Entitlement
Do you know what I mean when I say, “people with a sense of entitlement drive me crazy.” I’m not alone in that, I know a lot of people who say the same thing. We’re generally talking about people whose…
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High lights of my sabbatical.
I’m back. It was a great sabbatical. Let me share a few highlights: John Philip Newell is a person of deep spirit who writes from the Christian Celtic tradition. I am especially appreciative of his reflections on substitutionary atonement. Substitutionary…
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sermon from March 12 (recording unavailable)
The Word Introduction to the Word And now welcome to week two of our Paul fest. To recap this is my sad attempt to make up for 30 years of neglect when it comes to the apostle Paul. This is…
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Ash Wednesday Reflection
The following is a precis of the message offered at TSA on Ash Wednesday based on Genesis 3: 8-21: You are dust and to dust you shall return. This was the day I was to use the quote that I…
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the Manual of the United Church of Canada
The United Church of Canada has a Manual which is sort of our constitution and bylaws all rolled into one. It is a document that is re edited by every General Council and then every minister eagerly awaits its publication….
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Retirement
This is the text from Sunday January 22 in which my retirement from the ministry was announced: I know that this is just supposed to be an introduction to the word but I think this week we better call it…
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Contemplating a Trump Presidency
As a member of the North American liberal elite I was deeply saddened this week by the election of Donald Trump as president but I think far more deeply I am saddened as a Christian. My prayers are for all…
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Goddess and God In the World – a top 10 book
Have I told you about the book I am reading? It is by Carol Christ and Judith Plaskow. They came to fame back in the 70’s when they co edited a feminist reader in theology. Carol is what you would…
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Giving Thanks
Do you remember being taught to say, “thank you” as a child? From about the age of two parents drill the importance of saying “thank you” into us. Some of us resist this lesson. We complain when forced to write…
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Happy Anniversary!
This Sunday our church marks its anniversary. Anniversary Sundays are very big in churches; there is usually a dinner involved, often a guest speaker or guest musicians come to the worship service. It is one of the top five worship…
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