Minister's Musings

“Let yourself … embrace peace.” This is Sunday’s theme. And it got me wondering: do we have to give ourselves permission to embrace peace? Shouldn’t we automatically embrace peace? But, the more I think about it, the more I realize it is an ongoing, conscious choice that requires us to pick the path of peace when other paths are easier, more inviting or even more natural. read more

Hope is a tricky move these days. I grew up setting goals and trying to achieve them. At men’s breakfast this week we talked about our first jobs and mine was a paper route. That was my first experience of setting goals and working towards them. I wanted to go to PEI with my scout troop but needed to earn enough money. I hoped I could do it. So I set a realistic goal, worked steadily, and made it. read more

First of all, a plug for tonight’s final Vision Event for the Thriving Faith Campaign. 6 to 8 tonight. And there will be pizza. This is a great chance to connect and learn before the celebration on Sunday. Now, to muse… As a minister, I kind of see myself as a public theologian. read more

Take up your cross and follow me.” No thank you. That doesn’t sound like fun. For the folks in Jesus’ time, hearing this statement may have made them think about all the governors of the provinces who were using crucifixion as a means of terror and control. Rebels who were made to carry their own cross beam to their own crucifixion where they would hang until they suffocated to death. read more

Do you ever wonder what our hearts are made of? I mean really made of. Not flesh and blood, but the fortitude of our hearts. There are moments that leave me speechless. Moments when I wonder how our hearts just don’t explode under the pressure, the grief and the joy. read more