Bible with Bill

Tuesday morning saw us say good bye to Bram who gave us a crash course on information gathering techniques. He gave us some great advice about how to do interviews, distil information and what the general rules are for various mediums. The quote that I will always remember from Bram is this, "Art is never finished; it is only abandoned." Brilliant! When we create something we can spend far too much time trying to make it completely perfect and, of course, we can never attain that.

And so we bid farewell to Bram and then welcomed The Reverend Canon Bill Cliff to our midst. Bill is a Biblical scholar and has taught me more about how to read and interpret Scripture than any of my courses in theological school. He doesn't "dumb down" his approach at all when it comes to working with young people and that is a great gift he gives.

His "Three Rules of Biblical Interpretation" are legendary. I have posted them here before but they always beg to be reposted.

1. Scripture is always astonishing; and if it isn't astonishing you are not reading it right.

2. Scripture is never fair.

3. God always acts first.

Applying these three seemingly simple rules and break the scriptures so wide open that they will truly "mess with your head," to quote Bill.

We looked at two very short parables using this method and there were many minds blown away and old preconceptions obliterated.

He then taught us about the "Myth of Redemptive Violence". I have heard this many times and every time I hear Bill teach it I receive more and more from it.

In the afternoon we met friend of the program Karen Kloibhoffer who taught us about our "True Colours". This is an exercise in finding out what your personality traits are and what strengths and weaknesses those traits have. I am a "Gold" - for those of you who know what this means it will come as no surprise to you!

After supper it was Blob Time and then worship with Andrew Stevens-Rennie. Andrew will be leading us through exploratory sessions on music and justice.

I fell in to bed once again happy and exhausted.

A Day of Creation

Today the participants began with a tutorial about what media is and how it is created to tell stories and hopefully change the world. Our media guru was Bram Ryan who has been creating media of many forms and he was a great teacher.

After lunch the participants created media to tell a part of their story. I spent the afternoon wandering amongst them and offering tips about how to tell stories and help in what ever way I could to give them focus to their work.

When the pieces were presented I was completely blown away! These young people speak the language of media. They each created wonderful pieces using technology and software that many of them had never seen before. I have no idea how they did what they did in the short amount of time that they had.

We concluded the day with Allie telling us the Godly Play story of the First Creation Story. It was wonder-ful to say the least. We then shared in the worship of Compline.

I was so proud of what the participants created and I told them so. In each of their brief pieces they gave us a glimpse into their souls and who they are. It was an honour and a privilege to witness their creations.

Now I can't wait to see what they create when they begin to look at the world and how it could be changed.

The First Day

Sunday was the first "real" day of the program as it was the first full day. And full it was.

We began with a series of "introduction" games that helped us connect with each other and give us a little bit more information about each other.

After that we discussed the nature of what community looks like. The eight pillars of community are:

Contemplation

Inclusion

A Place of Safety,

Intimacy & Vulnerablity

Ability to Fight with Grace

Committment

A Spirit

Shared Wisdom

After a brief nap - yes "siesta" is part of our daily schedule - we began the formal educational component of the program. Judy Steers taught us a crash course in "What is Theology?" Explaining the difference between good theology and bad theology she said, "A good theology is that which allows for God to be fully God and for humans to be fully human." We explored the nature of what theology is and how it came to be.

The evening saw us engaging in "Blob Time" - best way to explain this is to send you to their website: www.blobtree.com.

Then it was time to wrap up the day with worship. We offered God our thanksgivings through a celebration of Eucharist. During which we formally recognized the creation of this community and we heard Janet tell us the Godly Play story of "The Great Family". We broke bread together and enjoyed the solemnity of the worship.

I fell into bed completely wiped out and that's why you're reading this on Monday.

Until the next post...

Arrival

The house was ready.

I had the extreme pleasure of venturing forth from Brough Hall to go and meet five of the eight participants. I jumped aboard a chartered 12 passenger bus with my driver Ted.

Ted got me to the Toronto Airport safely and I eagerly went into the arrivals area. I knew three of the five already - had met them at other youth events in Nova Scotia. After all five had arrived - three out of Halifax, one from Prince George, and one from Victoria we all piled into the bus again with Ted who dutifully took us back to Brough Hall.

The voyage was full of questions and stories. The participants wanted to know some stuff about the program and about the area. We got to know each other a little in the two hour drive.

Upon arrival Jenny was waiting for us and they were shown to their rooms by Allie. I met the other three participants - one of whom I know as well. Two of them are from Guelph and the last to arrive was from Toronto.

Supper was waiting for us. A delicious meal of roast chicken and veggies.

Over desert of brownies and ice cream, Janet told us about the first "task" they were to accomplish was to create their own apron - the vestment of ministry for the kitchen. The apron was to tell a little bit about who they are; something important about them or something they liked. The participants got busy creating these vestments using various forms of fabric they ironed on, or they drew on them, or they did a bit of both. The creations are lovely and each tells a story of who they are. I found a fantastic piece of fabric that had acorns all over it and with Su's help I created an acorn that I will put on my own apron.

The night concluded with a lovely worship in the university chapel.

And now it is late... and as Compline says, "It is night after a long day. What has been done... has been done. What has not been done... has not been done. Let it be."

Good night and until tomorrow...

The Day Before...

Friday we mostly told each other stories - Godly Play stories. We began with Janet telling us the Story of the Great Family. If you've never seen a Godly Play story then you have been missing something truly remarkable. Janet told us the story of Abram and Sarai and how they went out into the desert to see if God was there... and God was! Each story ends with a series of "wondering" questions: I wonder what is the most important part? I wonder where you are in this story? It truly is a remarkable way to experience the stories of our faith.

Then after a short break it was my turn. To let you know how I was feeling I will quote to you from the journal entry I made early this morning as I contemplated Psalm 66:1 which says, "Be joyful in God, all you lands: sing the glory of his name; sing the glory of his praise."

"Whenever I do something I've never done before I am full of trepidation and a little fear - ok, I'm nervous - downright nervous. What if I forget a bit? What if I tell it wrong? What if... ? But wait, those questions only detract from what I should really be doing and that is be joyful in God. Let God's story, that I know so well, flow from me. Sure the memorization is hard, and yes I may forget some, AND I will still sing God's glory in what I do. Godly Play... here I come!"

So I told the Parable of the Mustard Seed. I rushed the first bit because I was nervous but I quickly settled into the experience. I must say I was more than a little surprised that I did in fact remember it all. The time of feedback from my peers was good and useful. My voice was good and not "preachy" or overpowering. My love of this particular parable was very evident and it helped the telling of the story. All in all it was a good experience and one that I look forward to doing again.

We had lunch – I barbecued some lovely sausages – and then there were some errands to run. Janet and I went to the grocery store to get food so that we can feed the hungry mouths that will be joining ours on Saturday. It was an adventure to be sure.

We had two more stories before the day was out. Jenny told the story of the Exile of the people of God to Babylon and Su told the story of Samuel. Both were far more involved than the one I told and I was in awe of how well they did.

After the stories we went out for dinner – yummy Mediterranean food!! After stuffing ourselves we went bowling… yup, bowling. Now for a good Cape Breton boy like me you expect bowling to be “candle pin” bowling with a ball that actually fits in your hand. Guess what… not here! It was “10 Pin” bowling with balls the size of your head. There was much giggling and fun had by all.

Then we went to the campus of Western University and I was introduced to a tree. It was one of the oldest trees I have ever seen. A giant copper beach tree, that was at least 10-12 feet in circumference. I spent a long time, under the light of the full moon exploring the base of the tree; while others clambered up into its sturdy branches. Finally we sat beneath the tree and we were invited to “Tell us and God” some things about the day. I was asked to tell God and my friends what was the most surprising thing today. I answered that I was a bit surprised I remembered the whole story this morn.

Now it is late, I am tired and tomorrow it all begins. I believe we are truly prepared to welcome the participants and show them what God’s love and what community can really look like.

Day of Prepartion

Today we began to prepare the house and organize ourselves. There was lots of moving of large objects, rearranging of furniture and shopping for things we need like food and supplies. After lunch we enjoyed some time learning about Godly Play. In the words of their website:

"Godly Play is based upon the recognition that children have an innate sense of the presence of God. All they lack is the appropriate language to help them identify and express it so it can be explored and strengthened. The Godly Play approach teaches classical Christian language in a way that enhances the child’s authentic experience of God so it can contribute to the creative life of the child and the world."

Judy Steers taught us the basics of being a Godly Play Storyteller and then each of the leadership team volunteered to learn a story and prepare to present - first to the team before the participants arrive; and then to the whole group later in the program.

So tonight I will be learning the Parable of the Mustard Seed in a whole new way and will be preparing myself to present it to the team.

It's been a day of preparation...

Ask & Imagine 2011

As in previous years I will be doing my best to keep a record of the events I engage in while at the Ask & Imagine Program.

Today I big my darling wife and child good bye and jumped on a VIA Rail train from Aldershot to London. Unlike previous years I did not have to get on an air plane and wing my way for 2+ hours. Rather I had a very pleasant 1.5 hour train ride.

My dear friend Jenny met me at the train and we took ourselves to our home for the next two weeks - Brough (pronounced "bruff") Hall on the campus of Huron College.

I've unpacked and arranged my gear and am enjoying a brief relax.

Tomorrow the team will begin to get down to the "real" work of setting up the house and getting prepared for the participants to arrive.

Until tomorrow...

New Position - New Link

Greetings!
I know it has been a very long time since I have posted anything on this site. Life has been... interesting to say the least.

I have been appointed to a new position! I am now the Director of Youth and Family Ministry at St. Luke's Anglican Church in Burlington, Ontario.

The link to their site is found in my list of links to the right. From now on you can go there to find my sermons and the sermons of the rest of the team there. Please do check out that site and look for my sermons - and as always your valuable feedback is important to me.

I am very excited to be doing the work that I am so passionate about on a full-time basis.

Pentecost 8

I have returned from a couple of Sundays' vacation. I enjoyed my time off very much.

My sermon for this week can be found (in text format) by clicking

HERE

I'm sorry I did not get the homily audio recorded I left the recorder home.

Pentecost 5, 2010

Sunday past was the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost. The sermon I offered on that day can be found (in both audio and text formats) by clicking

HERE

I'll be away on vacation for the next two Sundays. See you later in July.

My Reflection on General Synod 2010

I came to General Synod with a great deal of trepidation and fear. I had heard of what had transpired in 2007; had even watched some of it happen via the internet. I felt that it was ugly, painful, hateful, and filled with fear. So I came into this gathering carrying some of that baggage with me – some of those preconceptions. That being said I also wanted to approach this gathering with an open spirit and an open mind and an open heart. I was eager to meet new people and hear their stories – the extrovert in me was overjoyed!

So I made my way into the event with mixed emotions – joy and fear; eagerness and trepidation; curiosity and doubt. I knew that there were going to be some very important issues discussed and debated.

The opening worship, for me, set the tone for the rest of the event. The bishop from Cuba was the centre piece to that tone. He helped me to see a portion of Scripture unlike I had ever seen it before. “Jesus said, ‘I am the vine, you are the branches.’” We have all heard these words so many times that they have lost their meaning and have become stale in our mouths. And as usual we do not read all the words that go with that particular piece of Scripture. Jesus reminds us that there will be pruning done to the branches so that they can bear more fruit. What the bishop from Cuba pointed out is WHO does that pruning. WE do not prune the branches – GOD does. What I heard this bishop say was no human authority has the right or ability to prune the branches of the church. No human agency can or should remove one branch from the vine. No human power can or should remove themselves from the vine. Only God can and should do that. Only God has the authority to prune the branches and God only does that when it is absolutely necessary so that the very branches God prunes will bear more fruit; so that the very branches God prunes will become stronger and able to produce more.

These were very necessary, and I believe God inspired, words for the members of General Synod to hear. I know I sure needed to hear them! They helped me see exactly what we were there to do – not to prune the branches of our church but to let God shape our branches so that we will be stronger and more able ministers of God’s grace and mercy in this world.

The next day our Primate spoke to us in his Presidential Address. His words were challenging, forceful, loving and moving. He is very concerned about the collegiality of Bishops and Primates who interfere in places where they have no authority. He challenged us to be open to the moving of God’s Holy Spirit throughout the time of Synod. His words complemented the bishop from Cuba very well; in that it is the wind of the Holy Spirit that should be shaping who we are as a church; it is the fire of the Holy Spirit leading us into the future; it is the dove of the Holy Spirit that shows us the way to peace and joy. He urged us to lean into the wind of God so that the Holy Spirit may fill our sails and chart our course.

Over the course of the next few days I was humbled to be part of some very profound decisions that I feel were historic in their scope. I can say I was part of the Synod that gave full membership within the General Synod to the National Indigenous Anglican Bishop. I can say I was part of the Synod that gave our indigenous brothers and sisters full control of their own church within the structure of the Anglican Church of Canada. I can say I was part of the Synod that repudiated the Doctrine of Discovery. I can say I was part of the Synod that openly, honestly, faithfully, and lovingly discussed where our church is in relation to the blessing of same-sex unions and out of those discussions we created a document that points us in the direction of God’s truth, of God’s grace, of God’s mercy, of God’s love.

I can honestly say I am proud to have been part of this. I am proud of my church and how we behaved. I actually believed we were listening to each other and to the voice of the Holy Spirit. I actually believe that we were acting and living as Christians. We were letting God move us, we were letting God prune us, and we were letting God speak.

I met so many wonderful people from all across this great country of ours – from coast, to coast, to coast. I was able to put a human face to places that I had only read about, or heard of. I had some very profound conversations that brought me close to people I would never have met otherwise (yes, Melanie I’m thinking of you in particular). I rejoice that God saw fit to put me in this place at this time to take part in and to experience this event.

In the end all of my fear and trepidation that I entered into the event with disappeared almost as soon as I met the first person. It certainly was gone by the time the bishop from Cuba finished speaking. I left the meeting of General Synod with a feeling of hope for our church unlike any I have had before.

General Synod

Greetings! I write to you from my dorm room at St. Mary's University in Halifax as a member of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada.

I arrived on Thursday and due to some technical difficulties I was unable to get to the internet before now.

Thursday we opened with a grand celebration of worship at the Cathedral Church of All Saints. The building was filled to capacity and beyond. The worship was joyful, lively and profound. The preacher was the Right Reverend Miguel Tamayo who is the Bishop of Cuba and Uruguay - one of the very few bishops who oversees two dioceses. His message was powerful and inspirational. He spoke about Jesus being the vine and we are the branches and when those branches are pruned it is not us who do that work, it is God. God prunes and does away with all that will not give fruit.

The next day we began the business of Synod. Friday was a day full of presentations and resolutions. Lots of debate and discussion. We had fun as well. The folk from Adventureworks in Canterbury Hills, Ontario lead us through a series of team building exercises that were very interesting and fun.

The highlight of this day was the Presidential Address by our Primate, the Most Reverend Fred Hiltz. In his speech he spoke passionately about where his hopes lay for the church at this time and in the years to come. Best thing you can do is to hear it for yourself by going to the website and checking it out.

Today, Saturday, has been full of getting to know our Galley Groups, presentations and resolutions. But most notably was when two very special guests spoke to us. The Right Reverend Suheil Dawani, Bishop of the Diocese of Jerusalem and his wife both spoke to us. Bishop Dawani painted us a picture of what Christian life is like in "the land of the Holy One" and it is a picture of much pain AND great hope. Mrs. Dawani spoke to us about her role in upholding the ministry of women in that part of the world. They were inspirational people and it was a blessing to be present with them.

So that gets you caught up for now. I'll try to write more soon.

Pentecost

Sunday saw us bring the season of Easter to a close with a grand celebration of Pentecost. The day the church was born! If you are interested in what I had to say on that day you may find my homily (in both audio and text formats) by clicking

HERE

I hope your Easter was glorious and fulfilling.

Sorry, sorry, sorry

I've been a bit remiss in posting my sermons, for which I apologize.

The audio and texts of the last two Sundays has now been posted and you can fing them by clicking

HERE

Continued Easter blessings to you all.

Good Shepherd Sunday

Each year on the fourth Sunday of Easter we hear readings about God being our shepherd. I used the opportunity to talk about what heaven is. If you would like to read or hear (or both) what I had to say in my homily please click

HERE

Blessings to you all.

Third Sunday of Easter

Easter continues and we rejoice in the Resurrection. My sermon for this week can be found, in both audio and text formats, by clicking

HERE

Your feedback is valuable to me, please offer it.

Second Sunday of Easter

Continued Easter greetings to you all!

This Sunday is the day of the year we hear about our old friend Thomas, the Twin and his so called doubt. It's one of my favourite texts to preach on as it gives the preacher license to be very challenging.

So if you are interested you can find my offering for this Sunday by clicking

HERE

Let me know what you think.

EASTER!!!

To all my Christian friends a blessed and happy Easter!

My sermons for the Easter Vigil and for Easter Day can be found by clicking

HERE

May this Eastertide be filled with the blessings of God for all of you!

Good Friday

The people of St. George's were honoured to be invited to worship with our brothers and sisters of Trinity United Church. The two congregations share a common out reach project called Helping Hands. I was invited to preach on this occasion. You can find my homily in both audio and text format by clicking

HERE

May this day be filled with contemplation and prayer

Maundy Thursday

The night that Jesus gave us our mandate and our mission is the same night he feeds us with his flesh and blood. We gathered for a lovely meal followed by a profound worship. The sermon, in both audio and text formats, for tonight's worship can be found by clicking

HERE

The story goes on...

Tuesday & Wednesday of Holy Week

The week is speeding past to be sure... I have posted my little audio reflections for Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week - and yes Mum I did remember... my mind isn't slipping that far... yet.

You can find my offerings by clicking

HERE

I hope your Holy Week is continuting to be blessed and full of reflection.

Monday in Holy Week

I am sorry to say that I did not have my recorder with me once again for Monday's Eucharist. I also didn't have any notes to give you. Please forgive this forgetful priest. I'll do better for the rest of the week, I promise.

Holy Week

Each year Holy Week provides many opportunities for preaching and sharing in the worship of our faith. I will post my homilies as best I can this week. Sadly I did not have my recorder with me on Palm Sunday but you can read what I offered by clicking

HERE

I will post a note each day to keep you up to date on what I'm offering.

A blessed Holy Week to you all.

On the Road

Thursday (18 March 2010) I was honoured to be asked to preside and preach at King's College Chapel for their weekly Solemn Eucharist. My sermon for that night can be found by clicking

HERE

Along with that sermon I am posting my weekly Sunday homily.

Your comments are welcome and indeed are needed.

Back Logged Sermons

Hello, I am sorry I have not been around and posting my sermons this week... it's been a busy one.

My sermons for the 2nd & 3rd Sundays in Lent can be found in both audio and text format by clicking

HERE

Please do feel free to leave me some of our valuable feedback.

Lent Has Begun

The season of Lent has arrived and with it comes many opportunities to preach and teach. I have been busy banging out sermons to begin the season. You can find my sermons for both Ash Wednesday and the Frist Sunday in Lent by clicking

HERE

I have recently aquired a new audio recorder and I am still working out the kinks of it so the quality may not be the best at present but I'll be adjusting things over the next little while, please bear with me.

Transfiguration Sunday

The last Sunday after Epiphany is sometimes known as Transfiguration Sunday because in the Revised Common Lectionary we read the Gospel story of that event. We celebrated this day with two baptisms!

If you want to hear or read my sermon for that day then you can do so by clicking

HERE

Your feedback is always welcome.

Second Sunday after Epiphany

This Sunday sees us hear the wonderful story of Jesus' first miracle at a wedding in Cana.

The sermon I offered can be found in both audio and text formats by clicking

HERE

Blessings to you all, and special blessings if you offer me some feedback.

Epiphany

January 6th is the Festival of the Epiphany and it is such an important festival that it is often observed on the Sunday before. The sermon I offered can be found, in both audio and text formats, by clicking

HERE

I hope your Christmastide has been blessed and peaceful.

Sunday of Christmas

Today is the First Sunday of Christmastide. We hold our annual Festival of Christmas Lessons and Carols tonight and early this morning we held a quiet celebration of Holy Communion. I offered a brief homily at the Eucharist which you can find, in audio format, by clicking

HERE

Hope your Christmastide is peaceful and blessed.