December 31, 2017 – “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory!” – We gathered to end the year with thanksgiving and to look forward to 2018 in hope. We heard a story about the first week of Jesus’ life (Luke 2:21-40) and reflected on the blessings of the season of Christmas — Ian
December 24, 2017 – On December 24, we offered two opportunities to celebrate Christmas joy. At 10:30 am, we gathered to hear the good news of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1-20), celebrate communion, and sing carols — Music of the spheres. At 7 pm, we gathered to sing even more carols and to welcome the coming of Christmas with candlelight and “Silent Night” — The stillpoint of the year. The choir sang “This Peaceful Night” — Ian
December 17, 2017 – Fools, feasts, and games of thrones – On Sunday, we finished Advent with a focus on Love and a reflection on Mary’s joyous song of thanksgiving and liberation (Luke 1). The choir sang “Lo, How a Rose” – – Ian
December 10, 2017 — Advent without ceasing? – On Sunday, our Advent Joy service featured a reading from 1 Thessalonians 5 (“Rejoice and pray without ceasing”) and many songs of the season. The choir sang “Great Light!” — Ian
December 3, 2017 – On December 3, the Advent Peace service focused on reconciliation with Canada’s first peoples. Dr. Sara Komarnisky of the University of Alberta spoke about the “150 Acts of Reconciliation,” a guide she created with Crystal Fraser for the 2017 “Canada 150” commemoration — Ian
November 26, 2017 — “Keep calm and carry on” – On November 26, we started the Season of Advent. The theme of this first of four Advent Sundays was Hope. As the days continue to shorten, we began the journey to Bethlehem in anticipation of the rebirth of light, life, and love at Christmas — Ian
November 19, 2017 — On November 19, we worshipped with our partner United Methodist congregation from Zimbabwe. Both choirs sang and there was be lots of other joyous music. Rev. Tazi Nyarota delivered a sermon (in English!) on the Bible readings assigned to “Reign of Christ” Sunday (Matthew 25, Ephesians 1, and Psalm 100).
November 12, 2017 — On November 12, Rev. Jo-Anne Kobylka led us in a celebration of “All Saints” based on a reading from Matthew (Matthew 11:28-30 — “my yoke is easy”). Every November, the church directs us to remember our ancestors and all the saints of the church, both known and unknown
November 5, 2017 — “Everything is holy now” – Our theme was holy ground. We heard the story of Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3) and reflected on how we distinguish between the sacred and the profane — Ian
October 29, 2017 — “Trick or Treat” – On Sunday, we marked the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. My reflection was based on a reading of the Bible passage that transformed the life of Martin Luther 500 years ago (Romans 1:11-17, “made right by faith”) — Ian
October 22, 2017 — “Secret Path” – On Sunday, our theme was Revival. We heard selections from Isaiah 40 (“soaring like an eagle”) and asked how we can find spiritual revival in a tumultuous time — Ian
October 15, 2017 —Is resistance futile? – On Sunday, our theme was the spirituality of resistance. We heard a story from ancient Egypt in which midwives resist the murderous demands of the Pharaoh (Exodus 1:8-17). This was the first of three services (Resistance, Revival, and Reformation) that will culminate on October 29 when we mark the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation — Ian
October 8, 2017 — The Great Thanksgiving – We marked Thanksgiving by hearing the story of the Last Supper (Matthew 26: 20-30) and by celebrating communion. My reflection asked why communion prayers are known as “The Great Thanksgiving” — Ian
October 1, 2017 – On October 1, the theme was Invitation. After hearing a story about Jesus feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21), the Rev. Danielle James of Calgary offered a reflection in a video titled, “Perhaps begin with lunch.” — Ian
September 24, 2017 — On September 24, the theme was inspiration. After hearing a story about the first followers of Jesus who shared everything in common (Acts 2:44-47) the Rev. Danielle James of Calgary offered a reflection in a video titled “The church that is not yet” — Ian
September 17, 2017 — The Accidental Tourist – Our theme was enchantment. We contrasted a famous lament about futility from the Hebrew Scriptures (Ecclesiastes 1:1-9 — “all is vanity”) with a video about the awesome beauty of solar eclipses — Ian
September 10, 2017 — “New beginnings” – For “Welcome Back” Sunday, the theme was New Beginnings. I reflected on Jesus’ call to his first followers (Mark 1:14-20); and we celebrated all the many activities that resume at church this month. The Worship Committee served cake after the service. — Ian
September 3, 2017 — Journeys of Faith – Paths of Resistance – On September 3, Paula Kirman, our Social Media and Marketing Coordinator, presented a reflection on her own faith journey and the work she does for the church.
August 27, 2017 — Back to the future – A summer series on spiritual growth ended with a reflection on resurrection. After hearing the story of the empty tomb (Mark 16:1-8), I reflected on how the promised return of the Christ to Galilee might symbolize the spiral of life — Ian
August 20, 2017 — “The greatness of Christianity” – We heard the following words of Paul: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (from Galatians 2). My reflection on his startling statement was about how far spiritual growth can take us — Ian
August 13, 2017 — “Too much heaven on their minds” – We heard a story in which Jesus is anointed with oil (Mark 14:1-9). My reflection on it was about the connection between book learning and the “foolish wisdom” of the Way of Jesus. — Ian
August 6, 2017 – The talking cure – We heard a story about Jesus’ first sermon (Luke 4:14-22). My reflection on it was about the power of words to both wound and heal. The sacrament of communion was celebrated — Ian
July 30, 2017 – “Love among the ruins” – On Sunday, we heard a story in which Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding feast (John 2:1-12). My reflection on it was about the crucibles of life in which love is refined — Ian
July 23, 2017 — Rebel with a cause – We heard the story of a test of wills between a 12-year-old Jesus and his parents (Luke 2:41-52). My reflection on it was about the challenges of adolescence, which are faced by people of all ages — Ian
July 16, 2017 — The naked truth – We heard the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (selections from Genesis 2-3). My reflection on it was about moving from shame to emotional balance. — Ian
July 9, 2017 — Faith of our fathers – We heard the story of Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9). My reflection on it discussed how our ancestry both blesses and burdens us — Ian
June 25, 2017: – Woke or not woke? – We heard a reading in which Jesus sends his followers out to preach and heal (Matthew 9:38-10:-8). My reflection on it introduced a summer series on how to build strong and loving communities in changing times. — Ian
June 18, 2017: We celebrated National Aboriginal Day with a service focused on reconciliation with Canada’s First Peoples. The drums and voices of Chubby Cree were heard in the service — Ian
June 11, 2017: On June 11, we marked the start of summer break for youth group and church school with an intergenerational service focused the first creation story in Genesis (chapter 1 through 2:4a) — Bev
June 4, 2017: – A language that everyone can understand – On Pentecost Sunday, the Mill Woods United and Zimbabwean United Methodist congregations worshipped together. We sang, prayed, and reflected on this annual celebration of the coming of the Spirit. Following the service, we gathered in the Lower Hall for a potluck lunch. — Ian
May 28, 2017: – A humble path to unity – On the final Sunday in the Season of Easter, we will heard a reading in which Jesus offer words that were adopted 92 years ago as the motto of the United Church of Canada (“That all may be one” from John 17). I used the reading to reflect on the state of the church as we prepared for our Annual General Meeting, which followed the service. The choir will sing “Greet the Dawn” by Nancy R. Chegus — Ian
May 21, 2017: – Hymns to an unknown god – On Sunday, we heard a speech by Paul inspired by an altar he saw in Athens that was inscribed “to an unknown God.” I reflected on how Paul’s Easter faith was evolving in the First Century and how our faith continues to evolve in the 21st. The choir sang “As Grain on Scattered Hills” — Ian
May 14, 2017: – First communion – On Mother’s Day, we heard an Easter story in which two friends of Jesus walk with him for hours but don’t recognize him as the Risen Christ until he breaks bread for supper (Luke 14:13-35). We used this reading to prepare us for Holy Communion and to reflect on the nature of family. The choir sang “The Apple Tree” — Ian
May 7, 2017: Bev Thompson led the service on May 7. The service was focused on Psalm 23 and our journey through prayer and life. We used the labyrinth and you had the chance to both walk the large one and use paper labyrinths.
April 30, 2017: – “The Word and the Way” – On Sunday, we heard a well-known passage in which Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:1-14). My reflection on it asked how we imagine the Way of Jesus. Do we see it as narrow, wide, or something in between? The choir sang “Come Follow Me” by Don Besig — Ian
April 23, 2017 – Meeting the Risen Christ – On April 23, we heard a story called “the doubting Thomas” (John 20: 19-31). My reflection on it looked at the role that skepticism and doubt play in helping us to find a trusting faith — Ian
April 16, 2017: – “He arose in silence” – On Easter Sunday, we heard John’s account of the first Easter morning (John 20:1-18) and celebrated the mystery and joy of resurrection with song and ritual. The choir sang “Christ is Risen Today” — Ian
April 9, 2017: On Palm Sunday, we remembered Holy Week, from Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem (Matthew 21) to his arrest and crucifixion (Matthew 26 and 27). Readings and songs that told this story were woven into a celebration of communion. The choir sang “Antiphonal Hosanna” — Ian
April 2, 2017: – Grief on the road to new life – The theme for the fifth Sunday in Lent is “Jesus is crying” based on a story about the death of a close friend of Jesus (John 11:1-45). My reflection on it was about the role of grief in helping us to stay on the path of Lent. The choir sang a version of “This Little Light of Mine” — Ian
March 26, 2017: – Trusting the darkness – The theme for the fourth Sunday in Lent was “Jesus is healing,” based on a story about an encounter between Jesus and a blind man (John 9:1-41). My reflection on it was about the role that darkness might play on the paths of healing — Ian
March 19, 2017: – From here to eternity – The theme for the third Sunday in Lent was “Jesus is accepting,” which is based on a story of an encounter between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at a well (John 4:5 -42). My reflection on it asked how compassion can spread from our tribe of origin to all of humanity. The choir sang “Living Water” by Emily Crocker — Ian
March 12, 2017: – Belonging, behaving, and believing – The theme for the second Sunday in Lent was “Jesus is loving.” We heard a conversation between Jesus and one of his students about eternal life (John 3:1-17). My reflection on it asked how this famous passage has been used to inspire both love and intolerance. The choir sang “My Heart Is In Your Keeping,” by John Carter — Ian
March 5, 2017: – Joy in the wilderness – On the first Sunday in Lent, we heard Matthew’s version of the 40 days and nights Jesus spends in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11). My reflection on it asked how our own “desert” experiences can be a source of growth and joy for us. The choir sang “Be Still and Know” — Ian
February 25, 2017: – “Music that rocks your world” – On Transfiguration Sunday, we concluded the Season of Epiphany with a reading on the sudden appearance of the ancient Jewish leaders Moses and Elijah on a mountainside with Jesus (Matthew 17:1-9). My reflection asked what role glory plays in our spiritual lives and what it might both reveal and obscure — Ian
February 19, 2017: – Love and resistance – I reflected both on a call from Jesus to love our enemies (Matthew 5:38-48) and on the 2016 award-winning movie “Moonlight,” which shows a black person in today’s Florida struggling to establish his identity — as a child, as a teen, and as a young adult — Ian
January 29, 2017: – The Rule of Faith – We heard the first part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-20). My reflection on it pondered the contrast between Jesus’ statement that he has come to fulfill religious law and those times when he seems to ignore the old laws — Ian
January 22, 2017: – Call and response – On the third Sunday of Epiphany, we heard a story of Jesus calling his first disciples (Matthew 4:12-23). My reflection on it asked how we might hear God’s call today and what we can learn from responding to it — Ian
January 15, 2017: – Running deep and free – On the second Sunday of Epiphany, we celebrated Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:13-17). My reflection on it discussed the revelations that flow from joining a community dedicated to love — Ian
January 8, 2017: – Let there be light – We celebrated the Feast of Epiphany with a reading about the visit of Magi from the East to bring gifts to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12). My reflection on it discussed how the joy of learning can help us find light in the darkness — Ian
January 1, 2017 – The Roman Empire yesterday and today – On New Year’s Day, we heard a reading about what happened immediately after the first Christmas (Matthew 2:13-23 — the Holy Family flees to Egypt). My reflection on this story asked how the violence faced by Mary, Joseph, and the other inhabitants of Bethlehem 2,000 years ago might shed light on today’s context. — Ian