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Turn To Return – Wilson United Anniversary Service, June 13, 2010
“Turn to Return”
Jeremiah 4:1-4; Mark 8:31-9:1
First of all, thank you for inviting me to be part of your celebration of ministry here tonight. To share in the leadership of this service with Godsent has been something I’ve been looking forward to since I was first asked. They have a wonderful gift to share, and I’m glad they work so hard at coming together to sing God’s praises with people all over the region.
I also find it a bit interesting that you’ve invited me out here tonight. I guess you couldn’t wait a few more weeks when we begin to have our combined services for the summer and you’ll have to hear me every couple of weeks. Continue reading
Posted in Anniversary, Sermons
Tagged church struggles, greatest commandment, Jeremiah 4, love, Mark 8
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Struggle – Sermon, June 13, 2010
“Struggle”
Galatians 2:11-21
This week we continue through the book of Galatians. Last week we learned Paul was rather ticked off when he wrote to the church in Galatia. He was ticked off because it seems there are people coming into Galatia who are trying to convince the Galatian church to take on certain aspects of Jewish law which Paul feels is not right.
This week we see how Paul explains his calling in regards to who he is supposed to reach out to compared to Peter. He believes they have both been entrusted with the Gospel message, but God has called them to evangelize to different people. Peter is called to preach to the Jews and Paul has been called to preach to the Gentiles. Paul has no problems with that, he knows the Gospel is for all people. Circumcised or not, the Gospel of Jesus Christ does not discriminate. Continue reading
Galatians and the Church – Sermon, June 6, 2010
“Galatians and the Church”
Galatians 1:11-24
Over the next few weeks we’re going to be focusing on the book of Galatians. It comes up in the lectionary at this time every three years. This year I decided we would make it our primary focus, and in a way it’s very fitting for us to listen to these days.
The United Church of Canada was founded 85 years ago. Discussions began in the late 19th century between several denominations within Canada. Most notably the Presbyterians, Methodists and the Congregationalist churches.
For several decades the topic was debated until finally they found enough common ground to go ahead with uniting the various denominations. They drafted the Basis of Union, organized the governance structure and celebrated 85 years ago this week the birth of the United Church of Canada.
From each denomination we have brought in various traits. Yet even in many communities, there is still a bit of left-over residue where their style of worship has hints of the founding group of the particular church or community. Continue reading
Three Piece Puzzle – Sermon May 29, 2010
“Three Piece Puzzle”
Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15
This has been a weekend of making connections. I feel like I’ve been in about 4 places at once, or at least very close together anyways.
The first there was a funeral on Friday morning. A woman who died rather suddenly last week. On Friday morning we gathered to celebrate her life and to offer her into God’s care. Together we mourned as she left her earthly home to join with God in His glorious kingdom.
Yesterday afternoon I was in Whycocomagh celebrating with members of Bev’s family in the wedding of her cousin. In this ceremony I read from Matthew 19 where Jesus reminds us that marriage is when a man leaves his family to become one with his wife. “They are no longer two, but one flesh,” Jesus says. Two people, once separate are now one, brought together by God.
Both of these seem very appropriate for Trinity Sunday. Continue reading
All of Creation Cries
For the last few weeks we’ve been tip-toeing around our backyard.
We didn’t want to disturb our new neighbours. For the last couple of weeks we’ve been watching loving parents care for their newborn children, and we wanted them to have the space they needed to do what they needed to do.
In the ugly, rotted out, twisted tree trunk in the middle of our backyard where our clothesline attaches, a family of starlings have made their home. We watched with interest as the parents carried materials needed for their nest deep in the trunk. We awed in the amount of work it took to feed their new hatchlings as mom and dad starling were flying in and out constantly to satisfy their crying babies. We delighted in seeing their heads pop out of the hole waiting for mom or dad to return.
Then over the weekend it stopped.
We have a lot of stray cats in our neighbourhood that we have been chasing away on a regular basis as they have taken interest in our little friends.
We arose one morning to a different song. Instead of the eager chirping of the babies, it was replaced by the mournful song of a parent. We can only assume the cats finally got what they had been looking for.
Now entering our fourth day, I watch as the mother stands on top of this rotted trunk singing her beautiful song of love and mourning and looking around. Popping in and out of the nest in a frantic search for her children. Her purpose in life is now ended, and she is clearly in mourning.
I think of the fragility of life and how quickly it can change. It reminds me of Eccliastes 3:1-8
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
Enjoy the time you have. You never know what tomorrow will bring.
One – Sermon, May 16, 2010
“One”
Acts 16:16-34; John 17:20-26
Have you ever had to make a decision you knew would be unpopular yet made it anyway knowing it was the right thing to do?
Most of you are parents, so I know you understand me! You have no doubt had to make a decision on your child’s behalf knowing they would hate you for it, yet you stood beside your decision because it was the right one to make.
We make decisions all the time. Some are trivial, some are more complex. Some lead to things we never imagined. I once turned down a job which, had I accepted, I would have never found my way into ministry. Continue reading
Promise – Sermon May 9, 2010
“Promise”
Acts 16:9-15; John 14:23-29
If you haven’t figured it out by now, I am a big fan of the book of Acts. I believe it has a lot to say to our churches today about how we do ministry. Most specifically, what we should be considering as our call to Christian witness in the world.
Through it all, the Apostles continue to face opposition to their work and yet they continue to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the everyone they encounter. Continue reading
Posted in Sermons
Tagged Acts, Apostles, dreams, gift, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Paul, visions
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Where Does the Church Go From Here?
This is the second talk I gave to the MACC as the guest speaker for the Spring Rally in May 2010. My first address can be read here.
“Where Does the Church Go From Here?”
Acts 6:1-7
Alright, here it comes. Are you ready for it?
I don’t care if the United Church dies. Continue reading
The Hitchhikers Guide to Nick
I was invited to be the guest speaker at the Spring Rally of the MACC (Maritime Alliance of Covenanting Churches). Below is the Friday evening address I gave to the gathering.
“The Hitchhikers Guide to Nick”
Genesis 12:1-4
Is anyone familiar with the book “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”? Remember how the main character had a normal life, but through a chance encounter he ended up on a spaceship just before the earth was destroyed? From there his amazing adventure began. His life changed forever. Continue reading