Matthew 25:31–46 Maybe you remember from high school English class the idea of literary themes. In any story, including in the Bible, there’s always a conflict. There’s human vs. Human – maybe Jesus and the temple authorities would be an example. There’s human vs. Self such as Saul’s conversion to Paul on the road to … Read more
Matthew 14:22-33 Reflection We’d been out on the lakes for a few days and loving it. We were canoeing through the Bowron Lakes of B.C., a chain of 12 lakes that is very popular with paddlers from around the world. We were on the largest lake, Issac, when something changed. You could feel it. All … Read more
Reading: John 17:1-11 Reflection Back when I was in school, I was taught the same essay structure that most everyone who goes to university is taught. First you have your opening where you point out what it is you hope to show in the essay. Then you have the main body where you go through … Read more
A long long time ago there was a girl who had the most amazing birthmark. It was on her feet and it looked like a rainbow. It started on her toes, then wrapped around and swirled until it faded out at her ankles. She loved her birthmark and she walked around the house barefoot whenever … Read more
The congregation of St. Andrew’s United Church is thrilled to announce that they have voted overwhelmingly in favour of officially becoming an “Affirming” congregation. The affirming designation is a recognition of those churches that intentionally and publicly remove all barriers to full inclusion for all people, regardless of “age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, economic … Read more
James 2:1-8 Luke 14:12-14 Reflection A while ago, I was poking around in my office and I came across an envelope I didn’t recognize – it’s a big office. Inside was a pile of pieces of paper with ideas for St. Andrew’s. It was interesting to look through the stack. There were of course, lots … Read more
Scripture Readings Isaiah 65:17-25 Luke 21:5-19 Reflection Many of you know that last week Jen and I were in a resort in Mexico. We’d spend our days going to a huge buffet for our meals, sit in the sun and relax and when we got too hot, we’d slip into the ocean for a swim. … Read more
Isaiah 1:10-17 Reflection The time was right. All the conditions were in place and the world was ready for a change. Many new that corruption was taking over the church. Indulgences were being sold as forgiveness of sin so if you had deep enough pockets, you could sin all you wanted. Priests were subcontracting … Read more
Scripture reading: Luke 18: 9-14 Reflection Humility is hard. I’ll be walking to church and I look up at this grand building and think, “I work here! I must be a whole hill of beans and a carrot on the side!” Then I realize my lack of humility and feel a bit embarrassed and remind … Read more
Luke 16:19-31 Reflection There’s a United Church tradition that goes all the way back to the days of our founding denominations. It’s a tradition that says that ministers are not employed by individual congregations but by the church as a whole. Think of is as a minister library. You take out on loan a minister … Read more
