Sermons
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...
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...
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...
No Good Can Come From Nazareth
Can good come from small, insignificant places? This is the central question of our text from John's gospel. The question is asked by Nathaniel, who shortly after asking would confess Jesus as, 'rabbi, Son of God, King of Israel.' Nathaniel would learn that yes,...
The Baptism of Jesus
The baptism of Jesus is a cosmic, earth shattering affair. Remove all thoughts of cute babies held over a baptismal font and gently cascaded with water. Instead, envision a wild scene of water splashing, the sky being ripped open and God's voice from the heaven's....
Christmas Eve 2017
This Christmas Eve sermon finds its focus on Mary's Song of Praise. Words she spoke while visiting with her cousin Elizabeth. These words speak to the promise she believed her child, the Son of God, would fulfill. They are powerful words that are very relevant to the...
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.