Elliott's Blog

Bible with Bill

2011-08-17T01:53:00.002-03:00

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

2011-08-16T00:42:00.002-03:00

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

2011-08-15T13:23:00.004-03:00

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

2011-08-14T00:21:00.004-03:00

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...

2011-08-13T01:05:00.003-03:00

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

2011-08-11T18:52:00.004-03:00

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

2011-08-10T17:55:00.002-03:00

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

2011-01-28T14:06:00.002-04:00

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

2010-07-19T10:53:00.001-03:00

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

2010-06-30T20:55:00.001-03:00

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

2010-06-18T22:57:00.000-03:00

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

2010-06-05T17:34:00.002-03:00

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

2010-05-26T10:49:00.002-03:00

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

2010-05-16T12:26:00.001-03:00

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

2010-04-25T14:00:00.003-03:00

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

2010-04-18T12:30:00.002-03:00

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

2010-04-12T23:14:00.002-03:00

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!!!

2010-04-05T11:31:00.002-03:00

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

2010-04-02T13:30:00.002-03:00

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

2010-04-01T20:28:00.001-03:00

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

2010-03-31T11:54:00.003-03:00

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

2010-03-30T11:19:00.001-03:00

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

2010-03-30T10:07:00.002-03:00

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

2010-03-20T21:28:00.002-03:00

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

2010-03-07T09:07:00.003-04:00

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

2010-02-22T09:07:00.001-04:00

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

2010-02-16T14:51:00.002-04:00

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

2010-01-17T20:39:00.003-04:00

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

2010-01-04T19:33:00.002-04:00

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

2009-12-27T10:46:00.002-04:00

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.

Christmas Day

2009-12-25T11:06:00.002-04:00

Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus into the world as a child! At St. George's we are marking this day by feeding the lonely, the hungry, the poor and those who may not get a festive meal because of work or other circumstances. We are planning on feeding about 15o people.

The day began with a celebration of Holy Eucharist and I offered a brief homily which you can find, in audio format only, by clicking

HERE

May the Christmas season be one of joy for you all.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T09:13:00.003-04:00

Tonight is the night that many Christians thoughout the world will celebrate the birth of the timeless Son of God into this world of time.

To all of my Christian friends I wish a blessed and happy Christmastide.

You can find the sermon I offer on this night by clicking

HERE

It is in both text and audio formats.

Blessings to you all.

Longest Night

2009-12-21T22:11:00.002-04:00

Every year the Pictou County Council of Churches holds a service of worship to recognize that for many people Christmas is not a joyful time. Many people have had losses of one kind or another and those losses become quite poignant at this time of year.

This year St. George's was the host and I offered a brief meditation for this occasion.

You can find that offering (in both text and audio formats) by clicking

HERE

Blessings to all who grieve losses at this time of year.

Advent 4

2009-12-20T13:03:00.001-04:00

The days are getting short before the celebration of Christmas. Advent draws to its close. My sermon for today can be found by clicking

HERE

it is in both audio and text formats.

Advent blessings to you.

Reign of Christ

2009-11-22T13:11:00.003-04:00

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

The Widow's Mite

2009-11-08T20:54:00.001-04:00

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.

St. Luke's Day

2009-10-20T08:55:00.002-03:00

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.

Thanksgiving

2009-10-17T21:53:00.001-03:00

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

St. Francis

2009-10-04T12:53:00.003-03:00

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.

Michaelmas

2009-10-01T09:50:00.002-03:00

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.

... And Gone Again...

2009-09-08T10:52:00.002-03:00

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...

Home again

2009-09-05T13:12:00.002-03:00

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.

Turn Over Day

2009-08-25T09:32:00.002-03:00

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+

Backblog

2009-08-24T16:39:00.002-03:00

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+

Wednesday/Thursday

2009-08-21T00:53:00.003-03:00

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+

Tuesday

2009-08-19T10:12:00.004-03:00

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+

Monday

2009-08-18T08:30:00.002-03:00

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+

Sunday

2009-08-17T01:02:00.003-03:00

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+

Saturday

2009-08-16T14:23:00.003-03:00

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+

Friday

2009-08-15T08:39:00.002-03:00

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+

Thursday

2009-08-13T23:51:00.004-03:00

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+

Wednesday

2009-08-13T00:44:00.002-03:00

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+

Arrival

2009-08-12T01:48:00.002-03:00

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+

Ask & Imagine

2009-08-10T10:41:00.002-03:00

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!

Back at it

2009-08-09T07:51:00.002-03:00

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.

Another Special Guest Preacher

2009-08-03T08:47:00.002-03:00

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.

I know it's been a while

2009-07-22T10:56:00.005-03:00

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.

Guest Preacher

2009-06-14T14:56:00.003-03:00

This Sunday has been St. George's 132nd Anniversary and one of our faithful lay readers preached. You can find his comments by following the following links:

Sermon by Joel Pratt for Anniversary Sunday 14 June 2009 Text Audio

Thank you for your prayers and your support.

Synod 2009

2009-06-06T13:59:00.003-03:00

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!

Friendship

2009-05-17T12:16:00.000-03:00

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.

New Sign

2009-05-15T10:47:00.001-03:00

St. George's has a new sign!

Easter Continues

2009-05-10T15:24:00.001-03:00

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.

Good Shepherd Sunday

2009-05-03T08:10:00.003-03:00

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.

What prophets teach...

2009-04-26T18:20:00.003-03:00

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.

Regional Dean Appointment

2009-04-22T15:06:00.005-03:00

Bishop Sue Moxley has seen fit to appoint me as Regional Dean for Northumbria effective May 1st 2009. I am humbled to be asked to take on this ministry and am honoured to accept it. What this will mean is that from time to time I will be required to do some work for the Region. I will help chair Regional Council, I will chair the Regional Clericus and I will take my place at the table of other Regional Deans to offer information, and when asked to offer advice to the Bishops. I will have to visit each parish in this Region every two years to ensure that proper records are being kept and the properties are being attended to. In all the work of a Regional Dean is to ensure that proper administration is being attended to in this Region of the Diocese. I look forward to offering this ministry to the Region and to the Diocese. In due course there will be a Regional Celebration to see that I am liturgically installed into this position - the date will be announced shortly. If you have questions about this appointment do not hesitate to contact me.

PWRDF Focus

2009-04-18T11:36:00.004-03:00

This week at St. George's we are focuing our attention on the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund as they celebrate 50 years of faithful ministry and witness to the Gospel. In point of fact St. George's will be focusing our global outreach project for the year on the PWRDF.

I have been asked to draw our attention to this in my homily this week. Which you can find, in both text and audio formats, by clicking

HERE

I hope that you are continuing to celebrate Easter!

Holy Week

2009-03-31T15:28:00.029-03:00

There are many opportunities for worship and for me to preach throughout this coming week. I shall endeavour to post the texts of my sermons here as soon as they are completed, and the audio of my sermons as soon after worship as I can. So check back here regularly for updates. As always I would enjoy your feedback and your comments. You can send them to me via email at me.siteman@gmail.com

Palm Sunday Sermon - Written - Text - Audio
Monday of Holy Week - Written - Text - Audio
Tuesday of Holy Week - Audio Only
Wednesday of Holy Week - Audio Only
Maundy Thursday - Written - Text - Audio
Good Friday - Written - Text - Audio
The Easter Vigil - Written - Text - Audio
Easter Day - Written - Text - Audio

Our worship schedule for Holy Week will be found on the Parish Website

Technology is great...

2009-03-15T13:09:00.002-03:00

When it works AND when you remember to turn on the recorder.

Unfortunately I did not capture the audio of my sermon for this Third Sunday in Lent. You will have to content yourself with the text format only. Which you can find by clicking

HERE

I'll try to do better next week.

Lent 2

2009-03-08T20:44:00.001-03:00

I have published my sermon in both audio and text format. You can access it by clicking

HERE

Your feedback is gratefully received.

Lent 1

2009-03-01T13:52:00.000-04:00

The sermon I offered this Sunday, the First Sunday in Lent, can be found by clicking

HERE

Your feedback and comments are valuable to me.

Lent begins

2009-02-25T15:08:00.003-04:00

Today we begin the great season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is a day of solemn prayer and fasting. I hope that you are beginning your Lenten observances with a community of faith.

For those of you who would like to please click

HERE

for my offering on this day.

Your feedback is valuable to me, please offer it.

Transfiguration Sunday

2009-02-23T08:50:00.002-04:00

The Season of Epiphany is all too quickly coming to an end. The Sunday before Lent begins is often called "Transfiguration Sunday" as we hear the Gospel account of that event in Jesus' life.

Thus, and so,

HERE

is the link to the offering I made on that day in both text and audio format.

I would love to hear what you think.

What you find on your office door...

2009-02-21T11:54:00.002-04:00

... on your 40th birthday!

Thanks George!

.... the number between 39 and 41

2009-02-21T08:27:00.002-04:00

Today is my 4oth birthday. I will be celebrating it by sharing breakfast with St. George's Men's Group, building puzzles with my daughter, and enjoying the company of family of friends. I love birthdays, even my own! Say a prayer for me today that I will enjoy the next 40 years of life as much as I have enjoyed that first 40 years - even if life is filled with hardship, sorrow and pain it is also filled with joy, faith and hope so rejoice.

Oh, dddddear...

2009-02-15T14:35:00.003-04:00

Alas technology has failed me! Or perhaps I have failed technology. My sermon for today was another of my "off script" moments so I do not have a full text to share with you. Also my digital audio recorder did not do a very good job following me around the church so the quality of the recording is really quite poor. If you are willing to wade through the garbled mess that it did pick up then you can click

HERE

and find what you are looking for. I am experimenting with trying to record more of what we offer in worship and sadly this one did not turn out well. The link above will take you to the Gradual Hymn, Gospel Reading and my sermon. If you can make it out please let me know and offer your valuable feedback.

This week's offering

2009-02-08T14:27:00.002-04:00

Greetings once again,

Please click HERE to go to my sermon page where you will find links to this week's sermon in both audio and text format.

Blessings to you.

Preaching at High Mass

2009-02-05T21:35:00.002-04:00

Tonight I was honoured to be invited to preach at King's College Chapel.

HERE

is the link to my posted sermons page.

Reverse Sunday

2009-01-31T22:05:00.003-04:00

On the first Sunday of February the adult congregation and the Sunday school reverse their positions... the adults worship in the hall and the younger members take over the church.

Click HERE for links to my sermon for this week (text posted Saturday and audio posted Sunday).

Third Sunday after Epiphany

2009-01-22T14:28:00.002-04:00

This week we hear the familiar story of Jonah, one of my personal favourites.

HERE

is the link to my sermon in both audio and test formats.

Blessings to you all!

Epiphany Continues

2009-01-18T15:36:00.002-04:00

The Season of Epiphany continues and this week we welcomed a new member into the Household of Faith through the waters of baptism.

HERE

is the link to my sermon for this occasion. Please feel free to leave your comments and valuable feedback.

What happens when I go off script...

2009-01-11T15:10:00.004-04:00

Today, I had a sermon prepared to offer and as I read it before worship I decided that I did not really like it nor did it speak to the community I serve. Thus and so I put it away and went off script and spoke to the community about a stained glass window within our church (above).

The sermon that I offered can be found by clicking

HERE

Your feedback is valuable to me... please offer it.

On the 11th Day of Christmas...

2009-01-03T23:38:00.002-04:00

The brief season of Christmas is all too quickly coming to a close.

Click HERE to go to my page of published sermons.
The text is published on Saturday and the audio is published on Sunday.

Hope you are enjoying your Christmas celebrations.

Happy Christmas

2008-12-24T21:10:00.002-04:00

Tonight we celebrate the night Jesus was born. Happy Christmas to all my Christian friends. The worship tonight was lovely and moving. I wasn't feeling the best but did manage to get up enough energy to preach. For what its worth, click

HERE

for my offering to the faithful. It is posted in both audio and text format.

Blessings to you all!

Advent 4

2008-12-22T09:23:00.002-04:00

Well, my annual Christmas cold has decided to grace me with its presence a few days early. Such is life. Sorry to be late posting this but I fell into bed yesterday after worship and lunch and have only poked my head above the covers long enough to do a little work on my Christmas Eve sermon and to post this.

Thus, and so...

HERE

is the link to what I offered yesterday (Sunday) within worship on the Fourth Sunday in Advent.

Got it done...

2008-12-13T21:02:00.003-04:00

Well, this week my beloved laptop decided to catch a nasty virus and had to spend a couple of nights in the shop. All's well now thanks to the techs at GMF Computers!

I did manage to get my sermon completed though and even managed to get it posted

HERE

The text is up now (Saturday) and the audio will be up tomorrow (Sunday).

Second Sunday in Advent - Peace

2008-12-06T08:47:00.001-04:00

Advent wends it way toward our Christmas celebrations. This week our focus is upon peace and what that means to us as Christians. Thus, and so,

HERE

is my offering for this week. The text is posted today (Saturday) and the audio will be up tomorrow (Sunday).

I trust that you continue to prepare the way...

Audio is Up

2008-12-01T08:32:00.002-04:00

Well I finally tracked down the correct cable to connect the recorder to the computer and so, for those of you who are interesed please feel free to read and listen to this week's sermon by clicking

HERE

Your valuable feedback is important to me.

Happy New Year

2008-11-30T21:08:00.002-04:00

The First Sunday in Advent brings with it a new liturgical year and a new parish relationship.

I have published my sermon for this week in text and will post it in audio as soon as I find the cable that connects my recorder to my computer... I know it's in a box here somewhere...

Click HERE to go to my publishing page and check back soon for the audio update.

Sermon Posted

2008-11-23T17:40:00.002-04:00

After a glorious day, a full church and being overwhelmed by love I have finally posted my sermon (in both text and audio), you can access it by clicking

HERE

May God richly bless the people of the Parish of Neil's Harbour with Ingonish.

Farewell

2008-11-22T11:22:00.003-04:00

Sunday marks the end of my time as Rector of the Parish of Neil's Harbour with Ingonish.

I will be posting my sermon on Sunday afternoon in both text and audio format... I just did not have the heart to post it early.

Our final worship together will be tomorrow (Sunday 23 November - Christ the King) at St. Andrew's Church, Neil's Harbour 10am. All are welcome.

Penultimate Sermon

2008-11-15T13:11:00.003-04:00

This weeks marks my second to last Sunday as Rector of the Parish. I am up to my armpits in boxes and moving stuff. I prepare to leave this place with many emotions running through me. I will miss this place and her people and yet I am very excited about the new possibilites ahead for me.

Anyway,

HERE

is the link to this week's sermon (text on Saturday, audio on Sunday) as I continue to pack and prepare.

Blessings.

Lest we forget

2008-11-10T15:18:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day and I will be observing the day with worship at St. John's Church, Ingonish and with ceremony at Ingonish Legion.

HERE

is the link to my sermon text (posted Monday) and audio (posted Tuesday).

Lest we forget.

What's Up

2008-11-06T09:49:00.003-04:00

This past Sunday (2 Nov) we were blessed with the presence of Mr. Andrew Mortimer as our Guest Preacher. Andrew is a 3rd year Postulant and will be graduating in the spring. May God continue to bless him in all that he does.

This coming Sunday (9 Nov) Maggie MacKinnon and I will be giving our Ask & Imagine report to the parish to show and tell everyone here what we got up to during that time.

Maggie & I have made a brief slide show/video about our time and you can find it by clicking

HERE

The file is in .wmv format and is about 4.5 Mb. The audio/visual quality is not the best but I didn't want it to be too large to download.

Let us know what you think.

2010 Regional Evensong

2008-10-23T22:34:00.002-03:00

I have been asked to preach at the kick-off liturgy for the Cape Breton Region's 2010 Celebrations on Sunday night.

Click HERE to go to the page with links to the text (posted Thursday) and the audio (hopefully posted on Sunday night - but it will be late that night).

Pentecost 23

2008-10-18T10:20:00.004-03:00

This week I will be preaching at St. Andrew's Anglican and Ingonish United Churches. The congregations of St. John's and Ingonish United regularly share worship and this week we will be going to their house for worship and I will be preaching.

Thus, and so...

HERE

is my offering for this week - text posted on Saturday & audio posted on Sunday.

Harvest Thanksgiving

2008-10-11T11:41:00.003-03:00

This weekend is the time we set aside to give thanks to God for all that we have been blessed with in the great harvest of our lives.

HERE

is the link to my sermon text (posted Saturday) and audio (posted Sunday) for this great festival.

Please let me know for what you are thankful at this time of your lives.

Sunday's Sermon

2008-10-04T14:12:00.003-03:00

I'm back to getting my sermon finished when I am used to... Saturday.

HERE

is the link to the text (posted Saturday) and the audio (posted Sunday) of my sermon for this week, the 21st Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 27).

As always I would be honoured for your feedback and comments.

2008-10-04T13:35:00.003-03:00

Recently a candidate who is running for federal office rented St. Andrew's Church Hall to hold a gathering/rally and in the process this candidate placed signs for the party they represent upon Church property without permission. When asked to remove those signs from the front of the church building the candidate did so immediately.

I want to assure any of you who saw those signs that this Parish does not publicly endorse any candidate for any elected political office of any kind, and neither do I as Rector of this Parish. The property of the Church cannot and will not be used to promote one candidate over another.

I encourage you all, and indeed it is your duty as a Christian, to vote in the upcoming elections (both federal and municipal) but the Church will not tell you whom to vote for nor can it be seen to endorse one candidate over another.

Sermon Ready Waaay TOO Early

2008-09-23T10:03:00.003-03:00

This week my sermon had to be finished early - I have a very long and difficult week ahead of me so I had to get this off my plate early.

Thus, and so...

HERE

is the link to the text (posted Tuesday of all days) and the audio (posted Sunday) of this week's sermon.

This week's sermon

2008-09-20T16:03:00.003-03:00

This week the readings from scripture are:

Exodus 16:2-15
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16

There is a lot of great stuff in these passages and I have chosen to focus upon Exodus and Matthew this week.

Thus, and so,

HERE

is the link to the text (posted Saturday) and audio (posted Sunday) of this week's sermon.

As always your comments and feed back would be appreciated.