In the post-resurrection accounts by Luke and John ( Luke 24: 36b- 48, John 20:24-28), Jesus invites disciples to touch him. In Luke, Jesus asks the disciples to examine his wounded hands and feet and then invites them to touch and see. In the Gospel of John, Jesus instructs Thomas to touch his wounded hands and side because Thomas had ...

Second Sunday of Easter Thomas is brave. Even though he may have doubts, Thomas is the brave disciple. While all of the other disciples are holed up, Thomas is nowhere to be found. Scripture doesn’t tell us where Thomas is, but it is clear that he isn’t seeking safety behind locked doors. Thomas only speaks in the Gospel of John. ...

Easter Week: The Arrest and Crucifixion of Jesus ( A meditation in which we pray for the disciples) Come with the disciples to the place of crucifixion. We go reluctantly. It is easier not to get involved. We think we are all united for Jesus, and then Judas proves a betrayer. It is hard to believe that a good friend ...

This is a story from a book called the UNEXPECTED UNIVERSE  about a man called the Star Thrower was written by the late Loren Eisely was given to us on Sunday. “On a beautiful tropical beach, occasionally the tide and the surf would be just right, and they would combine, so a lot of shellfish would be cast far up ...

Story:  A woman in a coma was dying. She suddenly had a feeling that she was taken up to heaven and stood before the Judgement Seat.   “Who are you?”  a Voice said to her. “ I’m the wife of the mayor.” she replied. “I did not ask you whose wife you are but who are you.” “I’m the mother of ...

This past Sunday we heard of different ways one might understand the Ten Commandments. They are found in Exodus 30:2-12, Deuteronomy 5:6-21 and Exodus 34: 11-26 is the Ritual Decalogue. The Ten Commandments concern matters of fundamental importance in Judaism and Christianity. The greatest obligation (to worship only God), the greatest injury to a person (murder), the greatest injury to ...

A Lenten Prayer God of love, as in Jesus Christ you gave yourself to us, so may we give ourselves to you, living according to your holy will. Keep our feet firmly in the way where Christ leads us, help our lips speak the truth that Christ teaches us, fill our bodies with the life that is Christ within us. ...

Last Sunday the message was on Jesus in the wilderness being tempted by Satan.  Our journey and the journey of Jesus may be similar. Through hardship we develop stronger character and that is what Jesus did; Satan offered an easy life and He refused.  Here is an adage that you might find reflects on your life. I Asked God I ...

February 14 is/was Ash Wednesday 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10 and Matthew 6:1-6,16-21 The Ash Wednesday scriptures focus on turning towards God’s healing. Words such as repentance, forgiveness, turn around, reconciliation, return, prepare, and good news are used. The ashes remind us to turn around and remember the good news of God’s love. We are invited to move forward on a journey ...

On Sunday, the thought was on Isaiah 40:21-31. Isaiah is chastising the Israelites for not listening to God, not seeing what He had done creating this world and all that is in it. Do they not know the power of God? He will listen, He will see and He will do, if we just but ask.  Quote: God without man ...

Last Sunday we enjoyed sharing our service with St Paul’s United in Marathon. (by internet). This coming Sunday is the Fifth Sunday After Epiphany.   Scripture Readings for this week are: Isaiah 40: 21-31  Those who wait upon God shall renew their strength. 1 Corinthians 9:16-23  I have become all things to all people for the gospel’s sake Mark 1: ...

This coming Sunday is the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany. Scripture Readings are: Deuteronomy 18:15-20  God will raise up a prophet after Moses 1 Corinthians 8:1-13  Concerning food offered to idols Mark 1:21-28  A man with an unclean spirit is healed in Capernaum Psalm 111   The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom   Wisdom in the Bible and the ...

Last Sunday we discussed Baptisms. The word Baptize is said to be derived from the Greek words, baptizo or baptisma which means to bath, wash, immerse.   The ritual of baptism is practised by most Christians. It is also practised by the Sikhs, a monotheistic religion founded more than 500 years ago, their theology favours John the Baptist over Jesus. Baptism ...

Last Sunday was the Third Sunday of Advent and the pink candle was lit, the candle of Joy. On this third Sunday of Advent we light this candle symbolizing joy – acknowledging the reality that joy often bursts out of pain, hardship, and failure. Joy often comes to us unexpectedly, especially when we have given up on life, joy reminds ...

On Sunday we had our service with Marathon United Church, the message was given by Rev. Richard  Bott from Burlington, Ont. “It is the beginning of Advent, a time of waiting and preparation for the coming of the Christ Child.  It is a time to think about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in this day and ...