No matter how much culture changes around us, the nature of the Christian call remains the same: live a life of holiness, and endure suffering. But what happens when so-called storms hit and our lives, hearts and minds are tossed about under disordered and chaotic circumstances? This week, Rev Jim recounts the disciples’ encounter with a storm … Read more2021 06 20 Sunday Worship “Storms”
Most of us have heard the saying, “From little acorns grow mighty oaks.” It is meant to remind us that great things do come from small beginnings. In Mark 4.30-32, Jesus tells his disciples that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds in the world. This tiny thing, … Read more2021-06-13 Sunday Worship “Kingdom Seed”
This past week, the nation was shocked to learn of the discovery of the buried remains of 215 children at a former residential school in Kamloops, BC. We can sometimes think that the things of the past are past. But when evidence surfaces, like the discovery of the unmarked graves, suddenly the past is all brought forward … Read more2021-06-06 Sunday Worship – The Repentant Church
“Turn over a new leaf.” Chances are, you’ve heard that saying before. It means, “to start to act or behave in a better or more positive and responsible way;” to “start over;” to “make a new start.” Some Christians think of their faith that way. They say that it gives them a “fresh start”, a “positive change” … Read more2021-05-30 Sunday Worship “New Birth”
There’s a new term going around called “internet influencer.” It’s used liberally to describe popular internet bloggers and commentators who are said to have an impact on pubic thought and discourse. The more popular a blogger, the more influential he/she becomes. But Christians have the ultimate influencer, who is not very popular among the masses, … Read more2021 05 23 Sunday Worship – Pentecost “The Helper”
Before Jesus ascended into heaven he left the disciples with a very specific charge: be his witnesses, and spread the good news of the Gospel in Jerusalem and all the world. The problem: they were labourers, and unknowns. They were not trained in public speaking or debate. Would they ever have the initiative and resourcefulness … Read more2021-05-16 Sunday Worship “Ascension”
Jesus calls his disciples into a special and rewarding relationship with him and with the Father. He calls on believers to “abide.” What does it mean to abide in Jesus? What does it mean to abide in love? What does it look like? And are there any blessings to this rich relationship? Join Rev. Jim … Read more20-05-09 SUNDAY WORSHIP “ABIDE IN LOVE”
We all want to do good. We want to love one another freely, willingly and graciously. After all, the church is the body of Jesus, built on, in and around love. But what happens on the days we’re just not very good at it? What about those nights when your head hits the pillow after a … Read more2021-05-02 Sunday Worship “No Guilt in Life”
We’ve all needed some guidance in our lives every now and then… directions to a particular place, instructions for an unfamiliar task. When we think of Jesus as a Shepherd in our lives, we often think of him the same way. It’s true that Jesus’s life and commandments set us on a path of living good, holy … Read more2021-04-25 Sunday Worship “The Good Shepherd”
When the disciples were in doubt after seeing the empty tomb, Jesus didn’t leave them hanging. He came to them in their doubt and shared breakfast with them, assuring them vividly that he is indeed alive, in the flesh. Rev. Mathew walks us through one of these encounters: Luke 24.36-49, relating to us these same assurances that … Read more2021-04-11 Sunday Worship – Jesus Resurrected