–From Erika Marksbury Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 (NRSV) Now after the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for … Continue reading
Did you catch the “30 Days of Real” phenomenon a few months ago? I deeply appreciated it. I think many others found it silly. It was described as being “one month of sharing our realness, messiness, quirks and funny flaws to become more authentic, vulnerable and beautifully imperfect.” People were challenged to post something about … Continue reading
In place of our regular Monday liturgy and Wednesday reflection, we offer you this brief family worship service for Christmas morning. May you all have a grace-filled, joy-filled, love-filled Christmas. Scripture: from Isaiah 9 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on … Continue reading
Earlier this week I was thinking to myself I had done a pretty good job of keeping it peaceful and calm and not cramming too much in among all the special events that show up on the calendar this time of year. Okay, I was feeling just the teensiest bit smug. Then on Monday night … Continue reading
More Presents? This year, we’ve decided to buy more presents for Christmas, not less. We’re going to spend more money, get more stuff, wrap more packages, indulge in more consumerism. I know, I know—we’re supposed to be teaching our children about Jesus and generosity and not subject the holiday to frenzied consumerism. That’s actually why … Continue reading
~from Jennifer Difrancesco Gathering: Joseph Engaged to Mary Pondering, Angels visit He did as was told ~Elisabeth Paulk (age 8) Prayer: Open our ears and speak to us, O God. Let us hear you in our watching, waiting, hoping, dreaming, rejoicing, and embracing. And let us be visited and assured by Your Word. Amen. … Continue reading
Today I was surprised to read someone’s prickly remarks about Advent. Their remarks watered the sacred tradition of Advent, its candles and liturgy and reflections, into the spiritual equivalent of weak tea. I was startled. And confused. And I felt myself burn with the malevolent wish to offer some prickly comments in return. Once my … Continue reading
Since the publication of Sabbath in the Suburbs last year, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to groups about Sabbath-keeping, and about our family’s experience of observing a day-long Sabbath every week for a year—the good, the bad and the ugly. In sharing the nitty-gritty of our experience and what we learned, I hope to help others … Continue reading
~Rebecca Seiling Scripture: James 5:7-10; Luke 1:46-55 Thoughts: Advent is a wonderful exercise in patience. Counting down, waiting, expecting good things. This year, as I looked through the plethora of creative Advent calendar options on Pinterest, I felt that God was calling me to be still. That to really dive into the Advent adventure this … Continue reading
–By Chris Lenshyn The sanctuary was not big, so the walk was not very long. Asher, my son, could see the casket in the distance as our family trudged down the centre aisle. It was horrific and beautiful. Dad was in the coffin with a Montreal Canadians flag and Wolverhampton Wanderers flag draped over the … Continue reading
Practicing Families 