The Progressive Reverend

As we enter the final week of Advent, a bittersweet excitement wells up within me. Amid the flurry of tasks on my to-do list, I find myself craving moments of quiet worship. For me, this season of waiting is more than just tradition; it’s a sacred time for rest and reflection. Now, more than ever, it feels essential to embrace the spirit of worship during this season of hope and anticipation. I’m particularly looking forward to this year’s Christmas Eve services. The 5:00 service will be a delightful, child-friendly embrace of the classic Lessons and Carols, serving up traditional carols intertwined with interactive storytelling. It’s sure to bring a bit of joyful chaos that allows the laughter and energy of Christmas to fill the sanctuary. Reflecting on my own childhood, I cherish the memories of attending the 11:00 PM Lessons and Carols service with my family, a cherished tradition that culminated in the soft glow of candlelight as we sang “Silent Night.” Those moments wrapped in war...

This week, as we get excited for the upcoming Children's Christmas Pageant, we’re reminded that joy often shines the brightest in the simplest things. The laughter of the children, their heartfelt performances, and the pure excitement as they share the story of Christ’s birth fill our hearts with warmth. This joy doesn't rely on perfection or grand gestures; it comes from the beauty of love and anticipation in our hearts. Let’s also take a moment to reflect on Mary's joy. A young woman carrying the Savior of the world, she may have felt overwhelmed, yet she also experienced the profound joy of God's promise unfolding right within her. In the simplicity of that moment, she found incredible joy. As we prepare for our celebration, let’s think about how we, too, can find joy in life's simplest gifts. It might be in a quiet prayer, the warmth of a shared meal, or simply being present with our loved ones. Let’s ask ourselves: What joy can we find in the humble moments of ...

One thing I love about being a minister is that the craziness of Christmas comes in November. I spend most of November planning for Advent, trying to add uniqueness to the services, writing Christmas Eve services, planning Christmas events, and gearing up for pageants, parties, and decorating. By the time Advent arrives, I can finally take a breath. All my preparations are complete, and life's pace shifts to something different. Advent becomes a sacred time of anticipation, a season where we learn the value of patience and find joy in the plans I’ve spent weeks putting together. As much as the festive spirit tempts me to jump right into Christmas carols during our Sunday services, I’ve genuinely come to appreciate the essence of sabbath rest during this season. Our lives are already packed with holiday cheer—whether through social media, television, parties, or the hustle of last-minute gift buying. Do we need to add more chaos to our Sunday mornings? I’ve made a conscious effort t...

 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...