Message - Frances Jones - NOV. 30, 2025
​When You Wish Upon a Star          This title makes me think of Disney's little Jimminy Cricket singing 'When you wish upon a star – makes no difference who you are . . .'  Isn't that the truth?  Anyone can make a wish, whoever you are and wherever you live in the world. The stars are there, shining in the dark sky for us all – the rich, the poor, the weak and the strong.          And, how many of us have never made a wish – whether it was upon a star, or when we have blown out all those candles on our birthday cake?  When we make that wish, doesn't that mean that we are hoping for some-thing in particular, or for some event to take place?          Some of the individuals who lived over 2000 years ago, especially in certain parts of the world, were also wishing and hoping for a very special event to take place.  They were anticipating the coming of the Messiah - a king who would, they believed, set up his kingdom on earth, just as the prophets had fore-told.  We know now, however, that this miraculous event did not happen in time for many of them to see and experience the true wonder of it all.  But, just because this promised Deliverer did not arrive as soon as the people wanted or expected, did this mean it would never happen?  Was all hope lost for good because some of the people did not live to witness the arrival of their Messiah?          Here we are, over 2000 years later, still living with the anticipation of, not the initial coming of this Messiah or Lord,  but his second coming that he promised would happen.          We are fortunate to have heard and read the wonderful stories of his first and long-anticipated arrival so many years ago.  But, was this what the people of that time expected?  We can only imagine the questions in the minds of those who eventually heard the news concerning how this came to be.  Who would have imagined that their Messiah's arrival to earth would come in such a manner as this?  Where was the triumphal entry of a king, a ruler who would set up an earthly kingdom?  Instead, there was news of this humble birth for a helpless baby boy who would require much care from a young couple who had not even yet been wed.          Mary was just a maiden, making plans to be married to a devoted young man named Joseph.  Why would she be the one chosen by God to carry and to bear this long-awaited Messiah?  This would certainly cause friction in the young couple's relationship.  It is quite understandable that Joseph had questions, and even second thoughts, concerning going through with this marriage.          And the young maiden, Mary, having been given the responsibility of raising God's Son and caring for his needs, knew that this task would not be easy.  So, in her mind Mary reviewed this unexpected news from the angel. The baby would be named Jesus; he would grow up to be great; he would be called the Son of the Most High.  How overwhelming all of this information must have been for this young maiden as Mary 'pondered all these things in her heart'.          What do you think might have happened to the hope that the people had been holding onto?  How could their long-awaited Messiah's arrival look like this?          What about you and me in today's world? As we anticipate the second coming of our Lord, how many of us have specific expectations concerning what that will look like? As we begin our special journey during this season of Advent, we are now the ones waiting and watching.  We are the ones with hopes for a better world.  We are the ones with great expectations.          Depending on where and how Jesus' second coming takes place, will we recognize it for what it really is?  We have questions, and so too did Jesus' faithful followers of many years ago.          When – where – how, they questioned, probably like the questions we still have today.  We notice from the Scripture's account that Jesus would not, and could not, give any definite answer.  'No one knows, only the Father', was his response.          Today, from our Scripture readings, we are reminded of some of the signs to look for before this second coming will take place. Will we pay attention to these signs, or will we be like the people were in the story of Noah?          Even though God's command to build a huge ark in the desert because of an upcoming flood seemed extremely unlikely to him, Noah obeyed, even though he was the object of criticism and ridicule from his neighbours.  His hope was in his Lord, trusting that he knew best.          The people of Noah's day refused to pay attention to his warnings.  They made fun of him for carrying out God's plan.  But, when the rains came down and the floods came up, the people then realized that the signs that Noah heeded to, the commands that he obeyed, were the reality of the day.  By then, it was too late.  The door of the ark had been shut.          How much attention do we pay to Jesus' warnings about what will come as they are written in the gospels of Matthew and Luke?  We are busy living our lives.  And, we have our own plans - hopes and dreams for our lives.          The same was true for Mary and Joseph.  They too had plans; they had their own hopes and dreams.  And, what about Noah?  Did he ever imagine that he would be building an ark in the desert?  Maybe stories such as these are reminders to us that we do not confront God saying, 'O.K. God, this is what I am planning to do.  I just need you to rubber stamp it.'          Believing that Jesus will come again as promised, we watch and wait. We continue to hold onto hope as we anticipate how it will be. During these times however, are we recognizing, or are we aware of, any of these warning signs that Jesus mentioned?  In Matthew's gospel, one of the first things mentioned was to be aware of deceitfulness.          How can we know for sure what to believe – whether we hear it, read it, or we actually see it?  It seems that whenever there is some kind of technology that could be considered helpful to us; something that would save us time and energy; something that might help us find information easily; there is a way to twist it into something meant to deceive us. Just the other day, I heard on the radio about the use of specific technology being placed into children's toys where explicit pictures had been inserted – images of things that they would be far too young to understand.  All of these kinds of actions, and this way of thinking, attacks the hope we have.  What will happen to the next generation?  What's next?          But, we must never lose hope.  Jesus' comforting words encourage us and give us hope.  As he explained to his disciples, 'Make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves for I will give you words of wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.'          So, whether we wish upon a star, or make a wish while blowing out all those candles on the birthday cake, it makes no difference who you are, or where you live in the world.  Like the stars in the night sky that shine down on each one of us, so too the light of our Lord shines on us all – during the Advent season, and always.  And our hopefulness encourages us to believe that the good outweighs the bad, and we know that love is stronger than hate. AMEN! Frances Jones – November 30, 2025

Message - Frances Jones - Nov. 16, 2023
​Authenticity          Today our worship concerns youth – children, adolescents, and the young-at-heart.  Deep down I believe we are all children – even if it's only in our minds. We get excited over fireworks; enjoy playing games and some sports.  And we realize that there is always something new to learn, regardless of age.  And, don't we all enjoy 'hanging out' with our friends – even if we don't use that term 'hanging out'.          After retiring from teaching, I used to read every week at the Butler School library.  Sometimes I used my trusty Chicken Soup for the Soul books because they had interesting stories that taught life lessons.  Some of these stories concerned friendships, making choices, and overcoming obstacles.          In one section of one of the books, there are some quotes from 9 to 14-year-olds concerning friendship and what makes a good friend.          Sarah Bennett, age 13, quoted, “A friend is a person who knows what you're saying, even if you're not talking.  They understand what you're feeling, even if you don't understand your own feelings.  And they will always forgive you, usually before you forgive yourself”.           Eleven-year-old Marleigh Dunlap said, “A friend likes you for who you are and not what you look like, because that is what really matters.”          “Friendship is not about beauty or popularity, but it is someone who likes your personality.  And they are with you to the end”, was quoted by twelve-year-old Renny Usbay               And Megan Preizer, age 12, said, “A friend makes you feel good about yourself, encourages you to reach for your goals, and never gets jealous of you.”          Jesus too had some very important things to say about children as he was travelling around Lake Galilee, teaching the people about God's Kingdom.  From the Scriptures this morning, we heard some of Jesus' thoughts and instructions concerning children.          Not unlike today, even back over 2000 years ago, adults were competitive.  Some of them wanted to be regarded as more important than others.  They even wanted to hear Jesus say that they were greater than some of their colleagues. And, from the Scriptures that we heard, it seemed that these adults – the disciples in particular – thought that children should not be considered important enough for Jesus to pay attention to them.  But, as he was talking about God's kingdom to those who had gathered around him, including his regular followers, the disciples, Jesus had something very important to say.          To his disciples, and to all who had gathered around him, Jesus revealed that children were indeed a blessing. Contrary to the disciples' wishes to hinder the children from approaching Jesus, he said, 'Let the children come to me; don't drive them away'.  And then he took those little ones and blessed them.  But his instructions to the adults continued.          Even as he was blessing these little ones, Jesus revealed to all who were present that day, 'To enter the Kingdom of God, you have to be like a little child.'          They must have looked at one another, wondering what Jesus was talking about.  They knew they couldn't turn back time in order to re-live their childhood.  For most of us, that would mean turning the clock back a lot more than one hour!  But, just think of the things we could change if that were so!          Jesus knew that children were, and are, blessed with very favourable qualities such as openness and acceptance, trustworthiness and honesty, and very importantly - authenticity.  With children there is no pretense.  What you see is what you get!          Sometimes little children can surprise us with their authenticity.  I read a story the other day in one of my trusty Chicken Soup for the Soul books entitled “Barney”.  A four-year-old girl was at the doctor's office for a check-up.  The doctor checked her ears first, and asked her, 'Do you think I'll find Big Bird in here?'  The little girl stayed silent. Then he checked down her throat and asked her, 'Do you think I'll find Cookie Monster down there?'  Again, the little girl was silent.  (That makes me wonder what she was really thinking about this doctor!)  Finally, he put a stethoscope to her chest and asked her, 'Do you think I'll hear Barney in here?'  Then the little girl had a response for him, 'Oh, no!', she said, 'Jesus is in my heart.  Barney's on my underpants!'          Authenticity – so evident during those very early years.  However, as children grow into adolescents, they face a number of different, and unique, challenges.  Wanting to 'fit in', it is more difficult to remain authentic.          You and I also faced certain challenges as we were growing up, but the young people of today are facing obstacles much larger than what I believe we ever experienced.  Just how difficult might it be for the young people in today's world to remain authentic?          Social media, which influences many of our lives, can provide a sense of community and connection.  But it can also provide unrealistic standards, especially for young people.  They can feel pressured into becoming someone that they are not.          And now, with AI (artificial intelligence), it is difficult to know what is real and what is not.  Many years ago, before all of the technology that we have today, my father-in-law said, 'Believe nothing you hear and only about half of what you see'.          The other day when I was reading a selection from 1 Timothy in the Scriptures, I couldn't help but think about Jesus' remarks concerning children.  Quoting this Scripture passage, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.  This is not a call to perfection – it's a call to authenticity.  When you live with integrity, you preach a sermon without saying a word.  When you love like Jesus, people see God in you.” (1 Timothy 4:12)          There is an interesting poem by Edgar Guest called “Sermons We See”.  Here are some of his words: “Sermons We See”, by Edgar Guest. I'd rather see a sermon than to hear one any day; I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way. The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear, Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear; And the best of all the preachers are the ones who live their creeds, For to see good put in action is what everybody needs. . . . I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done; I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run. And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true, But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do; For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give, But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.          Jesus was the epitamy of authenticity – saying what he meant, and meaning what he said.  Regardless of where he was, or in whose company he was teaching, Jesus lived his sermons.  As we say about little children, I guess we could also say about Jesus: 'what you see (and hear), is what you get!'          Because of the authenticity of these little children, Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me . . .To enter the Kingdom of God, you have to be like a little child.'   AMEN!        ​

Message - Nov. 9, 2025 - Rev.Cynthia
​‘Just You Wait and See’
*Mark 12:38-44*
Remembrance Day is a time where we remember all those who have made sacrifices and are continuing to make sacrifices in the face of great evil so that others in this world may have the chance to experience freedom and love. We have many holidays and celebrations throughout the year, but Remembrance Day is one of those few occasions where our culture takes time to really remember the lives of those who make our life possible. Perhaps you are keeping in mind this morning a relative, a friend, an acquaintance or those currently at war in our world. You may be thinking about or remembering their war stories, the good and the bad, and maybe you too recount those stories with children and grandchildren, the generation of tomorrow, to help them remember. It’s hard to imagine as somewhat of a younger person, that we (and especially those younger than me) are a future come to fruition, the future of which many people of my grandparent’s generation gave their lives to make sure would one day be a reality. We don’t often think about how regular people who fought in the wars of yesterday were trying to make sure that you and me would have the opportunity to freely gather here today, to be able to peacefully go about lives. Just as they served for unknown people, so too we here remember them with unknown names. We remember them with poppies, we remember them with music and prayer, we remember them with silence.
Yet our scripture this morning invites us to remember them in another way as well. ‘The Widow’s Mite’ the story is often known as. The story of a poor widow who gave her whole life to God with just two copper coins. There is nothing especially unique about her, she appears to be a common person, and all we know about her is that she was very poor. How did her husband die? Did she have any children? What did she do all that day before she came to the treasury? So much we will never know. And what a contrast she is when compared to the scribes whom Jesus describes in much detail; we know so much about them. We know what they wear, we know how they socialize, where they sit in banquets and synagogues, and how they pray. So much detail about people Jesus wants us to ‘Beware of...”.
We tend to remember more about people who are in the spotlight than those who aren’t. When politicians die, they lie in state, but when a common soldier passes we may never know about it, never even know their name. The people in Jesus’ time greeted those in certain offices with a higher respect than those who made simple donations to the temple treasury, and we too tend to be more in awe of titles and positions than those who live simple lives with short resumes. Yet, it is the widow who Jesus wants us to watch, not the others, not the scribes, not the politicians; watch the common widow and remember.
When the widow walks up to the treasury and puts in all she has left, her donation will go unnoticed, it is very small compared to others, her donation will never be spoken about or receive praise like other donations will, yet Jesus tells us her offering is worth even more because she is poor, because after giving it she has nothing left, because in these hardships that no one will ever know about her she is still choosing one thing: hope. And she chooses hope not for praise or glory, but because she believes in it! This widow’s offering reflects nothing but complete hope in God.
Through generations and generations, 'common people’ have encountered immense hardships, wars, famines, lethal forms of discrimination, and each time their sacrifices gave way to the future that has come to be. So many people have dropped their two copper coins into the treasury, handing it all over to something bigger than themselves, something more immense than their present situation, and they did so with hope for the future.
Now you all might be too young to remember (Cynthia writes winking), but the 1940s may have been the best decade for music in the 20th century. And many of the best songs from that time came out of the war period, and no voice carried that time better than Vera Lynn, the Forces’ Sweetheart. You’re probably all familiar with her “We'll meet again, Don't know where Don't know when But I know we'll meet again some sunny day”. She also sang and made famous The White Cliffs of Dover. I quote, “The song was written by Nat Burton about a year after the Royal Air Force and German Luftwaffe aircraft had been fighting over southern England, over the white cliffs of Dover, in what is known as the Battle of Britain. The lyrics looked toward a time when the war would be over, and peace would rule over the iconic white cliffs, which were Britain's symbolic border with the European mainland.” The lyrics go
There'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of Dover
Tomorrow, just you wait and see.
There'll be love and laughter
And peace ever after
Tomorrow, when the world is free.
The shepherd will tend his sheep
The valley will bloom again
And Jimmy will go to sleep
In his own little room again.
There'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of Dover
Tomorrow, just you wait and see.
This song, like so many during that time, was a ballad about hope in the midst of chaos, it was a bold claim that with bombs coming down around them, tomorrow there would be peace above. Hope plays a more special role in the common soldier or widow than it ever does with those who sit in higher offices.
‘Tomorrow, just you wait and see’. We are the tomorrow that they just waited to see. We are the treasury that previous generations have dropped their coins into. And maybe, we can remember them not just in ceremony, but by also embracing the fact that we are now the generation who has two coins in our hands, we are the ones with a future that has not yet happened, with a people who are yet unborn. Will they look back on us, and how we met the battles of today, wars around the world, the rise of fascist and tyrannical movements in our politics, a climate that’s rapidly affecting our lives and say ‘beware of our ancestors for they gave only out of abundance and did not build the world for something greater than themselves’, or will they say, ‘let us remember our ancestors, for they gave everything they had for us, and built this world with something greater in mind’? Feel those coins in your hands, feel the preciousness and weight they bear. If you give them to the future people may never know who you are or why you did it, but your efforts and sacrifices will never be forgotten. There’s something at work in the universe, our lives may be a blink of an eye in the scheme of things, but through our actions, we see that God has helped humans in ages past, and God will continue to help humans in ages to come. So on this Remembrance Day, let us remember not only with poppies, music and prayer, and silence, but let us also remember with our faith and with our actions that show we believe there is hope for tomorrow, there really is, just you wait and see.
 
-Cynthia Reynolds
 

Message - Rosemary Gage - Nov. 2, 2025
​The commitments you choose to make in life define who you are.  Behind everything you do there is a thought.  Every behavior is motivated by a belief, and every action is prompted by an attitude.  Proverbs 4:23 says “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.”
To be like Christ me must develop our mind.  Change the way we think.  The way we think determines the way we feel, and the way we feel influences the way we act.
 
Many of our troubles occur because we base our choices on culture, saying things like, everyone is doing it, we’ve always done it that way, it seemed logical, or it just felt right.
 
One of the best ways the Bible helps us become our best selves is by revealing our true purpose.  In a world full of competing priorities and conflicting values, it’s easy to feel uncertain about our place in life.  Understanding our purpose requires us to look beyond worldly success and focus on eternal values.
We say hindsight is always 2020.  Looking back is something we often do.  However, looking back is not recommended in the Bible.  When we live with an attitude that looks back over our lives with regrets and if only’s, we rob ourselves of hope.  We need to BEING OUR BEST
                                              
Like father, like son, how often have we heard or used that phrase when we refer to family resemblance?
 
The Bible says Jesus is the exact likeness of God, the invisible image of the invisible God, and the exact representation of his being.
God expects us to become godly taking on his values, attitudes and character.
 
God is interested in what we are, not what we do.  It is our character that we take into eternity.  We should have the kind of character described in the beatitudes.
 
Our time on earth is to build and strengthen our character for heaven.
have hope Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer”.
 
Becoming like Christ is a long slow process.  We are a work in progress.
In today’s world people are constantly seeking ways to improve themselves, achieve their potential and lead fulfilling lives. Self-help books, motivational speakers, and personal plans are all tools’ people use to find purpose and become their best selves.  But for Christians, the ultimate guide to personal growth is the Bible.  Scripture offers timeless wisdom, spiritual principles, and life changing lessons that help us draw closer to God and become the person he created us to be.  One of the ways the Bible helps us become our best selves is by revealing our true purpose in a world filled with competing priorities and conflicting values.  It's easy to feel uncertain about our place in life.  Scripture makes it clear that we are created for a divine purpose.  We each have a unique role to play in God’s kingdom.  Understanding our purpose requires us to look beyond worldly success and focus on eternal values.  The Bible calls us to seek God’s kingdom and promises all other things will fall into place.  If we align our goals with God’s purpose, we will find fulfillment and joy in pursuing a life that honors him.
 
Becoming our best selves is learning to surrender our desires to God.  We need to let go of selfish ambitions and trust God’s plan is greater than our own.  Surrendering to God requires faith and a willingness to let go of control so we can have a life of peace and fulfillment.  When we surrender our desires to God, we open ourselves to his purpose and allow him to guide us on the path that leads to true happiness.  We must align our priorities with God’s values, seeking his wisdom in our decisions, and trusting that he knows what is best for us.
 
Peter gives us many characteristics on how to have an effective and productive life.  The Bible warns us in Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
When I was a teenager, I used to love watching the Billy Graham show on TV.  I enjoyed everything about this man and his teachings.  I was amazed when I read that in his early years of ministry he struggled with doubts about the accuracy and authority of the Bible.  Until one night.  He said one night he told God he didn’t understand the confusing passages.  And it was shortly after that night that his life was blessed, and his ministry became very powerful and effective for so many.
 
We need to wait patiently and trust God to make us more like him.
 
Our scripture reading from Ephesians tells us for those that are in Christ produce unity and harmony.  There is uprightness in personal conduct as one has a new life in Christ.  God is our leader, and he has given us different gifts and abilities to serve him.  The reason we are all different is so that we may help one another to grow and become truly like Christ.  To be kind and merciful.  Do as God does, let love be your guide.
Galatians 6:2 tells us “Help to carry one another’s burdens, and in this way, you will obey the law of Christ.
 
And from our scripture reading from 1 Corinthians, it is talking about some of the leaders in Corinth that had become influential and considered themselves important, but Paul admonished humility, and points to his own example and ministry.
God is our judge, and we are to do for him.  We need to remember that God judges all we think, say and do, so we honor him and his word.
 
Some people see the gap between who they are and who they want to become.  Many have made promises countless times that tomorrow will be different, I will be better.  But the same pattern comes back again.  Accept that you will not always succeed and view failures as learning opportunities.  Becoming a better person isn’t about trying harder, but it is about changing from the inside out and allowing God to change your heart.
 
We need to appreciate the place where God plants us in life.  Let us not look for something new.  But be thankful for where we are, and thank God for what we have been given, and may it make us grow strong as Christ’s servants.
Try to keep your mind occupied with God’s word and always good thoughts.
The Bible repeatedly tells us to keep our minds focused.  Always filling our minds with things that are good and deserve praise.  Allowing God’s love to flow through us.
 
Helen Steiner Rice wrote
Thank you, God, for little things that often come our way.  The things we take for granted but don’t mention when we pray.  The unexpected courtesy, the thoughtful, kindly deed.  A hand reached out to help us in the time of sudden need.  Oh, make us more aware, dear God, of little daily graces that come to us with “sweet surprise” from never dreamed of places.
This week was a tough week at JTEKT, the place where I work.  The termination of five office employees took place.  These 5 positions needed to be cut.  I was extremely impressed with the Plant Manager and Human Resources Manager on how they handled the situation.  Ensuring these 5 individuals were met with compassion and respect.  They also met with all the employees to explain why the terminations were necessary and to answer all questions.  It was a long and stressful day for both of them, and they did their best.
 
We have all gone through days, weeks, months and even years when we haven’t been at our best and it was during those times that it seemed as though we wouldn’t make it through. 
Sometimes in life it is when we go through challenging times that our best is shown.
 
I am truly thankful and blessed to have so many of you that have shown me by example the true meaning of and for helping me on my journey to become my best.
 
When you stumble don’t give in or give up but look to God, expect him to help you. Heaven has a twenty-four-hour emergency hotline.  God is expecting us to ask him for assistance.
 
So, if God is waiting to help us are we turning to him when we need help?
 
 
THANKS BE TO GOD!
 
 
 
 

Message - Karen Lackey Ryan - Oct 19, 2025
Do you ever feel tied up in knots? Are we past the times of angst  and worries? Are we like Jacob, physically wrestling with an unknown assailant? Are we preoccupied over many factors of life   in our daily lives, ruminating endlessly over elements of life beyond our control? Or has the wisdom of aging granted us some peace?
Are we like Jacob and the widow, who are not ideal characters, but assert themselves in the face of even divine authority. Jacob is accosted in the night, by an unknown, when he is alone, with whom he wrestles until his demands are met, and change happens. The widow finally achieves her goal by sheer continuous pressure. I think of Job, who is probably the ultimate example with whom we can identify, the man who has everything, who loses everything, is left to argue/wrestle with his friends over what it all means, and finally is chastised by God who gets the last word.
What do we wrestle with? Perhaps we have questions such as: Should I do this? Why did I do that? Where is the clear path? In particular, growing up with a Christian education, it seems that our life path should be calm and uneventful, progressing happily in obedience to God’s law and love. If only!
Basically, we wrestle with God, we wrestle with others, we wrestle with our own contrary natures and desires, and are influenced by friends and social “norms”. Or perhaps I am only talking about myself!
When I think of it there is a lot of tossing and turning of mind and heart throughout life. We see it in toddlers, who challenge Mom and Dad. There can be a lot of “I want what I want when I want it” at this early stage. We may know persons who have not made much progress beyond this point, still trying to get what they want when they want it! There was a period in my pre-teen life when my brother and I would come home from school for lunch, then proceed immediately after to the living room where we would physically playfully wrestle. Being hot-headed, we would soon lose our temper and be at it for real, at which point my father would come and pull us apart. We would calmly head back to school, no hard feelings. This occurred for some unknown reason for about a month, and has never recurred. But a much more serious kind of wrestling became familiar as I grew older and further away from home.
As young adults we are primed to make big life decisions while under the influence of raging hormones, financial, and peer pressures. As adults we may begin to question these life choices: do I like who I am and where I am? Where I am in work, in relation to significant others and with myself? Hopefully, we grow older without too many regrets or new challenges.
The story of Jacob is a family story, a dysfunctional family story, full of favoritism, jealousy and deceptions. In the ways of the material world we might consider that Jacob was a raging success, with wealth, wives, and an ability to make things happen for his own purposes. But, where was God in all of this family drama?
We remember that he stole his brother’s birthright. He deceived    his father, with the help of his mother. He ran away and lived and worked with his father-in-law Laban for twenty years. Ambition and deception were key strategies used by Jacob to accomplish his goals in life. He became wealthy while working for Laban, which created conflict and resentment with his in laws. He decided to return home, not even sure that his brother Esau would be happy to see him. As Jacob was travelling he advised his servants: Genesis 32:20,21 20 And be sure to say, ‘Your servant Jacob is coming behind us.’ For he thought, “I will pacify him with these gifts I am sending on ahead; later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me.” 21 So Jacob’s gifts went on ahead of him, but he himself spent the night (alone) in the camp.
How many times have we been awake, alone in the dark, wrestling with our own worries, fears, doubts and questions? Jacob wrestles most of the night with an unnamed assailant, described variously as a man, an angel or God himself. But, rather than being overwhelmed, Jacob has the Audacity to demand a blessing! Is this our example, that no matter what struggles we endure, we must have the audacity to claim our blessing? Did Jacob anticipate the changes that this blessing entailed? Jacob received a new name and a change in health, and later a warm reconciliation with his brother Esau.
The widow does not have the same resources as Jacob, but she is tireless in advocating for herself and her cause. We may not like this behavior, even in ourselves. We may become just as annoyed as the judge. Jesus tells the story of the persistent widow “to show the disciples that they should always pray and not give up.” Although it may seem that God is behaving like the indifferent judge by not responding to the widow, her persistence eventually moves the judge to action. The efforts of both Jacob and the widow finally granted a resolution.
Jesus states of those who petition God, “he will see that they get justice, and quickly.” This can sound unbelievable for those who have prayed and prayed and persisted and persisted, when no answer to prayer ever comes. Or, is that the answer? What an empty feeling of abandonment and hopelessness. The passage ends with a question, as Jesus asks, “However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” What!? No answer to prayer, and an expectation of faith!? Jesus is telling us that Persistent Faith is the only thing that can carry us through our trials.
When nothing changes and all else fails I am humbled to pray, “Thy will be done.” This is not fatalism. This means surrender to God's divine plan, even when it differs from our own desires. We acknowledge that we are not the centre, God is the centre.
We can run but we cannot hide from God. Ultimately we are naked before God who sees us and the results of our actions. We can demand a blessing, we can risk being annoying in our persistence, and readily accept the promises of God to believers, but we must be prepared for change, an unexpected change in our lives as a result of closer contact with God. This is the message. We are supposed to live close to God. We must become strong in Faith.
There is a saying that prayer changes us, it does not change God.  By our persistence in prayer, our wrestling with God, we achieve several things. We demonstrate our belief in a higher power, we maintain hope that a situation will change, and by the very act of this persistence in prayer is the creation of the faith that is required      of believers.
Perhaps Jacob came to realize that his deceptive strategies robbed him of close and kind relationships. Jacob was reconciled with his brother. The widow got justice. Referring to Job, we can be reassured that “the Lord restored his former fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” Perhaps, like Jacob we think we have to manipulate our circumstances to receive God’s blessings, although there is no doubt that he had worked for all the wealth that he had accumulated. And the widow had also acted on her own behalf; she didn’t just sit around hoping that the judge would remember her situation. The blessings of God are available to us all the time. We must act with God and expect to receive the best that God has to offer.
What are the blessings of God?
The blessings of God are divine favors encompassing various aspects of life, such as spiritual well-being, forgiveness, protection, provision, peace, and prosperity, and are often understood as God's grace made manifest through the world, in relationships, and within one's spiritual journey. In Abrahamic faiths, blessings are often tied to obedience and faithfulness to God's commands…(Google)
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrew 10: 35-36
Wrestling strengthens your faith. Pray without ceasing. Work with God. Be prepared to receive your blessings.
Thanks be to God.
Amen
​

Message - Frances Jones - Oct, 5, 2025
What's in it for Me?          Ah! Faith!  The attribute that, like love, cannot be seen or touched, and yet, we know if it is present.  How to explain faith?  Some people substitute the word faith with trust and/or belief.          If we completely trust someone, or believe in them, we say we have faith in them.  We believe in what they stand for.  We trust their judgement.          By definition, faith is a deep, often unshakable belief or trust in someone or something – associated with deity or a doctrine, and sometimes experienced even without proof or evidence.          In the book of Hebrews we can read:  “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)           How do we know if we have enough faith or not?  How much faith is enough?  We actually get the answer to that question from Jesus' words to his loyal followers.  As we learned from Luke's gospel this morning, the disciples believed that they didn't have enough faith, so they requested that Jesus provide them with more.          If we take a closer look at Jesus' words spoken just prior to this particular reading, we might understand why these fellows made such a request.  Jesus had just instructed them to forgive someone who had done them wrong – even up to seven times in one day!  Couldn't this have seemed like just a little too much for them to bear?          Haven't we heard it said, 'If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times, . . .'?  It's true that we get tired of repeating ourselves over and over again; especially if it involves some injustice - a 'rule', or an 'understanding' that has been broken or disregarded several times, seemingly without any consideration?          So maybe you and I can understand this request that Jesus' followers made of him, 'increase our faith'.  After all, who else would be able to provide more faith – if that was what was needed?          No need for more faith; use the faith you have, was Jesus' response.  In their minds, these followers of Jesus felt that their faith seemed shaky and inadequate in order to be able to accomplish some of the things that he was instructing them to do.  However, they were assured that, any faith at all, even faith as tiny as a mustard seed, would be sufficient, when put into action.          I don't think I have ever seen a mustard seed, but I can relate to the size of a carrot seed, or a beet seed.  And they certainly are tiny.  Imagine comparing our faith to a seed that small!  And yet, Jesus said that this is enough when put to work.          When planted in the spring, and then nurtured, we realize big changes in the carrots and beets when we dig them up in the fall.  Those tiny seeds have produced some pretty significant fruit.  And to think that this transformation and growth took place over such a short period of time.          I found it very interesting that, immediately following this little discussion between Jesus and his disciples about faith and how much is enough, he goes on to tell them another one of his stories.  And, as you and I know, each one of Jesus' stories with heavenly meanings were meant for the purpose of instruction.  And, he never missed an opportunity to teach a lesson.          Although Jesus used the terms servant and master, I'm pretty sure that we can figure out who is actually being represented in his story.  If the servants represent you and me, are we receiving the message that we are expected to gladly serve without complaining; without expecting more reward, more praise, and more honour from our Master than what had been originally agreed upon?          These particular servants in Jesus' story might have been expected to work all day in the gardens, or in the grain fields. They may have spent their long days over in the pasture tending his flock in order to keep them from straying, but also to protect them from any harm from predators.  Then, once all of their duties had been completed, and they had made sure that their master had whatever he required for nourishment prepared and served, they could then enjoy some nourishment of their own - eating and drinking at the end of their busy day.          While studying this reading from Luke's gospel, I couldn't help but notice that these servants described in Jesus' story never complained about having too much work, about being over-qualified for their positions, or about not having been treated fairly.  It would seem that everything that these servants needed was provided for them.          It also seemed evident that the master and his servants had made an agreement – the master promising to provide for his servants everything they would need to do their particular job; and, in return, the servants agreeing to serve their master to the best of their ability, and with appreciation and gratitude for all of his provisions.          We have read about and heard Jesus' instructions to his followers.  During his ministry, he made it very clear concerning what was and is expected of anyone who chooses to follow him and his teachings. They, (we) are to love first and foremost – love God and then love your neighbour as you love yourself.  He requires us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8b)             It has also been made clear that God will supply our every need for our particular task. (Philippians 4:19)  Do you think that means that these provisions will be exactly what we want when we want them?  And, is it possible that these provisions might come to us through unexpected sources?          There are some instances in the Scriptures where individuals have been made exemplars by Jesus when he honoured them for their demonstration of faith.  We might not have ever expected such individuals to have possessed the faith that they demonstrated.          One such individual was the woman referred to as a 'sinner' who interrupted Jesus' meeting at a Pharisee's house.  She seemed to be desperate for forgiveness for all she had done.  After kneeling at his feet and sobbing uncontrollably as she wiped Jesus' feet with her tears and her hair, and after anointing him with expensive oil or perfume, it was evident to him that this woman was indeed filled with remorse.  She also demonstrated that she knew without a doubt that Jesus had the power to forgive her.  This was the kind of love and faith that Jesus sought. So, in the presence of all of the guests at the Pharisee's house, Jesus said to her, 'Your faith has saved you; go in peace'.          There were plenty of other stories about Jesus noticing individuals whose faith was active and evident.  The blind beggar who wanted to see; the one Samaritan leper who came back to thank Jesus for healing him; and even the Roman Centurion whose faith was so strong that he knew, without a doubt, that healing would happen for his trusty servant as a result of Jesus' power to heal – physically, mentally, as well as Spiritually.  Each of these individuals received the same message from Jesus, 'your faith has healed you'.          So, I believe that Jesus has taught us, through all of the many different examples in the Scriptures, that faith is not something that can be measured.  We can't take a measuring cup and add a little more to the mix.  We either have it, or we don't.  We either use it, or we don't.          If you and I have faith, and if we put that faith into action in everything that we do, and if we believe we are following Jesus' instructions to the best of our ability, might we think that we should get a little more reward than someone who doesn't seem to be as devoted as we are?          If we demonstrate that we love God and love our neighbour; that we stand up for justice and mercy; that we believe we are humble, are we secretly saying, 'What's in it for me?'.  Do we believe that we deserve a little more praise and honour, a little more attention, more taps on the back, than someone else?          What if we compare ourselves to the servants in the story that Jesus told?  They too worked on behalf of their master.  They knew well what was expected of them and they did their jobs, grateful for all that had been, and continued to be, provided for them.          So, as we think about all that has been, and continues to be, provided for us, should we be asking, 'What's in it for me?'.  Or, should we be professing, with grateful hearts, 'we are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty'?   AMEN!      ​

Portion of Rev. Cynthia's service
  
Indigenous Tradition: Praying The Directions
facing east
From the East, the direction of the rising sun,
we receive peace and light and wisdom and knowledge.
We are grateful for these gifts, O God.
 
facing south
From the South comes warmth, guidance,
and the beginning and the end of life.
We are grateful for these gifts, O God.
 
facing west
From the West comes the rain,
purifying waters, to sustain all living things.
We are grateful for these gifts, O God.
 
facing north
From the North comes the cold and mighty wind,
the white snows, giving us strength and endurance.
We are grateful for these gifts, O God.
 
facing upward
From the heavens we receive darkness and light,
the air of your breath,
and messages from your winged creatures.
We are grateful for these gifts, O God.
 
facing downward
From the earth we come and to the earth we will return.
We are grateful for these gifts, O God.
 
We are grateful for your creation, Mother Earth, O God.
May we walk good paths, O God, living on this earth as siblings should;
rejoicing in one another’s blessings,
sympathizing in one another’s sorrows,
and together with you,
renewing the face of the earth.
 
​
 
Indigenous Tradition: Praying The Directions
facing east
From the East, the direction of the rising sun,
we receive peace and light and wisdom and knowledge.
We are grateful for these gifts, O God.
 
facing south
From the South comes warmth, guidance,
and the beginning and the end of life.
We are grateful for these gifts, O God.
 
facing west
From the West comes the rain,
purifying waters, to sustain all living things.
We are grateful for these gifts, O God.
 
facing north
From the North comes the cold and mighty wind,
the white snows, giving us strength and endurance.
We are grateful for these gifts, O God.
 
facing upward
From the heavens we receive darkness and light,
the air of your breath,
and messages from your winged creatures.
We are grateful for these gifts, O God.
 
facing downward
From the earth we come and to the earth we will return.
We are grateful for these gifts, O God.
 
We are grateful for your creation, Mother Earth, O God.
May we walk good paths, O God, living on this earth as siblings should;
rejoicing in one another’s blessings,
sympathizing in one another’s sorrows,
and together with you,
renewing the face of the earth.
 

Message - Frances Jones - Sept. 21, 2025
Pray . . . . .  For Everyone?
         Isn’t it true that most of us want peaceful and quiet lives; and the majority of us probably do not enjoy confrontations.  We usually treat others fairly, and we hope to be treated by others in like manner.  How easy is it to achieve that state of peacefulness, quietness and fairness if we listen to world news?  It seems that each and every day we hear at least one thing that sends our minds into a whirlwind of emotions.
         These news reports might concern another bombing, one or multiple murders, or they might be about still more injustices – not necessarily taking place in faraway lands, but almost next door to where we live.  So, how do we, as believers, bring about the necessary conditions for peace?  What can we possibly do?
         There is so much noise out there.  We hear from television and radio broadcasters all the devastation that is happening-at home and around the world.  There is suffering as a result of wild fires and drought, as a result of floods and damaging wind storms.  And then there are the man-made catastrophes – shootings, stabbings, bombings – not to mention cheating and the numerous and various injustices – similar to what we read about today from the Scriptures.
         Many individuals claim to have no fear – of anything.  Could it be true that they just don’t have any respect for anything or anyone?  We are aware of some people who are holding strong leadership positions in the government who seem to be able to break rules and laws without any repercussions while ordinary citizens are expected to abide by the law.  Some people seek justice – others seek revenge.  And, as a result of all of this, economies are disrupted; jobs are being lost.   
      One of our Scripture readings this morning was a part of a letter written by Paul to a young pastor in a church in Ephesus named Timothy.  His main message to Timothy concerned instructions about worship - in particular, about prayer.  Prayers, according to this letter, should to be made for everyone.  That included kings, or presidents, or prime ministers – anyone who holds a high position – anyone in a position of authority.
         At first, we might want to respond – what?  You expect me to pray for a tyrant, a liar and a cheat? It certainly is not easy to pray for those that we cannot respect.  However, by praying for certain leaders, does that necessarily mean that we are praying for their success in the way that they are now governing?  Or could it mean that we pray that they experience a change of heart – so they are able to really see what effect their rules and their manner of leading are having on others?  Could our prayer also involve a request for an attitude adjustment on the part of the leader so they are able to hear the cries of injustice.
         Quite often, we pray for peace in general – peace throughout the world.  But, how often do we actually mention names of specific areas and certain individuals? It is easy for us to pray for our families, our friends, and for those we care about and/or feel sympathy for, but it is much more difficult to pray for those we regard as tyrants, enemies to our way of thinking.  But, this is the advice of the day!
         And it is not only in this letter from Paul that we hear this advice to pray for those for whom it is difficult to pray.  How many times have we read or heard Jesus’ words in Matthew’s gospel as he was instructing his faithful followers, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy’, but I tell you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you...”
         Jesus had much more to say about prayer, especially how to pray.  Some folks say they don’t know the words to use in prayer.  How does, ‘thank you God’ sound?  What about, ‘God, I need help’?
         Unlike the religious leaders of his day, Jesus’ idea of prayer was quite different.  They dressed up in their special attire, stood and prayed out loud on street corners and in market places where they would be seen and heard.
         According to Jesus, there was, and is, no need to say lengthy prayers using fancy language. His instructions included acknowledging God’s power, to pray with faith and sincerity, to be persistent as we pray for our needs and to include forgiveness as well as guidance.
         He also made it very clear during his ministry that prayers need not be an oration of fancy words – unnecessary are formal speeches that use ornate language, which can end up sounding pretentious and meaningless.
         Jesus considered prayer to be a very personal experience.  Usually, quite early in the morning, and often in a garden, one could find Jesus praying alone where it was quiet and without distractions. We assume that many of his prayers were for guidance, but we know that he also prayed earnestly for those very unique individuals who were learning from him.
         Go to your room!  That was not an order from Jesus as a result of misbehaviour, but a word of advice for his followers then, and his followers today, to be able to pray in secret – a place of seclusion where it is quiet, without distractions or interruptions.  A place where we can concentrate on our own thoughts and concerns as we have a conversation with God.
         As for the young pastor, Timothy, from Paul’s instructions to him concerning prayer, I can’t help but wonder if he was facing some challenges.  We don’t know if he found it difficult to pray for everyone or not, but that seems to be the main focus of Paul’s letter of advice to him.  If he was urged to pray for even kings and all those in authority, doesn’t it make us wonder if Ephesus was going through something similar to what some of the world is experiencing even today?
         We might ask ourselves, what good will it do to pray for a tyrant and a dictator?  Does that tell us that there’s something very important lacking in our approach to prayer?  Aren’t we supposed to pray believing?  Maybe it also means that we expect things to be done to our satisfaction, rather than to let go and let God take charge. 
         How did faithfulness and prayer affect some of the individuals that we have read about in the Scriptures?  Remember Daniel?  He wrote of his experiences while in Babylon, the land of Pagan kings.  Because Daniel remained loyal to his God, and demonstrated the fact that God was indeed in control of his life, even those enemy kings had to admit the truth and Daniel was changed from a captive into a king’s counsellor.
         And then there’s Hannah who prayed fervently and consistently for a son – even in her older years.  As a result of her persistence and her never-failing faith, her son Samuel was born and grew up to answer God’s call to serve.
         When we discuss prayer – and the fact that we should pray for everyone – we remember that Jesus’ instruction concerning prayer involved not only praising God, thanking God, and making specific requests for our needs; but it also involved forgiveness – both for ourselves and for others.  Depending upon the seriousness of the injustice or harm done to us by another, just how easy is it to forgive completely?  And, sometimes, we find it even more difficult to forgive ourselves.
         Jesus’ words spoken while hanging in agony on the cross as a result of the hate and jealousy of enemies are the ultimate example of forgiveness offered for others. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”.  Who would be able to do that?  Maybe that’s where the saying comes from – ‘to err is human; to forgive Divine’.
         You and I may have a personal experience where Divine intervention just cannot be denied.  Maybe we were given just the right words to say – either in response to someone’s comments or their actions, or when attempting to pray for someone that is a challenge for us. (Sharing time)
            And yes, there are times when we wonder if our prayer is even being heard.  I have a personal experience when I prayed and prayed for fine weather for my wedding day.  What happened?  Pouring rain is what happened!  Naturally, I was slightly upset.  Just the week before I attended my good friend’s wedding, and it was sunny and beautiful all day.
         Thinking about it later, maybe I was supposed to realize that weather – sunshine or rain – wasn’t the most important thing to be concerned about.  Or, was this an omen for me to turn around and run before the deed was done!?!
            How can we deny that God is in control?  We are now enjoying the leadership of a new minister.  It is an exciting time – both for the minister and for the worshippers.  Each new beginning brings with it new and specific ideas.  So, when we pray – for our neighbour, for rulers of the world, for people in all positions of power – let’s not forget to pray also for leaders within our places of worship.
 
AMEN!
​

Message - Aug. 31, 2025 - Karen Lackey Ryan delivered by Rosemary Gage
From Joan Chittister’s Monastic Way, monthly newsletter:
I want to tell you about Gloria and Edgar. Gloria was the unsightliest girl in the class. Edgar lived down the street and was what we then called “the deaf and dumb mute.” But first I want to tell you about philosophy. Philosophers are people who ponder the great questions of life, spin one or more of all the possible answers to them, and then leave the rest of us to wander up and down the highways and byways of our worlds trying to figure out which one of those answers, for us, was the best of them all.
What is truth? Socrates asked. What is the answer to pain? the Stoics asked. What is the best possible human organization? Rousseau asked. What does it mean to be a woman? Simone de Beauvoir asked. How do we know we really exist? Descartes asked. As a young college student, I remember being deeply impressed by the entire exercise. What kind of person did it take to be a philosopher? How was it possible for someone as pedestrian as I to understand such things? Then, I got older and discovered that, as a matter of fact, we all ask those questions. In fact, we spend a good portion of life trying to figure life out. We don’t always know we’re doing it, of course, but we do it just the same. More than that, we often do it when we’re very young and it shapes the rest of our lives. Which brings me back to Gloria and Edgar.
Gloria was a very plain girl in a world of social stars. The “popular girls” in the class decided who was “in” and who was “out” of social acceptance. The rest of the girls simply came to school—but they never got to the parties. They didn’t sit at the lunch table where the in-crowd sat. And Gloria was definitely not “in.” She took the butt of the jokes, the snide remarks, the snubs that came as invitations flew around her and she never got one. But Gloria didn’t wilt under the exclusions. Instead she threw her own parties, planned her own social events—and invited everyone.
Edgar spent his life being made fun of by the other kids on the block for his stumbling walk and the strange sounds he made. But Edgar smiled at them anyway. He just laughed and spent his days helping old people on the block carry their groceries or empty their garbage cans every day of his life. I don’t remember most of the other girls in the class. I never did know the rest of the people on the block.
But I’ve never been able to forget Gloria and Edgar. That’s how I know that the great philosopher René Descartes was wrong when he said as proof that he was alive, “I think, therefore I am.” No, thinking does not make us fully alive. Instead, on this question, Kathleen Raine, a philosopher like the rest of us, is the one who has really found the answer. She writes, “Amo ergo sum: I love, therefore I am!” Love is the great definer of life. Those who love, live. Those who live and never learn to love, are already dead of soul.
Love something; love anything and everything in order to release the rest of yourself. No doubt about it: It is love that makes us human. I doubt that Kathleen Raine knows Gloria and Edgar but   if she’s ever asked to explain how she arrived at such a profound philosophical conclusion these two life-loving people are surely it.
I (Karen) was always disturbed by Descartes famous saying, which  I understood to mean that simply by being a woman I was labelled and stereotyped as emotional rather than rational. In our society this is to be second class, an inferior and even unreasonable being. So when I recently read Amo ergo sum, a puzzle piece fell into place. My world has become whole. I now know that I am not alone in believing that we all must Think AND Feel, men and women! Plan and act on behalf of myself and others. Make Love as much of a priority as Thinking. Use all of our God-given talents and feelings to further God’s world of peace and prosperity.
There is so much violence done and said in the name of rationality. Whole peoples have been dismissed as being too primitive, not enlightened, not literate, too emotional, unscientific, pagan, among other negative descriptors. In toxic masculinity, men themselves suffer the misguided effort to cancel and conceal anything remotely emotional and feminine, meaning weak. Unfortunately, women also have multiple methods of being cruel and hardhearted. We’ve lost those loving feelings, as the song says. As a result we all suffer. As a result the planet suffers. Being vulnerable is scary.
I have long blamed Nietzsche for saying that God is dead. I now understand that he was pointing out the reality, especially in the West after World War 2, that technology and greed were taking us down a loveless path where government answered less and less for the general, fallible population, individuals like you and me. No accountability, no responsibility beyond my own self-interest. Look where we are now, with supposedly sane and rational “leaders” playing with our lives and the life of the planet. If God is dead, then the one with the most strength, the most weapons rules. When God is dead anything goes. Those who refuse to follow MY rules and don’t give me what I want, will be destroyed. Those of us who claim that God is alive and well and living in our hearts threaten the power hungry establishment. Perhaps this is as it always has been.
Let us proclaim and live the revolution of Love that began long ago, and was affirmed by Christ. If we truly believe that God is Love then we must demonstrate that love for ourselves, our families, and each other, in celebration of our similarities and our differences.  We must remember to “ 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. Matt. 22: 37-39.
With all our heart and mind and strength. With Our Feelings and our Thinking. Whole. Together.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
​

Message - Karen Lackey Ryan - July 27, 2025
​There is a Chinese curse which goes something like this: May you live in interesting times. Well, we are living in interesting times, with lots of drama, with ups and downs of mood, finance and threats to our basic necessities. In this most affluent of times in the West, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless against forces over which we have no control. Or, so it seems. We want to act, we want to make things better. We want to use our talents and resources to make a positive difference in the world. But, where, when, how? The world is moving toward a dark place; is there anything that I can do that will bring more light and love to the news of death and destruction? What can I do to make any improvement?
We can see parallels with Abraham petitioning for the good people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Sodom and Gomorrah have become symbols of wickedness and depravity. The Lord hears the outcry and decides to intervene. Abraham is worried that the good people will be destroyed along with the bad, and bargains with God to prevent the loss of innocents. He persists in bargaining with God, until God decrees, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”
If I were cynical I might wonder where those ten might be hiding. If I were an economist I might be wondering if it was worth saving so few people; wouldn’t that interfere with my larger objective? If I were faithful I might be thankful to have someone like Abraham advocating for me. I might have to ask myself - which camp am I in? Those who “keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just” are the ones who would be saved. Am I one of the good to be saved? Am I keeping the way of the Lord?
The question, What must I do to be saved? is answered by Acts 16: 28-31. Paul and Silas are in prison because they cast out an evil spirit from a woman possessed with a “spirit of divination” who charged money for her consultations. The doors of the prison are opened and the guard is fearful that the prisoners have escaped. 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”
In the reading from Colossians we are advised against the illusions of various “powers and authorities.” There are many types. We are bombarded by advertising using implanted images everywhere to influence our consumer choices. Perhaps you have received phone calls telling you that you have won a free psychic reading, palm reading, or free astrological chart. It seems that we all want self-knowledge and knowledge of the future without doing any inner work to deepen our faith and insight. The advice is clear, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than Christ.”
Jesus is always impressively casting out demons and evil spirits. In psychiatry there is a teasing kind of question which asks: are people really mentally ill? Are they possessed? Are they just unique, eccentric, outside of social norms? Have they just been labelled Different? It is a select few who are medically authorized to give the diagnosis. The criteria are detailed, but still debatable. And yet, we are often so quick to judge.
In modern times we are constrained by “political correctness.” People are punished for having the “wrong” opinions. Friendships and careers are ruined if the “right” people are offended. Whole peoples are labelled inferior and sub-human. Systemic racism and more drastic measures to eliminate the “undesirables” are applied. The positive aspect of gossip is that I can be part of a select group and feel superior, if only for a moment.
Nothing is new. Even Jesus was challenged. His new teachings offended many. 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8: 31, 32. The new believers in question already thought they were free. Then of course is the question, what truth? What is the truth that will set me free? Where is it? How much will it cost? How much work do I have to do to get it?
Truth tellers are not always popular. The truth is often not what we want to hear. Our illusions, habits, and our pride are usually preferable to the personal inner work necessary to align ourselves with a greater truth. We risk being unduly influenced by tangled communication, propaganda, and power politics, the so called Fake News. And who are you anyway to tell me what I don’t want to hear!? How can your truth be more correct than my truth?
What is truth? Truth and reality go hand in hand. Of course there are objective facts that we know about the world. But, Truth is more than just facts and appearances: truth is knowledge of what is right in God’s sight, rather than man’s alone. https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/what-is-truth  Believers talk about, and are guided by abstract principles; that faith described in Hebrews 11:1 "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Keeping our eyes and hearts focused on the light of Christ. But, this is the beginning of the troubles; even believers have opinions and interpretations, and positions that we feel we must defend.  Is this the God’s Truth or  my favorite demons? The demons that I know are more comfortable than the work I must do to “clean my house” and keep it demon free.
Nowadays it is not possible to assume that everyone believes the same thing, the same truth. Every new facet and benefit of diversity leads to more complicated levels of complexity, and increased levels of misunderstanding. Disagreements become the focus, rather than our shared humanity. We are to disagree with love. Fortunate is the person who has been taught how to do this with discipline, insight, faith, and skill, to successfully navigate disagreements with love. Easy to propose. Committed practice is required, to both resolve and rise above the situation. I must sacrifice my desire for one-upmanship to routinely affirm dignity and love.
What is our truth? On what foundation does our Christian faith stand? 1 John 4:16: "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. In John 14:6 Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Christians/believers/lovers are called to live lives that are “holy and pleasing to God” Romans 12:1.  There is a long and intimidating list of behaviors that we are to demonstrate as believers in God and followers of Christ. For example, Colossians 3:12-14  gives a summary of instructions for believers to, “clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other.” A tall order, but we do our best.
We could save ourselves a mountain of trouble if we could master the one thing that scripture mentions many times, which is control of what we say: our unbridled commentary, our rudderless ship, our tongue. As James 3: 4-10 says:  4 …take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. 
Put simply, when we speak, is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it thoughtful? With our words, we build up or we tear down. The mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6: 45.
Philippians 4:8 reads, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
This is what we can do, be kind to each other one interaction at a time.
Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.
Thanks be to God. Amen
 

Message - Norm Haslam - June 6, 2025
 
"It's All I Could Do"
2 Kings 5:1-14
Luke 11:5-13
Naaman, the main character of our Bible lesson today, was a big man.  He was the commander of the army of the King of Aram, or Syria.
He wasn't just some measly one star general he was a five star general, in charge of it all.
Naaman wasn't the commander of some small third-rate army either.  Syria was one of the superpowers of its day.
Naaman was a military strategist, a warrior, and a leader.
Naaman was also a war hero.  He had won great victories for the King.
Of course, the inspired author of Kings recognized, that God's hand was behind these victories.
As a result, Naaman was probably famous.  We know that he was highly valued by the king.
Naaman was a big man, a leader and a hero, but he was also a leper.
Back in that day, lepers were cast out of society.
For the purpose, of the public health, they were not allowed to socialize with normal people.
Normally a big man like Naaman would be given a comfortable place in the palace and would be invited to banquets to tell of his great victories.
But instead Naaman's hands were tied by an incurable disease.
Naaman was a big man, and he was used to doing things in a big way.  One day Naaman heard from his wife, that there was a prophet in Israel, that could cure him.
His wife had heard it from a slave girl, who had been captured during one of his campaigns.
Naaman probably sneered at the prospect of going to a prophet of Israel.
By that time, Israel had become just a stop on the way to bigger and better things.
But Naaman was a desperate man, so he decided to go to Israel, as the slave girl suggested.
When Naaman decided to do something, he did it in a big way.
First, he went to the King of Syria and asked for a letter of introduction.
Then he took enough gold and silver to ransom a king.
And Naaman went straight to the palace of the King of Israel.
At first the King of Israel didn't know what to do, but then Elisha the prophet sent him word, that he could heal Naaman.
Now Naaman came to Elisha expecting big things.
He came with his horses and chariots, probably expecting to find a palace, or temple, or something.
Instead, he found a humble dwelling.
It was probably a comical sight.
Naaman "The Great" with his private guards, and his gold and silver, assembled before the small farmhouse.
Naaman expected the prophet, to come out and perform some kind, of elaborate ritual.
Maybe this prophet, would come out and lay hands on him, and call on God to heal him.
Maybe he would anoint him with oil, and herbs, or something.
Perhaps he would make sacrifices, and chant incantations, and use potions.
But Naaman was disappointed.
First of all, Elisha, didn't even come out of his house.
He sent his servant out to relay his message.
And all he said to Naaman, was "Go wash in the Jordan, seven times."
Now the Jordan was just a muddy little stream, compared to the great rivers of Syria.
Naaman was used to doing things in a big way, so this seemed, ridiculous to him.
The task given him by Elisha, was so small, it was beneath him.
If Elisha had told him, to conquer a kingdom for God, he would have.
If Elisha had told him to slay a dragon, he would have.
If Elisha had asked him to pay twice, what he had brought with him, he would have.
But take a bath in a muddy brook?
Why bother?
He didn't come to Israel, to take a bath.
He could have done that back home.
So that is where he headed; back home.
In anger Naaman started back to Syria.
But one of his aids talked to him.
"If the prophet had asked you to do something great, you would have right?"
"Without hesitation," Naaman replied.
"Well then, why won't you do this little thing, that the prophet asks?"
Naaman decided, that it was worth a chance, to try it.
So, he went to the Jordan, and bathed seven times, as Elisha had told him.
And when he finished, he was healed, and his skin was a healthy, as a newborn babe's.
And Naaman, The Great learned a lesson.
He learned how great the God of Israel really is!
 
This God doesn't need trumpets and fanfare, and elaborate ceremonies, to be the Almighty.
This God, can use even the muddy backwaters of the Jordan, and a humble prophet, to do a great work.
Like Naaman, we like to do things, in a big way too.
So, when we can't do it in a big way, we apologize, for the little thing, that we can do.
We say, "It's all I could do," or "It's the least I could do."
When a friend is ill, we drop by, or send them a get well card.
And they say, "Thank you very much."
And we apologize: "It wasn't much, it was all I could do."
An acquaintance dies, so we take a dish to the family, or send flowers.
They say, "Oh thank you very much."
And you say, "It's the least I could do."
What you really mean is: "I am sorry I couldn't do more.
If I had the power, I would bring him back to life.
If I could, I would take your grief away.
I am so sorry, that I can't heal your illness, and make you healthy again."
You know today, many people, are like Naaman.
They are spiritual lepers, separated from God, by their own sin.
And many people, are seeking some kind of spiritual meaning, and center to life.
The problem is they aren't looking to Christ.
They are looking to new and exotic religions, and cults, or self-help gurus.
Occasionally, they come to a Christian, and we tell them, "Believe in Jesus, and you will be saved."
But they want to do it, in a big way.
They want to slay some spiritual, emotional, or interpersonal, dragon, to find peace.
They think they have to make a pilgrimage, of the soul, to access some cosmic channel.
"No," we say, "Just believe in Jesus, and be saved," and they walk away, like Naaman.
What can you do?
Love them?
Pray for them?
Is that all?
There must be more I can do? 
Like Naaman, we would like to do things, in a big way.
We would like to buy them, a new life, or health.
Sometimes, we would even take their suffering on ourselves.
So, we apologize, for only being able to do the small things.
Sometimes we even neglect, the small things, because they seem, like a mere drop, in the bucket.
Jesus taught his disciples, what to do.
He said, "Ask and you shall receive; search and you shall find; knock and it will be opened to you."
Is this idle talk, or is it a promise from God?
It is a promise, that God, will hear and answer our prayers.
A friend, would get out of bed, to answer your call.
Even evil people, give good gifts, to their children.
How much more, will our Heavenly Father hear, and bless us.
"The least I can do is pray!?"
Sisters and Brothers in Christ, think about what you are saying!
Imagine, that you had a friend in jail.
And you, believed, that they should be released.
So, you went to the Prime Minister of the Canada and arranged an audience.
And then you sat in the office and told the Prime Minister why your friend should be pardoned.
Would you then go back to your friend and say, "I am sorry, all I could do was go to the Prime Minister and request a pardon?"
Of course not, you would be satisfied that you had done, all that you could.
Why then do you apologize, for going straight to the Almighty?
If you have a friend that is enslaved by some sin, or who is ill, or who is imprisoned by some circumstance, the most you could do, is go straight, to the one who has power, over all situations;
The one who can conquer all sin.
They don't call God "Almighty" for nothing.
Of course, once we ask God, for help, we have to make ourselves available, to be part of that help. 
"Ask and it will be given to you;
search and you shall find;
knock and the door will be opened to you."
So don't apologize for "only" praying.
Instead pray with persistence as Jesus taught.
God will answer your prayers.
Sometimes the answer is "yes" sometimes it is "no."
And sometimes it is, "Not now."
Whatever the answer is, it is what is best.
What do you need?
What does your neighbor need:
healing of body or soul?
freedom from a situation?
freedom from their own sin?
salvation, assurance, hope, peace?
Ask God to meet that need.
I know, it seems like a small thing to do, but God promised us, to take that small thing, and give us a great gift for it.
All Naaman had to do was take a bath.
It was such a small task that he almost didn't do it.
Don't make that mistake.   Ask.
It's the biggest little thing you will ever do.   AMEN.

Message - Karen Lackey Ryan
How many times as adults with experience, as parents with teen-agers, as persons who have been caught doing something with negative results, do we hear the plaint: “I didn’t know, nobody told me, I didn’t expect this to happen.”
To have knowledge you must first have reverence for the Lord. Stupid people have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn. Son, pay attention to what your father and mother tell you.  Proverbs 1 7, 8 Good News
Considering that the book of Proverbs was written some 900 years BCE it is not likely that we “don’t know” the consequences of our actions. It is remarkable that in Proverbs every possible kind of advice and warning against temptation is included. It is like a how-to book for parents and anyone who wants sound guidance. Even if we are unschooled in spiritual matters, knowledge of the difference between good and evil is innate. We are all familiar with the child’s cry of “It’s not fair!”
According to the NIV study bible the Ten Commandments have been around since the 1400s BCE! These basic guidelines, in some form, are common to all peoples and cultures worldwide, for as long as anyone can remember. For an extreme example of “thou shall not kill,” the risk of death of imprisoned child abusers is well known. Even in the highest of security systems child abusers do not last long. The most rebellious of offenders take matters into their own hands and eliminate the offender. Children are sacred even to hardened criminals.
Nowadays we are bombarded with the news of world leaders doing the wrong things and behaving badly. Supposedly well-educated politicians and other executives, with some degree of education, demonstrate a moral depravity that is stunning and appalling. Where are those “at the top of the food chain” with any sense of responsibility to the greater community?
Phrases such as: “I didn’t know, it’s a dog eat dog world, everyone is in it for themselves,” are all too common.  We might be seduced into believing that these phrases are true. We may even have used these words ourselves. Do we know what is true? Is what we are filling our ears and eyes and hearts and minds with, True? Are we full of fake news? What is the Good News? Where do I find the Good News? As Christians, are we full of the Good News?
I came across Angus Hervey, a journalist who has several TED talks (TechnologyEntertainmentDesign) to his credit, where he reports good world news and discusses our tendency to focus on all that is going wrong in the world.  He tells stories of good things happening: new vaccines, decreasing poverty, increased education of girls, even positive climate changes, among many other good news stories that he is happy to highlight. I highly recommend the following, in which he asks: Is this the time of monsters or miracles? https://www.ted.com/talks/angus_hervey_is_this_the_time_of_monsters_or_miracles?
We do focus on bad news, even as Christians. A frequent comment today is, “Where is God in all of our disasters? Why doesn’t God intervene? What kind of God is this, who lets so many people suffer?” And most especially “Why do I, and my friends and family, have to suffer?”
We are baptized in the story of the gospel, and the Lord’s Supper is a regular celebration of the gospel. We habitually read from books called “Gospels.” And yet the topic of the gospel, what one might think is undebatable, is debated. Yes, we all agree that the gospel has something to do with God and Jesus, salvation, and faith, but after that it can get contentious and confusing. Theologians and pastors disagree on what the gospel is in essence, what to emphasize in the gospel, what problem the gospel is trying to rectify or remedy, how we should respond to the gospel, and what the implications of the gospel are for the church, mission, individual piety, and everyday life. https://www.biblegateway.com/learn/bible-101/about-the-bible/what-is-gospel-five-views/
My question today is: What is the Good News that we celebrate each Sunday? Can I put it in a short form that is easily understandable to all and sundry? What Good News am I advocating as a Christian today?
The short answer is Jesus. Of course, I must elaborate.
The problem that Jesus solves for us is Rebellion. As humans who are afraid of our own vulnerability, we are always looking for some kind of rescue from ourselves and our situations. We know the rules, and yet we disobey! We try every escape, and then cry because our misspent efforts don’t give us the result we want. We usually want our own way with none of the consequences! which is the familiar desire to have our cake and eat it too.
What are some of our most common evasive actions ? Revenge leaves everyone dead or injured. Gold and Silver don’t prevent the meeting with the Grim Reaper. Excitements wane. We lose Roles and Status. We Age out of physical and sexual prowess. Our pride creates Idols in our own image. All external answers to an internal void prove fleeting and unsatisfactory. As Dante famously wrote In the divine Comedy, at the entrance to Hell, “Abandon hope, all ye who enter here.” How then to find meaning in a potentially meaningless world, a hell on earth?
What do we know for sure? There are rules. There is a right and wrong. Proverbs advises making friends with Wisdom. Keep on the straight and narrow. The guidelines are detailed and explicit: carefully manage your sexuality, avoid laziness, avoid evil companions, avoid financial manipulators, cultivate righteousness and good companions, guard your tongue and adhere to the Lord. As Proverbs 9: 10-12 states: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For through wisdom[a] your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
We are more than familiar with the concise advice of Micah 6: 8,  He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly[a] with your God.
What is so unique and special about the Good News of Jesus Christ? As Messiah, Christ will return, save us from ourselves, and govern over a holy nation. Isaiah 4:1 is one reference, “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.” .If we call Jesus our Savior, then he has overcome sin and death on our behalf. If we follow Jesus as the prime Example of how to live a holy life, then peace, love and forgiveness are key elements. If we focus on being Right with God, then we live by faith, guided by the Holy Spirit, and enveloped by God’s grace; Different emphases for different perspectives.
For me, The Good News is always this: John 15:13 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”  And, Matt.22:37-39: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]  Reasonable,  but certainly a life’s work.
Robert Louis Stevenson was insightful when he wrote Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the monster and the good doctor in one person. This text echoes Paul who wrote in Romans 7: 21-15, 21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Is it a time of monsters or miracles? The answer is always both. We choose. Jesus is the answer which asks the question of which we can no longer claim ignorance: Do we believe? Do we follow wisdom? Do we love? Do we listen for the Good News and act accordingly?
With Christ we have a bridge between the corporeal and the spiritual. With Christ we have an example for our speech and behavior. With the Holy Spirit we have guidance for our choices. With Scripture we have an ancient written reference, readily available for our consideration. If we search for Wisdom, she can certainly be found.
5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 1 John 1:5, 6.  No excuses! Let us be full of Good News! Let us make reasoned choices and follow the way of Wisdom and Christ.                                                   Thanks be to God, Amen              
​

Message - Frances Jones - June 15, 2025
​Description, Not Definition
         I'd like to start with a nod to all dads, grandpas, and great-granddads by sharing a little story that I read not long ago.
         A little boy, while taking a walk with his mom, discovered all kinds of treasures along the path.  Sticks of various lengths and shapes; pretty stones; every pretty little flower and green leaf that proved the beginning of warmer weather after a long, cold winter.  It soon became obvious that he would not be able to carry all of his treasures home without a helping hand.  After all, wasn't that what mom was for?  When they reached their front steps at home, this little fellow found it very difficult to hang onto his entire collection while attempting to climb the front stairs; but, not wanting to leave anything behind, he struggled to hold onto his precious treasures as he started his ascent to the front door. Then he noticed something far more important than all of those special items that he was trying desperately to hold onto.  Immediately his focus changed.  At the centre of his attention now was the man standing at the top of the stairs.  Dad was there to welcome them back home.  And, as this young boy was scooped up into his father's arms, suddenly nothing else mattered as he dropped his treasures at the bottom of the stairs.  Maybe all of you fathers, or any who play the role of father, are more important than you think!
~  ~  ~
         The Trinity, another focus for today's message, is a subject that I certainly cannot, and would not, attempt to explain.  Instead, I have chosen to merely share with you what it means to me.  And you might describe your understanding of this term in an entirely different way.
         In the Scriptures we don't find the term “Trinity”; however we can try to understand the 'idea of the Trinity' as we read about all that God encompasses, beginning with this beautiful and bountiful creation that we enjoy. Jesus' revelation of God in human form enlightens us to the fact that, like the story of creation, Jesus' life, from conception through to his death, came to be just because God spoke and it was so.
         And it is through Jesus' words and his actions that demonstrate, not only the unconditional love of God the Creator, but his acceptance, his inclusiveness, and his justice for all.  Through Jesus, we appreciate God's human side.
         It is at the time of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River where we are introduced to another part of God - the Holy Spirit. We learn from Matthew's gospel that the heavens opened as Jesus came up out of the water, and the Spirit of God descended upon him like a dove.  At the same time, the voice of God was actually audible as he said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”. (NIV translation).  So, here at Jesus' baptism, the three-in-one are present.
         I'm sure that each one of us has his/her own unique way of trying to understand our Three-In-One God.  After all, can just one person's attempt at trying to explain this concept work for all?
         Isn't it true that each of us learns in a unique way?  Maybe we remember back to our school days when some abstract concept was being explained by the teacher, and some of us just sat there with this blank expression on our faces.
         Do you think that is what Jesus witnessed as he was instructing his followers about the Comforter, or Holy Spirit, that would accompany them, and be a comfort to them, when he was no long with his disciples?  Did he see blank stares, individuals scratching their heads, and some with furrowed brows, wondering what Jesus was talking about?
         Understanding their inability to comprehend all that he was attempting to tell them, Jesus simply said, 'I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear'. (John 16:12)
          Today, with your tolerance, I would like to merely describe the way I am able to make the Trinity relatable to me, even though I have read articles that discourage such comparisons.  I can only share with you how it helps me to relate to this truth more easily. And, I would really like to hear from you in a little while as to the way that you understand it.
         Our three-in-one God makes me think about water and its properties.  As a liquid, we know how essential the daily consumption of water is for our survival, just as 'our daily bread' is also required.
         Water can come to us as a gentle, refreshing rain, or as a torrent; as a healing stream, or a raging river; always moving and changing like the oceans, or a stagnant pond.  We all have a relationship with water.  Can we live without it?
         When I see water's frozen state, can I say, 'this is ice; it's not water'?  Leave that ice out in the summer sun, or drop some on your counter, and what do you get? (Water).
         When we consider the third property of water, we might say, it's just steam, or vapour.  But, maybe we need to think about the power that can be produced from just steam.  We realize that, when heated to the boiling point, steam is able to push pistons, making machines operable.  Think about the locomotives that travelled the rails by the use of steam, delivering both goods and people from place to place.  Even today, I read that power plants use steam as a primary method for generating electricity.  Vapour, or steam, seemingly insignificant, has power that has proven that it is beneficial indeed, especially when we consider the industrial revolution.  It is indeed a 'driving force'.
         So, when we consider each member or part of the Trinity, how can we help but notice how beneficial each one is in its own rite - and how essential for each of our lives?
         God the Creator, whose spirit moved over the waters in the very beginning, is also the God of Love.  What would a life without love look like?
         Jesus, the human side of God, understood what 'being human' means.  He enjoyed the company of friends and socialized with both the powerful and the powerless.  He also faced confrontations and temptations; suffered hunger, heat and cold, as well as fatigue and humiliation.  He suffered pain, and then conquered death – to pardon our wrongs – and to offer you and me, and all believers, total reconciliation.
         The Comforter, or Holy Spirit, is indeed a 'driving force' for all believers as it empowers us to live a faith-filled life.  Besides acting as our Comforter, the Spirit is also our 'guide into all Truth'. (John 16:13)
          (Sharing Time – what helps you to understand the Trinity?)
         One person described the Trinity as gravity – a force that we cannot see or touch, much less explain.  We know it is there because we can see its effects.  It keeps us on the ground and makes objects fall.  Most of us cannot explain it, but we cannot live without it. And, think about what might happen if we simply ignore gravity!
         Is it possible for you and me to live the life that God has meant for us even if we cannot explain all that he is?  Maybe we can relate to Jesus' disciples who were listening to his instructions concerning the end of his time here on earth when he said, 'I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear'.
         We are mere mortals and I have to admit that there is much more that I need to learn than I can now bear. So, because we may not be able to explain the concept of the Trinity, do we ignore it, or simply choose not to discuss it?
         God – the epitome of LOVE - merely spoke and creation happened.
         God Incarnate – became human through Jesus – offering pardon and life.
         God – Holy Spirit – offers reconciliation, guidance, comfort and constant connectedness.
         God in three persons – something that we can deny?  Something we can live without?
        
AMEN!
 
 
 
 

Message - Norm Haslam - June 1, 2025
​SERMON
         
“Words Tough and Tender” – February 2, 1992
             - Rev. Dr. Joan Wyatt
 
Today’s sermon choice, “Words Tough and Tender” was delivered by Rev. Dr. Joan Wyatt to her Toronto congregation on February 2, 1992
While her sermon does not offer a direct description of the United Church or its historical context, it does take her listeners imaginatively into the world of Luke 4. But as her sermon does this, it offers a multifaceted figurative description of the UCCan as it saw itself in the 1990s.
Many UCCan congregations in this era could be identified with the congregation addressed by Jesus in this sermon. There were largely White, well-off congregations in the UCCan at this time, in which racialized minorities, immigrants, and those experiencing poverty were marginalized. To some extent this was also true of the denomination as a whole.
Critics of Wyatt took umbrage of her suggestions that God works through people other than the gathered faith community, even people of other religions or no religion and reflects the pushback that occurred at General Council in the summer of 1992, approximately six months after Wyatt preached this sermon
Theologically, this sermon, is an important example of how scripture was being read by some female clergy in the UCCan who were employing various feminist approaches to Biblical interpretation in their preaching. Wyatt’s sermon facilitates the kind of experience we find in the Bible where we encounter a new world which projects itself into our ordinary world.  In doing so the Protestant church of his time could have an authentic encounter with God and break free of the Babylonian captivity of cultural conformity that it had fallen into.
Wyatt also sought new inspiration for the church in her time, a church that marginalized the vulnerable on the one hand and was struggling with a loss of influence and members on the other.
There is an emphasis in Wyatt’s sermon on “faith which issues in action,” a characteristic of United Church theology from the time of its formation. Here this emphasis is expressed in a way that reflects the greatly diminished possibilities and expectations that UCCan had in this decade, compared to the time of its formation. This was a theology for the UCCan that found itself in a very different context from when it was formed.
Let me share with you Rev. Wyatt’s sermon, Words Tough and Tender, in it’s entirety. By the 1990’s ministers were realizing that congregations did not want to sit through a 30-45 minute sermon.
 
SERMON
Imagine that a woman sits in the worship service in the synagogue where Jesus reads and then interprets the scripture for the day. Imagine that we can hear her thoughts, and the thoughts of the congregation. We do not know what a woman in first century Nazareth might think in response to hearing the scripture, or to hearing Jesus words or in watching the reaction of the congregation.
So, I invite you to imagine yourselves as part of the 1st century congregation that day. And to tune in to what is going on the in the minds of the congregation and in the mind of our Midrashic, apocryphal character, the old woman of Nazareth.
The scripture that is read is familiar.
We know it well: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because God has anointed me to preach good news to the poor and has sent me to announce release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind and to set at liberty those who are oppressed.
Ah! Young Jesus reads so beautifully, wonderful clarity, understanding, good voice, strong presence.
The congregation has a warm glow.
This is one of our own, who speaks with such grace and wisdom.
But wait?
What are these words?
What is this about?
Is he saying that God acts in some special way through people other than us?
He dares to suggest that God’s grace overlooks the faithful for an Assyrian widow and a pagan general?
He says that is the case to-day? with us?
That is ridiculous! Scandalous! Blasphemous!
We are exemplary!
We are theologically on the cutting edge! What a nerve!
No-one, not even one of our own, is going to tell us that we do not understand God’s call.
Get rid of this troublemaker! What does he know?
What authority does he have to tell us anything anyway?
In the angry debate that follows, a woman sits quietly on the margins of the crowd. Of course, all the women are supposed to sit quietly, but to-day even many of the women are bristling and loudly voicing their indignation.
The woman who is quiet feels something new stir in her heart. Somehow, she feels she knows that what has been said here today is true. She knows because of the way that she feels herself as an outsider, especially now that her husband has divorced her.
The congregation is a fine group of loyal and devoted people. They mean well, and they try hard.
But they are also unaware of so much that goes on.
They have some understanding, some vision of the way things should be, and they assume that that understanding is enough. But who really welcomes her in?
She is treated either as someone who is guilty, or as someone who should be pitied. Neither attitude is helpful. Either way, she remains an outsider, undeserving of real acceptance or of real respect. Either way she really does not count for much.
If what has been said here to-day, is true, it would change everything. It would mean changing the way we look at everything, and everyone. It would make someone like her really matter and really belong. But making changes is much more difficult than keeping things the same. Even when we know sometimes that the way things are is not good, we still fear making a change.
After all, things could get worse.
And usually things do get worse, before they get better.
That is how it was when she was first divorced, it was terrible. In many ways it still is terrible. She has no security. She is reliant totally on the generosity of the community. She is a social outcast. But in other ways it is better. For years she lived in fear that one day she would be told it was over. She was not happy. Her husband was not happy. She was an outcast because she was childless, because she was quiet, because she felt bitter and morose.
At least now she does not fear the worst, because the worst has already happened.
And she does have her women friends. They reap and sow together in the fields. They are free to laugh and dance together, especially now that they are old, and no one cares much what they do. Together they can make a pot of soup. Together they help each other.
The widows, although most have family to help them, understand, and they help by getting women little opportunities, like permission to glean in good fields for grain.
As the quiet woman watches the congregation becomes angry and ugly. She thinks of the prophets of old. What was being said to-day was true. The one who spoke, spoke, as did the prophets, not with anger or vindictiveness, but with a committed love, that desires, above all else that God’s people faithfully offer love, justice and mercy.
The old woman knows from her own visions and prayers that God’s spirit draws close in times of trouble.
The official people of God and the official ideas about God might have failed her, but through her own tears, her own listening to the stories from the scriptures, through times with her friends, she has come to know: God loves me.
God loves all people like me.
God desires that the homeless have shelter, the hungry fed, outsiders welcomed in and that those who are cast down, be lifted up.
She thought about Jeremiah, another tender youth, like this Jesus. She looked at Mary standing alone on the edge of the crowd. Her heart went out to her. A mother wants the best for her child. How painful to stand by feeling helpless to prevent disaster. She wondered what it was like for Jeremiah’s mother. Did she too stand by watching, wondering whether these words from God were worth the risk, worth the grief? The scriptures say that God assured Jeremiah: Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
She wondered…
 
did this mean that Jeremiah, although he knew that speaking truth about a current reality would bring him trouble, he also knew that God’s love surrounded him every step of the way? It seems that both tough words of challenge as well as tender words of assurance, are God’s word. Jeremiah had to speak tough words in tough times. Yet there were also words spoken to him and by him, of great tenderness.
The quiet woman pondered all these things in her heart.
She knew that she did not know all the answers. She also knew that these angry voices of opposition did not know all the answers either.
Jesus words had dropped into their midst and created this great stir.
The crowd was angry enough to want to throw him over a cliff. People were so caught up in their reactions, so busy arguing with one another that Jesus slipped quietly through their fingers. The quiet woman noticed and felt grief.
If only we had invited him to stay here with us. We could have listened to one other and learned to be and do things differently. We could have been quiet for a time and pondered the truth of these words and considered what they mean for us today. We could have trusted that like all the words of the prophets, these words are sent to pluck up and break down, to destroy and to overthrow, not in order to destroy anyone, but so that building and planting can really begin. Planning and building God’s holy kingdom where all are fed, all are welcomed, and all are free.
The woman quietly got up from where she sat.
She hurried to her tiny house.
She wrapped her only other garment and a thin blanket into her shawl and firmly grasped her walking stick.
She took a quick look around, smiled and closed the door.
Outside loud voices still raged. She started down the road behind Mary and Joseph’s son. She thought, he will need some loyal friends, friends who can understand a little of what he says. She knew that she could be such a friend. She knew that she had nothing to lose, and a whole new adventure to gain. Imagine she thought, at my age!
She wanted to know, she wanted to see what the tough and the tender words of this new prophet would bring. She was not too quick at walking anymore. Somehow, she thought, it will not matter. I will not be alone. I will be welcome. I will belong.
May we too rise and follow the one who speaks both tough and tender truth.
Amen.

Message - Karen Lackey Ryan - May 25, 2025
​What happens after the party is over? Well, it is not exactly a party when someone dies, but the resurrection is supposed to give us joy that death has been overcome, and that provides hope for ourselves for the rest of eternity. Jesus Christ is risen today and every day! Are we joyful? Are we changed for the better? Is my life more obviously Christian? These are the thoughts that have been tormenting me since Easter this year. Next week is the beginning of the second session of Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar, between the major events of Easter and Christmas. How am I to spend my days in a spiritual way? Am I able to say that every day in every way I am better and better? Or, is it enough to simply be clothed and (mostly) in my right mind?
Is it OK/enough to just be a good person? Aren’t we all born with that potential spiritual spark of light and love in our hearts and minds? Is God or Jesus necessary? Basically I am asking: Am I OK? Does my life demonstrate my beliefs? Do my beliefs require me to become more evangelistic? Is it OK to just be happy with the same old, same old, with my life as it is?
It is no accident that the lectionary readings this month focus on the book of Acts, after the death of Jesus. Acts tells the story of the disciples as they go out into the world to spread the Good News, and the story of their trials and challenges as they ministered to various audiences. Matthew 28 has Jesus giving the Great Commission. I always find this passage disturbing since I am not an evangelist with a mission to convert the masses. And yet here I am, speaking before an audience. And yet I expect myself to behave in an exemplary way. And to, “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks me for a reason for my hope.” 1 Peter 3:15.  These reflections help me to do just that. In a sense I am always trying to explain my beliefs to myself.
The secularist pretends that removing all signs of religious affiliation will avoid arguments about beliefs and rituals. What are the secular guidelines? On what do we agree to guide our behavior? For example, not everyone even agrees that we all have equal human rights.
The humanist would say something like the following: Humanism is a philosophy that emphasizes human potential, reason, and ethics, often rejecting supernatural or religious beliefs. It focuses on human dignity, individual responsibility, and the pursuit of a meaningful life based on natural values. Humanism is a secular worldview that affirms our ability to lead ethical and fulfilling lives without relying on supernatural beliefs. (google) According to this, we are potentially all OK; Most of the time, perhaps. Is this enough?
My problem with the humanist position is that it is all about humans deciding what is best for humankind. There is some ideal, but not well defined, always being discussed. The risk is that the ones with the most reason, the most resources, the most political power, the most weapons are the ones who make the rules and write the story. On the other hand, God is the ideal but lacks a physical presence; and the ideal is difficult to live up to, explain, and practice. However, I do not hesitate to choose God each and every day.
My other problem with the Great Commission is that it can become a kind of spiritual imperialism. My beliefs are better than yours. Believe my way or else. This is an aggressive stance. Is this what Jesus meant? I think in terms of functionality. In comparing various belief systems I ask, What works best? What gives the best result? In spiritual terms this asks, what gives the most meaning, the most peace and hope? What are you looking for? What spiritual problem are you trying to solve, if any? What best fills any emptiness in your soul?
Maybe I am overthinking! We do hear certain key words in modern times, words like mindfulness and intentionality. This is where my Buddhist self and my Christian self say similar things. When I am cutting vegetables I must be very Zen, paying attention and appreciating my tools, my effort and the moment. Like Brother Lawrence I must pray and be thankful as I sweep the floor and wash the dishes. The key concept is discipline. Both share a committed desire and methodology to master the wayward Self and make meaning in every moment, every day.
And then there is a video which I have shown several times to students who question the value of making beds as part of the daily hospital routine. This video records the commencement speech given by Admiral Wm. McRaven at the University of Texas graduation in 2014. He talks about Navy Seal training, which included bed inspections every morning. He has become famous for saying: “If you want to change the world start off by making your bed.”  The value of discipline again.  www.rev.com/transcripts/admiral-william-mcraven-make-your-bed-commencement-speech
This is all a lot of hard work. Many would say, Why bother? What difference will I make? It is much easier to go with the flow and let one day merge into the next. Goal-directed work provides a focus for our random energies. On the other hand, having endless unstructured time makes it easy to lounge around, snacking too often, and failing to accomplish anything. What day is it again? What time is it? Where am I? Confusion and dissatisfaction sets in. My spirit can so easily become diminished. I am called to more than this. I have a responsibility to make the best of my life, to do something beautiful for God, no matter how small. Or so I believe. So I was taught. So is our potential.
Joan Chittister, in her book, The Liturgical Year, states, “It is what we do routinely, not what we do rarely, that delineates the character of a person. Pg. 183 This is common sense for most of us, and yet problematic for many others. Is it all self-will gone wrong?
Ephesians 4 and 5 gives an answer: 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. And, 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 
Ah, what pleases the Lord; the will of God, another slippery topic, much debated. What is God’s will for me? How do I know? This is not really as complicated as we might think. We all know the short answer: 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[a] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”  Mark 12:30-31.  Of course, this is easy to say, less easy to do every day. What do I do with my impatience, my worry, my irritability, my annoyance with those who are clueless or in my way!? Thank God for forgiveness, and a little restraint!
Ephesians 5: 15 says it best: Amplified Bible "Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people], making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity]" This verse highlights the importance of conscious and purposeful living, avoiding behavior that lacks wisdom; and instead embracing a life of discernment. (Google)
In Christ we have our example. With scripture and the Holy Spirit we have our guide. Where two or more are gathered in His name we have community. But if my beliefs are to be more than just “thoughts and prayers,” which are often considered to be inadequate to meet the real needs of people in dire straits, we must Love not only with words and speech, but with actions and in truth.”
Thoughts emerge in speech, speech translates into action. What I think, what I say, and how I act reflects what I believe, where I feel I belong, and what I try to become. I am reminded of a Sunday school story that sticks in my mind: an older woman needed to hire a helper. She placed a broom on the path in front of the steps to her home. The first girl walked over the broom, the second kicked it to one side, the third picked up the broom and leaned it neatly on the wall beside the door. It is obvious which girl was hired.
We make choices every moment of every day. Our beliefs inform our choices. We are known by what we say and do. So, I will continue to make my bed every day, have a routine, practice thankfulness and mindfulness, be very Zen and give thanks as I wash the dishes.
16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
What we think, what we say and what we do does matter, Not only for our own health and lives, but in our families and communities. Little things can mean a lot. Let us brighten the corners where we are.    In Jesus’ name, Amen
​

Message - Frances Jones - May 18, 2025
​​The Great Commission
         We take some time this morning to thank all of our readers who help out with the worship services each Sunday, as well as all who contribute in various ways in order to make our Sunday worship times very special.  A sincere 'thank you'!
         Today's worship service takes on a little different format.  And I confess that I have chosen specific Scripture readings to accompany Jesus' special instructions to his followers known as The Great Commission, something that I felt drawn to talk about.
         I'm sure many of us were watching the funeral of Pope Francis, or Franciscus, as he liked to be called. During the eulogy, it was mentioned that, as  many churches in our part of the world continue to weaken, to lose their effect, and in many cases are actually closing, it is the African and Asian nations that have become very receptive of the Good News of the gospel, having been given the opportunity to hear the Word.
         We have had the honour of celebrating a missionary of our own from the little town of Mystic.  Frances Walbridge taught in Angola, an African nation at that time, and stayed in touch with many of the people that she met there years after she retired. She went and made a difference in the lives of many.
         Pope Francis, described as a gentle, humble man, was known for his inclusiveness. There was no one too wretched or too poor; no one too powerless, and no one too powerful for him to acknowledge and, in some cases, share some very good advice.
         Listening to this eulogy, I couldn't help but think about Jesus' Great Commission – his special instructions to his followers.  Jesus said: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you".  (Matthew 28:19-20)
         All nations?  Did that mean that they would be expected to associate with, and even teach, people of different backgrounds, different languages and customs?  What if they knew nothing about Jesus' mission?  Apparently that's exactly what Jesus was talking about.
         A couple of weeks ago, Rev. Cynthia reminded us that Saul, who was faithful to his Jewish up-bringing with all of its traditions, really believed that the followers of Christ were the enemy, and he was out to rid the world of as many of them as he could, believing he was working on the side of God.  However, it took literal blindness in order for Saul to receive true vision and understanding.
         Today's Scripture readings, which I confess I have chosen specifically to enhance the importance of Jesus' Great Commission, involve the apostle Peter and his learning experience as a result of, not only his own vision of a sheet filled with a variety of animals which he was invited to kill and eat, but also the reality of a Centurion named Cornelius, who also received a specific message from God.
         As we read and listen to various verses from the Acts of the Apostles, we might be able to compare the individual experiences of both Peter and Saul as transformations occur in each of their lives – all because of Divine intervention.
         Acts 10: 1-7 (Cornelius Calls for Peter.)
         At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
         Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
         When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants.
         Acts 10: 17-28 (Peter ponders on the vision of all kinds of animals and then follows God's instruction to go to Cornelius' house.)
         While Peter was wondering about the meaning of his own vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
         While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”
         Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?”
         The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say”. Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.
         The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”
         While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.
         I'm not sure from this reading, but I am assuming that there were probably some of those invited guests who had gathered in Cornelius' house who might not have yet heard the gospel message.  And, we do know from this reading, that they definitely were not brought up in the Jewish tradition, as they were referred to as Gentiles – others, or outsiders.
         What do you think about this important lesson that Peter learned – not only from this particular vision or message from God - but also by acting upon it, as he stepped out of his comfort zone?  What type of vision do you think it would take for some individuals – especially those in very powerful positions today - to alter their way of thinking concerning 'others' – those are are thought of in their minds as common, unclean, or simply unworthy?
         For Peter, this extraordinary experience resulted in a real transformation in his way of thinking.  We can see as we read on in the Scriptures just how it affected his enthusiasm with which he continued his special ministry.
         Unfortunately, Peter's energizing and transformational experience did not happen without some confrontation.  And these particular encounters came from what we might consider to be unexpected sources.  Peter's own colleagues were questioning his actions.
         Acts 11: 1-4 (Peter explains his actions.)
      The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.  So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”
      Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story ... 
         Peter now understood what Jesus meant by The Great Commission – to love others – all others - just as they themselves had been loved; and that no person or nation is to be excluded from hearing the Good News of the gospel.
         So, as Peter explained his actions to his colleagues, and after quoting some of Jesus' own words, their criticism ceased.  After all, who could stand in God's way?
         Acts 11: 15-18 (Peter understands The Great Commission)
         “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”
         When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
         That was then, and this is now.  Do you think that Jesus' Great Commission is still relevant in the world today?  Have we personally experienced specific moments when we know that it is, or was, God speaking to us to do this, or to do that?  Personally, I believe it is very relevant as we listen, as we speak, as we learn.
         You and I have probably had personal experiences where we know without a doubt, that there has been Divine intervention.  Maybe someone in particular pops into our mind – someone that we don't always think about, or that we haven't thought about in a long time.  Why do you think that happens?  Do they need a call from you or me?  Or, maybe we need to mention their name in prayer. (Sharing time of personal experiences.)  
         If I could take just a moment to share one of my personal experiences – it happened at the Super C.  Other than my regular shopping day, I might drop in there on a moment's notice – could be morning, afternoon, or even evening, depending on what I need at that time.  On one of many drop-ins there to pick up this or that, I met up with one of my students' mothers from when I was teaching at Farnham School.  I had not seen her since I retired, and I had never met up with her at the Super C, in spite of my many trips there.  I saw her this one time, many months ago, and I haven't seen her since.
         As we discussed her three sons, she seemed particularly concerned for her middle son, who was in my Grade 1/2 class many years ago.  As a youngster, he was very bright and a keen and eager learner.  Now, she informed me that he was attending a university in Montreal, but was going through some difficult times, without elaborating on what the problem was.  However, as we parted ways, she asked me to 'remember' him.  I interpreted that to mean 'pray' for him, without actually using that word.
         And so I did, and I continue to, pray for this young fellow – concerning whatever this particular problem was or is.  I don't know, and I don't need to know, all of the particulars.  God knows.  So, sometimes, in the middle of the day or night, this young fellow comes into my mind.  A little prayer is sent his way, placing him in God's care.  And I hope to be able to contact this caring mother to let her know that I have been praying for both her and her son.  Until then, I must leave it in God's capable hands.
         So, when someone pops into our head out of the blue – maybe they need a phone call, possibly a visit, or just a little prayer.  As Christians, and believers in Jesus' Great Commission - even in light of world events - what is required of you and me?  “To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
AMEN
 
 

Message - Norm Haslam - May 11, 2025
​BACKGROUND:  Rev. Beverly C.S. Brazier
 
Beverly Brazier was born March 6, 1954, in Sioux Lookout, Ontario.44 She was the eldest of three children born to Gertie Saville and Bill Brazier. She became seriously involved with the church when she was in Grade 8. A friend invited her to confirmation class. Brazier was initially skeptical; she attended the class but did not intend to be confirmed. As the class progressed her intention changed. By the end of it, there was nothing she wanted more than to be confirmed.
After high school, she attended the University of Winnipeg and did a Bachelor of Arts in French and Religious Studies, graduating in 1976. Next came a Master of Divinity from Vancouver School of Theology (VST). She spent the summer of 1978 on a kibbutz in Israel and a year studying theology at St. Andrew’s University in Scotland. In 1981 she graduated from VST and married Rev. Nate MacIntosh. He died in 1986.
Brazier served the Hunter River Pastoral Charge in Prince Edward Island from 1981–1983. She then went to the Parrsboro-Port Greville Pastoral Charge in Nova Scotia for a year. She was ordained by Maritime Conference in 1984. Next came nine years at the New Richmond-Grand Cascapedia Pastoral Charge, Quebec (1984–1993), followed by six years at St. James and St. John, Miramichi, New Brunswick (1993–1999). She then went to the Canterbury/Richmond Pastoral Charge in New Brunswick from 1999–2009. While there she graduated from Bangor Theological Seminary with a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2002. In 2007–2008 she did a pulpit exchange in Australia, spending seven months serving a five-point Anglican/Uniting Church of Australia combined ministry in Victoria State. In 2009 she moved to Whitehorse United Church in Whitehorse, Yukon where she remains. She officially retired June 30, 2023.
Preaching has been one of Brazier’s passions in ministry. Breaking open the Word through personal sharing and in preaching has been life-giving and sustaining for her, personally and professionally. Some consider Brazier to be one of the finest preachers in the UCCan today.
 
She gave the following sermon in New Richmond and Grand Cascapedia in the fall of 1989. She later preached it again at Whitehorse United Church in 2016.
Sermon
Hannah–Woman of Fiery Hope
Scripture 1 Samuel 1
If you were asked, at your lowest moments, what you look to as a sign of hope—what would you say? When you’re discouraged and feel misunderstood or feel like saying “what’s the point?” Where do you turn? Is there an image—a thought—a person—an action—that gives you hope, restores your spirit and gives you what you need to go at it again? (silence)
One of the most helpful things I’ve ever done is to deliberately develop a cluster of quotes, short prayers, images and people that inspire me and give me hope. More and more I turn to them. Do you have some of those?
Let me offer you two possibilities from today’s text: Signs of hope? The birth of a baby. And Hannah herself. Hannah is a woman whose story really gives me courage. We meet her first, caught in a terrible predicament: she is unable to bear children in a society where her value is measured by her ability to produce sons. Her husband loves her, but doesn’t understand her deepest pain. I like the honesty in her. I like her emotions and the way she expresses them. And mostly I like how she believes so fiercely that God will bring new life into her life. She goes to the temple and pours out her heart to God. Do you remember what happened?
(1 Samuel 1: 9–11 NRSV)
 
After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord, and wept bitterly. She made this vow: “O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head.”
 
What a sign of strength and hope! Someone not afraid to pour out her heart to God. I find that so many of us are ashamed, maybe, or afraid of our strongest feelings—especially if they’re negative ones … anger, or deep pain and we hide them from each other and from ourselves, and especially from God. (As though you could.) And as though they weren’t acceptable—you know?
But of one of the things I like about the Bible is that it’s so honest about human feelings—read the Psalms—every human emotion is there—and strongly. People angry—shaking their fist in the face of God. Deepest despair—tears, loud weeping—all poured out before God.
And there is Hannah—obviously a woman of strong feelings and able to express them. She weeps. She refuses to eat. She cries bitterly. A strong and passionate woman. There’s strength in that. There’s hope in that. As long as you’re pouring that out and as long as you’re in conversation with God—even if the conversation is like that—there’s hope and openness there, But not everyone feels that way, do they? Strong feelings are not acceptable in some quarters … sometimes in the church. When someone expresses anger and tears instead of seeing it as strength and a form of prayer and justice seeking. What do people say? That person is hysterical—unstable—maybe they’ve been drinking. The priest—the religious establishment did not understand or respect her strength of emotion, her form of prayer.
(1 Samuel 1: 14 NRSV)
 
So Eli said to her, “How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine.”
 
We don’t want you and your pain here. We don’t want to see that. The way that you pray? It just doesn’t cut it around here. Please leave. Your emotions are disturbing to us—embarrassing.
Hannah is a woman whose story really gives me courage. We meet her first, caught in a terrible predicament: she is unable to bear children in a society where her value is measured by her ability to produce sons. Her husband loves her, but doesn’t understand her deepest pain. I like the honesty in her. I like her emotions and the way she expresses them. And mostly I like how she believes so fiercely that God will bring new life into her life. She goes to the temple and pours out her heart to God. Do you remember what happened?
(1 Samuel 1: 9–11 NRSV)
 
 
What would you have done in Hannah’s place? She answers with intelligence and dignity. She will not be driven away from the house of God by someone’s misunderstanding of her, deliberate or not.
She will not be driven away.
She will not, either, sink to answering with hurtful words back.
She looks him square in the eye and says how it is for her. Honestly—without spite but also without backing down:
(1 Samuel 1: 15 NRSV)
 
But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord.”
 
He replies to her “go in peace” but it was he who received a blessing from that exchange. Hannah believed passionately that things could and would be different and she prayed and waited offering herself as a vessel for the new life God was going to bring into being. She believed with all her heart, she believed fiercely that things could change that life would come and she waited actively until that day came.
I don’t know if that touches your life personally but it certainly touches mine. I really admire her—she’s one of my Biblical heros—and when I get discouraged she’s someone I remind myself about.
What I wonder, though, is what this has to say to our church. When I think about our church right now this morning—and by that I mean the whole United Church of Canada—all mainline churches as well as Emmanuel or Stanbridge East, I’d like to lift up that encounter again and see if there’s some light shining through.
(1 Samuel 1: 9–18 NRSV)
 
As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, “How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine.” But Hannah answered, “No my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time.” Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favour in your sight.” Then the woman went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer.
 
We’ve got strong things going on there. Eli is the priest—he’s getting old—his sons, Hophni and Phineas are not going to take over—his time is almost through. His ways are going to be replaced and the future is not as he had imagined or counted on. He’s a good priest—he’s given himself and served well. But his time is fast coming to an end. And he’s angry.
Hannah on the other hand is also struggling with knowing that things haven’t turned out the way she expected or wanted—she wants new life—changes—and she’s angry.
On the one hand people hungering, aching, hurting for change that they believe will bring new life. On the other hand people hungering, aching, hurting because that change is happening because they found life the way it used to be and they know that time is over now. And yet others are longing, crying, playing for that change to happen faster. It’s hard. The church of our childhood is no more. The church I chose for my own and was trained to lead—conciliar government, social justice and prophetic—is at times unrecognizable to me. I want it to be how it used to be. Is it that way for you?
No wonder there are clashes from time to time—no wonder we misunderstand one another sometimes. To me it’s all there in this encounter between Hannah and Eli. But the clash is not the end of the story. They talk it out and come to at least some understanding of each other—and after that encounter Hannah goes home and conceives.
Out of their honest meeting come the future which surprises both of them. The birth of a child who will be Samuel—prophet and true lover of God.
We clash here at times. We misunderstand one another sometimes, I believe deliberately. But that’s not the end. We talk—we work at it and suddenly, before us there are children, and they’re downstairs making lego scenes from the good samaritan and they are making noise and it’s wonderful, and we know that there is a future—God’s future. And that God’s future will surprise all of us and that it belongs to them more than to any of us and we are honoured to pave the way as faithfully as we can so that when God’s word comes to them, we with our own agendas will not stand in their way but have the grace to put away our robes and teach them to say, “Speak Lord—your servant is listening.”
strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time.” Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favour in your sight.” Then the woman went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer.
 
We’ve got strong things going on there. Eli is the priest—he’s getting old—his sons, Hophni and Phineas are not going to take over—his time is almost through. His ways are going to be replaced and the future is not as he had imagined or counted on. He’s a good priest—he’s given himself and served well. But his time is fast coming to an end. And he’s angry.
Hannah on the other hand is also struggling with knowing that things haven’t turned out the way she expected or wanted—she wants new life—changes—and she’s angry.
On the one hand people hungering, aching, hurting for change that they believe will bring new life. On the other hand people hungering, aching, hurting because that change is happening because they found life the way it used to be and they know that time is over now. And yet others are longing, crying, playing for that change to happen faster. It’s hard. The church of our childhood is no more. The church I chose for my own and was trained to lead—conciliar government, social justice and prophetic—is at times unrecognizable to me. I want it to be how it used to be. Is it that way for you?
 

Message - Frances Jones - April 20, 2025
​Just Another Day
Easter 2025
         If there are country music fans among us, the name Dolly Parton will be very familiar.  On this very special Easter morning, I can hear her unique voice sounding out, “It's a Hallelujah! Morning!”.  And, how better to describe the miraculous news on that resurrection day when Jesus claimed victory once again – this time even over death itself.
         In the wilderness, the evil tempter’s many attempts to trap Jesus had failed every time; during several confrontations with both religious and political leaders during his ministry, Jesus was triumphant.  But this time, having been nailed to a cross among criminals until he died; having been placed in a tomb - locked in by a huge stone at its entrance - surely this would be the end of Jesus and his message concerning the Kingdom of God – or would it?
         Surprise!  This particular morning would not become just another day.  This would be a day like no one had ever experienced before.  Emotions would be turned upside down.
         Mary's heavy heart had been aching with sorrow over the death of the one who had offered her complete pardon for past mistakes.  After experiencing new life in Jesus, she was now beside herself with sorrow at his death.
         However, these feelings of sadness and loss were transformed into elation for Mary as Jesus stood in the garden and simply called her by her name.
         The disciple Peter had been trembling in fear and hiding himself away, suffering from shame.  This outspoken follower of Jesus, who had pledged his loyalty and his love to his Lord, had failed him when Jesus needed him the most.  Not once, but three times, Peter had lied and denied even knowing him for fear of his own life.
         But on this particular day, Peter received a very special and reassuring message from the messenger who was present in the tomb when the women went searching for Jesus' body.  His instructions to these women were to go and tell the disciples – and Peter – that Jesus was going before them to Galilee.
         Why do you think that Peter's name was spoken specifically, rather than just being referred to as one of the group of disciples?
         Do you believe that, in spite of Peter's weakness that led to failing his Master,  the reason for this obvious message demonstrating inclusion was to prove to this particular disciple that he had not been left out, but was receiving a second chance?  And we can only imagine Peter's relief.  It must have felt like a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.  This would not be just another day of hiding away in shame.
         Mary found happiness, comfort and security in her Lord's resurrection.  And for Peter, there was complete forgiveness, as well as the assurance that he belonged to the group.  What might you and I find on the special day – because he lives? 
         Indeed, for all concerned, this was not, and is not, just another day.  The religious officials, the Roman soldiers and guards who guarded the tomb, had no explanation concerning the events that unfolded that day.  They could neither confirm nor deny that Jesus had truly risen from the dead.  Surprise!
         This reminds me of a story that I read a while ago about a minister who was wondering how his young daughter might describe the events of Easter morning.  Would she say that it was a special day because of chocolate treats, Easter egg hunts, bunnies, or beautifully-painted eggs?  But those were not the responses that he received from this young girl when he asked her the question about Easter.  Instead, she threw her arms into the air and yelled “Surprise!”.  The response from her dad, the minister: “What a wonderful way to describe it!”.
         And so it is!  Even today, over 2000 years later, we are still overwhelmed by this news that Jesus actually rose from the dead.  Each one might view this truth in a unique way.  For some individuals, it might reveal the Deity of our Lord, proving that he is indeed the Christ, the Son of God.  Some of us are touched by the assurance that, by experiencing deep sorrow for our shortcomings, total forgiveness is possible, not only because of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on our behalf, but because we know that he lives.  This miraculous event that we celebrate at Easter might also reveal to some the humanity of our Lord as he demonstrated true concern for his followers; even those who had abandoned him in his hour of need.
         If we read the resurrection story from all four gospels, we can see that they too experience Jesus' triumph over death in his own unique way.
         Matthew's account of Jesus' resurrection was directed mainly to a Jewish audience, with emphasis on Jesus being the long-awaited Messiah.
         Mark's version of the same occurrence highlighted Mary's troubled past more than some of the others, indicating the overwhelming grace of Jesus.
         In the gospel of Luke we can read more detail about the scene inside the tomb than in some of the other gospels.  He also writes to a much broader audience – including both Jews and Gentiles.
         John's main message seems to be all about the Deity of Jesus, the Word of God.  At the same time, Jesus' human attributes are disclosed as John describes an intimate human moment as Jesus calls Mary by her name, at which time she is able to identify him as Raboni (teacher).  The main message delivered by John however, seems to be to inspire faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God.
         Resurrection day - the unrefuted empty tomb, Jesus' appearances to specific individuals, assures us that this is certainly not 'just another day' – not for Jesus' followers so many years ago; not for his enemies who tried to destroy him; and it is certainly not just another day for you and me today.
         Even death could not claim victory over our Lord. And, for this very reason, because he lives, we can shout 'Hallelujah!', and maybe even, 'Surprise!'.
                
        
Happy Easter!
 
HALLELUJAH! - AMEN!
 

Message - Karen Lackey Ryan - April 13, 2025
​The final approach to the Cross is here. The name of Palm Sunday has now evolved to be called Passion Sunday. This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, as Christ rides the colt toward Calvary.    The inevitable confrontation of Jesus with power and death is the key drama of Christian faith. Loud Hosannas rose from the crowd while members of the religious establishment were trying to find ways to do away with Jesus.  What was the great crime of Jesus? He dared to live by the ancient law of loving your neighbor as yourself. He asserted with words and actions throughout his short life the reality of the spiritual kingdom over the earthly one. Jesus calls for all to put the God of love and the love of God first!
Passion is strong emotion ideally channeled into committed action. Passion can be dangerous. Strong emotion can lead one literally down the wrong garden path, with serious and life changing consequences. Teen-agers, among others, are known for strong, barely controlled emotion, and can casually go where angels fear to tread. How to have close encounters of the passionate kind without incurring fateful consequences? Transition periods are fraught with mixed emotions and decisions. In retrospect it can seem like canoeing down a raging river alone in the fog. Not everyone is adept at navigating tumultuous times. Even Jesus had to counsel and admonish the disciples who didn’t really understand the passion Jesus was expressing.
Anger and jealousy are also strong emotions that run away with us unless we have a solid foundation that allows us to maintain our equilibrium. Strong emotions can be like riding a wild horse, or surfing a big sea. It can be a wild ride. The question is how do we channel our emotions? How do we ride the horse, ride the waves with grace and pride in our ability to survive the twists and turns of experience?
Passion can get you killed, as in JFK, Martin Luther King, and anyone else who dares to stand for something in the face of powerful forces. It is difficult enough to differ from our peers, let alone make a stand on a public stage. Relationships shift and change as we make life altering decisions based on our likes and dislikes.
In the Palestine world of poorly arable land, governed by the Romans, where security was fragile, it could be assumed that suffering was familiar. Move several centuries to the present and nothing seems much different; in fact it is much worse in the Palestine of today. In our own society there seems to be no end to the ill, addicted and afflicted, the homeless, unemployed, and mentally ill, with millions suffering food scarcity and led by self-serving leaders where security continues to be fragile. In an age of secularism, where God is supposedly dead, every other person suffers from some degree of anxiety and there is a deep yearning for the second coming of Christ, someone to save us from ourselves.
Passion is scary. It takes us out of our comfort zones. But strong emotion also guides and drives our choices and commitments. Strong emotion provides powerful motivation for accomplishing our material and social goals. The whole point of Lent and Easter is the question, How do I face the Cross? Most of the time we avoid even mentioning the word “death,” but we are all travelling toward our own Gethsemane, with Christ or not. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously said, the cost of discipleship is death.
Jesus is the suffering servant. Isaiah 53: 3,4 states:  He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.
The death of Christ on the Cross is a disappointment to many who view Jesus as weak and passive and dishonored by his death. On the other hand Christ has plumbed the depths of despair that can be characteristic of human life. How many of us have said as Christ said on the Cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
In practical terms we all need friends to help us through our trials and tribulations. In terms of mental health our risk of self-harm increases if we do not have even one friend who cares about us. Think of Simon of Cyrene who was minding his own business but was pressed into service: "As they led him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus" Luke 23:26.  I imagine Simon and Jesus walking side by side toward Golgotha. I like to think that he did this willingly, and that Jesus was accompanied in his final hour.
The main point is that Jesus does suffer for us. Jesus saves, Jesus saves, Jesus saves. Is this enough, to leave it all for Christ to face the Cross alone? What is my responsibility? Do our doubts lead us into a defeatist attitude which leads to cynicism and a “whatever” mindset? Is it a question of, Life is difficult and then we die? What do we do with our limited humanity, or our sinful regrets? How do we justify ourselves, and overcome the risk of a meaningless life?
In Christian education we are taught early the key verse: "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16. 
 
This is our faith: that Christ died for us. In John chapter 14 Jesus explains his theology to the disciples who were grappling with the divinity of Jesus. "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me.”
There is much discussion and “gnashing of teeth” over the words of Jesus, and whether the life of Jesus has any historical reality. For a true believer this can be death by analysis. The message of Christ is simple but not easy to practice. We believe in a loving and redeeming God. The law teaches us when we do wrong. We confess our sins. We are confident that Jesus forgives our sins. We try to live by the example of Christ.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15: 9-13
The passion of Christ answers our spiritual hunger to understand the nature of reality, find meaning in life, and connect with something greater than ourselves. As Christians we assert that the passion of Jesus gives us meaning, hope and salvation. The opposite of passion is indifference and apathy, hiding our light under a bushel. During Lent we meditate on the meaning of life and death, with Jesus by our side. Jesus is always with us, walking with us day by day and moment by moment. How close do we dare to walk with Jesus? How much do we dare to share the passion of Christ?
Thanks be to God, Amen
​

Message - Norm Haslam - April 3, 2025
​5 Miraculous Ways God Turns Our Sorrow into Joy
LENTEN THEME For Lent 5
Adapted from writings of:
Debbie McDaniel

iBelieve Contributing Writer
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, and mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). 
 
So often in life, we may long for care-free, easy days; but instead, we feel like we’re facing battle after battle, sorrow after sorrow.
Maybe it seems like we can’t catch a break, or we start wondering if God is even against us.
Yet through all the hardships and loss, the only safe place to run is to Him — believing the truth in His word that He cares,
He’s with us, and is, building greatness within us right in the midst, of hard seasons.
Our struggles, worries, and sorrow will not have the final say – God alone will turn our pain into a story of light and hope.
His joy is our strength to keep pressing through, and His Spirit will bring refreshing to our souls.
We will laugh again.
We will praise Him.
We will see the greatness and miracles of His works through this hard journey.
 
How God Turns Our Sorrows into Joy:

 
1. He brings beauty out of ashes.
“…to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair…” (Isaiah 61:2-3)
This verse tells us the very reason Christ came.
He came to redeem, to set free, to bring healing, comfort, and peace to all.
The gift of Jesus in our lives brings a miraculous work of God’s Spirit that turns our sorrow into joy.
It doesn’t mean we will never grieve the difficult losses we face in this life, but it does mean that even our deepest times of mourning will give way to comfort, joy, and praise.
In ourselves, this seems impossible. Yet our God who holds us secure through the hardest of storms, will fill us afresh with His hope and joy.
He promises to bring beauty out of the ashes.
“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5)
 
2. He is able to turn around even the worst situations for greater good.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)
Just as Joseph faced the battle of accusation and being thrown into prison, we may sometimes feel that our grief has imprisoned our own lives.
It’s hard to look ahead past the pain that we’re facing each day.
It might even seem hard just to simply get through the day.
And God understands that struggle;
He is right there with us.
He promises to be close to the broken hearted and saves those who feel crushed in their spirits.
Our difficulties will not have the final say if we’ve placed our trust in Christ.
He is the author and perfecter of our lives and story.
He is the only One who can turn it around for greater blessing than we ever could have imagined.
Let’s refocus our gaze off the struggles that surround us and onto Jesus again today.
He is working on our behalf, even behind the scenes where we can’t fully see, bringing beauty, favor, and blessing to fill our lives once again.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
 
3. He reminds us that He’s still in control.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
God’s call to us is one of trust and peace.
The enemy will work in the exact opposite way, filling our thoughts with anxiety and fear.
We must decide whose voice we’ll choose to listen to.
Despair and fear often go hand in hand, one will tend to make the other stronger within us.
Yet the Bible is filled with countless reminders of how God is always with us in whatever we face — through the fire, in the storm, over deep waters, and across the wilderness.
The most challenging of times will build a deeper strength and resiliency, within our lives, that could never come from an easy life.
His very work is building greatness.
And that is pure gold, a treasure forged in times of darkness and difficulty.
Once we embrace that truth, believing God is Sovereign and carrying us through, the worries and cares can be given over to Him.
For good. He doesn’t call us to carry that heaviness,
He just asks us to come to Him, and pray; assuring us He’s guarding and filling our hearts and minds with His powerful peace.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”(1 Peter 5:7)
 
4. He never wastes the pain we’ve experienced.
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten…You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you…” (Joel 2:25-26)
The very character of God is one who restores.
In all those seasons, even years, that have brought difficulty and grief to our lives, God promises to redeem.
No one else has the power to do what only He can do, for nothing is impossible for Him!
He can do in just a moment what would take years for us to work through on our own.
If we’ve ever felt we’ve lost so much time in the darkness and despair of our journey, we can take heart in knowing that He still has more ahead.
He is faithful to work wonders for His people and we will yet again praise Him.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” (Psalm 43:5)
 
5. He promises hope and blessing for the future.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
When troubles swirl around us, we might sometimes think God has forgotten us, and left us all on our own.
But He will never leave His people in the tough trials.
He assures us there’s good still ahead.
In a world that can feel dark in uncertain times, God’s powerful promises remain true.
The hope He brings is never dependent on our current situation or the circumstances we may find ourselves up against.
He knows our way; He has a plan.
Even through the darkest night, even in the hardest days.
When it’s difficult to let go of all that’s familiar, trust that God is paving new pathways.
And we can believe, without a doubt, He’s walking that fresh journey right with us.
“…you did awesome things that we did not expect…since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” (Isaiah 64:3-4)

 

Message - Karen Lackey Ryan - March 30, 2025
Rejoice, my sins are forgiven. Lent is such a sober season that joy doesn’t come immediately to mind. What does joy have to do with Lent when the focus is on becoming aware of all that keeps us from the godly?
I am not fond of the word sin. As believers, church attenders, and mostly “good people” the focus on sin can seem an unnecessary preoccupation. The big sins are defined by the 10 commandments listed in Exodus 20. In the period of Lent the word sin leads us to reflection. Are we living a Christ-like life? Are our lives mostly good or not? How do I improve? What do I have to do to align myself more closely to scriptural and behavioral ideals?
 I like the Catholic distinction between deadly sin and non-deadly sin, mortal sin versus venial sins. Venial Sins: Speaking unkindly to or about others; Telling lies; Exaggerating the truth; Bragging or boasting; Flattery; Complaining, whining or attention seeking; Spreading rumors or tale bearing; Talking behind another's back; Being negative, critical or uncharitable in thought regarding others; Making rash judgments .. I have to admit to a few of these!
As long ago as AD 393, St. Jerome writes: (a prominent early Christian priest, theologian, translator, and historian)
There are venial sins and there are mortal sins. It is one thing to owe ten thousand talents, another to owe but a farthing. We shall have to give an accounting for an idle word no less than for adultery. But to be made to blush and to be tortured are not the same thing; not the same thing to grow red in the face and to be in agony for a long time. . . . If we entreat for lesser sins we are granted pardon, but for greater sins, it is difficult to obtain our request. There is a great difference between one sin and another.   (google search)
When I think of the word “sin” I think “lack of love, hurting myself or others.” Both sons in our scripture this morning were suffering from a perceived lack of love. Or, as a popular song says, they were “looking for love in all the wrong places.”
What more can be said about two brothers who behave differently in the story that we know so well? It is almost inevitable that in families of two sons there is competition and comparison between the two. It could be said that they both behaved badly; both incurred the consequences of their behavior. Anyone who has been in a family knows that each member makes different choices and will have different memories about the same shared experience. And will endure different consequences.
Just as our Lenten season corresponds with our season of spring, we welcome the winds of change as we look forward to warmer weather and the greening of the environment after a long winter. So in Lenten observances we are led to make changes in our thoughts, speech and behavior, like a fine tuning of the spiritual life. It assumes that we are putting our spiritual life at the forefront of our entire lives and the decisions we make. We focus on the prodigal son since he made such dramatic changes in his life and incurred dramatic consequences. But how many of us are worn down by life, dutifully working day by day, same old, same old, as the other brother did. Being in the presence of his father day by day, where was his joy?
It is easy to identify with the son who, in his restless adventurous youth asks for his inheritance and proceeds to squander it in the usual reckless ways. There are decisions made in the heat of youthful moments, or even in more aged impulsive moments, that result in regrets about financial and emotional choices that were not wise. It could be described as a greed for new experiences, without consideration of the unexpected costs of this kind of experience. It is classic that the prodigal son had to go through trials and tribulations and “hit bottom” as is said in addiction literature, before he could “come to his senses.”
However, we might more easily identify with the obedient, dutiful, hard-working, and ever present son who felt ignored and neglected and probably even jealous. Was he so out of the picture that he had to ask a servant what was going on? It is annoying to know that our efforts to “be good” are ignored; resentment can fester. His brother behaves badly and gets the big reward! It seems unfair, and he may feel justified in being angry and unhappy!
What was going on? Both sons were suffering in their own ways. Pain is a symptom. Something wrong requires attention and a healing change of some kind. Both needed to be reconciled to themselves, each other and their father, an obvious symbolic reference to our Holy Father, God. Reconciliation is a word that we hear a great deal about these days. Wherever there is conflict of a large or small kind then reconciliation is necessary to amend the situation.
Of course there is a catch or two. The first is the reluctance, inability, or stubborn resistance to admitting that we sin! do wrong, admit that we make bad choices or behave in less than considerate manner. Second are those folks who say, “God forgives everything, so I can do what I want!” This is a case of wanting our cake and eating it too; wanting to be free of guilt and to be assured of forgiveness without changing anything about our thoughts or behavior. Both miss the point and miss the freedom that confession and forgiveness bring.
The key is to do what the prodigal son finally did. He admitted that the path he was on was not going anywhere. He admitted that his choices had led him to disaster. He swallowed his pride and returned to his father! This decision signifies a revolution that is available to all of us. The price of this freedom is death of the ego, letting go of pride, admitting that I am not God, accepting that there are laws of behavior that help us live more satisfying and happy lives with others. Without the disciplining of our self-will and without confessing our sins we remain stuck in the consequences    of hurtful and ineffective life choices. Without this admission no progress of any kind can be made. Once this is done we also will be on the road to recovery, humbled and welcomed back into the loving arms of the Father, the ultimate source of true love and security.
As 2 Corinthians 5: 17-19 reminds us: 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22,23
Compared to the cost of our Godless choices, confessing our sins is certainly a simple way to a happy if not a challenge free life. We can return and return again to the love of the Father. This is the Joy which we celebrate today during this period of Lenten reflection.
As we follow the example of Christ.
We give thanks,
Amen
​

Message - Frances Jones - March 9,2025
​You will notice that, on this first Sunday of Lent, we are lighting 6 small candles - each one representing an important aspect of Jesus' journey.  Step by step we will revisit Jesus' journey, from his baptism by John in the Jordan River to his humble entrance through the gates into Jerusalem to boldly meet his ultimate fate at the hands of religious and political leaders.
         Each candle could be considered a stepping stone, or one step on a staircase that leads Jesus to his ultimate destination.  Today's candle, the Candle of Temptation, is Step One of our Lenten journey as we revisit Jesus' victory over various temptations.
         It was during his baptism by John in the Jordan River that Jesus had been openly declared by God to be his own beloved Son in whom he was well pleased.  Wouldn’t you and I think that this would be a great time for Jesus to begin his very important ministry?
         But that didn't happen.  Immediately after this baptism and declaration as the Son of God, Jesus obeyed the calling of the Spirit which led him on a long and arduous trek into a wilderness area as he prepared for his earthly mission.
         I'm sure you have heard about individuals who have participated in a special retreat where they were denied any conversation, even though there were other people present.  All had to be totally quiet. Can you imagine what that would be like – especially for people who enjoy conversation?  Those who survived this have reported that, after just a very few days of complete silence, you would be surprised at some of the thoughts that come into your mind.  Things that you would never imagine that you would be pondering.
         So, after several days alone with his thoughts, we can only imagine what might have been going through Jesus' mind.
         'Ding!' Like the bell that rings to start a wrestling match, the evil tempter was there, cunningly trying to convince Jesus to use his powers to satisfy his human hunger.  After all, Jesus was both human and Divine.  Surely he was hungry; and most certainly he had the power to turn stones to bread.
         The best, and only, defence against such temptation as this was always Jesus' unfaltering faith combined with the truth - honest and meaningful quotations from God's Word:  “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” With the tempter defeated, Jesus claimed Victory #1.
         As the days and nights passed, Jesus was once again drawn into an alluring situation.  This time the temptation came in the form of twisting, or re-defining, the Scriptures to satisfy one's own personal goals.  Power and popularity could be attained without all the suffering, couldn't it?  Imagine the response from the crowds of people and how much they would be impressed with Jesus if he were to throw himself off this very high point and appear totally unscathed!
         But this particular temptation was also soon defeated as Jesus remembered a very important quote from the Scriptures: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test”.
         As the sun rose and set over several more days, Jesus once again faced another temptation.  Alluring and cunning offers from his tempter invited him to consider an alternative to what was expected of him by his heavenly father. Why  walk this difficult path?  Couldn't this earthy mission be made much simpler?  The people are expecting a king, a ruler who will set up his kingdom in order to relieve them of their misery of living under Roman rule.  Wouldn't it be possible to just claim this kingdom now and avoid all the ridicule, the pain and suffering, and the humiliation?
         Jesus knew in his heart that this would not be possible – not if he were serving the one true God. After all, was his purpose here on earth to do things his own way; to adjust the rules to satisfy his particular wants and needs as he rejected his Father's plans?  The answer to this query was clear in Jesus' mind as he once again remembered and quoted the Word of God: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only”.  This was the 'straw that broke the camel's back' so to speak.  The tempter had been defeated as Jesus claimed complete victory over his enemy.
         Because of what Jesus encountered, we consider this Lenten journey as a time of trials and a time to give up something that we like or enjoy.  But could this also be a time to examine our own personal Christian journey?  Might this be a good time to seek personal rejuvenation, to be renewed and reconciled to our Lord?  Maybe it could be compared to spring cleaning when we finally wipe away the dinginess from the windows and notice how bright and clear everything appears.  And, by wiping the dust and film from our mirrors, we can finally see ourselves more clearly.    
         Who is that person looking back at you and me in the mirror?  Is this the reflection of someone who never tries to re-arrange God's instructions, hoping he will come to understand our point of view?  Or does our image reflect someone who attempts to make deals with God?  If God would grant a special request from us, maybe we could reciprocate with some special promise.  And, finally, does that image staring back at us in the mirror reflect someone who has no need for repentance - an individual who has nothing to hide; who has never made bad choices?
         You and I may decide to abstain from a particular food or drink that we enjoy.  We might also attempt to change a specific habit.  Might we also consider our Spiritual well-being?  Is there anything about our Spiritual health that might be missing, or lacking?
         I ask myself, is there something about my attitudes that might need some clean-up?  How quick am I to assume certain things are true without verifying the reality of the situation?  Am I too quick to pass judgement as I become judge, jury and executioner?
         I'm sure we all have certain qualities about ourselves that we would like to improve.  We realize that no human is perfect; however we do have hope.  We continue this journey with Jesus down the Lenten path holding tightly onto our shield of faith.  We know that we serve a risen Lord – one who not only conquered all manner of temptation, but a Lord who even had victory over death.  We have hope – because he lives!
 

Message - Norm Haslam - March 2, 1025
Here We Are!
Please use your imagination. Let’s go back in time to 100 years ago. There is a large gathering at an arena in Toronto on June 10, 1925. Muriel from the Women’s Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church is there. She says, Here I am, we need to keep helping our men and women overseas. Here I am, I am with you, yells Claire from the Woman’s Missionary Society from the Methodist Church. Anna from the Congregational Woman’s Board of Missions says, Here I am, I am also with you. We need to all work together as the new United Church of Canada’s Woman’s Missionary society. The Church’s overseas mission work and service to God must continue.
Another woman, Sarah, from the Methodist Ladies Aid Society, also stands up and says, Here I am. We must continue to deepen the spiritual life of women. We will be there to support our local ministers, visit those that are not well, participate and lead in Christian education.
Many women joined, and the United Church Woman’s Association came to be. Many years later the Woman’s Missionary Society (WMS) and the Woman’s Association (WA) came together and on January 1, 1962, the UCW was born.
The UCW has been and continues to be an instrument of change. We have adapted over the years, and it is one thing we do well. Each decade has brought change, and new problems to solve. We have had to adapt, even as to how, when and where we have gathered and shared fellowship with each other. The role of women in society, in families, and also in the Church has changed and the women of this United Church of ours have always been there.
In 1925, Church changed, and the United Church of Canada was formed. The 1930s saw our first female minister ordained, Rev. Lydia Gruchy. As the decade went on looming unrest in Europe was on our minds.
The 1940s was consumed with war. The United Church resisted pressure to support Conscription. The Canadian Council of Churches was formed, with the United Church a member. A few years later, the World Council of Churches was formed. The 1950s was a time of growth. The baby boom was upon us. There were many growing congregations, and it was a time for developing a new curriculum for theological studies and Church Sunday Schools.
In 1962 the UCW was formed. There was much discussion on ministry in the 20th century. The United Church offered emergency aid to American Vietnam draft dodgers. And before the end of the decade union with the Evangelical United Brethren was formalized. In the 1970s the church released a statement: “There is one ministry, the ministry of God into which ministry he calls his whole church.” By the end of the decade, inclusiveness of lay people in ministry began.
In 1980, Rev. Lois M. Wilson became our first female moderator, and in 1986, we elected our first female lay person as moderator, Dr. Anne M. Squire. Before the end of the decade the United Church issued our first apology to Indigenous congregations. Before the end of the 1980s the United Church declared that all members of the United Church, who profess their faith in Jesus Christ, are eligible to be considered for ordered ministry regardless of their sexual orientation.
In the 1990s Voice’s United was published with new inclusive language. Wow! What a concept. We could think of God as our Mother as well as our Father. But United Church Women had known that for decades.
During the first decade of the twenty-first century, the church dealt with issues of Truth and Reconciliation, anti-racism, HIV-Aids pandemic, peace building in Israel and Palestine just to name a few. The next decade continued with the previous endeavours and much work was done on a new governance structure.
The United Church has had many growing pains and will continue to do so. No matter what the problem, issue, upheaval, or injustices we face and witness in our country and around the world, the UCW is determined to stay together and continue with our mission.
The world has changed, the United Church has changed, but the feelings we share in our UCW meetings remain the same. Whenever United Church Women get together, the joy, the gratitude, the blessings, the love, the security, the openness, the comfort, the unity, and the fellowship is the same as it always was and will continue to be. We support each other and those around us, through our times of trial, sorrow, and grief. We also know how to celebrate with gratitude our infinite blessings and joys. No matter what the task, no matter how difficult the problem, there is always a UCW member who will say, Here I am. We shine with our leadership, we are bold disciples, we dare to push for justice, and we do all of this in the name of Jesus, Thanks be to God. Oh, and I almost forgot, when coffee is needed, HERE WE ARE!
​

Message - Karen Lackey Ryan - Feb. 23, 2025
​28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28.  We may find this hard to believe.
It is said that success is the best revenge. Imagine Joseph, through no intention of his own, ending up in power and glory as the right hand man of the Pharaoh. Imagine the brother’s shock as they recognize the brother whom they left for dead, out of jealousy and rage, now having the power of life and death over them. I would imagine that their guilt and regret must have been foremost in their minds at this unexpected encounter. What a way to develop humility. Joseph wielded considerable emotional power also, with the demand that Benjamin be brought to court. Things just couldn’t seem to get worse for the brothers. For Joseph, the reconciliation was a long time coming.
Scripture is efficient in description of significant human dilemmas. The story of Joseph and his brothers is a clear account of sibling rivalry and the importance of birth order as affecting our idea of self and our interactions with others. Who is Mom’s favorite, who is Dad’s favorite? In our families of origin, we all know. The family dynamics that we engage in continue to affect us unless we do some personal reflection. For Joseph, circumstances and his own talent took him to unexpected places and situations of influence.
Right about now we may hear in our mind the refrain, “It just isn’t fair!” Even as little children we have the idea of justice deep in our very being. It emerges as a spontaneous reaction when brother or sister, anyone, gets more than me. We cry and wail to whoever will
listen. I want what I want. I want what someone else has because I don’t want them to have more than me!
Sadly, we often compare ourselves to what others have, rather than identifying what we really want, and working towards achieving that end. Of course it takes a while to know what it is that we really want. Our Western affluence tells us that the perfect body, the perfect house, the right belongings will give us something lasting. We can be totally disappointed and feel deceived when the material items we have worked so hard for does not give the satisfaction that we expect.
It can be difficult to do as Psalm 37 recommends: “Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.”
Secretly we may ask God how long it will take for them to wither away. On second thought we may not wish that evil is inflicted on anyone, mostly because we don’t want something bad coming back to haunt us. The beauty of the Psalms is that the full range of human emotion is there. Through the Psalms it is ok to express our angers and frustrations; not to remain stuck in these same emotions, but to take comfort in the Godly justice that scripture promises. We may resent whatever pain befalls us, but adversity gives a certain identity. Without the focus on my pain and what I feel is lacking, I have to get on with living. That can be the most scary thought; No one to blame but myself, alone with my responsibility to myself.
Who am I? What do I want? What is of lasting value? The answers to these questions direct our lives, what we seek, what we work for, how we are known to others. We say that we are followers of Jesus,
27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6: 27-31
Love my enemies? Turn the other cheek? The idea of turning the other cheek is a disturbing scripture recommendation. What can Jesus possibly mean? Why? When? How do I restrain myself from giving back in kind? I can already feel the tension in my jaw and the clenching of my fists as the fight or flight reaction takes over my mind and muscles. If we don’t react we may feel like a “doormat,” taken advantage of because of our pacifist or passive response. It doesn’t matter our age or ability, once we are triggered by an assault, physical or otherwise it is hard to resist the temptation to strike back.  Turning the other cheek is counter-intuitive, counter to our natural human instinct to react when confronted in such a direct manner. We are advised to “be angry and sin not.” Ephesians 4:26
We are usually so quick to react, so easily triggered, so quick to be hurt and insulted that Jesus knew we needed some time to reflect, some time to respond in a measured manner to save our sanity and our grace. In a word, Jesus is telling us not to take anything personally. It reminds me of the childhood rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names and tales won’t hurt me.” Unless we take them to heart.
We are not required to go looking for situations where we are called to turn the other cheek. The goal is to not be drawn down to an abusive level of anger and resentment. Once we are provoked the provoker has all the power.  Jesus does not want us to give away our loving power. He asks us to love the haters. This is a hard discipline but once practiced can be freeing of a lot of negative emotion and bad behavior. Of course, we may also decide to avoid encounters with such harmful persons, but understanding the dynamic, recognizing bullies, recognizing what triggers us, and avoiding being provoked is a valuable skill that can be developed.
We must pick our battles. Are we in it for the short term or the long run? Are we Christians only when the going is good, or are we able the defeat the wiles of the evil one? There are many who cannot accept Christian doctrines because not fighting is considered unmanly, unnatural, and requires too much subtle distinctions of when and how it is appropriate to “fight back.” The Second World War was considered a just war, because Hitler was demonstrably evil.  Matthew 7 advises us to:
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians ch. 6 says it best:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pay attention. Keep close to God. Use the power of love to overcome the love of power.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
 

Message - Frances Jones - Feb. 16, 2025
​ 
Bedford Pastoral Charge
Stanbridge East, Quebec
February 16, 2025 – Epiphany 6
 
Organ Prelude
Welcome/Announcements/Acknowledgement of the Land
Opening Statement
'Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.  He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.' (Jeremiah 17: 7,8)
Christ Candle
We light this candle remembering that Christ is the Light of the world;
A never-ending flow of life-giving water
A light that is ever present, even in the darkest corners of the earth.
Opening Song #710 – Shall We Gather at the River
Call to Worship
We come seeking pardon for our weaknesses, and to praise and thank God, from whom all of our blessings flow.
We come to celebrate God's presence among us, today and everyday.
You, God, are a voice for the voiceless and power for the powerless.
Create in us your ways as we seek to be more like you – patient and kind, gentle and good, welcoming and loving to all. Amen
Opening Prayer
You assure us, God, that small things count – cups of water and crumbs of bread, a simple smile and an out-reached hand.  These are not done in vain when they are offered in your name.
Let us feel your presence among us in this time of worship, knowing that you welcome young and old, newcomers and long-time members, and all who are seeking the truth.
We come, grateful for all blessings.
Empower us, we pray, to carry your goodness with us wherever we go, and to whomever we meet. Amen
Hymn #608 – Dear God, Who Loves All Humankind, vs. 1,2,4
Moment of Silence
Prayer of Forgiveness
God, Creator, Spirit, we are aware through your words and through your living example that your love reaches out to all who come to you.
We strive to follow in your footsteps, but we fail to live up to your expectations.
Please forgive us when we are neglectful and when, in our weakness, we have not behaved like a child of God.
Search our hearts, we pray, and forgive what we have been, amend what we are, and direct what we shall be. Amen
Assurance of Forgiveness
God, who knows us through and through, offers us new life.  He knows our hearts and is aware of all of our anxieties. No matter where we are, God is there.
Thanks and praise to God. Amen
Introduction of our next hymn ~
You may recognize the tune of our next hymn as “The Song of Farewell”, a Polynesian song whose words begin with 'Now is the hour when we must say good-bye'.   As we sing this song that invites God to search our hearts, let us also say 'good-bye' to whatever it is that is holding us back from doing his will.
Hymn  Search Me O God, vs. 1,2,3 (insert)
Scripture Readings (Rosemary)
Mission and Service
Psalm 1 - VU Page 724
Jeremiah 17: 5-10
Luke 6: 17-26
Message – Reach For It
Hymn #560 – O Master Let Me Walk with Thee
Offering/Dedication/Prayer (#541)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures high and low; give thanks to God in love made known; Creator, Word, and Spirit, One. Amen
Offering Prayer
We have been blessed far more than we deserve.  Please accept our humble offerings of money and time, talent and service.  Besides these, we offer ourselves, just as we are, and may each gift be multiplied and used to the glory of your name. Amen
Hymn #508 – Just as I Am, vs. 1
Prayers of the People/the Lord's Prayer (Individuals/Situations)
         God, Creator, Spirit, for all of your teachings, your signs and miracles, and for all that you provide for us, we give you thanks.  Today we come asking for relief for all who are suffering.  For those who have lost everything as a result of wars, rampant fires, or other unfortunate circumstances, we pray for comfort and relief.  For all who are battling disease, loneliness or prejudice; for any who are weak in body, mind or spirit, we ask for your comfort and your peace.
         Help us to do our best to respond to the various needs of the world, following your example. Grant that we may try to console, rather than to be consoled. And remind us that it is in forgiving that we are forgiven; and in giving that we receive.
         In closing, we ask you to bless each one of us so that we may be a blessing to others. Amen
The Lord's Prayer
Closing Hymn #481 -Sent Forth by God's Blessing, v.2
Sending Forth
Like the roots of a tree by a stream, let us keep our feet firmly grounded as we too reach out to Life-Giving Water.
Benediction  May God's love, the grace and forgiveness of the Son, and the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit make our hearts glad and bring peace to our soul.
AMEN ~ AMEN ~ AMEN
Reach For It
         After a long, cold winter, don't we long for the springtime that brings warmer sunshine and the gentle rain that cleans away the doldrums of winter?  During that season that brings life to otherwise lifeless vegetation, it seems like everything is fresh and new.  Animals come out from hibernation, frozen streams once again flow freely, and the early spring flowers can't wait to display their beauty and fragrance.  But, during the coming season of renewal and revitalization that will eventually arrive, is there anything about us that might also be transformed?
         Jeremiah said, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.  They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. . .'.  One point that I noticed from Jeremiah's words was the fact that it wasn't the stream that changed its direction in order to meet the needs of those roots.  It was the tree's roots that reached out to the nourishing stream.
         If you and I compared ourselves to a tree, what kind of tree would we be?  Would we be the tree that bears delicious and nourishing fruit?  Or maybe we could compare ourselves to a large shade tree, offering protection and comfort when the heat becomes unbearable. We might also think of ourselves as a tree in the forest, offering a safe haven to a variety of inhabitants.  Whatever kind of tree best describes us, we realize the importance of each one, and that all trees depend on the nourishment and the revitalization provided by life-giving water.
         As we think of Jesus as our 'wellspring of wisdom', in order to emulate his example of living,  we too must reach out for much-needed regeneration like the trees described by Jeremiah.
         In our worship services, we have prayed for God to renew us, to revitalize us and reform us, both as a group, and individually.  This renewal however, has to start somewhere. Where do you think that might be?
 
         Today we are continuing to celebrate Jesus' epiphany as he continued to reveal his true identity by demonstrating through both signs and spoken messages who he was and what his mission here on earth was all about – all in a way that people could understand.  We notice also the urgency with which he emphasized the need to seek forgiveness – very much like his fore-runner, John the Baptist, whose principal message was “Repent!”.
         And, because his time here on earth was limited, Jesus knew that he needed to try to explain what the 'Kingdom of God' was all about.  So, from the Scripture reading that we heard today, it seemed that he was making this information a priority.
         First and foremost, Jesus made it clear that the purpose of his life and mission here on earth was not to set up a ruling kingdom, but to encourage our human nature to mirror the nature of God.  Just how easy would that be?  Might we need some attitude adjustments?  It makes me wonder what our 'be'haviour demonstrates about us.
         We have read many of Jesus' parables that he told as he tried to demonstrate what the kingdom of God could be compared to.  Depending on his audience, Jesus explained in terms that could be easily understood.
         To farmers he compared the kingdom to seeds, and to the growth of the plants as weeds attempt to strangle the healthy crop, and finally to harvest time, when the weeds are separated from the good plants and destroyed.
         To bakers, the analogy he used was yeast.  And to the shepherds in the field, Jesus compared God's kingdom to the feeling of joy that is experienced by finding that one sheep that strayed and became lost, bringing it safely back to the fold.
         As Jesus taught over and over again about attitude adjustments – how we should BE – with emphasis on forgiveness – do you think that he was talking about the way to be saved, or was he referring to how the saved ought to BE?
         In the story that we heard today from Luke's gospel, we noticed that Jesus was standing on a plain – on level ground with his audience.  According to Luke's explanation, it seemed that he was speaking directly to his disciples, even though a huge crowd had gathered to hear what he had to say.  They had arrived from other cities and towns, from the coastal areas, as well as the surrounding countryside - probably because news had spread to all of these areas about the miracles that Jesus had performed, but also because of his unique manner of preaching.  It was like no other they had ever heard.
         The type of preaching that the people were accustomed to were repetitions of laws and rules that must be obeyed as the religious leaders taught by the letter of the law.  Jesus, however, taught by the Spirit of the Law, with explanations concerning specific behaviours and the consequences or rewards that followed.
         If we compare today's world with the way things were during Jesus' life on earth, we realize just how very different things are now, especially if we think about conveniences and technology.  However, when we consider behaviours and attitudes, just how different are some of us from the citizens in Jesus' day?  Even then, money and power was dominant.  Riches could buy, not only commodities, but people as well.  Judges' decisions could be swayed.  And, for some individuals, a promise meant nothing.  And, even back in Jesus' day, didn't people with money and power combined attempt to take over the world?
         What do the beatitudes that we read about today teach us about Jesus' instructions related to our behaviours and our attitudes as Christians?  According to this particular message from Jesus, along with many of his other instructions, we have come to the realization that it is our personal behaviour and our individual attitude that matters most.
         Jesus taught that, as the people of God, we must not be like those who boast and draw attention to themselves; those who have no consideration for others; or those who take advantage of another individual, just because they can.  On the contrary, our attitudes and our behaviours should, or must, demonstrate what the nature of God is like.  And, this is not without its challenges!  Human nature wants revenge for wrongs and injustices that have been imposed.
         Being a Christian in today's world is a challenge, as it was in Jesus' day.  How do we identify ourselves as followers of Christ?  Do our attitudes, along with our behaviours, reveal that we are Christians?
         I read a story about Gandhi, who studied Christianity in England; however, he never became a Christian.  He claimed that Christianity didn't seem to work for Christians.  He was not impressed by the Christians he met.  However, he was very impressed with Jesus, especially his teaching of the beatitudes.
         Gandhi told a story describing a war that broke out between two different faith communities.  (We hear too many stories like this nowadays.)  One poor, devastated man from one of those faith communities came to Gandhi for advice.  This poor man was distraught because he had lost his little boy who had been shot and killed.  Of course, besides being overcome with sadness and bitterness, he was also seeking revenge.  Gandhi told the man how to heal his own heart.  He said, 'Find a little boy from the other faith community whose father has been killed.  Take that boy as your son and raise him as he would have been raised in his own faith community.'  This distraught man just turned around and walked away, shaking his head.  This made no sense to him whatsoever.
         Does what Gandhi advised this man to do make any sense to you and me?  Would you and I be ready and willing to follow his advice?  I have to admit that I would find his solution to the man's problem very difficult to do.  However, I can't help but to ask myself, 'what might I learn from this?'
         Individually, we may all have specific questions, as well as ideas, concerning how to live the kind of life that Jesus taught.  What must we do to make our nature more in tune with God's nature?
         From the words of Jeremiah, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.  They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream”.  Jesus too offered free living water as he said, “It is done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end.  To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.' (Revelation 21:6)
         Is it time for us to confess - to ourselves, and to God - that we cannot rely on our own merits?  Like the roots of trees that reach out for life-giving water from the stream, so too must we reach out to our Lord as we accept his invitation.  How difficult would it be to humble ourselves and say, 'Yes Lord, I am in need of this freely-offered water of life as I attempt to make my nature more like that of God.'
 
 

Message - Norm Haslam - Feb. 2, 2025

"Who Owns the Messiah?"
Luke 4:21-30
Who owns the messiah?
It sounds like a silly question.
But think about it for a minute.
Who has rights to the power that he brings.
Who can call upon the mercy that he offers.
Who owns the mineral rights to the spiritual riches Jesus has.
It is a very important question.
Jesus is a veritable gold mine of spiritual riches.
He said he came to bring good news to the poor.
Good news for the poor is hard to come by.
It is a commodity that should go for a good price.
He came to bring release to captives.
People who are oppressed want release.
They will often pay a high price for freedom.
Just look at what’s happening in the USA.
Recovery of sight for the blind.
In this room there is easily over a thousand dollars, worth of corrective lenses.
Imagine what the blind will give for sight.
"Who owns the Messiah?"
It's an important question.
It is at the heart of the Gospel.
It determines who is in and who is out of the Kingdom.
It defines who is blessed and who is cursed.
Who, after all, owns the Messiah?
You see the people of Jesus' hometown thought, that if he was the Messiah, they had first rights to him.
They knew how valuable the Messiah was!
Jesus told them that morning, that the prophecy of the Messiah, had come true in him.
And they said his words were gracious.
What a nice thing for him to say that God would send the Messiah to us.
I can just see the sign to be erected at the edge of town: "Nazareth city limits:
“Hometown of God's Messiah."
Oh of course, they were a little skeptical.
After all they all remembered Jesus as a boy.
He was the son of that carpenter.
Oh, what is his name: Jonathan?  
Uh, Joseph yes!
He's Joseph's son.
They had heard what he had done, in Capernaum, healing and teaching and stuff.
They probably thought to themselves,
"You know those Capernians.
They are always exaggerating.
He probably helped some old man with arthritis, and they all thought, he could make the lame walk."
But remember, they also knew the benefits, if he was the Messiah.
Jesus knew what they were thinking.
He said, "I'll bet you want me to do the same things here, that I did in Capernaum.
You want me to prove myself to you.
And you want me to bless you and no one else.
What does the Bible say?
During a drought in Israel, God sent Elijah, to a Gentile widow, to bless her.
And when there were many lepers, in Israel, God sent Elisha, to a Gentile, to heal him."
They got the point, even if we don't.
Jesus was saying, that God sent him, to bless all, who would accept him.
Not just other Jewish towns, like Capernaum and Nazareth, but even Gentiles.
That was more than enough.
"What?
God send the Messiah for Gentiles!
That was too much.
It's bad enough, that he won't stay at home, now he won't even stick, with his own kind."
They were so angry, that they tried to kill him, rather than have, him take God's blessing, to the Gentiles.
Jesus got away that day.
The Bible says, that he just walked, through the midst of the crowd, and walked away.
But Jesus' words, eventually caught up with him.
You see the religious leaders, in Jerusalem, thought, they owned the Messiah, too.
And when they couldn't control Jesus, they lost their patience.
If they couldn't own Jesus, then nobody could.
So, they surrounded him, with a crowd of soldiers.
Jesus could have walked away, again, but this time, he chose not to.
They nailed him to a cross, and he still offered God's blessings, to anyone who would accept them.
On a cross next to him, a thief asked for forgiveness, and he gave him salvation. A dirty rotten scoundrel, of a thief, and Jesus, gave him a place in paradise.
And if forgiving thieves, wasn't enough, he continued to bless Gentiles.
While the Roman soldiers, were gambling for his clothes, you know what he said?
He said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."
Can you imagine!  The nerve of him!
To ask God, to forgive even Romans?
Who owns the Messiah?
I remember watching a show one day.
It was about capital punishment.
Actually, it was the story of a father, whose son had been murdered.
The murderer, was sentenced to death, and the father did all that he could, to witness the execution.
He wanted to see his son's murderer, die with his own eyes.
So, he pulled strings, and maneuvered, so that he could be in the witness booth, at the execution.
The father got to see, his son's murderer die, but he was not satisfied.
The reporter interviewing him, asked him, why he was not satisfied.
You see, the killer had become a Christian, shortly before the execution.
He had given his life to Christ!
He had been forgiven of his sins.
He was going to heaven.
The father was disturbed, because, he didn't think it was right, that his son's killer, should go to heaven.
Nobody owns Jesus, and everybody does.
"But you can't have it, both ways, preacher."
Yes, I can, because the Bible says so.
No one, has exclusive rights, to Jesus, because he died, for the sins of the world.
God gave him, so that anyone, who would put their faith, in him, could be saved.
So, we all have a God given right, to his soul saving blood.
We can all share in his grace, and mercy.
Christ's grace is offered to all.
That is what Christianity is all about.
Jesus gave his life, for the sins of the world.
Jesus didn't do it, just for his disciples.
He died so that anyone, even convicted murderers and criminals, could be saved.
And Jesus didn't give his life, just so that Jews, could see God.
He died, so that even a Roman Centurion, could say,
"He is surely the Son of God."
Jesus died for all!
That is why we ‘United Church People’ practice open communion, and try to welcome everyone to the table.
welcome everyone to the table.
We even advertise our open hearts, open minds and open doors.
Anyone could walk through that door, and they would be welcome, at this table.
It doesn't matter who they are, or what they have done.
The only thing that matters, is that they accept new life, from Christ.
Jesus died, to give forgiveness, to any, who would accept it.
He came to give new life, to any who would kneel, at the cross.
He gives grace, to any, who will accept his broken body, as a sacrifice, for their sins.
He offers mercy to any, who would be washed by his blood.
Come,
Christ has provided the bread of life,
for all,
who would come,
to his table,
and receive with thanksgiving. 
His Blessings and Forgiveness!
AMEN.
 
 
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