blognick

“What’s Love Got To Do, Got To Do With It?”
1 Corinthians 13:1-13

“What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
What’s love but a second hand emotion?
What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?”

These are the words of for the chorus of Tina Turner’s hit song “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” from 1984. The song sings of a cautious woman entering into a relationship. Not sure how to react to this new love, as one who’s probably been hurt by love before. (more…)

“That Giving Spirit (continued)”
1 Corinthians 12:1-11

I was talking with someone one time about what I like to do for recreation. I told her I liked to play basketball, softball, and volleyball. She asked if I liked to run. I replied, “Not really, I prefer teams sports.” To which she replied, “I get it, you need help!” (more…)

“That Giving Spirit”
1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11

This is one of those weeks where I wonder where to start. Do I talk about what I had originally planned to talk about, or do I address some obvious topics that have arisen in the last week.

Originally, I intended to talk about spiritual gifts based on our reading from 1 Corinthians. It’s a topic I love to talk about as I’ve led a number of workshops on spiritual gifts.

But gifts and giving have have a whole new meaning today than they did a week ago. The pictures we see in the news, on the internet, newspapers… reality sinks in. Given what has happened in Haiti, giving and gifts are on the minds of many people. (more…)

“It’s A Pleasure”
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

This morning we come together and we recognize and celebrate the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist.

It’s a very special moment. Jesus comes to John on the banks of the Jordan River and asks to be baptized. John responds that he is unworthy of such a task. How can he offer a cleansing for one who has not sinned? (more…)

“Treasures”
Matthew 2:1-12

Anyone out there make New Year’s Resolutions? If so, are they realistic? I don’t make resolutions myself, although I do have some goals in mind, one’s that I planned last year and will probably continue to work on. Things like lose a few pounds and get back into shape. Now if a few of you would like to come and eat some of the leftover sweets from Friday’s open house, you’d be helping get off to a great start. (more…)

“What Did Mary Know?”
Luke 1:39-55

“Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you. (more…)

“Crying Out in the Wilderness”
Luke 3:1-6

It was the Sunday after Christmas at St John’s United Church. Reverend Smith was looking at the nativity scene prior to packing away the figures when he noticed the baby Jesus was missing.

Immediately, Reverend Smith turned towards the manse in order to call the police. But as he was about to do so, he saw little Harry with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant, Jesus. (more…)

“Get Ready”
Luke 21:25-36

This is an interesting weekend in the year. Our American friends have just celebrated Thanksgiving, officially, and ceremoniously kicking off the start of the holiday shopping season with Black Friday.

What an odd name for the day after Thanksgiving. “Black Friday”. You have to wonder where Black Friday gets its name. Is it the black eye it tends to give shoppers who fight in the aisles over great deals on consumer products like the hottest toys or electronics? (more…)