I have experienced General Assembly as a student representative, twice as a commissioner, twice as a one-day visitor and this year as part of the local arrangements committee. Each gives you a unique perspective. Each has its advantages. Because my responsibilities included staying close to our local arrangements table for most of assembly, rather than … Read more
What Does It Take to Grow a Sunday School?
Like many Canadian Presbyterian Churches, St. Paul's, Simcoe, Ontario, has had a shrinking Sunday School over the last couple of decades. In less than a year, they have increased their average attendance of 3 or 4 students by 400%. How did this happen? Well of course they prayed, but they also took action. … Read More
Friends Sharing the Good News
St. Paul's, Simcoe, Ontario, is the home of a ministry to seventeen adults with a developmental disability. They meet twice a month for worship, including some vibrant singing, Bible story and open prayer; a craft or activity time, but the important part of their times together is just being friends. … Read More
General Assembly Additional Motion
On Wednesday afternoon of the 2012 General Assembly, just as the Life and Mission Agency's report was coming to an end, Rev. Dr. Clyde Ervine rose to make an additional motion giving priority to the reimagining and renewal of congregations. He gave a stirring and substantial preamble and then presented his additional motion. … Read More
Regional Prayer Meetings
There are regular Renewal Fellowship-sponsored prayer meetings for pastors and laity in Ottawa and Hamilton. … Read more
Good News Journey – St. Andrew’s Moncton
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
Leaders
It is always fruitful to discuss Christian leadership. Rather than using words that start with the same letter, in order to communicate insights gained from his personal experience, study, and reflection, the writer uses ten words that rhyme with "lead" as a device to tie this discussion together. … Read More
Stuff Happens
When suffering happens because of natural disasters, it is because "the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth". Nevertheless, people never seem to expect tragedy, and they are unprepared, or else they assume that God will protect them from it. … Read More
The Spirit Unites Us To Christ: The Christian Life
It is the work of the Spirit to create faith. Faith is confidence and trust that the benefits of Christ are mine, that what happened back on the cross and at the empty tomb achieved salvation and that it applies to me here and now. The Holy Spirit is the means by which this salvation reaches even us. … Read More
The Spirit is Moving Swiftly
In April 2010, the Session of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Swift Current, Saskatchewan, decided to advise the Presbytery that their church would be closing in 2011. They were a small, discouraged group of seniors (approximately 15 at Sunday worship). Within days of their decision … Read More