The Progressive Reverend

 This month, we explored the phrase “do in remembrance of me,”   As we weave through the tapestry of All Saints Day and Remembrance Day, we pause to reflect on our childhood, the sweet echoes of laughter,  And the enduring legacy of how we wish to be remembered after our days.   In the act of remembering, nostalgia washes over us,   a wave of joy mingled with the bittersweet ache of longing,   for the moments that have slipped through our fingers,   each memory is a treasure, both radiant and haunting.   Last month, I and many other United Church friends faced an unfathomable loss. A dear friend and mentor, taken far too soon.  This person had many roles in my life. She was my professor during seminary, practicum supervisor, and vocation officer when I was going through SME, and she laid her hands on me when I got ordained. She was also my friend.  I cherish those marathon classes she taught, twelve hours of shared exhaustion, laughter, ...

 As I gather my thoughts for the upcoming meditation workshop, I'm struck by my own selective appreciation of the Divine tapestry around me. Winter, I confess, has never been my favourite season.  It stings the breath from my lungs, and heavy winter jackets feel cumbersome, especially within the confines of a car. The burden of shovelling snow does little to warm my heart. Yet, each season carries its burdens and delights. In summer, I revel in endless days, windows flung wide, late-night strolls, and the fragrance of barbecues dancing in the air. The cold raindrops that kiss my skin may not charm me, but their scent—a sweet, earthy embrace—reminds me of nature's restorative grace. I delight in the vibrant green of grass kissed by rain and the kaleidoscope of autumn's hues that wrap the world in warmth. As I write this list, I remember that meditation is an invitation to connect with the Divine, where gratitude becomes our sacred practice.  Practice—being t...

  This Sunday, we're kicking off our sermon series on Queen Esther! We're diving into fearlessness, courage, and bravery—basically, the holy trinity of "I can do this!" As always, I spend the week obsessively thinking about the topic. I have so many stories and ideas flowing through my head.  A few years ago, our family took a scenic drive down the coast of California from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Naturally, we had to make a pit stop at Disneyland, the place where dreams come true—unless you’re afraid of roller coasters. I’m not what you'd call “brave” when it comes to rides; my idea of thrill is It’s A Small World. But this particular day, I had a moment of courage—or perhaps a severe lapse in judgment—and decided to hop on the Guardians of the Galaxy ride. As I stepped into the building, which looked suspiciously like an industrial electrical plant, my body immediately started plotting its escape. But I thought, “No! I’m going to be brave! I’m going to face...

  Hello Friends, and Happy Friday! I am excited about this Sunday, when we will have the opportunity to hear from Brittany Vine. Brittany played an integral part in opening Calgary’s first pay-what-you-can grocery store. Food Insecurity, food security and sustainability have been a passion of mine for a long time.  I grew up in a lower-middle-class household, and money was always tight. Although my parents tried their best, sometimes we had to use emergency food support. But for the most part, my mother spent the entire summer securing food for the winter in our one-acre garden. She would spend endless hours planting, harvesting, freezing, and canning food so we could get through the winter.  Before the age of 6, I understood where most of our food came from and the difference between fresh food and food bank food.  In 2002, right after grad school, we moved to a small town in northern Alberta. Our rental house had a massive garden, and I spent that first summer plan...

  Summer is suddenly upon us!  I have heard from many of you about your exciting summer plans.  I am just as glad as you are that summer has arrived. I look forward to going for a walk, having morning coffee on the deck, and enjoying evening fires with friends.  Many of our thoughts about summer come from our experience as students. Time is a significant commodity during the school year, with so many activities, sports, classes, and assignments competing for our time. However, in the summer, time becomes easy. Time is not won by labor but exists in surplus, and so it is far easier to waste time. We may also see Church and Church activities as similar to school and believe that we need a break from that during the summer. People stop attending church during the summer. Hopefully, you do not see your relationship with God as something that needs a break; it is only associated with work. Those of us who have always lived in a climate with four seasons know the joy and w...

 I once heard a phrase in seminary that has stuck in my mind like glue, "it is easier to sit with someone in their grief than in their joy." I have thought long and hard about this phrase. Certainly, as a community, we are always more than willing to reach out, support, and pray for those who are suffering, but what about those in our community who are celebrating success? The birth of a grandchild, a new job, acceptance into a program or a team, a financial win, a new house, a marriage, or even a birthday. Why do we not celebrate each other as a community more often? I realize it's easy to get caught up in life's busyness and forget to take a step back and celebrate each other's successes. Perhaps we don't want to brag or draw attention to ourselves or worry we might make someone feel bad.  However, God wants us to celebrate our successes.  We have all been blessed with unique gifts and talents. Whether it's the ability to offer wise counsel, a heart full...

 In a world that proclaims that the Christian church is dying, we have to celebrate growth. Here in Parkdale, we have much to celebrate as we welcome seven new members into our church family this coming Sunday. We have three new transfers from other United Churches, two new members, and two confirmands. While the church may seem to be shrinking in this secular world, the reality is quite different. The global Christian population is rising, particularly in vibrant regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This growth is a beacon of hope, a testament to our faith's enduring strength and relevance.  However, now more than ever, we need to find ways to share our faith and inspire others with where we hear, see, and see God. Hearing how faith has positively impacted others’ lives can provide encouragement and inspire others to work on their spiritual lives. Radical, welcoming, and engaging Parkdale visitors help people feel comfortable, heard, and seen.  The more we engag...