Today is the end of the liturgical year and we end with the Festival of Christ the King also known as the Reign of Christ.
You can find links to the text, audio and accompanying powerpoint presentation for my sermon by clicking
HERE
Your feedback is valuable to me
22 November 2009
08 November 2009
The Widow's Mite
This week we are given the opportunity to focus on the familiar story of the Widow's Mite from Mark's Gospel. You can find my sermon by clicking
HERE
Your comments would be appreciated.
HERE
Your comments would be appreciated.
20 October 2009
St. Luke's Day
This past Sunday we celebrated St. Luke, Apostle and Evangelist. My sermon for that day can be found by clicking
HERE
It is only in audio format this time as once again I was working from memory.
Your feedback would be appreciated.
HERE
It is only in audio format this time as once again I was working from memory.
Your feedback would be appreciated.
17 October 2009
Thanksgiving
I am terribly sorry that I did not post this earlier! Been a bit hectic around here recently.
My Thanksgiving sermon (in both text and audio formats) can be found by clicking
HERE
I would be thankful for your feedback
My Thanksgiving sermon (in both text and audio formats) can be found by clicking
HERE
I would be thankful for your feedback
04 October 2009
St. Francis
Today we celebrate and remember the person of St. Francis of Assisi. A saint who is one of my personal heroes to be sure.
You can hear my sermon by clicking
HERE
I not have a text to post because I flew without a net today. The cross I talk of in my sermon today is the one I have posted above.
Your comments and feedback will be valuable to me.
01 October 2009
Michaelmas
This past Tuesday I was honoured to be asked to come to St. George's Round Church in Halifax and preach on the Festival of St. Michael and All Angels.
It was a grand occasion full of wonderful music and glorious liturgy.
The link to my sermon is found by clicking
HERE
Sadly my recorder got left home so I did not get an opportunity to put up the audio.
Your comments and feedback are valuable to me.
It was a grand occasion full of wonderful music and glorious liturgy.
The link to my sermon is found by clicking
HERE
Sadly my recorder got left home so I did not get an opportunity to put up the audio.
Your comments and feedback are valuable to me.
08 September 2009
... And Gone Again...
This week I will be away to attend a meeting of Provincial Synod. The Ecclesiastical Province of Canada is that area of the Canadian Church from Montreal to Newfoundland. We take councel together once ever three years. I was elected as a delegate to this session almost two years ago and now it is time to go. Synod runs from September 10-13. Please pray for our deliberations and for all those who will be traveling to and from Gander, NF during this time.
Until my return...
Until my return...
05 September 2009
Home again
I've been away for three Sundays - Two for work (the Ask & Imagine High School Program) and one for vacation. I return with a sermon based in my experiece of Ask & Imgaine. You can find it in audio (posted Sunday) and text (posted Saturday) by clicking
HERE
I wold welcome your valuable feedback.
HERE
I wold welcome your valuable feedback.
25 August 2009
Turn Over Day
Monday we turned the program over to the participants. Judy taught them how to lead and plan a workshop and then the participants chose four topics to focus a workshop on based on chapters in the Book Way to Live. The topics they chose are: Choices; Friends; Forgiveness; and Prayer. This afternoon they spent time in their chosen groups and created their workshops.
After supper we journeyed to another part of the campus to walk within a labyrinth. A labyrinth is a spiritual tool used to explore yourself. It is different from a maze because there is only one way in and one way out... you can't get lost in it. I found it quite profound really.
When we returned home we had a brief and lovely worship on the lawn and then went inside to find Fr. Bill Cliff waiting for us for "Bull with Bill". This is a time when the participants are able to ask any question they want by writing them down and putting them in a box. This makes the questions easier to ask because they are anonymous. It was a time for hard questions that revolved around sex, death, drugs, relationships and other things. Bill handled each question with care and grace.
Tuesday the participants present their workshops and I'm looking forward to them.
Until then...
Elliott+
After supper we journeyed to another part of the campus to walk within a labyrinth. A labyrinth is a spiritual tool used to explore yourself. It is different from a maze because there is only one way in and one way out... you can't get lost in it. I found it quite profound really.
When we returned home we had a brief and lovely worship on the lawn and then went inside to find Fr. Bill Cliff waiting for us for "Bull with Bill". This is a time when the participants are able to ask any question they want by writing them down and putting them in a box. This makes the questions easier to ask because they are anonymous. It was a time for hard questions that revolved around sex, death, drugs, relationships and other things. Bill handled each question with care and grace.
Tuesday the participants present their workshops and I'm looking forward to them.
Until then...
Elliott+
24 August 2009
Backblog
Sorry for the delay on posting about the goings on... sleep took precedence the last couple of nights.
Saturday saw us engaging in a Quiet Retreat day. It began with Judy giving us a very powerful demonstration of what to do with our brokenness using a glass jar and a watermelon. We can either use our brokenness to lash out and cut people (broken glass) or we can use our brokenness to reach out and feet others (watermelon). We journeyed down to a nearby river and discussed how we experience this kind of brokenness and each of us was encouraged to throw a piece of watermelon rind into the river as a symbol of letting go of that which is bitter and useless in our lives.
We spent the afternoon in silence and engaging in a number of workshops that various leadership team members provided. I offered to teach individuals about the nature and use of the sacrament of Reconciliation. I had two young women come and I taught them about what confession looks like and how it can be used in our spiritual lives.
Saturday night we all went to a local ice cream shop for some treats and fun.
Sunday we got on a bus at 7:30am and drove to Ancaster, ON where we went to a "High Ropes" course in the forest. It was a very difficult day for me as I am terrified of heights (I don't like to be this tall!) We learned how to safely belay people and then we began sending people up the various elements. I had made a promise to challenge myself to the best of my ability and I began that challenge by belaying lots of people. The weather changed a bit and a thunder storm came through and we had to stop for a bit. I was secretly relieve that this happened as it looked like the weather was going to prevent me from ascending into the trees. I was wrong. The weather cleared and we once again went back to the forest.
I did go up one of the elements. It was an element that pulled me up into the air. At first I pulled myself and then I needed help to go further. I went about 20 feet in the air and touched a very large log fixed between two trees. My goal was to touch that log and I did it. I was terrified the whole time and could not get down fast enough. Though we had a minor problem when I came down - Judy was belaying me and as I descended her hand got pinched in the belay tool and I was left suspended in the air for what felt like FOREVER! Once back on the ground I put myself back together and finished the day belaying many times.
The experience of the high ropes for me was profound. I had thought that when I completed the element I chose I would feel happy or elated or glad but I was none of these things I was simply relieved that it was over. I pushed myself a bit farther than I had intended and found where my limits are - then I went past them ever so slightly.
We returned home to pizza supper and concluded the day with a quiet Eucharist where I reflected on the nature of acorns, potential, strength and how to live what we are learning here.
Well, that's all for now... Monday we turn things over to the participants as they prepare to teach the group themselves.
Until then...
Elliot+
Saturday saw us engaging in a Quiet Retreat day. It began with Judy giving us a very powerful demonstration of what to do with our brokenness using a glass jar and a watermelon. We can either use our brokenness to lash out and cut people (broken glass) or we can use our brokenness to reach out and feet others (watermelon). We journeyed down to a nearby river and discussed how we experience this kind of brokenness and each of us was encouraged to throw a piece of watermelon rind into the river as a symbol of letting go of that which is bitter and useless in our lives.
We spent the afternoon in silence and engaging in a number of workshops that various leadership team members provided. I offered to teach individuals about the nature and use of the sacrament of Reconciliation. I had two young women come and I taught them about what confession looks like and how it can be used in our spiritual lives.
Saturday night we all went to a local ice cream shop for some treats and fun.
Sunday we got on a bus at 7:30am and drove to Ancaster, ON where we went to a "High Ropes" course in the forest. It was a very difficult day for me as I am terrified of heights (I don't like to be this tall!) We learned how to safely belay people and then we began sending people up the various elements. I had made a promise to challenge myself to the best of my ability and I began that challenge by belaying lots of people. The weather changed a bit and a thunder storm came through and we had to stop for a bit. I was secretly relieve that this happened as it looked like the weather was going to prevent me from ascending into the trees. I was wrong. The weather cleared and we once again went back to the forest.
I did go up one of the elements. It was an element that pulled me up into the air. At first I pulled myself and then I needed help to go further. I went about 20 feet in the air and touched a very large log fixed between two trees. My goal was to touch that log and I did it. I was terrified the whole time and could not get down fast enough. Though we had a minor problem when I came down - Judy was belaying me and as I descended her hand got pinched in the belay tool and I was left suspended in the air for what felt like FOREVER! Once back on the ground I put myself back together and finished the day belaying many times.
The experience of the high ropes for me was profound. I had thought that when I completed the element I chose I would feel happy or elated or glad but I was none of these things I was simply relieved that it was over. I pushed myself a bit farther than I had intended and found where my limits are - then I went past them ever so slightly.
We returned home to pizza supper and concluded the day with a quiet Eucharist where I reflected on the nature of acorns, potential, strength and how to live what we are learning here.
Well, that's all for now... Monday we turn things over to the participants as they prepare to teach the group themselves.
Until then...
Elliot+
21 August 2009
Wednesday/Thursday
Sorry I missed a day, been busy around here...
Wednesday was "Faith in Action Day". I went with four participants to the Tillsonburg Community Centre where we joined a group of people who were launching the P.I.E.R. Program for youth to help them with illicit drug use. P.I.E.R. stands for Peer Information Education and Resources Program. It is peer led and run using the various social resources that are present in the community. It looks like a good program though I felt the launch was a bit political in nature with too much time for politicians to get the photo op and not enough time for the people running the program to tell us all about it.
They fed us lunch which was delightful and then we went back to London for a tour of the Addiction Services program. We arrived a bit early so we took the opportunity to visit the local Cathedral. We spent 30 minutes exploring the space and taking copious pictures. We then went to our appointment at Addiction Services and Pam took us around to see the place and she spent a great deal of time telling us what it is that she does and how she does her best to place her faith values in what she does.
After supper we took the time to show the whole group what each smaller group got up to in fun ways. Evening worship was powerful and reflective using a U2 (City of Blinding Lights) song as the focus for our response to scripture - very moving for me.
On to Thursday then.
We were back to the classroom this morning with Fr. Bill. We discussed how the Canon of Scripture came to be and Bill opened the discussion up to what ever the participants wanted and they decided to apply the Three Rules to 1 Corinthians 12-13 - look it up. It was marvelous to watch the minds of each participant open up to the great possiblities of what reading Scripture in this way can present.
This afternoon we had a visit from J.W. Windlands who brought with him some of the symbols of 5 of the major world religions. We explored a small number of them for Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam and Sikhism. It was very interesting to see where the world religions intersect and where they differ through their symbols.
We ended the presentation with a huge drum circle filled with some of the instruments that J.W. brought with him all the while a huge thunder storm raged around us... it was amazing!
This evening my small group lead worship and we began, once again with a glorious drum circle used to call us to worship. Out of that we read the call of Samuel and responded with a prayer sharing time where people lit a candle and offered a prayer that was important to them - it was intense and moving. We concluded with a great song "Here I am Lord". I am proud of the team for their leadership and their ideas and thier spirits.
It's been a busy two days and there is so much more ahead of us... so much to look forward to.
Until then...
Elliott+
Wednesday was "Faith in Action Day". I went with four participants to the Tillsonburg Community Centre where we joined a group of people who were launching the P.I.E.R. Program for youth to help them with illicit drug use. P.I.E.R. stands for Peer Information Education and Resources Program. It is peer led and run using the various social resources that are present in the community. It looks like a good program though I felt the launch was a bit political in nature with too much time for politicians to get the photo op and not enough time for the people running the program to tell us all about it.
They fed us lunch which was delightful and then we went back to London for a tour of the Addiction Services program. We arrived a bit early so we took the opportunity to visit the local Cathedral. We spent 30 minutes exploring the space and taking copious pictures. We then went to our appointment at Addiction Services and Pam took us around to see the place and she spent a great deal of time telling us what it is that she does and how she does her best to place her faith values in what she does.
After supper we took the time to show the whole group what each smaller group got up to in fun ways. Evening worship was powerful and reflective using a U2 (City of Blinding Lights) song as the focus for our response to scripture - very moving for me.
On to Thursday then.
We were back to the classroom this morning with Fr. Bill. We discussed how the Canon of Scripture came to be and Bill opened the discussion up to what ever the participants wanted and they decided to apply the Three Rules to 1 Corinthians 12-13 - look it up. It was marvelous to watch the minds of each participant open up to the great possiblities of what reading Scripture in this way can present.
This afternoon we had a visit from J.W. Windlands who brought with him some of the symbols of 5 of the major world religions. We explored a small number of them for Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam and Sikhism. It was very interesting to see where the world religions intersect and where they differ through their symbols.
We ended the presentation with a huge drum circle filled with some of the instruments that J.W. brought with him all the while a huge thunder storm raged around us... it was amazing!
This evening my small group lead worship and we began, once again with a glorious drum circle used to call us to worship. Out of that we read the call of Samuel and responded with a prayer sharing time where people lit a candle and offered a prayer that was important to them - it was intense and moving. We concluded with a great song "Here I am Lord". I am proud of the team for their leadership and their ideas and thier spirits.
It's been a busy two days and there is so much more ahead of us... so much to look forward to.
Until then...
Elliott+
19 August 2009
Tuesday
Tuesday saw us do more biblical study with Fr. Bill. We spent 90 minutes discussing the parable of the Good Samaritan. The participants are really starting to integrate what they are learning! One memorable quote/story from the morning class:
Fr. Bill retold the story by setting it in the Toronto neighbourhood of Jane & Finch - an area known for violence and racial tension. Picture it this way he said, "A member of the Ku Klux Klan is walking though this neighbourhood and he is beaten up and robbed and left for dead (no surprises here) and then a little, old, black lady comes up to this beaten man and takes him home, binds his wounds, feeds him, hires a nurse to take care of him for 10 days and is willing to do more to ensure that this man is returned to health."
Upon hearing this one of the participants, a girl from Toronto, was heard to exclaim, "Okay! Now, I'm astonished!" And that is what this parable is all about... removing the limits of our obligations to each other and seeing not what we are but that we are children of God.
My exploratory group listend to a very powerful song by rap artist Shad K entitled "I'll Never Understand". This work takes us through the power of true forgiveness and how hate can often lead us to become the exact thing we despise. We also read and discussed as story from Beyond Homelessness that discussed how justice is so much more than simply treating a symptom and must go beyond that to address the root causes of the problem.
In the afternoon, after my group very ably made pies for supper, I took a nap. A glorious, wonderful, happy, 90 minute nap... I needed it badly.
After supper the whole group met together to discuss how our community is functioning and what crisises we are addressing on our way to becoming a True Community. This was followed by small group time.
My small group began to engage the very powerful topic of the nature of heaven. Heady stuff to be sure but we had a wonderful discussion. In our small group we ended the evening with Compline to wrap it all up.
The leadership team met in my room, now lovingly being called "Iceland" because it is the coldest room in the place - thank God! We shared the things we celebrate about today and we giggled throughout.
All in all a good day, a full day, a powerful day.
Wednesday sees us heading out for "Faith in Action Day". I am headed to the launch of a special Addiction Services program for rural high schools and am looking forward to the experience.
Until then...
Elliott+
Fr. Bill retold the story by setting it in the Toronto neighbourhood of Jane & Finch - an area known for violence and racial tension. Picture it this way he said, "A member of the Ku Klux Klan is walking though this neighbourhood and he is beaten up and robbed and left for dead (no surprises here) and then a little, old, black lady comes up to this beaten man and takes him home, binds his wounds, feeds him, hires a nurse to take care of him for 10 days and is willing to do more to ensure that this man is returned to health."
Upon hearing this one of the participants, a girl from Toronto, was heard to exclaim, "Okay! Now, I'm astonished!" And that is what this parable is all about... removing the limits of our obligations to each other and seeing not what we are but that we are children of God.
My exploratory group listend to a very powerful song by rap artist Shad K entitled "I'll Never Understand". This work takes us through the power of true forgiveness and how hate can often lead us to become the exact thing we despise. We also read and discussed as story from Beyond Homelessness that discussed how justice is so much more than simply treating a symptom and must go beyond that to address the root causes of the problem.
In the afternoon, after my group very ably made pies for supper, I took a nap. A glorious, wonderful, happy, 90 minute nap... I needed it badly.
After supper the whole group met together to discuss how our community is functioning and what crisises we are addressing on our way to becoming a True Community. This was followed by small group time.
My small group began to engage the very powerful topic of the nature of heaven. Heady stuff to be sure but we had a wonderful discussion. In our small group we ended the evening with Compline to wrap it all up.
The leadership team met in my room, now lovingly being called "Iceland" because it is the coldest room in the place - thank God! We shared the things we celebrate about today and we giggled throughout.
All in all a good day, a full day, a powerful day.
Wednesday sees us heading out for "Faith in Action Day". I am headed to the launch of a special Addiction Services program for rural high schools and am looking forward to the experience.
Until then...
Elliott+
18 August 2009
Monday
Monday saw the beginning of the formal educational portion of this program. Well, we have been learning lots before today just now we've moved into an actual classroom is all. The participants met the Rev. Canon Bill Cliff who began to teach them how to read scripture in a whole new way. Having had been here last year I sort of knew what was coming. I am always profoundly moved by what Bill has to say but this time I actually got to watch the participants be profoundly moved by what Bill had to say and it was something to behold.
Bill taught us about problems of intrepretation and how sometimes the Bible can be translated with an agenda and we need to be careful about that and not be afraid to ask the question, "Is this what it really says?" He taught us about his three laws of Biblical intrepetation. And we used them to look at two Parables of Jesus (the treasure in the field and the pearl of great price). When they were presented with the idea that WE are the treasure and WE are the pearl while God is the farmer and merchant the gasps were audible.
God is searching for us, individually, and He will give everything away - everything - to find us and when He does find us He will rejoice! Think about that for a little while...
After a short break we went to our Exploratory Groups - I went to one on Justice and Music. We heard Andrew read us the story of creation told through the eyes of the heavenly host and it was powerful, meangingful and moving. We looked at Psalm 72 and what that teaches us about justice. We decided that it defines justice in this way: "Justice is helping those who are oppressed by giving aid and hold them up AND justice is turning toward the oppressor and doing all you can to show them why they need to stop." Think abou thtat for a little while...
After lunch and a break we came together in the classroom for a workshop called True Colours where we were sorted by our personality type. Our presentor, Karen Kloibhofer, was amazing! For those of you who have done this before I am a "Gold" - surprise, surprise! This workshop was fun and engaging... if I get a pic of the event I'll share it with you.
After supper we met in our small groups and discussed the day that was and how we are going to function as a group. I think my group is pretty well balanced and I'm really looking forward to working with them.
Worship on Monday saw the leadership team teaching about how to lead worship through four movments: Gathering, Hearing the Word, Responding to the Word, Sending Forth. It was powerful and meaningful.
After worship I hung out a bit and then fell into bed.
Tuesday we will be doing more classroom work and I look forward to reporting all that happens... Until anon...
Elliott+
Bill taught us about problems of intrepretation and how sometimes the Bible can be translated with an agenda and we need to be careful about that and not be afraid to ask the question, "Is this what it really says?" He taught us about his three laws of Biblical intrepetation. And we used them to look at two Parables of Jesus (the treasure in the field and the pearl of great price). When they were presented with the idea that WE are the treasure and WE are the pearl while God is the farmer and merchant the gasps were audible.
God is searching for us, individually, and He will give everything away - everything - to find us and when He does find us He will rejoice! Think about that for a little while...
After a short break we went to our Exploratory Groups - I went to one on Justice and Music. We heard Andrew read us the story of creation told through the eyes of the heavenly host and it was powerful, meangingful and moving. We looked at Psalm 72 and what that teaches us about justice. We decided that it defines justice in this way: "Justice is helping those who are oppressed by giving aid and hold them up AND justice is turning toward the oppressor and doing all you can to show them why they need to stop." Think abou thtat for a little while...
After lunch and a break we came together in the classroom for a workshop called True Colours where we were sorted by our personality type. Our presentor, Karen Kloibhofer, was amazing! For those of you who have done this before I am a "Gold" - surprise, surprise! This workshop was fun and engaging... if I get a pic of the event I'll share it with you.
After supper we met in our small groups and discussed the day that was and how we are going to function as a group. I think my group is pretty well balanced and I'm really looking forward to working with them.
Worship on Monday saw the leadership team teaching about how to lead worship through four movments: Gathering, Hearing the Word, Responding to the Word, Sending Forth. It was powerful and meaningful.
After worship I hung out a bit and then fell into bed.
Tuesday we will be doing more classroom work and I look forward to reporting all that happens... Until anon...
Elliott+
17 August 2009
Sunday
Today we began our journey of discovery with some education about what theology really is anway. Out of that conversation we discussed what a Christian community can and should look like. Judy told us:
Christian Community is:
The place where we can become fully ourselves
The place where we support each other and help each other grow
The place where we accomplish a mission or make real a vision - accomplishing a purpose.
After lunch, while the participants were creating their covenant as a community I sat down with Andrew and planned out the evening's Eucharistic worship.
After supper we were divided into our small groups and participated in a series of "Small Group Challenges" all of which are designed to test our abilities and the wisdom of the group. The challenges are designed to be fun and, well... challenging. My group acquitted itself admirably with all the tasks it was asked to do... even despite my ineptness at some of the games.
The evening ended with a celebration of Holy Eucharist and the building of our covenant pile of stones (see Genesis 31:44-48a). The Eucharist was filled with contemplation, prayer, drums, words and the presence of Jesus - it was glorious!
The day has been full... what has been done has been done... what has not been done has not been done... I am going to let it be...
Tomorrow we begin our classroom work with Biblical Studies and our Exploratory Groups so I'll have lots to tell I'm sure.
Until tomorrow...
Elliott+
Christian Community is:
The place where we can become fully ourselves
The place where we support each other and help each other grow
The place where we accomplish a mission or make real a vision - accomplishing a purpose.
After lunch, while the participants were creating their covenant as a community I sat down with Andrew and planned out the evening's Eucharistic worship.
After supper we were divided into our small groups and participated in a series of "Small Group Challenges" all of which are designed to test our abilities and the wisdom of the group. The challenges are designed to be fun and, well... challenging. My group acquitted itself admirably with all the tasks it was asked to do... even despite my ineptness at some of the games.
The evening ended with a celebration of Holy Eucharist and the building of our covenant pile of stones (see Genesis 31:44-48a). The Eucharist was filled with contemplation, prayer, drums, words and the presence of Jesus - it was glorious!
The day has been full... what has been done has been done... what has not been done has not been done... I am going to let it be...
Tomorrow we begin our classroom work with Biblical Studies and our Exploratory Groups so I'll have lots to tell I'm sure.
Until tomorrow...
Elliott+
16 August 2009
Saturday
Today is the day... the participants arrived.
I spent the day being "around" to help. By that I mean: doing two trips to the London Airport to pick people up; hanging out; welcoming people; helping with bags; meeting people; learning names (got 15 new ones); helping with meals; helping with making aprons; fielding questions; taking everyone on a tour of the places we will be at the College; getting holy hardware for Sunday's Eucharist; eating; laughing... being.
Supper was our first meal all together and the first time we all sat in the same room at the same time. Our community is begining to form and it looks like it will be another amazing group of young people who are eager to engage in this process and look deeply into themselves, their church, their faith and their world.
After supper we did some "get to know you games" and finished the day with a brief an meaningful worship around a cloth map of Canada that Judy constructed - each of us who wished placed a candle on our home town and mentioned those who are supporting us from afar.
The team meeting in my room (because it is the coldest - gosh its hot!) was filled with the laughter that comes from sharing the joys of a busy day. There were presents for some of us sent to us by the Rev. Helen Manfield (a Mentor on the May 2009 program) and I received a lovely card with my favourite blessing upon it, a CD of Steve Bell's music entitled Solace: For Seasons of Suffering, and a Lenten resource I hope to put to good use next year.
Thank you Helen for your kind gifts to each of us and you are right when you write about sending the best things "which do not fit in a box." I return to you those good things in the form of gratitude and love.
After the team meeting I fell in to my bed exhausted and ready for sleep.
Sunday will bring us closer to true community... until then...
Elliott+
I spent the day being "around" to help. By that I mean: doing two trips to the London Airport to pick people up; hanging out; welcoming people; helping with bags; meeting people; learning names (got 15 new ones); helping with meals; helping with making aprons; fielding questions; taking everyone on a tour of the places we will be at the College; getting holy hardware for Sunday's Eucharist; eating; laughing... being.
Supper was our first meal all together and the first time we all sat in the same room at the same time. Our community is begining to form and it looks like it will be another amazing group of young people who are eager to engage in this process and look deeply into themselves, their church, their faith and their world.
After supper we did some "get to know you games" and finished the day with a brief an meaningful worship around a cloth map of Canada that Judy constructed - each of us who wished placed a candle on our home town and mentioned those who are supporting us from afar.
The team meeting in my room (because it is the coldest - gosh its hot!) was filled with the laughter that comes from sharing the joys of a busy day. There were presents for some of us sent to us by the Rev. Helen Manfield (a Mentor on the May 2009 program) and I received a lovely card with my favourite blessing upon it, a CD of Steve Bell's music entitled Solace: For Seasons of Suffering, and a Lenten resource I hope to put to good use next year.
Thank you Helen for your kind gifts to each of us and you are right when you write about sending the best things "which do not fit in a box." I return to you those good things in the form of gratitude and love.
After the team meeting I fell in to my bed exhausted and ready for sleep.
Sunday will bring us closer to true community... until then...
Elliott+
15 August 2009
Friday
Friday was another day of preparation for the leadership team... preparation and fun. We began the day discussing some of the norms for a community like this: norms around food safety and personal safety. We told stories from our experiences of how we dealth with tricky situations where boundaries were blurred and how we kept ourselves and others safe.
After lunch we made sure all was in readiness for the arrival of 15 excited and terrified young people. The rooms are prepared. The living spaces are ready. The members of the leadership team are unified!
In the afternoon we went to the shores of Lake Huron to have some fun together. I'm not much of a beach person but I pushed myself as far as I could... something I have promised to do. We ate a wonderful meal (I even got to barbeque!!) had fantastic conversations and then we went back to the beach to sing and pray in preparation for the day to come. The singing was wonderful, the prayer was powerful, the team is ready.
We came home to Brough in a state of mind that says, "Bring them on! They won't know what hit them. They are going to run into a wall of love."
Saturday the participants all arrive and I cannot wait, my anticipation level is extreme, and yet it will unfold as it will unfold - I have to let it.
So... buckle up, here we go, it's going to be a wild ride!!
Elliott+
After lunch we made sure all was in readiness for the arrival of 15 excited and terrified young people. The rooms are prepared. The living spaces are ready. The members of the leadership team are unified!
In the afternoon we went to the shores of Lake Huron to have some fun together. I'm not much of a beach person but I pushed myself as far as I could... something I have promised to do. We ate a wonderful meal (I even got to barbeque!!) had fantastic conversations and then we went back to the beach to sing and pray in preparation for the day to come. The singing was wonderful, the prayer was powerful, the team is ready.
We came home to Brough in a state of mind that says, "Bring them on! They won't know what hit them. They are going to run into a wall of love."
Saturday the participants all arrive and I cannot wait, my anticipation level is extreme, and yet it will unfold as it will unfold - I have to let it.
So... buckle up, here we go, it's going to be a wild ride!!
Elliott+
13 August 2009
Thursday
I awoke this morning and was quite perturbed to find myself in pain. I have a bit of a wonky back and every now and then it says to me, "Hey, idiot, you did too much the last couple of days and now I'm going to punish you!" So with a pain in my back I got out of bed and had to tell the team that I had to be on "light duty" today so that I could let my back get the rest it needs. The team is very understanding and they gave me the space I needed... they even washed my dishes for me so that I would not have to stoop down over the very low sink we have here (thanks Allie and Andrew!)
Today was filled with group building activities for the leadership team which I participated as best I could with my back in the state it was. We shared in a couple of games, a couple of initiative tasks, a couple of sharing opportunities to tell where we were coming from and what we were carrying with us as we begin.
After lunch the mentors of the program sat with Judy and discussed how to do "interrogatory theology" - a key component to this program and we engaged it by learning what it is and then putting it to use. Interrogatory theology is the process by which we engage the participants in this program and give them the space and opportunity to ask the questions that are burning within them. The ask the questions and then we gently guide them by asking questions of their questions and helping them to come to find their own answers or at least to ask better questions. We do not provide answers here... we help with the questions.
After supper we all joined together for one of my favourite parts of this program... drumcircles! Each of us chose an instrument that "spoke" to us and we played music together. Drumcircles begin when they begin; they end when they end; and everyone had to listen to each other. We did three sessions in all. Each one very different from the last and each of them beautiful in their own way.
Finally we were all sent off to write an inspirational devotional that will be given to each participant during the course of the program. These are designed to give the participants an opportunity to reflect and engage some material that is centred around something we have experienced in our lives. And then there are some questions to engage at the end. If you are interested in what I wrote I will post it (but not until after it goes to the participants)... stay tuned.
I head to bed tonight free of the pain I began the day with, thankfully. It has been a day of revelations and learning.
Until tomorrow...
Elliott+
Today was filled with group building activities for the leadership team which I participated as best I could with my back in the state it was. We shared in a couple of games, a couple of initiative tasks, a couple of sharing opportunities to tell where we were coming from and what we were carrying with us as we begin.
After lunch the mentors of the program sat with Judy and discussed how to do "interrogatory theology" - a key component to this program and we engaged it by learning what it is and then putting it to use. Interrogatory theology is the process by which we engage the participants in this program and give them the space and opportunity to ask the questions that are burning within them. The ask the questions and then we gently guide them by asking questions of their questions and helping them to come to find their own answers or at least to ask better questions. We do not provide answers here... we help with the questions.
After supper we all joined together for one of my favourite parts of this program... drumcircles! Each of us chose an instrument that "spoke" to us and we played music together. Drumcircles begin when they begin; they end when they end; and everyone had to listen to each other. We did three sessions in all. Each one very different from the last and each of them beautiful in their own way.
Finally we were all sent off to write an inspirational devotional that will be given to each participant during the course of the program. These are designed to give the participants an opportunity to reflect and engage some material that is centred around something we have experienced in our lives. And then there are some questions to engage at the end. If you are interested in what I wrote I will post it (but not until after it goes to the participants)... stay tuned.
I head to bed tonight free of the pain I began the day with, thankfully. It has been a day of revelations and learning.
Until tomorrow...
Elliott+
Wednesday
Today was a day of preparation. We went to the airport twice (once in the morning to get Allie [residence advisor] and once in the evening to get Su [mentor]). We went out for breakfast at a local greasy spoon - had a lovely b'fast... it came with both sausage AND bacon! After b'fast we came back to Brough and began unpacking the things for the kitchen and washing ALL the dishes in the house so that we were assured they were clean before we started using them.
This afternoon we went to the train station to pick up Andrew [mentor] and after a brief bagel and coffee run we came back to the house to set it up in preparation for the young people to arrive. Lots of opening rooms, making name tags, putting up posters, etc. In the midst of this hubbub Jen [residence advisor] arrived to lend her hands to things.
After we picked up Su we all went to a restaurant for dinner - fantastic!! I had the best ribs and hot wings ever! During dinner Janet [kitchen supervisor] arrived and afterward she, Jen and I went grocery shopping for tomorrow.
Came home from that, unloaded the car and now I am headed to bed after a full day.
Tomorrow we do some planning, scheduling, learning and many other things I'm sure.
Until then...
Elliott+
This afternoon we went to the train station to pick up Andrew [mentor] and after a brief bagel and coffee run we came back to the house to set it up in preparation for the young people to arrive. Lots of opening rooms, making name tags, putting up posters, etc. In the midst of this hubbub Jen [residence advisor] arrived to lend her hands to things.
After we picked up Su we all went to a restaurant for dinner - fantastic!! I had the best ribs and hot wings ever! During dinner Janet [kitchen supervisor] arrived and afterward she, Jen and I went grocery shopping for tomorrow.
Came home from that, unloaded the car and now I am headed to bed after a full day.
Tomorrow we do some planning, scheduling, learning and many other things I'm sure.
Until then...
Elliott+
12 August 2009
Arrival
The trip from Halifax to Toronto was very uneventful until landing. As we touched down on the runway an electrical storm decided it would be good to descend upon the airport. It was not dangerous at all but it did delay the retrieval of my luggage for about 45 minutes - no big deal really. I found Jenny (my Toronto contact) while I waited. So good to see her again.
Jenny then took me on a bit of a tour of the greater Toronto area and I got to see some fairly large buildings like the CN Tower, etc. We drove down to her neighbourhood and she took me to a lovely pub for supper. The food was lovely!
We then got her gear and began our trip to London.
We only got lost a couple of times but I was content as I was with a friend and we had lots of catching up to do. Traveling around London was interesting as we took a number of wrong turns and actually got to see a lot of the city.
We did finally arrive at Brough House and there I found Judy waiting for us... Soooooo good to see her again! We unloaded all our gear and got ourselves settled in.
All in all an eventful day... full of exploration and excitement.
Tomorrow we begin to put the house together for arrivals... Until then...
Elliott+
Jenny then took me on a bit of a tour of the greater Toronto area and I got to see some fairly large buildings like the CN Tower, etc. We drove down to her neighbourhood and she took me to a lovely pub for supper. The food was lovely!
We then got her gear and began our trip to London.
We only got lost a couple of times but I was content as I was with a friend and we had lots of catching up to do. Traveling around London was interesting as we took a number of wrong turns and actually got to see a lot of the city.
We did finally arrive at Brough House and there I found Judy waiting for us... Soooooo good to see her again! We unloaded all our gear and got ourselves settled in.
All in all an eventful day... full of exploration and excitement.
Tomorrow we begin to put the house together for arrivals... Until then...
Elliott+
10 August 2009
Ask & Imagine
Tomorrow I depart for the wilds of southern Ontario (London to be exact) to engage in the Ask & Imagine program for high school aged young people.
I will be a member of the leadership team in a mentoring role once again (I must have done something right last year because they asked me back).
As last year I will do my best to keep you updated with all that is going on during the program. My goal is to post a note every day. That may not be a realistic goal because I know it was hard to do last year, but I'll set it anyway.
I would ask for your faithful prayers for the participants, for the leadership team, and - unworthy servant that I am - for me throughout the program (Aug. 12-16) as we explore the bounds of our faith, make new relationships, learn new things and open our souls to God's presence. Knowing that you are praying for us (and for me) will be a great blessing.
So, stay tuned and I'll keep you posted as best I can.
Blessings!
I will be a member of the leadership team in a mentoring role once again (I must have done something right last year because they asked me back).
As last year I will do my best to keep you updated with all that is going on during the program. My goal is to post a note every day. That may not be a realistic goal because I know it was hard to do last year, but I'll set it anyway.
I would ask for your faithful prayers for the participants, for the leadership team, and - unworthy servant that I am - for me throughout the program (Aug. 12-16) as we explore the bounds of our faith, make new relationships, learn new things and open our souls to God's presence. Knowing that you are praying for us (and for me) will be a great blessing.
So, stay tuned and I'll keep you posted as best I can.
Blessings!
09 August 2009
Back at it
This week sees three baptisms at St. George's, something I always look forward to.
HERE
is the link to my sermon for this week. I've posted it in text format at present and the audio will be up shortly.
Your comments and feedback are valuable to me.
HERE
is the link to my sermon for this week. I've posted it in text format at present and the audio will be up shortly.
Your comments and feedback are valuable to me.
03 August 2009
Another Special Guest Preacher
This week we were blessed with the presence of Cydney Proctor who recently attended the Ask & Imagine May Program for Young Adults. I am headed back to the High School form of this program later this month and wanted the church family to hear what sort of things I'll be getting up to from someone under the age of 40.
HERE
is the link to the audio of her fine sermon.
HERE
is the link to the audio of her fine sermon.
22 July 2009
I know it's been a while
Ok, I've been away, we've had guest preachers, we've had special presentations and I haven't posted a sermon here in over 2 months. Hard to believe it's been that long.
This week we are faced with the familiar story of the feeding of 5000 in John's Gospel
HERE
is the link to my sermon for this week in both text (posted Thursday) and audio (posted Sunday).
As usual I would find your feedback enlightening.
This week we are faced with the familiar story of the feeding of 5000 in John's Gospel
HERE
is the link to my sermon for this week in both text (posted Thursday) and audio (posted Sunday).
As usual I would find your feedback enlightening.
14 June 2009
Guest Preacher
06 June 2009
Synod 2009
Last month the Diocese joined together for debate, discussion, information and some fun at our 142nd gathering of the Diocesan Synod.
I offer to you my reflection upon one of the major events that occured during this Synod. You may find it by clicking
HERE
Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated.
I do hope that you are enjoying a blessed Pentecost Season!
I offer to you my reflection upon one of the major events that occured during this Synod. You may find it by clicking
HERE
Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated.
I do hope that you are enjoying a blessed Pentecost Season!
17 May 2009
Friendship
This week Jesus tells us to lay down our lives for our friends. My offering on this lesson can be found by clicking
HERE
Blessed are you if you leave me some valuable feedback.
HERE
Blessed are you if you leave me some valuable feedback.
15 May 2009
10 May 2009
Easter Continues
The Season of Easter carries on in its way and we are given the opportunity to hear scripture that points us toward the life of Christ... today is no exception.
You can access my sermon for today in both audio and text formats by clicking
HERE
Your feedback is valuable to me, please offer it.
You can access my sermon for today in both audio and text formats by clicking
HERE
Your feedback is valuable to me, please offer it.
03 May 2009
Good Shepherd Sunday
This Sunday there is a definite theme running through the readings: that of the relationship between sheep and their shepherd.
Thus, and so, my offering for this day can be found by clicking
HERE
The sermon can be found in both audio and text formats.
Please feel free to send me your valuable feed back.
Thus, and so, my offering for this day can be found by clicking
HERE
The sermon can be found in both audio and text formats.
Please feel free to send me your valuable feed back.
26 April 2009
What prophets teach...
Today I had the opportunity to share some wisdom from my friend Judy Steers in my sermon which you can find by clicking
HERE
in both audio and text format.
Your feedback is valuable to me, please share it.
HERE
in both audio and text format.
Your feedback is valuable to me, please share it.
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