Live in Hope

Oct 1, 2012 |

This is a message I shared at a cemetery service, a service of honouring the memories of the saints who have passed before us, and also a fund-raiser for the upkeep of the grounds.

“Live in Hope”
John 1:1-18

We have gathered here today for a number of reasons. Each of us have different emotions, different motives, for why we have decided to come and be part of this service of worship.

For some of us, it is a reminder of the pain of death. For others, it maybe the honouring of a loved one. For others still, it may be a chance to continue being part of community.

Whatever your reason for coming, we come to be reminded of something.

Behind mourning, behind the telling of stories, behind our fear of death and what may come after. We come needing to hear words of comfort and hope.

Death is one of the very few moments in our lives when we truly question our existence and the existence of a higher power. It is a time for somber reflection as to the overall meaning of life and our roles in it.

So we look for hope. We need hope. We long for hope. read more…

Sharing – Anne Loucks

Sep 26, 2012 |

Over at Cruxifusion they are highlighting stories of people and the impact on God in their lives. So yes, in the United Church of Canada we are sharing our testimonies.

Last week Anne shared her story. Watch it and be blessed.

7 Truths: A Fine Tuned Cosmos

Sep 24, 2012 |

“7 Truths: A Fine Tuned Cosmos”
Genesis 1:1-8

One day a group of scientists went to meet with God. There were biologists, chemists, physicists, all the fields together, and they walk up to God and say, “God, we don’t need you anymore. Science has finally figured out a way to create life out of nothing – in other words, we can now do what you did in the beginning.”

“Oh, is that so?” says God. “Tell me more!”

The scientists are pretty excited and they start to tell Him how they can now create life out of dirt and how God is no longer needed.

God listens patiently and then He says, “That’s very interesting. Please, show me.”

So the scientists begin to huddle together and begin scooping up the dirt so they can show God how good they are at creating life and doing what He does.

Suddenly God interrupts, “No no, no… Just a moment now! Get your own dirt.” read more…

what are we afraid of?

Sep 21, 2012 |

So much fear.

Churches are feeling the crunch. Finances are tight, or in some places even critical. For some denominational structures they are approaching critical status and could face collapse within a few years.

Things are going to be changing. And fast!

Conversations I’ve been having with people locally and through social media revolve around the question, “What are we going to do?”

And not really in a positive way (although some are trying).

It feels like we’re running around crying, “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!”

It seems people are felling that if a denomination falls in upon itself, or if a church has to close, even if it appears to be in a prime location, all hope is lost. As if all of christendom is hinged upon our ability to avoid this outcome at all costs.

People who know me know how I feel about this, which boils down to…

So what?

Do we really think that God is relying on human made structures to further the kingdom? These structures and policies we’ve created to protect ourselves, are they really God’s design?

The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not limit itself to how our churches are organized. It is only limited by the hearts of those who seek to follow him. Something we can do wherever we are: in our homes, our streets, our workplaces, and even in our churches.

It’s no question in my mind that the church will look very different in 5 to 10 years. Especially in my own denomination.

The question I have is this.

Are we willing to let go of our need to control, to drop the fight for the scraps that are left, and let God build His church?

If we don’t, then nothing will survive.

So while it may appear things are burning down around us, are we willing to wait and see what God will raise from the ashes?

Remember, for resurrection to happen, something has to die first.

 Photo from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1072585