There’s a tension that is present in many people of faith - that the hope of God’s work in the world and the reality of life experiences don’t always line up. It’s in these moments that I long for the church to embody Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s vision of the Christmas bell.
Read MoreAfter spending two years studying Greek, my professor ask the class what our main take-away was. It didn’t take me long to think of how studying the New Testament in the original language has changed my understanding. And it all started with one word.
Read MoreThroughout Scripture, God has always taken the side of the marginalized, poor, and oppressed. God’s people are called to do the same. But we can’t be on the side of the oppressed without judging the oppressor.
Read MoreChristians believe that the end of all things is already known. In the end, Jesus will return to bring justice and to make all things right. But why is it taking so long? Why do we have to endure so much suffering and pain? Why can’t we skip to the end?
Read MoreA few weeks ago, my daughter and I had a funny exchange as I tried to get her to say my real name. Instead of saying “Moses,” she kept saying “Daddy.” This got me thinking about my relationship with God.
Read MoreWith the start of a new year comes all the pressure to begin anew and to commit to doing things the right way. I can’t count how many times I’ve been told that God deserves the best part of my day. But what if I don’t have a best part of my day right now?
Read MoreAs a local church pastor, I’ve seen just how much churches change. The transient nature of church has led to the phenomenon that we refer to as “church shopping.” Church isn’t a commodity that we can buy or sell, so instead let’s ask critical questions when looking for a new church.
Read MoreOne day this summer, as I was biking to work, I heard a loud pop as I crossed a bumpy intersection. I slowly started to notice that my bike wasn’t moving the way that it used to. I looked down - my back tire was flat!
Read MoreMay 25, 2021 will mark the one year anniversary of the death of George Floyd. A lot of progress has been made in the last while to address racism, but one questioned lingered - would we see justice?
Read MoreTime is meant to be seen as a gift. Although it vanishes away quickly, the fact that we’re here now and have the time that we have should lead us to give thanks to the giver of life. Each tomorrow is a gift of opportunity that we should never take for granted.
Read MoreCBC’s Kim’s Convenience has become one of my favourite TV shows. In the most recent episode I watched, I was blown away with the dialogue that Umma and Appa have about prayer. I never expected a CBC show to include such a good reminder of what prayer is and how God longs to be in relationship with us.
Read MoreThose who have been reconciled by God are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation. This is the mission of the Church as the people of God. But what do we do when that mission gets too big and we are spread too thin?
Read MoreThrough Jesus’ words, we hear God speaking to us. On the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” What do those words mean for us when we don’t know what we are doing?
Read MoreIt was with great sadness that my family and I said goodbye to our Opa, Ludwig Eck, on Saturday, February 13th. Planning a funeral from a distance was difficult, but as we gathered online, we celebrated the story of his life.
Read MoreHow do we go about naming our losses? How do we commemorate the one year anniversary of this pandemic? What do we do when we don’t have good answers to all the “Why” questions?
Read MoreOn March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 was a global pandemic. After one year, this occasion gives us a chance to pause to reflect, remember our losses, and reorient ourselves to the future.
Read MoreLike most things during this pandemic, Lent will look a lot different for us this year. So here are some ideas and resources that you can use to shape this season as we remain physically distanced from one another.
Read MoreSo much has changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Is the Church still relevant even though we can’t meet in person? Will the Church be needed after the pandemic is over?
Read MoreDuring this pandemic, I can’t count how many times I’ve longed for things to go back to normal. But I’m starting to realize that my hopes for everything to go back to normal uncover my own place of privilege.
Read MoreOne of the greatest gifts you can give another person is your time. That’s why I was honoured when one of the pillars in our Mennonite church took the time to have coffee with me.
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