VBS 1: Each year we host a KidzFest, our version of a DVBS. The program staff are mostly youth who are doing a great job while developing leadership skills. This year we set a target of 100, and exceeded that. We’re glad to provide some respite relief for parents, if that’s their motivation. Numerous people … Read more
The Oxford English Dictionary has chosen “toxic” as its word of the year for 2018. It’s derived from the Latin term for “poisoned.” The key consideration for the honour was how the word has been employed in many different ways. Oxford listed the top 10 contexts: chemical, masculinity, substance, gas, environment, relationship, culture, waste, algae … Read more
They say you remember the first time. I know I certainly do. It was in the 50’s. Yes, I was alive back then! The pastor I remember was a hero to many. My aunt and her family attended the crowded worship services of his congregation. My parents listened most Sunday evenings to the radio broadcast of his sermons. He was a force. Then he was gone. I remember the whispers … Read more
The more I read, think and pray over the paper, “On the Question of Unity and Diversity”, the more questions I have. For those unaware, this is the document that the 2018 General Assembly referred to the church for study and response in light of our deep division over the issue of same-gender attraction and … Read more
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” I thought as I prepared an email to the synod clerk, offering to bring greetings to the court from the Renewal Fellowship. I’d been reminded of our age-old Renewal mission to be a praying presence in our courts. I was planning to attend anyway as moderator of my presbytery, so why … Read more
Don’t let anyone convince you that history has no bearing on the future. While doing some research for my congregation’s anniversary service, I found out that there was once a Presbyterian church in a nearby hamlet. It had to have been torn down because there’s no sign of it today. What amazed me was that … Read more
All the articles published online as “Andy’s Blog” by Executive Director, Rev. Andy Cornell, are listed on this page. … Read more
Has this ever happened to you? A family you’ve never seen before shows up at your summer VBS or midweek after-school program. They fill out the registration form as fast as possible, avoid meaningful conversation, wave bye and they’re outa there. Pickup is equally fast. Score points for efficiency, I suppose, but I can’t help … Read more
Love and carwashes have something in common. Both enhance function: cars and people. Both also involve decisions. I realized that as I stood at the carwash one day mulling over the range of offers. Of the various choices, the deluxe carwash package provided the best service. It included an undercarriage wash, waxing … Read more
By Janet Lou-Hing A personal story of coming to Christ As the summer comes to an end, I’m sure there are so many faith-building stories from Vacation Bible School (VBS) camps held in churches all across Canada and beyond. I have a story to share that reminded me of the impact VBS had on my … Read more