will be true in the future. I hope we can listen for God’s voice to guide us along. I hope that we share God’s delight as we share God’s love with each other, with Grande Prairie, and with the world around us.<br />
<br />
Gord.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />RevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-9380025744960858982020-02-03T11:19:00.000-07:002020-02-09T09:25:23.978-07:00Looking Ahead to February 9, 2020This week we continue our <i>What the Church Means to Me </i>series. This week I am answering the prompting question.<br />
<br />
The <a href="https://www.blogger.com/Romans%2012:2,%209-13%20Deuteronomy%2011:18-19%201%20Thessalonians%205:12-17%20Matthew%2011:28-30" target="_blank">Scripture Readings</a> this week are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Romans 12:2, 9-13</li>
<li>Deuteronomy 11:18-19</li>
<li>1 Thessalonians 5:12-17</li>
<li>Matthew 11:28-30</li>
</ul>
<b>Reflection:</b> Safety. Community. Learning.<br />
<br />
These are three of the things that the church has offered to me over the years. Maybe with a touch of transformation mixed in. Oh and some recovery/rejuvenation....<br />
<br />
Well and sometimes the church has led me to <i>needing recovery or rejuvenation.</i><br />
<br />
These are also things that echo with what people tell me about this congregation.<br />
<br />
Telling my story will not be as much about this congregation, because my role here is different from our other story-tellers. So I will talk about the church over the course of my life. Touching on those places I have been in paid ministry but also those where I was a student, and the one where I was a child.<br />
<br />
And the themes come through. A place of safety and belonging. An place where we can ask questions and learn. A place of adoptive family (which sometimes one becomes closer to than your blood family).<br />
--GordRevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-34600490618496965892020-01-27T11:15:00.001-07:002020-01-27T11:15:24.372-07:00Looking Ahead to February 2, 2020As this is the first Sunday of the month we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Communion during worship. Also we will be taking our Second Offering to support our Local Outreach fund (which has been heavily used this month).<br />
<br />
For the month of February we are inviting people to tell their stories about what the church means to them. Each story will be followed by Scripture and a reflection based on what is included in the story.<br />
<br />
This week our<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=447148373" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">Scripture Readings</a> are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Psalm 98 (VU p.818)</li>
<li>1 Peter 4:8-11</li>
<li>Amos 5:21-24 </li>
</ul>
<b>Possible Reflections:</b> Psalm 98 is one of a number of Psalms that talk about singing. Many people here at St. Paul's have a love for music and a love of sharing their musical gifts. Music has a special place in the church in general but most certainly here at St. Paul's<br />
<br />
Last year when we had a series of stories told one of the threads that ran through all of the stories was community. To me the 1 Peter passage talks about community. It talks about holding each other in love. It also talks about open-ness to sharing the gifts we have. These things are vital as we build up our faith community.<br />
<br />
When people talk about the history of the United Church of Canada in general and this congregation in specific a word that often comes up is <i>justice.</i> In this congregation there are memories of hard work done around God's call for a just world. Amos is one of those prophets that challenges us to do this continuously.<br />
<br />
Come on Sunday and find out whose stroy we hear this week! And do these passages mesh with their story?<br />
--GordRevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-16909878967371012182020-01-20T10:59:00.002-07:002020-01-21T11:12:53.254-07:00Looking Ahead to January 26, 2020The Scripture Reading this week is <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=446537507" target="_blank">Matthew 4:12-23</a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-jmBQg58aJLc84UzpEtF3mbTmSVUwfradFg4TerqumDRiYCEQhBJPRbViJYDDIxpC1j0xANLyWadqkuR6GG2llPlPlrRwecLQjiUuK6pB9SSWHEs4evpweoGqMhyKvAmgfQxAMf8_7k/s1600/CandelariaChurchjf1988_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-jmBQg58aJLc84UzpEtF3mbTmSVUwfradFg4TerqumDRiYCEQhBJPRbViJYDDIxpC1j0xANLyWadqkuR6GG2llPlPlrRwecLQjiUuK6pB9SSWHEs4evpweoGqMhyKvAmgfQxAMf8_7k/s320/CandelariaChurchjf1988_08.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/diglib-fulldisplay.pl?SID=20200120952093319&code=ACT&RC=56123&Row=5" target="_blank">SOURCE</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Sermon title is <i>Gone Fishing!</i><br />
<br />
<b>Early Thoughts: </b>What would happen if the Word-Made-Flesh showed up at your workplace? What if someone walked in while you were working and said "I have a better offer, leave this all behind and come with me right now"? What if the word 'better' was missing from that invitation?<br />
<br />
This story possibly asks more questions than it answers, which may be why we read a version of it almost every year.<br />
<ul>
<li>why did Jesus choose them?</li>
<li>why did they drop everything and go?</li>
<li>did they have a clue what was ahead of them?</li>
<li>what did their families think?</li>
</ul>
Answers to none of those are in the text. To a large extent these questions are never answered in the rest of the Gospel either. For the most part they remain a mystery (other than the 3rd question -- I think it is safe to say they did not have a clue). Still we have the story. We still we see people respond to a strange invitation with strange haste.<br />
<br />
Jesus must have seen something in these fishermen by the sea. They must have seen something in Jesus. And what was seen led to them being called and, in turn, answering the call.<br />
<br />
Which does bring us back to the question at the top. If Jesus showed up in the middle of your daily life and said "got something for you to do, come on!" how would you react? I suspect most of us would want more details first. After all it is only prudent to get more information before totally changing our lives. What would make the offer so intriguing that we would jump in without further investigation?<br />
<br />
Usually in our culture<i> Gone Fishing</i> (or maybe <i>Gone Fishin'</i>) is about leisure. It evokes images of escaping/running away from the trials and tribulations of daily life for a relaxing day on the lake. But if you make your living catching fish it has a very different meaning. Jesus is not inviting an escape from the world. Jesus is inviting hard work as these people will interact with the world in a new way.<br />
<br />
I think Jesus offers us the same invitation. Following Jesus is not an escape from the world's troubles, following Jesus means engaging with the world <i>and</i> its troubles. And we may not get a lot of information about what is coming. Will we drop our nets and follow? Or will we pretend we don't hear?<br />
--GordRevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-1531200754622501232020-01-15T15:18:00.001-07:002020-01-15T15:25:16.953-07:00January Newsletter<div style="text-align: center;">
Belong!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Through Faith, we walk on the path that Jesus set for us.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The people of St. Paul’s Belong…Believe…Love… Listen…Lead.</i></div>
<br />
How do you know if you really belong somewhere? Is there a way of measuring it? Or is it more of a feeling?<br />
<br />
One way to measure belonging is by membership. If you are a member than you belong. I think that is only true to a point. Certainly that is how structures may define ‘belong’ but it is overly simplistic. I have been places where the organization may have said I was a member, that I belonged and did not always feel like I did. I have also been places where people certainly felt they belonged but had no interest in being members.<br />
<br />
Looking at my life I think feeling that I belong somewhere has a number of sides. One is “do I agree with what this organization/group believes or is all about?”. We may be fully welcomed in but if we feel out of step with the values of the group, or the members of the group, we may not feel like we truly belong there. It is hard to be the minority voice in a place. And let us be honest: no place is the right place for everybody.<br />
<br />
Another aspect of belonging, in my mind, is “am I actually allowed to be myself here?”. If I am different in some way is that allowed? If I am in a place where the answer is no I will never feel that I belong, even if I am inducted into membership, or given a job, or placed on the Board. I may stay but it will be in a state of tension. An associated point is “do they really want me here for me or just for the skills and energy and labour I bring to the table?”. There was a time when being asked to be on a committee or help with an event was the way a newcomer knew they had truly become welcome in a church community. These days I think there is a bit more skepticism on that account.<br />
<br />
A third aspect I want to highlight is “are they really letting me in?”. Are people drawing their circles wider to make room or do I feel like I am crashing the party? Sometimes the circle is kept closed in a very intentional fashion. But I believe that more often than not the people in the circle think that it is wide open when to the outsider it looks very different. Many of us don’t want to be the party-crasher. We may not want effusive, over-the-top welcomes but we want to feel that we are not poking in somebody else’s private space.<br />
<br />
What makes you feel like you do (or do not) belong in the St. Paul’s community? How has/does that change over time?<br />
<br />
I think it interesting that we begin our list of words with Belong. To me it says that we are first and foremost a community. Starting with Believe might say something different. But Belong says to me that we want to be seen as welcoming, as a place where the circle can always be drawn wider, a place where people can find a home.<br />
<br />And yet I wonder. Does everyone feel that they belong here? Does everyone feel welcome here? And I know that we who are already here can not answer those questions with full accuracy. We would like to believe that the answer is yes but we can’t know for sure. We need to be intentional at connecting with the people who are not represented in our midst to know for sure. There are a couple of ways we can do that. One would be to use the materials and self-study that are prepared by Affirm United for ministries wanting to declare themselves as Affirming.<br /><br />
To be honest I think we are more welcoming than other churches, even other United Churches, I have known. But if we claim that Belonging is a key value, and I think we do, we need to have the courage to explore what that means. And we need the courage to adapt to become more welcoming if that is what our exploration tells us is needed. Having new people join our community will change our community. That may be a good thing.<br />
--Gord<br /><br /> RevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-61246624252387181052020-01-13T10:05:00.001-07:002020-01-13T10:05:39.487-07:00Looking Ahead to January 19, 2020The <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=445929817" target="_blank">Scripture Readings </a>this week are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Isaiah 49:1-7</li>
<li>John 1:29-42</li>
</ul>
The Sermon title is <i>Behold! The Lamb Servant</i><br />
<br />
<b>Early Thoughts: </b>What did John see? When he saw Jesus baptized? When he saw Jesus walking that day? What did John see that lead him to say "Look, here is the Lamb of God"?<br />
<br />
What did John's disciples see? What did they see (or hear) that made them take John's words seriously and follow Jesus? What did they see or hear that lead them to go find others and say "We have found the Messiah"? What was in their voices that prompted those others to seek out this man?<br />
<br />
From such questions a movement is started.<br />
<br />
As I mentioned about the so-called 'Servant Songs' last week, there is a strong tendency in Christian history to read this Isaiah passage as if it is talking about Jesus. On the surface it is not clear who it is talking about, but I doubt it was meant to be about one who would not be born for several centuries when the words were written. But for those who had seen and known Jesus, those who were trying to understand how God had been revealed in this man, reading the old words would have rung a bell. 2nd Isaiah was not talking about Jesus, but maybe we can use the words of the prophet to help us understand who Jesus was and is. Maybe we can use those words to try and clarify what God is up to in the world today.<br />
<br />
We proclaim Jesus as the Light of the World. A few verses earlier John talked about the Word as being the true light (which shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it). Later in John's Gospel Jesus will say "I am the Light of the world". Isaiah proclaims that the servant of God will be a light, not only to Israel but to the nations.<br />
<br />
We read that Jesus chooses to live and serve God. We read that because of who Jesus is people choose to seek him out, to learn more, to ask questions. And some of them choose to follow him (I assume there are other who choose not to follow).<br />
<br />
Two men heard John talk about Jesus and they got curious. One of them went to find his brother, who also got curious. There is an attractiveness about the one who serves. It draws attention.<br />
<br />
Almost 2000 years later we still have questions. We are still drawn to the one known as the Lamb of God, the Servant. Will we be willing to ask our questions? Will we listen and watch for the answers? Will we share our curiosity with others?<br />
--GordRevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-62146516257249876362020-01-06T11:33:00.001-07:002020-01-06T11:33:27.425-07:00Looking Ahead to January 12, 2020 -- Baptism of Christ SundayOn the first Sunday after Epiphany we are invited to reflect on Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist. And to reflect on our own Baptism.<br />
<br />
During Children's Time this week we will be invited to choose a "Spirit Word" to carry with us for the year. The idea is that we draw a word and are "asked to reflect on that word for the coming year. The people are
invited to ponder what significance this word might have in their lives,
and how God might be speaking to them through that simple message" (source and more on the idea <a href="https://www.reformedworship.org/article/september-2009/star-gifts" target="_blank">here</a>). Often this is done with Stars on Epiphany Sunday but we will use Doves, an ancient symbol of the Holy Spirit. and link it to the dove in the Baptism of Jesus story.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=445327563" target="_blank">Scripture Readings</a> this week are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Isaiah 42:1-9</li>
<li>Matthew 3:13-17</li>
</ul>
The Sermon title is <i>Beloved Servant</i><br />
<br />
<b>Early Thoughts:</b> Baptism. In Baptism we acknowledge the Baptisee as a child of God. In Baptism we are, as our Baptism liturgy says:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
By water and the Spirit,<br />we are called, claimed, and commissioned:<br />we are named as God’s children,<br />claimed by Christ,<br />and united with the whole Christian community
<br />of every time and place.
<br />Strengthened by the Holy Spirit,
<br />we live out our commission;<br />to spread the love we have been given throughout the world.</blockquote>
When Jesus is baptized, over John's objections, Jesus is named as God's Beloved Child, with whom God is "well-pleased". As Matthew tells his story of Jesus' ministry this is the beginning. Yes we have a Christmas story with visitors from the East before now but this moment is the beginning of the ministry of Jesus, the beginning of Jesus starting to live out who he is called and formed to be.<br />
<br />
Whoever that is...<br />
<br />
In the writings of and stories about Isaiah we have these odd passages we tend to call the "servant songs". They talk about God's servant and what that servant will do. We read one of those this week. There has been much debate about who the servant in these songs is meant to be. Is it the nation? Is it the "prophet like Moses" that tradition says will come? Is it the Messiah? Many Christian writers have read these passages and assumed that the servant is Christ. I think this is a reading backward, reading Christ into a passage that was not about him in the first place, an interpretive choice. Which does not make it automatically invalid, I just think we need to be honest about what we are doing.<br />
<br />
If we read the servant songs of Isaiah and we see Christ then what to they have to say about Christ?<br />
<br />
If we combine the "job description" from the servant song and the baptismal blessing then where do we end up? We end up with a Beloved Child and Servant. We end up with a vision for what Christ is all about. And since it has long been understood that to be Christian is to strive to be Christ-like we have a glimpse of who we might be called to be.<br />
<br />
Are we ready to be Beloved Servants as well?<br />
--GordRevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-33658767761508814842019-12-30T11:13:00.000-07:002019-12-30T14:28:44.212-07:00Looking Ahead to January 5, 2020 -- Epiphany Sunday (and the 12th Day of Christmas)This being the first Sunday of January we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Communion <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhhO1V2vcE5k8G86BIrvU4JwL420GPzdfFBE4vdNwwg1lzAxhlysqcnkB-uxnVe_MplW_AaYEnoacbQuFh67_DYqQN0IrbBwOAgQ1Cw7fe6zNHOE6y3qSnt1mE-yRG1uemONtzLFaGiI/s1600/Hieronymus_Bosch_-_Triptych_of_the_Adoration_of_the_Magi_-_WGA2606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhhO1V2vcE5k8G86BIrvU4JwL420GPzdfFBE4vdNwwg1lzAxhlysqcnkB-uxnVe_MplW_AaYEnoacbQuFh67_DYqQN0IrbBwOAgQ1Cw7fe6zNHOE6y3qSnt1mE-yRG1uemONtzLFaGiI/s320/Hieronymus_Bosch_-_Triptych_of_the_Adoration_of_the_Magi_-_WGA2606.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hieronymus_Bosch_-_Triptych_of_the_Adoration_of_the_Magi_-_WGA2606.jpg" target="_blank">Adoration of the Magi</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the seasons of the Church Year the 12 Days of Christmas begin on December 25th and go until January 5th, the day before Epiphany. Epiphany is a feast where we remember the story told by Matthew about the Magi visiting Bethlehem. It is common in some churches to celebrate Epiphany on the Sunday preceding it, which we are doing this week.<br />
<br />
The Scripture Reading will be the story of the Magi and what happens after they visit. You can read it in <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=444724027" target="_blank">Matthew 2:1-23</a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1QYVKnvdBpuYaNpfDV7tyIZ38q6V3nJWNN65D7ChbRaCcPnAwNahMTdgEpOmpFPHHJziz6TWt6nI0HmeXNlwckUHwVTVPIYf_8UGqKN7pPo-Gdoi2WXtIwd8M6fgCmRpq0t9SVIFJHQ/s1600/Rembrandt_Harmensz._van_Rijn_052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1418" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1QYVKnvdBpuYaNpfDV7tyIZ38q6V3nJWNN65D7ChbRaCcPnAwNahMTdgEpOmpFPHHJziz6TWt6nI0HmeXNlwckUHwVTVPIYf_8UGqKN7pPo-Gdoi2WXtIwd8M6fgCmRpq0t9SVIFJHQ/s200/Rembrandt_Harmensz._van_Rijn_052.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Flight_into_Egypt_(Rembrandt)" target="_blank">Flight into Egypt</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Sermon title is <i>Adoration, Murder, Refugees</i><br />
<br />
<b>Early Thoughts: </b>Such a warm story, uplifting, joyous -- until it isn't. Where there is light there is a shadow. Maybe that is why we need to find another road.<br />
<br />
The birth of Christ, of the Word made Flesh, means that nothing will ever be the same again. In some way the Herods of the world know this to be true and so they strike out. Which means we may have to return home by another road. It also might mean we need to weep and wail for a time.<br />
<br />
The basics of this story are well known. Matthew tells of visitors, wise men from the east, who come searching for a new king. They visit the current king in search of information. They end up in Bethlehem in a house with a young child (up to 2 years old to judge from the later events in the story). They produce rich gifts and then go home by a different path, choosing not to inform the current king where the child is.<br />
<br />
Then it gets less cheery. The child's parents are warned to run for their lives, and so they head to Egypt. They seek refuge in a strange land, fleeing from certain death, never to return. Sadly the king is not worried about finding the right child. So he orders the death of any possible pretenders to the throne. Later the child and his family, wary of the king's son, return to a different place where the child will grow up, to emerge into public life some decades later.<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas! Happy Epiphany!<br />
<br />
God breaking into the world means nothing can be the same again. God breaking into the world and declaring that it is time to lift up the lowly, to cast down the mighty, to live by a whole different set of priorities threatens the comfort of the way we are used to living. And the world continues to strike back in various ways.<br />
<br />
The Epiphany story, in full, pushes us to ask hard questions. It is nice to think of "what a wonderful event this must have been that people came form far away to give this young child such rich gifts". But, as we have shown, that is only half the story. I think we need to focus on the rest of the story.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi644HXRg1x14N8zPYEe7NfMB3sPkK1Q7gzK5XWWcLBjIqP-fl06_pf-lYdl_S8jmQWXq7sscs0rUhzEXBkJNQSxIoVkAaB2gL912sByRK_IMC5ym_2tNtqXeCl63TiWUQEsOj_txBRn5M/s1600/Massacre_of_the_Innocents_%2528Cogniet%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi644HXRg1x14N8zPYEe7NfMB3sPkK1Q7gzK5XWWcLBjIqP-fl06_pf-lYdl_S8jmQWXq7sscs0rUhzEXBkJNQSxIoVkAaB2gL912sByRK_IMC5ym_2tNtqXeCl63TiWUQEsOj_txBRn5M/s200/Massacre_of_the_Innocents_%2528Cogniet%2529.jpg" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Massacre_of_the_Innocents_(Cogniet).jpg" target="_blank">Massacre of the Innocents</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Herod felt threatened. Herod struck back in a murderous fashion. And the Holy Family became refugees, never to return home (in Matthew's story we have no reason to believe that Mary and Joseph were not originally from Bethlehem). The world was changing and Herod wanted to keep that from happening.<br />
<br />
What does Christmas threaten in our world? Who are the Herods of our day? How are they reacting to changes that threaten their comfort or their worldview or their position? Where are we in that equation? Who is forced to seek refuge because they are part of the change that is happening?<br />
<br />
I find these to be hard questions. Partly because I suspect sometimes we are striking out against the change that God is bringing forth in the world. Partly because change is challenging. Largely because I am not convinced there are clear-cut easy answers.<br />
<br />
But there is one line that echos in my soul in this story. It comes from the middle, as we transition form joy and worship into fear and murder and flight: " they left for their own country by another road". The Magi make this choice out of fear for the child (and possibly themselves). Why might we need to find another road? Maybe we do it out of fear. Maybe out of desperation. Maybe because we have changed where we think we are going?<br />
<br />
What road will we take into the post-Christmas world this year?<br />
--GordRevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-81483331058205884772019-12-16T14:11:00.000-07:002020-05-11T15:35:24.279-06:00Looking Ahead to December 24, 2019 -- Christmas Eve (service is at 7:00 pm)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV_YCkG8Hf-59ULTTndQB_Oz4S8mpuY43dRtMEL0pSv56ojPLD60wfTFzS2ZmXdXtoVUCpm7hPLFY3PcNkGuTz9xZfZC2IYUWAeCnVlwKlmDBzARN2hi6QAGRbRQ1gy9w5Ab7Kfd6_5s/s1600/0439957826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="496" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV_YCkG8Hf-59ULTTndQB_Oz4S8mpuY43dRtMEL0pSv56ojPLD60wfTFzS2ZmXdXtoVUCpm7hPLFY3PcNkGuTz9xZfZC2IYUWAeCnVlwKlmDBzARN2hi6QAGRbRQ1gy9w5Ab7Kfd6_5s/s200/0439957826.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>
This evening's service will conclude our "Stories of the Season" series. We will be hearing a number of stories from the book <i>Listen, Said the Donkey. </i><br />
<br />
There is a<a href="http://petslady.com/article/christmas-eve-time-when-animals-talk" target="_blank"> legend</a> that on Christmas Eve the animals can talk using human speech. The Carol <i>The Friendly Beasts</i> grows out of this legend, as (it seems) does this book.<br />
<br />
We will hear the Christmas story (including the visit of the Magi so the Epiphany story as well) from the point of view of a Donkey, a Lamb, a Cat and a Dog.<br />
<br />
Then we will hear how <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=443530494" target="_blank">Scripture</a> tells those stories as we read:<br />
<ul>
<li>Luke 2:1-20</li>
<li>Matthew 2:1-14</li>
</ul>
Interspersed with all these stories we will sing carols, we will hear special music -- choir and solo and handbells, we will pray. At the end of the service we will take part in spreading the Light of Christmas with our candles.<br />
<br />
Please join us to hear the old story in a new way!<br />
RevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-81615445418019105512019-12-16T11:04:00.004-07:002019-12-16T11:04:32.349-07:00Looking Ahead to December 22, 2019 -- Advent 4 -- Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXygRWLuqpFYTshFTYyfrqStaLXX8UkYyl0xMt0oJJChigh-WHLRgKJ-4n4guQZZrFqL_Mpyra4YgAJnG1QXk078GIq91zHTKPSGZlIa4wYlkSohtf9o5Kj2XrFA44ez64sYfh5DFjiXs/s1600/why-christmas-trees-aren-t-perfect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXygRWLuqpFYTshFTYyfrqStaLXX8UkYyl0xMt0oJJChigh-WHLRgKJ-4n4guQZZrFqL_Mpyra4YgAJnG1QXk078GIq91zHTKPSGZlIa4wYlkSohtf9o5Kj2XrFA44ez64sYfh5DFjiXs/s200/why-christmas-trees-aren-t-perfect.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
This week in our "Stories of the Season" series we will be reading <i>Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect</i>, which is a story about self-sacrificing love.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=443513530" target="_blank">Scripture readings</a> this week are:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 John 4:16-21</li>
<li>John 15:4-14</li>
</ul>
The Sermon title is <i>Evergreen Love</i>.<br />
<br />
<b>Early Thoughts: </b>I think love is a verb, not a feeling. For those of us who follow Christ it is also a commandment, a way of living, a Rule of Life. It is part of being Christ-like.<br />
<br />
More specifically we are called to love our neighbours both the ones we like and the ones we don't like (I would point out Jesus never commands us to like anybody) which, if love is a verb, means to act lovingly towards them. We are called to give of ourselves for the benefit of others.<br />
<br />
We are able to do this, however imperfectly, for one reason. We are able to love and give of ourselves because we have been loved in this way. Giving of ourselves, in whatever way we are able to do so, puts arms and legs on the rhetoric of love. It means we have pushed aside the fear of loss and giving up in the service of our neighbour.<br />
<br />
Isn't this what Jesus models? Isn't this what the Incarnation accomplishes? Jesus comes to live out love, and in the end Jesus' commitment to living out of love and proclaiming the power of the Kingdom will lead him to the cross.<br />
<br />
Our story this week is about a pine tree who gives up on looking perfect to be closer to perfect in a different way. I believe we have many voices telling us what we ought to be in the world. Christ may challenge us to set aside some of those ideals in the service of a higher cause.<br />
<br />
With the birth of a child the world is changed. With Christmas the world is changed. When we hear again the angels saying "For unto you is born this day..." will we be changed?<br />
<br />
Love. It makes all things possible.<br />
--Gord<br />
<br />
PS: when I chose the sermon title I was thinking of the love theme from the movie <i>A Star is Born </i>(the Kris Kristofferson and Barbra Streisand version) which is called <a href="https://genius.com/Barbra-streisand-evergreen-love-theme-from-a-star-is-born-lyrics" target="_blank"><i>Evergreen</i></a>. Really it is a classic romantic love song but some of the lines fit with this week's service:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Like a rose under the April snow<br />I was always certain love would grow<br />Love ageless and evergreen...<br />
Morning glory and midnight sun<br />Time we've learned to sail above<br />Time won't change the meaning of one love<br />Ageless and ever evergreen </blockquote>
RevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-23750271696701059952019-12-09T09:30:00.002-07:002019-12-09T09:30:27.828-07:00Looking Ahead to December 15, 2019 -- Advent 3 -- Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jo6HIk83rxydgXtghnh1QfJmgBZ_iIQ86A22V22SE28nk4_OCDTP9fd9nExgNCngOSIoh8_Mbc6jm3Z3-x1hYFgNbAMvCYsgwSmkqlXo1BUZt9n9jidVIjw86Fsd-ppTc3Wcie5eTjo/s1600/0064402754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="413" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jo6HIk83rxydgXtghnh1QfJmgBZ_iIQ86A22V22SE28nk4_OCDTP9fd9nExgNCngOSIoh8_Mbc6jm3Z3-x1hYFgNbAMvCYsgwSmkqlXo1BUZt9n9jidVIjw86Fsd-ppTc3Wcie5eTjo/s200/0064402754.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
This Sunday will be Pageant Sunday, with our home-written pageant <i>Bethlehem Debunked</i>. The Youth Group and Sunday School will lead us on an exploration of what the Christmas story tells us.<br />
<br />
Before and after the Pageant itself we will hear an excerpt from <i>The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. </i>(Choice of book is no comment on the Pageant we will see)RevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-68372409856610525492019-12-02T11:42:00.001-07:002019-12-02T11:42:43.916-07:00Looking Ahead to December 8, 2019 -- Advent 2 -- Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivx8tn7JtW0M3MCfGAa_Rsi8oxTjNDWFNd1amDynuNY9ClnCC43Ohz7sDxT6QHhirZmiRFsQc7Se0QkA6Twlshw94h1SOR6VPHLSV3vuwfIdkcNRRNIOXg2NQ0OvC4InBwtmSkMK5CV5M/s1600/1564023206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="614" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivx8tn7JtW0M3MCfGAa_Rsi8oxTjNDWFNd1amDynuNY9ClnCC43Ohz7sDxT6QHhirZmiRFsQc7Se0QkA6Twlshw94h1SOR6VPHLSV3vuwfIdkcNRRNIOXg2NQ0OvC4InBwtmSkMK5CV5M/s200/1564023206.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
This week in our "Stories of the Season" series the story is <i>The Christmas Miracle of Johnathon Toomey</i><br />
<br />
The <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=442306041" target="_blank">Scripture Readings</a> are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Isaiah 40:1-9</li>
<li>Matthew 11:28-29</li>
<li>Revelation 21:1-7</li>
</ul>
The Sermon title is <i>Hope in the Face of Despair</i><br />
<br />
<b><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SuvAqAPgnss" width="560"></iframe> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Early Thoughts: </b>As Linnea Good says, sometimes Christmas is hard. It might be hard for a variety of reasons. Maybe this is the first year after a death in the family (either family of blood or family of choice). Maybe this is the first Christmas after the ending of a long-term relationship. Or perhaps the first year Christmas does not include the kids coming home -- or the first year you can't go home for Christmas. Maybe the winds of economic storms have swept through your life and just getting by is hard enough.<br />
<br />
Christmas provides no inoculation from all those things that can make life hard. In fact, given all the expectations around Christmas it can make all those things much harder. It can make one start to despair...<br />
<br />
One of the traditional themes of Advent is HOPE. Christian hope is not intended to be pollyanna-ish. It is not a false hope that pretends the hard things aren't real. Our hope names the hard things for what they are, but looks beyond them to see where God is in the situation. What is God doing in the midst of this mess? What might God have waiting after God walks with us through the mud?<br />
<br />
Our passages this week speak to this hope. Isaiah talks to people in exile and offers words of comfort and promise. Jesus speaks to those carrying heavy burdens and offers rest (this verse was used to dedicate the bench outside our building). Revelation offers us a vision of the Kingdom of God in full flower.<br />
<br />
This week in worship we will take time to hang cards of memory on a tree as we carry our memories into the rest of the Christmas season. Part of how we name our reality and live into hope.<br />
<br />
If we let it, despair can claim a large piece of our lives. But we are people of hope. We are not alone in times of struggle. And there is light beyond the shadow. WE await the birth of a child that shares the promise of God for comfort and presence. God can move in our lives bringing hope that stands in the face of despair.<br />
<br />
Thanks be to God.<br />
--GordRevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-61631110651265457412019-11-25T10:16:00.001-07:002019-11-25T10:18:28.559-07:00Looking Ahead to December 1, 2019 -- Advent 1 -- PeaceThis being the first Sunday of the month we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Communion. Also as it is the first Sunday of the month our 2nd Offering for Local Outreach will be taken.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2UtOShgzVsfzIV1bnS1kXlwah-GSwhEbL83l3rA0ygpUdqvIGpFbxMIf-R4fbo-t6VAcpfYZ3c_hPlW2ONDLhSvr8rXSz80_Udo9bvehxKA82F7_y_k0Z97-XwcBpQRhSZFU9fwyWIc/s1600/51gv%252BAljr7L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="500" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2UtOShgzVsfzIV1bnS1kXlwah-GSwhEbL83l3rA0ygpUdqvIGpFbxMIf-R4fbo-t6VAcpfYZ3c_hPlW2ONDLhSvr8rXSz80_Udo9bvehxKA82F7_y_k0Z97-XwcBpQRhSZFU9fwyWIc/s200/51gv%252BAljr7L.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
This year our theme for Advent is "Stories of the Season". Each week our service will be interacting with a Christmas children's book. This week's story is <i>A Special Place for Santa</i>, chosen in part in honor of St. Nicholas' Day on December 6th.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=441699052" target="_blank">Scripture Readings</a> this week are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Isaiah 2:1-5</li>
<li>1 John 4:7-8, 11-13</li>
<li>Mark 10:13-16</li>
</ul>
The Sermon title is <i>Peace and Children</i><br />
<br />
<b>Early Thoughts: </b>Jesus said "let the children come to me". I truly believe that the path to the Peace lies through children, through caring for children, through taking seriously the question of what kind of a world we intend to leave for the generations that will follow us.<br />
<br />
St. Nicholas is, as many know, the patron saint of Children.<br />
<br />
There is another reason I see a linkage between this particular book and Peace. {Spoiler Alert} At the end of the book Santa places a gift beside the manger -- the list of all the kind and loving things people had done over the year.. The path to peace is through love and kindness and justice (which many say is love put into action).<br />
<br />
Jesus also said "Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it". Admittedly we can easily idealize the innocence of children. Children can learn quickly how to be hardened and uncaring. But children also have the ability to show us what it means to act lovingly to anyone who comes across their path. Children can show us how to trust when we have started to forget. Children can remind us of the possibilities of having faith. All those things help breed peaceful relationships.<br />
<br />
The Baby whose birth we are awaiting will be called the Prince of Peace. As we get ready for his birth we should talk about the path that leads to peace and love. In another passage from Isaiah that talks about the promised time of peace it is said "<a href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/11-6.htm" target="_blank">and a little child shall lead them</a>".<br />
Peace and children, they go together somehow. Or at least they should.<br />
--GordRevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-63461842405928288852019-11-18T12:06:00.000-07:002019-11-18T12:06:16.614-07:00Looking Ahead to November 24, 2019 -- Reign of Christ SundayThe <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=441095178" target="_blank">Scripture Readings</a> this week are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Jeremiah 23:1-6</li>
<li>Psalm 46 (VU p.770)</li>
<li>Luke 1:68-79
</li>
</ul>
The Sermon title is <i>Shepherd, King, Protector</i><br />
<br />
<b>Early Thoughts: </b>Shepherd, King, Messiah/Christ (Anointed One). These are just some of the titles used for Jesus of Nazareth.<br />
<br />
Some people might say that shepherd and king are very different roles. Shepherd suggests the least of the least, people with so little power that they earn a living driving livestock from one point to another, finding food and water, and keeping away predatory animals. King suggests someone at the other end of the social strata, someone with massive amounts of power, someone with the authority to have others bring food and drink, someone who has soldiers to drive away predatory people.<br />
<br />
But they have something big in common. They are all about protection.<br />
<br />
A shepherd's role is to protect the flock. Some do it well, some do it less well. Some, according to Jeremiah, disperse the flock.<br />
<br />
The proper role of the Monarch, in some points of view, is to protect and serve. The Monarch sets up the things that will protect the realm. The Monarch participates in the life of the people. Some have done it well, some have done it less well, some have seen the power balance very differently.<br />
<br />
For some time various parts of the Global Church have called this Sunday, the last Sunday of the liturgical year, by names like <i>Reign of Christ </i>or <i>Christ the King</i>. In large part this practice was started in Roman Catholic circles as a counter to the loss of political power. But it does give us a chance to reflect on what it means to give Christ , who John's Gospel calls the Good Shepherd, the title of King. What kind of King is Christ? What kind of protector is Christ?<br />
<br />
Is the God made known in Christ a shepherd? Does God lead God's people in search of food and water and protection? Is the God made known in Christ a King? Does God lead God's people to stride forward and claim their place in the world? Yes to both. And apart from relative power I am not at all convinced that the role of shepherd and king are all that different.<br />
<br />
Shepherds lead. Monarch's lead. Monarch's set the pace. SO do Shepherds. Monarch's set up protective structures. Shepherd throw up fences and wield clubs. Christ is the Good Shepherd, Christ is the King of Kings. Through Christ God leads and protects us (even if it sometimes seems doubtful, even when we really want to go our own way.)<br />
--GordRevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-67265922627366849622019-11-12T11:14:00.004-07:002019-11-25T09:37:03.364-07:00Looking Ahead to November 17, 2019This week we will be Celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism (which means cake after church). <br />
<br />
The <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=440575752" target="_blank">Scripture Readings </a>this week are: <br />
<ul>
<li>Isaiah 65:17-25</li>
<li>Luke 21:5-19</li>
</ul>
The Sermon title is <i>Change is Coming – Rejoice... or Be Very Afraid</i><br />
<br />
<b>Early Thoughts:</b> The preaching of Jesus had a main focus. -- the Kingdom of God. AS people of faith we work for and within the Kingdom that is "now and not yet" -- here among us with the coming of Christ and yet not here in full flower. To be honest many (most?) days the "not yet" part seems much more real than the "among us here and now".<br />
<br />
But what does the coming of the Kingdom in full flower mean? What should we expect?<br />
<br />
Maybe it is a cause for great joy as, in the words of Julian of Norwich, "All manner of thing be well". Maybe it is a cause of great fear as so much that we know is turned upside down and destroyed. Maybe it is both. That is what I think our passages this week suggest.<br />
<br />
Isaiah tells us about the wonders of the new heaven and the new earth (similar joy can be found at the end of Revelation). This is the hoped for Kingdom of God in full flower. Where do we see signs of this happening in our world today?<br />
<br />
On the other hand, Luke seems to be talking about the transition. And the transition as Jesus portrays it in the Gospels (or as John of Patmos portrays it in Revelation) is not a pretty sight. It seems to bring chaos and destruction and danger. Do I dare ask where we see this in the world today? [To be honest people have seen signs of these things in the world in every generation.]<br />
<br />
Waiting for the Kingdom to come in full glory is not a matter of checking of lists, either positive or negative. We can't take the predictions of Jesus that literally. But we have to admit that for the Kingdom to come in full glory requires a massive reshaping of how the world works. And such a reshaping is never easy. It brings out fear, it brings out reactionary "we can not change" responses. It brings out anger, which I believe grows out of the fear. But we are called to look through to the other side...and see the hope that lies after the fear.<br />
<br />
It sort of reminds me of this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XRux2HsKspfNrhX_jTSe8R0KvwqDHeRgFB8nKApiBZ5uqZf9n3QLVUQAUC-1oO6S1b0iY5LrbmK-XoxPwyk42YubyWaZ9fkU7-yOcU-NgzvpFqWyCFjpi5YmLj8qZMsjomXV_79AFn8/s1600/76609889_2836080549744367_4913100088751947776_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="960" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XRux2HsKspfNrhX_jTSe8R0KvwqDHeRgFB8nKApiBZ5uqZf9n3QLVUQAUC-1oO6S1b0iY5LrbmK-XoxPwyk42YubyWaZ9fkU7-yOcU-NgzvpFqWyCFjpi5YmLj8qZMsjomXV_79AFn8/s320/76609889_2836080549744367_4913100088751947776_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The kingdom is growing among us. To get there we need to be ready to face hard choices, we need to be able to change how we work within the world. We need to be ready for the world itself to be changed. I suspect for the change to happen in full will require some form of cataclysmic event. We as a species are just too reluctant to change, being afraid of what we have to give up (make no mistake we will have to give up some assumptions and structures and things) and sometimes it is hard to see the hope on the other side. But God is calling us to embrace a new heaven and a new earth. It is the promise of our tradition.<br />
<br />
Are we ready for the fear and the joy?<br />
--Gord<br />
<br />
<br />RevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-52984353493811841292019-11-05T14:44:00.003-07:002019-11-05T14:46:49.824-07:00December Newsletter<div align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
have been told many things over the course of my life. I have been
told I am good at some things, less than good at others. But one of
the comments I hold close to my heart is when I was told that I can
be a very good storyteller.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spin
me a story in spinning you’ll find,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">one
strand is yours another is mine...</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">By
weaving the fabric a richness we’ll see</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Woven
into God’s great tapestry...</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spin
me a parable told by the sea</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Values
to live, examples to be...</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">(lines
from <i>Spin Me A Story</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> by Nancy
Chegus)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">like stories. Stories, in the
end, are how we learn things (I half believe that is why we use word
problems in math and sciences – to help lock in the concepts).
Stories teach us who we are, give us an idea of how we are to live,
and show us how the world works. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">To
tell stories is an important role in the world. In fact in some
cultures the role of storyteller was one of high status and special
training so you could be trusted with the special stories.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Stories
are how we pass on the faith as well. Stories and songs are the best
ways we have to pass on what we believe – certainly they are much
more effective than lists of rules or philosophical treatises. It is
my belief that part of my role in life is to be one who tells and
reflects on stories. After all, as people of faith we have a story,
one that started well before we came around and one which will
continue after our part has been played.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">For
we are a people of the Story,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">of
stars that sing and Love that cries.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">And
though these nights are getting longer,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">the
path is lit before our eyes. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Refrain,
<i>Hope is a Candle</i> by Linnea Good)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">That
story is coming close. That story of a star and angels and shepherds
gets closer each day. And while it is just an episode in a much
larger faith story it is a pretty key episode.. What will the story
reveal to us this year?</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">For
our Advent worship this year we will be reflecting on a variety of
stories, as we prepare to tell the Big Story. When I was in Edmonton
in September I heard how Hillhurst United in Calgary had a summer
series where they reflected on a series of children’s books. I
liked the idea, and I love g</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ood</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
children’s books, so I suggested it to the Worship team for Advent.
And so we are doing it.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Few
of the storybooks Alison and I have chosen for the season are,
strictly speaking, about the Christmas story of angels and shepherds
and a baby in a manger. But they all reflect on themes around
Christmas, things like hope and peace and joy and love. They all push
us to think about how we open our hearts for Christmas, and how we
carry Christ in our lives.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This
year I invite you to enter the world of story. If we let it the world
of story helps us see the world in a new way. It can renew wonder in
us. It can transport us to places we have never seen and then bring
us back with renewed hope and trust. The world of story is filled
with magic. So, I believe, is the world of faith. We just may need to
broaden our understanding of what magic might mean.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">What
magic is waiting to be revealed this Christmas season?</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Gord</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>RevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-46492452247807040852019-11-04T10:47:00.000-07:002019-11-04T10:47:57.282-07:00Looking Ahead to November 10, 2019The <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=439883895" target="_blank">Scripture Readings</a> this week are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Haggai 1:15b-2:9</li>
<li>Matthew 7:21-27
</li>
</ul>
The Sermon title is <i>Building Up</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK699Ff_8siLsyDIKtgVPCyh3LjJOTf5o46I5tbtStW06hnu9XdNzkiNC11Qrpaq8-iTUGtz1vMzyQzwDlLPHyDwzRkeE5PqYny3rBvsex3JQzLF0Mq71jcvaPNR21C0NHGSr4Gg6InVA/s1600/S%25C3%25B6rn%25C3%25A4inen_construction_site%252C_2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK699Ff_8siLsyDIKtgVPCyh3LjJOTf5o46I5tbtStW06hnu9XdNzkiNC11Qrpaq8-iTUGtz1vMzyQzwDlLPHyDwzRkeE5PqYny3rBvsex3JQzLF0Mq71jcvaPNR21C0NHGSr4Gg6InVA/s320/S%25C3%25B6rn%25C3%25A4inen_construction_site%252C_2008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Early Thoughts: </b>Foundations matter. Without a good foundation a building will not stand. What is the foundation on which we build our lives of faith?<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V1LtGQLZ87c" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
This week's reading from Haggai comes from the era of return from exile, a time when the people of Judah were trying to rebuild their world. Haggai reminds them that God is at work in the building. Haggai shares the promise that "latter splendor of this house shall be greater than the former, says the <span class="sc">Lord</span> of hosts; and in this place I will give prosperity, says the <span class="sc">Lord</span> of hosts".<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVEAtnyEW2rR4U1CMBZw8yGUTns5EUINZG6aO_YwVeh7YoVicydDM1fbja_HKC3vmHk7V6cvX-al6UmEJiQ5ktVOzI2gzV_a6_5PU9wb8TzuDimOvXEZXKWQbLB3AKN0cu2nEPYw__3E/s1600/Leaning_tower_of_Pisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVEAtnyEW2rR4U1CMBZw8yGUTns5EUINZG6aO_YwVeh7YoVicydDM1fbja_HKC3vmHk7V6cvX-al6UmEJiQ5ktVOzI2gzV_a6_5PU9wb8TzuDimOvXEZXKWQbLB3AKN0cu2nEPYw__3E/s200/Leaning_tower_of_Pisa.jpg" width="150" /></a>The Matthew reading talks about solid rock or sand as a base on which to build. Nowadays preparation for many major building projects includes testing of the sub-soil structure to ensure that the foundation can be laid properly. That did not always happen. and sometimes, as the <a href="http://www.towerofpisa.org/tower-of-pisa-historical-facts/" target="_blank">people of Pisa can tell you</a>, it did not go well. <br />
<br />
As people of faith we are living in a construction zone. All of life is an ongoing construction zone. God is building a Kingdom, we are building (or maybe rebuilding) our lives. The world around us is, hopefully, building a peaceful way of coexisting. How solid is the foundation on which we build?<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8_EjMrrW8CY" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
WE are encouraged to use Christ as the foundation of our lives. Living as faithful people with Christ as our foundation is, I believe, the only way we build a world where peace and justice and love are the norm.<br />
<br />
This week is the Sunday before Remembrance Day. Every year at Remembrance Day I remember our call to <i>Never Again</i>. We best honour November 11th by pledging to work toward a world where warfare is absent. We can only do that when we are firmly grounded in the hands of God.<br />
<br />
Foundations matter. They can hold us steady or they can fail and let us collapse. What holds you up?<br />
--GordRevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-77756855299776671022019-10-28T14:55:00.000-06:002019-10-29T10:41:15.388-06:00Looking Ahead to November 3, 2019This being the first Sunday of November we will be celebrating communion. As well, because it is a First Sunday, our 2nd Offering for Local Outreach will be received.<br />
<br />
The Scripture reading this week is<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=439276343" target="_blank"> Luke 19:1-10</a><br />
<br />
The Sermon title is <i>Life-Changing</i><br />
<br />
<b>Early Thoughts: </b>The hope is that when we meet Christ we are changed. It may be instantaneous, it may take a few years, but when we meet Christ the hope is that the encounter changes us.<br />
<br />
Many of us learned the story of little Zacchaeus as children. We learned how he was too short to see through the crowd so he climbed a tree (something many children can appreciate at things like parades). And we learned a song:<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yxe9jO0scgA" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
[Mind you some scholars say that the text is inconclusive--it could read that Zacchaeus was short, or it could read that Jesus was too short to be seen above the crowd]<br />
<br />
After Jesus invites himself for supper Zacchaeus makes a bold statement about how he will (or possibly already does -- the verb tenses in Greek are actually in the present) live as justly as he can while being a tax collector.<br />
<br />
The traditional interpretation is that Zacchaeus has had a "come to Jesus" moment, that in meeting Jesus he has been transformed and will live differently moving forward. As I have noted this traditional interpretation may mis-read the text and Zacchaeus may well be defending himself rather than promising to make a change. Still the traditional reading gives us cause for thought.<br />
<br />
The hope is that Jesus makes a difference in the world. Both at the systemic level and at the personal. When we meet God at work in Jesus we need to be open to being changed.<br />
<br />
Are we ready to take that chance? Are we ready to let Jesus see us (Zaacchaeus' attempt to see Jesus leads directly to his being seen <i>by </i>Jesus) and invite himself into our lives? Are we open to our own come to Jesus moment?<br />
--GordRevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3199206538968620120.post-79208319506171662002019-10-21T11:52:00.001-06:002019-10-21T11:52:07.715-06:00Looking Ahead to October 27, 2019The <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=438671756" target="_blank">Scripture Readings</a> this week are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Jeremiah 14:19-22</li>
<li>Psalm 51 (VU p.776)</li>
<li>Luke 18:9-14</li>
</ul>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CxA0TFe3-Uo" width="560"></iframe> <br />
<br />
The Sermon title is <i>Confession – Good for the Soul?</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtRSayCfzb9LY7VhA5s1R0V17HiCXgCbAhH15vYntpfhzQv3X1VZvYEI4kMBHth5OfXGJQ-3X9yhNGcfuHzFrj2ZkvCGO_wHeRHM3M2drC54Rb4KEQbKPfWLjjGwAUgdrmErqXUxhGyk/s1600/71171061_1005352339863395_2712075747807199232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="662" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtRSayCfzb9LY7VhA5s1R0V17HiCXgCbAhH15vYntpfhzQv3X1VZvYEI4kMBHth5OfXGJQ-3X9yhNGcfuHzFrj2ZkvCGO_wHeRHM3M2drC54Rb4KEQbKPfWLjjGwAUgdrmErqXUxhGyk/s320/71171061_1005352339863395_2712075747807199232_n.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<b>Early Thoughts: </b>It is challenging. It is sobering. But it is vital. We have to be honest with ourselves, with each other, with God about who and what we are. Only then can we really move forward into who God is calling us to be.<br />
<br />
For all of Christian history the practice of confession has been central to living out the faith. Some people chafe against it, saying we should not be encouraged to be so "down". And indeed sometimes the encouragement to confess has been done in such a way that it sounds like encouraging folk to think they are worthless. We can go too far in naming our own shortcomings.<br />
<br />
But the other side is that we start to think we are "holier than thou" -- see the Pharisee in this week's Gospel reading. And than is not a path to growth. It is, however, a path to be labeled as hypocritical.<br />
<br />
The core of the Christian Gospel message is that we are all beloved by God. Very close to the core is that we are forgiven by God (which is a big part of being loved just as we are). We are not perfect. None of us is. Some days we come closer than others at living in God's way. Some days we miss the mark big-time.<br />
<br />
WE are not called to be perfect. We are called to be faithful. We are called to live our lives as faithfully as we can. And part of that is having the ability to be self-reflective, to look at ourselves and be honest about who we are. Not to tear ourselves down -- honest self-reflection acknowledges the successes as well as the failure -- but to keep ourselves appropriately humble.<br />
<br />
Confession is indeed good for the soul. Just remember that we are also forgiven.<br />
--GordRevGordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02097575486388725733noreply@blogger.com0