Tag: Advent

Peace in Polarized Times

On the second Sunday of Advent, Jess invites a conversation about the kind of peace that Jesus came to bring, and how he went about bringing it. In the midst of social and political turmoil, she encourages an approach to those who differ from us that centres our shared humanity and the reality that our own well being is intrinsically connected to the well being of everyone else.

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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. 

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Huge Problems, Vulnerable Love

On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, with the theme of Love, Walter emphasizes how strange it is that Vulnerable Love is God’s response to all the big problems in the world and the path that God invites us to follow.

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nativity scene in tents

Hope for Humanity?

On the first Sunday of Advent, Jess offers some reflections on the lectionary passages and what they reveal about our humanity. She shares insights from contemporary voices who point us toward a hopeful perspective on human nature and our innate goodness.

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Christ ascending

Our Chronic Existential Waiting Crisis

On the final week of Advent – the week of Love – Mark Groleau helped us to face our CHRONIC EXISTENTIAL WAITING CRISES by addressing the ways humanity, and Christians in particular, are always waiting for the next best thing that promises salvation. But what if what we’re waiting for never comes? And what if that’s because it’s already here? God -aka Love- is with us. If

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figure of baby Jesus in the rubble

Joy with Eyes Open

Walter explores the theme for the 3rd Sunday of Advent (Joy), emphasizing that joy must remain aware of the suffering and hardship around us and that trust enables us to respond to the moments when joy arises in us. When his notes ran out of steam, the congregation’s wisdom rose to the challenge!

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hands holding candles

Reclaiming Peace

Following a warm and festive Second Breakfast potluck, Lorna Jones shared some wise words of her own and others on reclaiming peace in our interior lives. She invited us to consider what keeps us from peace and what we might do to reclaim, recreate, and cultivate peace in ourselves and in the world

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candle flame in total darkness

Confessions of Hope

With an invitation to an Honest Advent, Jess shares some confessions that begin with her own reluctance to welcome advent this year. She reflects on how speaking the truth in this way can help clear the air, and perhaps even make a little room in our hearts to welcome a Saviour. Then she considers why advent begins with apocalyptic passages about the end of the world, and connects this to our current context and how we might stay awake in this season — as we watch  and wait for Christ’s arrival today.

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Stories of Intergenerational Joy

For the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we had a special “Intergenerational Sunday” with stories, instruments for the kids, and a pinata to wrap things up! Janell, Lorna and Victoria took turns sharing “Stories of Intergenerational Joy.”

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a distant cross is seen with a foreground of flags

“Peace, Peace” When There Is No Peace

On the Second Sunday of Advent, Jess Williams gives a talk on the Jeremiah passage that emphasizes that a surface peace that doesn’t face real and present divisions is no peace at all.

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