The weekend that was
And a good weekend it was!
Sunday was packed with worship. I had the usual two morning services, and they went well. At least comments since then would indicate that to be the case.
Sunday afternoon, Hillcrest was playing host to the province’s Peace Officer’s Memorial Service, where : the Charlottetown Police Choir provided good worship music, the names of the officers from across Canada who died in service the last 20 years were read, and it ended with 7 bagpipes blaring out Amazing Grace, talk about powerful! Wow! We should check the windows for stress fractures! It was a really nice service, and I had nothing to do but sit and take in the worship.
Sunday evening, we hosted a Canadian Bible Society Songarama, there were 8 performers/choirs who provided music. My guitar and I were second last and I played “In the Secret”, “Holy is Your Name O God” (one of my own songs), and “Blessed Be Your Name”. Overall the music was a wide variety, and all good. It reminded me off why I love these kind of “gathering the community” services, where we just get together and worship God together, giving whatever gifts we have.
It felt a little weird being in front of 200 people without the rest of the band. It’s the first time I’ve performed in front of more than say 50 without Two Cents being there with me. But it went well.
Today it’s back to work, I’m preaching at the Sturgeon UCC Anniversary service Sunday night!
Sermon Sept. 23, 2007
“It Takes One to Know Oneâ€
Sept.23, 2007 – Luke 16:1-13
“Clean out your desk and leave!â€
“Don’t come back!â€
“You’re fired!â€
What would you do if you heard these words? Everything you’ve worked for is gone. Where would you go? What would you do next? Who would you talk to? read more…
Moving on… again
Once again a student supply position has proved very enriching and affirming for me. I spent January to April in the Sambro-Jollimore pastoral charge, and today I spent my last Sunday with the fine folks in Fairview after spending two months with them.
This summer was great, much more than I had anticipated. This is a congregation that is about to undergo many changes. They will soon begin the long process of discerning their needs and looking for a new minister. They also are working on their own internal processes and leadership so that they load is better shared, and things run more smoothly.
Initially I wasn’t sure what to expect in this community, but when I got there and met them, I knew they were looking for some fun. So my guitar and I tried to lift some spirits. Feedback over the summer was great, and they told me today that we did indeed have fun together, and it was what they needed.
We mourned together in funerals, we celebrated together in worship, and we shared stories together in fellowship. I also learned some things about myself that I will attempt to work on during internship, proving for sure this experience was a great prep for me. Not only did I fill a need for the church, but they also filled a need for me in learning a bit more about myself and how efficiently (or inefficiently) I work in ministry.
Many thanks to the people of Fairview, and I’ll be watching closely as to your progress through the coming months.
What are we teaching our kids?
This is a problem… what can we do when our kids are being taught “Tired of being tied to your parent’s credit card? Tired of waiting for someone else’s permission to buy the stuff YOU want when YOU want it?”
Parents, help your kids learn it’s not about stuff… please?
Sermon August 12, 2007
“Where Are Our Hearts?â€
August 5, 2007 – Luke 12:32-40
All of the readings for this week in the lectionary speak, no challenge us with how we live our lives. We didn’t read all the scripture for this morning. We left out Isaiah and the Psalm, but they give us stern warnings just as our reading from Luke does.
So it seems I have no choice but to delve into what these scriptures are saying to us today. read more…