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
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
By Rosemary Forsythe Drama Camp 2018 is now in the history books. Each summer for the past number of years, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Parry Sound, Ontario, has invited children to put together a full-length Christian musical in five mornings. The participants are often visiting grandchildren as well as local children and young people who … Read more
One hopes it was God’s Spirit, but some might demur it was the second large helping of dessert; nonetheless, I awakened before I wanted to with a saying looping repeatedly through my mind. I know it is tempting for a few close friends to substitute ‘loopy’ at this point! The looping phrase is one often spoken, but I suspect the words seldom reflect one’s actual opinion. You may have used it yourself. It begins, ‘I could be wrong, but…” … Read more
A very strange thing happened near my home a few weeks ago. It happened quickly, then was over in a few days and left me shell-shocked and amazed. At a busy country crossroads, a billboard was installed consisting of four separate statements, each in its own colourful box: “Bibles back in schools! Let the Bible … Read more
What’s in a name? If it’s an organization or business – plenty.
Pick one, the first that comes to mind. In my head, it’s “Acme Corporation,” the fictitious company in the Bugs Bunny and Roadrunner cartoons. (Don’t ask.) Acme is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “the point at which someone or something is