Telling the Old Story

Lest we forget. To never forget. Around the time most will receive this edition of the Record, Canadians will take time to observe Remembrance Day. It is how we reflect on the tremendous sacrifice made by so many Canadian men and women and their families. It is a time to tell the next generations that … Read more

A Time of Discernment

Human sexuality issues are front and centre for the Presbyterian Church in Canada. There will be study and dialogue at every level of the church and eventually decisions made concerning the numerous overtures forwarded to our General Assembly this past June. There will be votes by commissioners in the coming years together with votes in … Read more

Experiencing General Assembly

In fellowship and prayer. I had the privilege of attending General Assembly last month as a visitor in my role with the Renewal Fellowship. Let me share some highlights of my time there. I experienced General Assembly in WORSHIP. General Assembly 141 was kicked off with wonderful opening worship that included uplifting singing and an … Read more

Pastoring Our Leaders

A year ago, in the June Record, I shared about the 2014 Encouragement Road Trip I took through Western Canada. Because the trip was so well received and because the support of individuals and churches exceeded the expenses by a good margin, I floated the idea of a trip east this year. The response was … Read more

Wonderful Diversity

“There is so little room for genuine give-and-take in our Presbyterian discussions these days, while at the same time so much hangs on how our conversations go. The issues that we are discussing are not simply topics about which we happen to disagree. They are matters that are vitally connected to the question of whether … Read more

He is Risen!

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

The Cultural Divide

Adapting to differences between generations. We live in a country of ever-increasing cultures and subcultures. We live at a time when we realize that in the past, many confused winning folks for Jesus with winning folks for our culture. Cultural insensitivity has many times held us back from an effective witness to our faith in … Read more

Your Life Verse

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). This has become my life verse. It is a comfort when things go wrong. It is an inspiration when I feel small and insignificant. It is … Read more

Start with Prayer

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