Author: Walter Thiessen

Peace in Polarized Times

On the second Sunday of Advent, Jess invites a conversation about the kind of peace that Jesus came to bring, and how he went about bringing it. In the midst of social and political turmoil, she encourages an approach to those who differ from us that centres our shared humanity and the reality that our own well being is intrinsically connected to the well being of everyone else.

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Waking up in the Dark

On this first Sunday of Advent, Walter’s homily focused especially on the Romans 13 passage: Paul’s encouragement for us to wake up because our salvation is near. The opportunities for us to turn from our sleepy distractions and live the life of love that Jesus invites and makes possible are ready and waiting. 

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Holey Humans: Trying to Be Wholly Present

Marilyn extends the wordplay with our new teaching theme as she mingles thoughts from Brene Brown’s latest book with Ephesians 6. The armour that God offers is not about “self-protection.” It enables us to accept God’s protection, so we can be more vulnerably present.

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Celtic Service Liturgy

Celtic Service “Main Liturgy” (v 5.8) Continually tweaked and adapted over the 18 years that this service has been celebrated, this is the liturgy usually used at our […]

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Wholly in the World Together (This World?!!)

As we enter into our new teaching theme, Jess invites us to reflect on the current state of the world and the tendency within evangelicalism toward escapist theology. She then underlines the significance of our connection and interdependence with the world and each other, and directs our attention toward role models like Jesus and Dorothy Day, who poured out their lives for the sake of the world.

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Prayers of lament, Prayers for peace

During our 2nd Breakfast service, Erin O’Neill invited us into a prayer practice of lament and longing for peace. Erin shared a bit about what drew her to start a monthly online prayer vigil for Palestine this year, and introduced us to the birds of gaza project. We then spent time making birds together.

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Rachael in the water

Wholly (& Holy) With You

This Sunday, Jess directed her homily toward blessing and saying goodbye to our beloved Rachael Barham as she and her family prepare for a move and a new season ahead. Themes of beauty, imperfection, interconnectedness, and the divine in all things were woven through the service, as well as much love and gratitude for the many ways Rachael has blessed and shaped our lives and community.

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