Text: John 2:1-11 (the wedding at Cana) Marriage is the most challenging and rewarding relationship that many of us experience. So, when I meet with a couple to plan their wedding, I recommend that they attend a marriage preparation course. At the same time, I usually bring up the quote from therapist David Schnarch that … [Read more…]
Text: Luke 2:41-52 (Jesus as a youth in the Temple) The four gospels tell us little about the childhood of Jesus. Mark, which was written first, starts with Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan and covers just the few months from that event to his crucifixion in Jerusalem at Passover. Matthew, the next one written, … [Read more…]
Text: Genesis 2 and 3 (Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden) Do you ever have dreams in which you realize to your horror that you’re walking down the street naked? I do. Dreams like this remind me of my fears of exposure and shame. Today’s reading from the second and third chapters of … [Read more…]
Text: Matthew 17:1-19 (the Transfiguration) Canadians have been in a reflective mood this summer. July 1st was the 150th anniversary of Confederation. So, there have been parades, bigger than normal firework displays, and many essays about the history of Canada before and after 1867. Paul and Lesley Verdin led a worship service here last Sunday … [Read more…]
Text: Matthew 9:35-10:8 (Jesus calls the twelve) “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure leprosy, expel demons.” These are the instructions that Jesus gives his first followers in the passage we just heard from Matthew. But these twelve men are fishers and not doctors. How, then, are they supposed to heal the sick and cure … [Read more…]
Text: Acts 2:1-21 (the day of Pentecost) * Context: part of a joint service between Mill Woods United and Zimbabwe United Methodist – Edmonton The dream of Pentecost is a sweet one. When tongues of flame alight on the heads of the first followers of Jesus, they are astonished to find they can preach in … [Read more…]
Text: John 17:1, 2, 17-21 (“that all may be one”) The Anglican Church of Canada first floated the idea of uniting Canada’s Protestant churches in in 1885. In the decades that followed, five denominations discussed the idea, leading to the birth of the United Church of Canada. In 1925, Canada’s Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregationalist churches … [Read more…]
Text: Acts 17:22-31 (“an altar to an unknown god”) Why are there so many different religions? If there is only one God, why are there are so many different paths to the Divine? In today’s reading, Paul tackles the profusion of gods and goddesses in Athens. In the face of the pantheon of Greek and … [Read more…]
Text: Luke 24:13-35 (the Road to Emmaus) Introductory words to worship service . . . Sometimes church involves strange elements. Today’s service includes two of my favourite things that might seem strange to some: communion, and an anthem the choir will sing, “Christ the Apple Tree.” I first sang “Christ The Apple Tree” at a Christmas … [Read more…]
Text: John 14:1-14 (“I am the way, the truth, and the life”) “Behold, behold, I make all things new, my promise is true, for I am Christ the way.” Each Sunday this spring, we sing these words as the offering is brought forward. The last line, “I am Christ the Way” is inspired by today’s … [Read more…]