This week, we took a good hard look at the parable of the talents in the book of Matthew. First, we acknowledged the traditional interpretation, but then suggested that there might be a different way of understanding the scripture. To help with our interpretation, we employed some volunteers and some props so this one you’ll …
Continue reading “Mafia Cronies & Third Servants – November 16, 2014”
On Sunday November 9 in the afternoon there was a gathering where three levels of the United Church committed to walking with each other and with a new minister during a covenanting service. A covenanting service is kind of like the official start to the journey. In metaphor terms, it’s a little bit like we …
On Sunday November 9, 2014 at Chemainus United Church, we took time to remember. We took time to remember the people who have died at war. We took time to remember that violence is still far too prevalent. What then, shall our response be. Peace. For peace to happen we must work for it. It …
Continue reading “Do You Really Want to Remember? – November 9, 2014”
Today, the lectionary thrust us into the book of Matthew. The scripture that we were looking at is not the kind of stuff we typically talk about or think about when we think about Jesus. You’ll never find Matthew 23:1-12 on a inspirational poster – but you might see the implications of it: stop trying …
Continue reading “My, My, What Wide Phylactery You Have! – November 2, 2014”
This week at Chemainus United Church we finished up following the story of Exodus. In order to do so, we moved to Deuteronomy for the final concluding movement of the life of Moses – his death. A special thank you to the children and youth who helped illustrate the sermon. In the sermon, I didn’t …
This week’s sermon explored one of the most interesting texts in the scriptures. It’s a simple story of a tent and a God so close, yet so incredible that containing the goodness to a tent is impossible. I would be remiss if I did not point out a few credits for the sermon this week …
What do you do when the people you took out of Egypt with all sorts of mighty miracles, betray you? You destroy them of course. Except this God and the appointed leader are different. Take a listen to this weeks sermon: If I might, I’ll add a detail that probably would have been good to have …
Continue reading “This Ain’t Your Typical National God – October 12th, 2014”
This week we explored a very, very well-known story – the story of the Ten Commandments. While these are really important, we also talked about the stuff that comes after. There are commandments for the people in addition to the 10. There are 603 other commandments. These commandments were about how to live. Remember, the …
Continue reading “Don’t Eat the Hooboe & 612 Other Commandments to Follow – October 5, 2014”
This week the story was an infamous one. For the 4th time the Israelites are complaining. Their complaint is legitimate, however. They are in the wilderness and conspicuously absent is water of any kind. They complain to Moses who sees their complaint as a direct affront agains God. And yet, water is provided. Moses names …
Continue reading “Father Moses & the Meltdown at Table 49 – September 28, 2014”
The sermon from this week is now up. If you missed it or want to share it, check it out: For some interesting reading, read Numbers 11 for a very different account. We’d also love to hear your thoughts on these two questions: What gifts you think are being provided? How do we use those …
Continue reading “The Hoarder, the Slacker and the Steward – September 21, 2014”
