Find happiness to spread to others so the world can become a better place to live.
In the lectionary this week we are presented with the symbolism of a vine representing our relationship with Jesus. The vine's many tendrils branch off growing far and wide, bearing fruit, yet remain interconnected to the main stalk.
What is our responsibility as Christians in this intertwined metaphor?
Read MoreThe April weather is proving the old saying "In like a lamb, out like a lion". As this reflection is being written snow lies on the ground and flakes dance in the air, yet indoors a bright bouquet of daffodils from last week's warm garden graces a table top.
This week, lambs and lions play a part as we reflect on the role Jesus plays as the good shepherd to us all.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate Earth Day on April 22. Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day continues to grow as a worldwide phenomenon focused on promoting clean living and a healthy, sustainable habitat for people and wildlife. Celebrating Earth Day serves as a conscious reminder of how fragile our planet is and how important it is to protect it.
Read MoreThis week we reflect on the role faith also plays in the spiritual and artistic side of science. This coming week in April commemorates important dates for scientists of invention, astronomy and horticulture.
Read MoreIt is a strange thing to prepare reflections for Good Friday and Easter Sunday at the same time, as the feeling and focus of these two holy days are so very different. The scripture we read on Good Friday reflects on dark, bleak, somber and heart breaking matters. The scripture of Easter Sunday is of hopefulness, rejoicing, and anticipation of fresh new beginnings.
Read MoreAs we approach Holy week, we approach the contradiction of the joyful welcome Jesus received on Palm Sunday, with his trial and crucifixion by the end of the week. Those who welcomed Jesus with shouts of delight were full of hope that he would rescue them from Roman oppression.
Read MoreThis week we find ourselves feeling like spring may actually be close at hand! The crocuses are not out yet, but the hope of them is in the occasional gust of - dare we say warmish - wind. Along with this anticipation of spring, comes the anticipation of Easter.
Read MoreThis week we are presented with the concept of turning an act of aggression, a threat against our safety, our wellbeing, or our principles, into a favourable situation by gently deflecting, or rerouting the assault facing us. In the three articles below we find examples of this strategy.
Read MoreWhile the homes in Vanuatu are threatened by natural disasters, closer to home is the very real problem of losing one's home due to COVID restrictions. Temporary foreign workers have planted, tended to, and harvested much of the food we consume in Canada, in order to gain an income to feed their own families half-way around the world. What happens when travel restrictions interfere with this long established symbiotic relationship?
Read MoreIn this last week of Black History Month let us reflect on the treacherous journey taken by slaves desperate to escape the horrible lives inflicted upon them. These journeys were wrought with danger, fear and uncertainty. As escape became a risk some enslaved people were willing to take, an underground network of people started to evolve to provide temporary shelter and aid along the way to the north. Canada was a destination for many, as slavery was outlawed and settlement was encouraged.
Read MoreHere we are at the beginning of another season of Lent. We are all very familiar with what that signifies. It is time to give up some of our pleasures or vices, reflect on how we are interacting in the world around us, repent for failing to live up to Jesus's teachings of selflessness, and trust that God is guiding us in all we do. Living in a world threatened by COVID, we find ourselves in a situation whereby we have been giving things up, through no choice of our own.
Read MoreThis week's Weekly Reflections start out with a brief history lesson on Sunday’s special day, Valentine's Day. It is very likely that this day which has been set aside by pop culture to be a day of love, finds its roots in the brutal and violent stoning and beheading of a Christian priest. Quite ironic!
Read MoreWhat do a poet, a freedom activist, and a conservationist have in common? These three leaders have used their own talents, strengths and interests to try and bring about that which is at the very heart of how Jesus taught us to live. Each of them project a message of respect and love for those who share the earth with us.
Read MoreThe COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down. Death, grief, loss and confusion can be seen everywhere. But we can also see the joyful emergence of new thought, new ways of interpreting the world, new music, new poetry, new understandings of ancient wisdom. It is bubbling up all around us.
Read MoreThe first few weeks of the new year have been anything but peaceful. Unlike the beautiful serene scene above, daily news, and daily life can be fraught with anxiety. But our wonderful friends at Embracing the Spirit, offered this week a vision of church and worship that speaks to individuals living a conscious and collective life with a mentality of abundance at its very core. Imagine an intentional community that lived with three principles: prayer, presence, and simplicity.
Read MoreMost people would agree that the way we humans are treating the earth we live on is unsustainable. We are constantly being reminded, both by practical examples (such as climate change-induced weather catastrophes) and by stark predictions from our scientists, that short term thinking is taking its toll on mother earth.
Read MoreIt is with a heavy heart that we find ourselves facing 2021 without the guidance, compassion, leadership, and love of our beloved Reverend Candice. After five years of dedication and hour upon hour of hard work, Candice is hanging up her stole, and no doubt trading it in for overalls, and garden galoshes. Although to say that we will be doing “without” her is not at all accurate. The imprint she has left on her congregations of both Primrose and Trinity is far reaching and everlasting.
Read MoreThe first week of the new year has been an eventful one. As the coronavirus numbers continue to rise in Ontario, and throughout the world, our schools and most of our businesses stay closed.
Read MoreThe New Year of 2021 stands before us full of possibility and all manner of adventures. Yes, there is uncertainty, within our own church community and within the larger world. But what year and what church did not live with uncertainty? Uncertainty is the ground upon which all living things must stand. And stand you will, together, in faith, looking forward with a clear vision and a sure gaze.
The faith we gather around has a sureness and steadiness within it, even as we examine it and consider how it may shift and change throughout our lives, and within our culture. All that is ahead of you, you are all well able to embrace with love.
Read MoreChristmas may have looked and felt different this year. But that does not mean that the real reason for the season is any less beautiful. Our Christmas story, so full as it is with hope, and joy and love, cannot help but bring some peace into each home and heart. And that is the reason that we celebrate the symbolic birth of Jesus each year in the darkest time of the year. There is this idea, that in reflecting upon our faith in the season of Advent, we will be prepared to allow the Christ child to be born within us during the season of Christmastide.
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