The Progressive Reverend

I sometimes wonder why I write these posts. Often, I write them because I need a reminder of how to be a better person. Sometimes, I need this more than others, and this is one of those posts to remind me to be a better person. We can all agree that a lot is happening politically in the world right now; this is the understatement of the century! I find myself too often checking the news to see the latest drama. Yes, I care about politics; I vote but don't love drama. I deeply care about the people in this world, and I want some sort of peace. But what does that look like when surrounded by people who love drama? How do we ignore the current political climate and still care about what is happening worldwide? Last week, I found myself unfriending people on Facebook—people I have been friends with for a long time. I could not take their overly loud political views for one more second. I could have shut down social media and snoozed them for a few weeks, but no, I suddenly wa...

This week hasn't been easy for me. I've been battling a pesky virus, which makes even the smallest tasks challenging. I feel a bit guilty about missing work and letting people down. I tend to be pretty hard on myself. I always strive to be the best version of myself, so when I fall short, I feel disappointed. However, when I see someone struggling or feeling unwell, I’m quick to offer them kindness and understanding. It’s amusing how we can be so much kinder to others than to ourselves. Self-compassion can be a tricky subject. If we indulge in it too much, we risk becoming self-absorbed. Nevertheless, most people find it difficult to grant themselves even a small amount of compassion. At its core, self-compassion is about mindfully treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we would extend to a friend facing difficulties. It means being gentle and supportive rather than harsh or overly critical when we make mistakes or feel inadequate. Research shows that pract...

People come to church for many reasons; some stay, while others leave after just one visit, often deciding their connection to the community in that short encounter. When someone enters and chooses to remain, my heart fills with gratitude and curiosity. Not long ago, one individual shared with me a striking observation: in a world filled with chaos, the church stands as a rare sanctuary of genuine kindness. This isn't just polite niceties; it's an authentic, radical hospitality that seems almost revolutionary. This person remarked on how quickly we learn and remember names—a simple act that can transform feelings of isolation into belonging. For those wrestling with the harsh realities of life, I take immense pride in our congregation, which embodies a spirit of radical kindness and attentive care. Recognizing that not all churches embody this warmth makes me appreciate it even more. For those of us experiencing calmer moments, having a refuge where we can simply be ourselves p...

The other day, I encountered someone who expressed their disdain for New Year's, lamenting that another year had slipped by, bringing us closer to the end.  I must admit, I was surprised. To me, the New Year signifies renewal and hope—a wonderful opportunity to pause and appreciate all that's occurred in the past year while honouring the blessings in our lives. It represents a fresh start: a new calendar, a clean slate, and a chance to embark on our journey of self-improvement. Each year, I reaffirm my belief in goal setting, self-improvement, reflection, and gratitude rather than traditional New Year's resolutions. As I reflect on the vibrant community at Parkdale United Church in 2024, my heart swells with joy at welcoming Mosaic Montessori. It is a true delight to witness 60 bright, eager children filling our space with laughter and energy each day! I am incredibly grateful for the installation of air-conditioning on the church's main floor; it has turned our sum...

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...