The Christmas season is over. We’ve said good-bye to wishing strangers Merry Christmas. Spontaneous generosity is tucked away with the decorations for another year. For some of us, we’ve made our yearly pilgrimage to church for the Christmas Eve service. No need to go again ’til next Christmas. Does it… Continue reading
In her previous career, Janet Stobie was a United Church Minister, caring for congregations across Ontario. Seven years ago she decided to serve in a different way; one where she could stay put and enjoy a new phase in her life with more time for her own family. With each… Continue reading
A few years ago, I purchased a beautiful piece of art that depicted our Christmas story, and gave it to a beloved family in my life. “You have things in your home from all around the world that represent gods and goddesses, Buddha, and more,” I said. “Since you celebrate… Continue reading
I was studying this scripture passage. A worried, unhappy Moses demanded of God, “You’ve given me this job of leading this crowd out here in the wilderness. You’ve agreed not to abandon us. I need some proof, proof that you’re with us on this journey. Show me your glory,… Continue reading
Last week I led a workshop titled “Speaking from the Heart.” The participants were people who read scripture during worship. We had a grand time talking about the many different translations of the Bible that are available to us today. We looked at the Inclusive Bible, that presents God without… Continue reading
I woke last Sunday morning at 5:55. My alarm was set for six. My first thought, I love my body. God has gifted me with an inner alarm. I usually don’t trust it so I set my clock alarm, but I don’t have to. I automatically wake up just before… Continue reading
When a child dies, a well-intentioned friend sometimes offers comfort to the grieving parents with, “God needed your child in heaven.” A natural disaster, or strange misfortune is greeted with, “There must have been a reason.” The Bible story of Joseph, the favored child, is often cited as the basis… Continue reading
Each of us carries baggage from our individual pasts. That stuff we would like to forget, and wish we had done differently. Often our baggage has produced chips and cracks, scars in our being. We’d like to relive our lives, making different choices. We’d like not to have those scars…. Continue reading
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (Matthew 1:35) As we tear around every day caring for others, fulfilling our responsibilities, we often forget to nurture our own souls. In her book, “Glimpses of Grace,” Madeline… Continue reading
