By Deb Stimphil, RF Board Chairperson. In Psalm 40, David says “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He … Read more
Category Archives: Articles
The Minister as Intercessor
An excerpt from A. Donald MacLeod’s latest book. An explanation for this book. My wonderful 21-year-old grandson, Callum, asked me two questions as we were discussing his future: “What is it like to be a minister, Gramps? How has the ministry changed since you were ordained back in 1963?” It is to respond to these … Read more
Living the Name
Renewal Fellowship’s Living the Name prize has been awarded annually since 2010 to Knox College students who show interest and promise in evangelism and mission. Congrats to this year’s recipient, Sonia Brulé. We invited her to share her testimony as she begins her call to ministry. Sonia BruléMy name is Sonia Brulé and I am … Read more
Does it Matter in the Long Run?
The denial of “balance and respect for both definitions of marriage” appeared to be a watershed moment at General Assembly 2022.[i] It revealed what many in orthodoxy have suspected – or feared: That The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) is officially “affirming” in accordance with the adoption of Pathway ‘B’-- “inclusion” – in 2019. The … Read more
We turn to God in prayer
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
Inspiration via Orthodox Prayer
When I was asked to contribute a reflection on an ancient prayer, all I had to do was look up from my desk, and there was the answer – an Orthodox Prayer based upon the Prayer of St. Ioannikios, as well as the traditional and ancient Troparia to the Holy Trinity. I had printed out … Read more
Awareness of God’s Presence
This devotion is one that I shared at a Renewal Fellowship board meeting in March of 2022 and also shared during a midweek service during Lent. During both we looked at Judges 6:11-7:21, reading just the first part of it and referencing other parts of the section of scripture. This is referencing Gideon, who would … Read more
Stillness Amidst Agitation
And the beat goes on. I arrived in Simcoe just as the 2008 recession was digging its tenacles into every fibre of society. We more or less recovered, at least economically; but it seems there have been constant and serious seismic shivers shaking life ever since. The past many months have only intensified the severity … Read more
Faithful Presence in the PCC
On January 29, 2022, a total of 60 people gathered via Zoom for “Called Together — a Time of Encouragement.” The time of worship, inspiration and prayer came together as the vision of Rev. Paul Johnston, minister of St. Andrew’s Arnprior, Ontario, who worked in partnership with Renewal Fellowship and friends from PSALT. The idea was … Read more
Study Buddies in God’s Word
Dedicated group uses The Story to study Scripture via Zoom Your New Year’s resolution is to read through your Bible from Genesis through Revelation. You start strong, recognizing familiar names, such as Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, and stories about apples and snakes, a flood topped off with a … Read more