Call to Worship: Good morning friends. There is grain of the fields here this morning, there is salt of the earth, there is leavening and shortening, and milk. There is opportunity to work together to create a wee feast, praying our prayers for the church and the world into the bread of communion. There is the Holy Spirit present and moving and indwelling. Let us awaken our spirits to the gift of this moment as we light the Christ candle… Continue reading →
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Based on Jeremiah 8: 18- 9:1
Hear these words from the prophet Jeremiah, poured out in anguish over 2600 years ago, as he grieves the destruction of his people… (read Jeremiah 8: 18- 9:1)
Hear these words again, poured out in anguish today, by a First Nations elder in Canada, a grandmother or grandfather, as they look at the legacy of being aboriginal in this country. Continue reading →
Lost and Found
Based on Psalm 14 & Luke 15:1-10
Of recent years, I have grown to really appreciate the wisdom and writing of Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest. He writes “It is really shocking how little Jesus is shocked by human failure and sin. In fact, it never appears that he is upset at sinners at all. He is only and consistently upset at people who do not think they are sinners. This momentous insight puts him centuries ahead of modern psychology and right at the center of rare but authentic religion. So much so, that most Christianity itself never notices Continue reading →
The Broken Chalice
Based on Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 18: 1-10
What contrast we have in the scriptures today. Psalm 139 is a prayer of deep awareness, a prayer that acknowledges the totality of God surrounding us, infusing us with Spirit beyond time and space. God you have searched me, you know my heart… This is a psalm of openness to the Holy One looking deep within us. Continue reading →
A Crock-Pot Faith in a Microwave World
based on Jeremiah 2:4-13; Luke 14:1, 7-14
Anyone go to the grocery store this week? Can you recall what you put in your cart or bag? E.g. instant, pre-packaged pudding, Zoodles, potatoes – you know, the old fashioned kind with the skins still on them? I find grocery stores have an amazing assortment of things – fresh fruits and veggies yes, but Continue reading →
Like a Rock
(based on Psalm 71 & Luke 13:10-17)
You might have detected a bit of a theme this morning – with the song, scriptures and story of rocks. Indeed they are symbols of strength, endurance, protection. But then we get to the gospel and there isn’t a rock in sight. We have a story of Jesus going to the synagogue, a place of worship, of teaching, of community – all be it – a somewhat divided community – men at the front, women at the back and the ruler of the synagogue has his carefully crafted sermons ready to go. But he’s been generous and let this itinerant preacher from Nazareth do a little teaching before Continue reading →
I wanted to be a peace-maker…
Rev. Juanita Austin
Based on Luke 12:49-56 (read from the Message)
When I read the gospel for today, where Jesus clearly says he’s come to bring fire and turmoil, not peace, I said to myself, ‘Ah yes, this is why I take holidays in August – so I don’t’ have to deal with these scripture readings!’ But… here it is dear ones and here we are, so let’s look at it together.
If Jesus were a performer at the Roots and Blues festival this weekend, we would quietly and politely dissipate and find a more upbeat performer. Hey we’re here to be entertained, not hear gloom and doom – who wants to hear that Jesus Continue reading →
Treasure & Heart Sunday
By Rev. Juanita Austin
Based on Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 and Luke 12:32-40
The letter to the Hebrews, chapter 11 opens with these words: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things unseen.“ We hear of Abraham and Sarah and the wild risk they took in leaving behind supposed security for a promise Abraham feels God has revealed to him.
The writer of Hebrews talks about Abraham going forth in faith, but none of us were there when Abraham lay awake at night, thinking: `What the heck have I done?!’ Continue reading →
Sharing the Inheritance Sunday
Has anyone here ever been asked to be the executor or executrix of a will? The reading of someone’s last will and testament can be an opportunity to present a great gift – to family, to the church community, to other charitable organizations, or it can be the catalyst for deep anger and resentment if people feel they didn’t get what they consider their fair share. Continue reading →