Speaker: Walter Thiessen

A board filled with meat, cheese and vegetables.

Paying Attention at the Table

  In a world of sharply increasing social isolation and avoidance of rituals, Walter talks about countering this trend by “paying attention at the table,” whether it’s your […]

Read More

Trust that Enables Hope

Walter continues on the theme of “A Spirit of Hope” with a reflection on a paraphrase of Romans 5.1-6, supported by several quotes from the diaries of Etty […]

Read More
A diverse group of people are all included in the verse: Do unto others...

Compassion for All

Walter explores how extending compassion to all – letting ourselves be present to the suffering of all, even our enemies – is a key foundation for the Spirit […]

Read More
painting of Jesus washing the feet of Peter

Serving

On this second breakfast Sunday, Walter prepares for our table chat by reflecting back on the Holy Week example of Jesus washing his disciple’s feet, asking us to […]

Read More

Presence, Truth and Judgement

Walter explores finding the balance between speaking hard truths and yet being more spacious and present when listening to people. You can listen below and view his powerpoint […]

Read More

Wholly in the World in 2026

Walter begins the year reflecting on the priorities that seem most important after this past year, especially choosing gratitude, spiritual tradition, community, engaging the natural world and committing […]

Read More

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. 

Read More

The Life that Really Is Life

Walter’s homily tracks the straightforward thread through the morning’s lectionary readings. In order to live the “life that really is life,” we need to turn from our society’s love of money and turn toward the contentment that devotion makes possible.

Read More
More on this topic