One of the most tumultuous debates among monks in the Middle Ages had to do with a divisive hypothetical question – did Jesus have a wallet? Of course, this is not as stupid a question as it appears to be. If Jesus had carried a wallet, he carried money. If he carried money, then it […]
Thoughts on Wealth and Power
Because we sold our own honey – retail and wholesale – my family were businessmen as well as beekeepers. Working for my father, as early as age 9, I received a small wage for my work, especially since it was pretty intensive for a little boy. Later on, my summers were spent in the honey […]
Bema 10: Accounting for the Cross
The BEMA (βῆμα, בּימה) Why the Cross? On the road to Emmaus, the resurrected (but as yet unrecognized) Jesus explains to two downcast disciples the entire plan God has been following to save the world. On the transforming day of Pentecost, Peter tells the crowd that Jesus was delivered up to crucifixion with the foreknowledge […]
Making Space For…
I don’t know about you, but whenever someone asks me if I could take a bit of time to do this or do that I feel as if a little piece of me dies and I take one step closer towards __________(fill in the blank for whatever death looks like for you). There is no […]
Bema 9: The Trouble With a living Sacrifice
The BEMA (βῆμα, בּימה ): The Trouble With a living Sacrifice I have been teaching my way through Acts this last month, as part of our PACE program. As a congregation, we can be very proud of our students, who have been doing very well and are known for doing good quality work at Alberta […]
We Don’t Go to Church. We ARE the Church.
Our lives are so busy. It doesn’t take long for our schedules to fill up with work, school, and recreation! And this is usually the time of year where many of us are planning and prioritizing activities for our families. This is such an important time to remember to be mindful of God’s will and […]
Thankfulness
O Lord, sometimes I feel so weak and timid. But then I lift my eyes to your face and You fill me with strength and endurance. Why would I fear for you go before me everywhere I go. Thank you that You are my Guide, the One who stays beside me every step! Thank you that You are leading me!
Deuteronomy 31:6 = So be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.
A Poem
O child, I watch you day by day Struggling to revive Your weary body and exhausted mind Striving to survive. How I long to hold you tight Close by my heart to stay Yet every time I reach for you Your eyes are turned away. I hear your cry for guidance true You […]
Bema 8: Good News-ing
The BEMA (βῆμα, בּימה ): Good news-ing I believe that I belong to the Fundamental Power of the Universe, who owns and protects me, Who knows and loves me, Who is available to me at all times and Who has been with me in every trial and joy, pain and grief, exaltation and ecstasy, dizzy, […]
Irene’s HopeCC Update
God is a good Father – always. There is no distinction between the God of Canada and the God of Kenya, He is the same God and yet there is a unique vibrant fullness within the singing of the children at HopeCC. Though they come from a past of poverty, of abandonment and abuse, their […]