A Sense of Timing
The third Sunday of Lent has us journeying to John's gospel. Here we have a slightly disembodied encounter. We witness Jesus clear the temples courts. An event that surely belongs in the season of Lent, though the positioning in John's gospel is curious compared to...
To Follow Jesus
The second Sunday of Lent features Jesus speaking openly to the disciples and others who have gathered. He teaches a powerful truth about his future and what it means to follow him. It is a message the Peter has trouble with and for which Peter receives a stern public...
Imaginary Conversation
Below is a wonderful poem by Linda Pastan titled Imaginary Conversation. I used it as a sermon illustration a few weeks ago and felt that it deserved to have its own place. Imaginary Conversation You tell me to live each day as if it were my last. This is in the...
Lent Begins in the Wilderness
Lent begins in the wilderness. John the Baptist's ministry is in the wilderness. Jesus begins his ministry by being sent by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness. A dangerous, forlorn place. Yet, this is where Lent begins. This is where the journey we follow Jesus...
Annual Meeting & Chili
Annual Meeting A reminder to members of the congregation that the Annual Meeting will be taking place on Sunday February 25, 2018 after worship. Please remember to bring a lunch with you, coffee will be provided. Copies of the annual report are available at the...
It’s Good To Be Here
Transfiguration Sunday comes just before Lent. A reminder of what has transpired in the ministry of Jesus to this point and to prepare us for what comes next. In Mark's gospel, the Transfiguration occurs in the middle. It is both a climax and a launching point. It is...
PWS&D Sunday
PWS&D Sunday is a time when we can reflect on the work done by this agency of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. We situate our understanding of PWS&D in a passage from Mark's gospel. This passage features the call of Simon's mother-in-law. Text Mark 1:...
What is This?
The passage from Mark's gospel today is the inaugural act of Jesus' ministry. In it he teaches and he heals. However, as is often the case with Jesus things are never as they appear on the surface. His teaching sets up his authority. His authority is reinforced...
Belly of the Beast
The Book of Jonah is well known. It's story is able to be told from memory. It is a story about a rebellious child of God. It is also a story about God's expansive, relentless grace. A strong reminder that we are better off deconstructing our images and idea's about...
Indifference
The following poem was handed to me by a member of the congregation. I felt it worth sharing as a reminder of who we are as followers of Christ and what that means for our place in the world. Indifference When Jesus came to Golgotha they hanged Him on a tree,...
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Cobourg is part of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. The congregation was established in 1833 and continues to serve the community.