Texts: “I Happened to be Standing” by Mary Oliver * Luke 11:1-4 (“Father . . . “) Ever since I learned “The Lord’s Prayer” as a child, I have been waiting for God’s kingdom to come. But despite never-ending repetition of the prayer by myself and billions of others, God’s kingdom doesn’t seem to have … [Read more…]
Texts: an excerpt from “The Greatest Prayer: Rediscovering the Revolutionary Message of The Lord’s Prayer” by John Dominic Crossan * Matthew 6:9-13 (“Our Father . . . “) Dear friends, Welcome to another spiritual gathering on this cold and beautiful morning in Mill Woods. Welcome to another moment in which we share our spirits in … [Read more…]
Texts: “Continue” by Maya Angelou, and Matthew 2:1-18 (the flight to Egypt) On Christmas Day, a controversy broke out on Twitter when U.S Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg sent out the following tweet: “Today I join millions around the world in celebrating the arrival of divinity on earth, who came into this world not in riches … [Read more…]
Text: Luke 2:1-20 (the birth of Jesus) Christmas is a good time, I think, to look back on the year past and toward the year ahead; and this Christmas Eve, I am struck that one week from tomorrow will be the first day not only of a new year, but of a new decade. Those … [Read more…]
Text: Luke 1:46-56 (Mary’s song of love and justice) Have you ever noticed that many of the holidays we celebrate in Canada have roots in the church but are now mostly secular? This list would include Valentine’s Day on February 14, St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, and Halloween on October 31. There are still … [Read more…]
Texts: “Don’t hesitate,” a poem by Mary Oliver * Luke 1:26-45 (“the birth of Jesus foretold) Christmas is about simple joys. Every December, we gather with family and friends for festive meals, the exchange of gifts, and heartfelt wishes for merriment and a happy new year. We light candles and string colourful lights to brighten … [Read more…]
Texts: “Making Peace” by Denise Levertov * Luke 1:18-25 (waiting in silence) “No justice, no peace!” This slogan has been a staple at protest marches for years. It also describes the type of peace heralded by angels at the birth of Jesus over 2,000 years ago in the Roman Empire of Caesar Augustus. Caesar had … [Read more…]
Texts: “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver * Luke 1:1-17 (the birth of John the Baptist foretold) I have been experiencing a strange feeling of late. I think it might be . . . hope! Of course, hope is always available to us. We can let it flood into our hearts just by remembering our dependence … [Read more…]
Liliana Angel has been the Office Administrator of Mill Woods United Church since February 2018. Below is a reflection she gave on Nov. 24, 2019 about her experience as a refugee who arrived in Edmonton from Colombia in 2009. My name is Liliana Angel, and my daughter Daniela Cardona is here with me today to … [Read more…]
My preamble to worship on November 17, 2019 — Ian What is required for one to feel welcomed to a new place – to a new country, a new job, or a new church? Also, what are the things that would best help us make people who are new to a country, workplace or church … [Read more…]