We mix and mingle among those with whom we’re most comfortable. Shared interests and culture are at the top of the list. As a student at Knox College, I was delighted to find people from my same culture and age group. We hit it off and stuck together. I’m ashamed to admit that I didn’t make much of an attempt to get to know those whose first language was not English … Read more
Progressive Christians continue to react with shock and dismay over the decision by the United Methodist Church to uphold the traditional definition of marriage. It didn’t take long for those who are opposed to the decision by the worldwide body to declare their next move: to continue defying church law. “We are not going anywhere,” … Read more
Let’s begin correctly. The church of my youth gathered each New Year’s Eve to usher in the New Year with prayer. It was the acknowledgement that the enormity of the challenges ahead could only be faced with divine help. It was the idea of focusing individually and corporately on surrendering our agendas to the Lord. … Read more
“Where is God in all this?” If there’s a defining theological question for these times, that’s it. In any time of crisis, we search for meaning. Do a search of sermon titles preached in the wake of 9-11 and odds are that is what you will find. In 1938, Rev. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was called to the pulpit at Westminster Chapel … Read more
The following is a summary of the work of the Committee on Church Doctrine regarding Physician Assisted Suicide and the responses of General Assembly since 2017 Report from the Committee on Church Doctrine 2017 Introduction Canada’s changing attitudes towards Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS; See “Definitions – A word about words” below for explanation of terminology) … Read more
He is risen, indeed! It is an ancient liturgy translated into countless tongues and spoken by billions since the historical event of the resurrection. It is the core of the Church’s Easter worship. It is the centre of Christian belief over the past two millennia. It is the announcement that reminds us that Jesus is … Read more
An eleven-year journey of discernment, decisions, and dedication ended on January 29, 2012, when the congregation of St. Andrew's, Moncton NB, gathered for worship in their new building with their long-time pastor, The Rev. Dr. Martin Kreplin. This journey really began in the 1980's when a consultant recommended that the congregation move. … Read More
I recognize the possibility of autoanthropomorphism whenever one seeks to discern the core (and secondary) messages in the scriptures. Perhaps this risk is most acute when one’s imagination is activated. Nonetheless as I have been pondering various themes for this piece, I began to wonder what feelings God was experiencing as the scene in Genesis … Read more
As I am writing this piece, General Assembly has just finished. I spent the time before, during and after the sederunts praying for the moderator, the commissioners, the clerks, the help desk people and the technology. Having been a commissioner last year, I knew what a challenge everyone would face and how important it was … Read more
Spring 2021 Dear friends, It’s been more than 12 months since our world went into various stages of turmoil in response to a microscopic virus. Physically, we are on the defensive. But we are much more than flesh and blood. Spiritually, we are called to be on the offensive. There is much to pray for. … Read more