Reflection for January 8
There is a wisdom story that says that at the beginning of time, God resolved to hide within creation. As God was wondering how best to do this, the angels gathered around. ‘I want to hide myself in my creation’, God said. ‘I need to find a place that is not too easily discovered, for it is in the search for me that my people will grow in spirit and in understanding.’
‘Why don’t you hide yourself deep in their earth?’ the first angel suggested. God pondered for a while, then replied, ‘No. It will not be long before they learn how to mine the earth and discover all the treasures that it contains. They will discover me too quickly, and they will not have had enough time to do their growing.’ Continue reading Reflection: January 8
The Gospel of Luke tells us that:
“By the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who walk in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
(Luke 1:78-79)
During Advent we are reminded of the light of God’s presence. Each Sunday the light has grown brighter as we’ve lit the Advent Candles. And, now, on Christmas Eve the light of God’s love made manifest in Jesus Christ shines brightly in our eyes and in our hearts. Continue reading Reflection: Christmas Eve
Let us pause for a moment to open our hearts and minds to God in the spirit of prayer:
God of Advent peace,
we give thanks for your loving presence
and the comfort you offer us
every moment of our lives.
You are with us in times of joy and sorrow;
a constant faithful presence
that reminds us that we are not alone.
We give thanks that you gently but persistently
guide our steps as we walk together
on this journey of faith.
You give us courage to proclaim your love
in our actions as well as our words
that we may be guided in your way of peace.
We gather, and serve, in the name of Christ,
the herald of hope and Prince of Peace.
Amen
This week, as I have been pondering the scripture readings for the second Sunday of Advent, many thoughts and themes have occurred to me. I have sought God’s comfort in the midst of grieving the death of a dear friend; I have recognized God’s messengers in kind actions and words of encouragement; I have witnessed the Good News of Christ’s presence in the Body of Christ gathered in worship and remembrance; and I have heard the words of prophets, poets and teachers which have inspired and illuminated my journey of faith. Continue reading Reflection: December 4
Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. David Butler-Jones stated in his 2011 health report:
“Generally speaking, Canadian youth and young adults are healthy and highly resilient, and most are successfully making the transition to adulthood, but not everyone is flourishing. Those who are not doing well are disproportionately represented by youth from low income families, youth who live in remote communities, sexual and gender minority youth and aboriginal youth.”
Continue reading November 23: Minute for Mission
Let us begin this time of reflection with a prayer by George Appleton:
O God of many names
Lover of all nations,
we pray for peace
in our hearts,
in our homes,
in our nations,
in our world.
For the peace you willed, we pray.
Amen
(Voices United 693)
There were two neighbours, Joe and Sam, who lived side by side in the country. They’d been friends their whole lives and had grown old together. And, now that their children were grown and had moved away and their spouses had died all they had left were their farms and each other. Continue reading Reflection: Nov 6
Let us pause for a moment to express our gratitude to God, in prayer…
Gracious God,
we give thanks for your love which comforts us,
your Spirit which empowers us,
and the example of faith-filled living given to us by Jesus
and the communion of saints throughout the ages.
With joy and thanksgiving we celebrate and give thanks for
your presence, this day and in the days to come. Amen
Today is All Saints’ Sunday which we often celebrate on the closest Sunday to November 1st—All Saints’ Day.
All Saints’ Day was originally called the Feast of All Hallows. The word hallow simply means holy. The most familiar place Christians find this word is in the Lord’s Prayer when referring to God we say, “hallowed be thy name” or holy be your name. Continue reading October 30 – All Saints’ Sunday
There is a tale, which is said to have come from the Middle Ages:
The Pope, under pressure from his Cardinals, decided that all the members of the Jewish community had to leave Rome. As you would expect, there was a huge uproar from the Jewish community. The Pope suggested that he would have a religious debate with a member of that community. If that person won the debate, the Jewish community could stay, but if the Pope won the debate, they would have to leave.
The members realized they had no choice so their elders chose a respected Rabbi to represent them. The Rabbi was rather flamboyant in his expression, so they asked for one addition to the rules of debate. To make it more interesting, and safer, neither side would be allowed to talk. The Pope agreed.
The day of the great debate came. The Rabbi and the Pope stood opposite each other for a full minute before the Pope raised his hand and showed three fingers. The Rabbi looked back at him and raised one finger.
The Pope waved his fingers in a circle around his head. The Rabbi energetically pointed to the ground.
The Pope pulled out a loaf of bread and a glass of wine and he broke the bread and ate, then sipped the wine.
The Rabbi pulled out an apple and took a bite from it.
The Pope then stood up and said, “I give up. This man is too good. The Jewish community can stay in Rome as long as they want.”
An hour later, the cardinals surrounded the Pope asking him what had happened.
The Pope said, “First I held up three fingers to represent the Trinity. He responded by holding up one finger to remind me there was still one God common to both our religions. Then I waved my fingers around me to show him that God is all around us and is the ultimate authority over the church. He responded by pointing to the ground and reminding me that God may be all around, but God is also right here with us and is God of the Jews as well as of the church. I broke bread and drank wine to show that God loves us and forgives our transgressions. The Rabbi ate of the apple to remind me of original sin and how it still affects us. He had an answer for everything. What could I do?”
Meanwhile, the Jewish community had gathered around the Rabbi.
“What happened?”, they asked.
“Well”, said the Rabbi, “First he said to me that the Jews had three days to get out of town. I told him that not one of us was leaving. Then he told me that this whole city would be cleared of Jews. I let him know that we were staying right here.”
“And then?” asked a woman.
“I don’t know”, said the Rabbi, “He took out his lunch and I took out mine – and now we can stay as long as we want.”
Ah, the complexity of communication and the interpretation of actions!
Today’s lesson from the Gospel of Matthew recalls an encounter between a representative of the Pharisees and Jesus. Continue reading Reflection: October 23
Reflection presented by Rev. Barbara Langton
How many of you are over the age of 60?
How many of you are under the age of 60?
How many of you would rather not say?
For those of you who are over the age of 60, you might remember some of these comments about this United Church of ours. These particular comments come from Kimberley United Church, although you will probably find similar ones in your congregation. Listen for things that might be a little different today: Continue reading Covenanting Service for Christine Dudley, October 16, 2011
(editor’s note: While Christine attended the Kootenay Presbytery meetings in Fernie, Bill generously offered to officiate Sunday Worship)
GOD THE SINGER
So what does this mean? “God the Singer.”
Do any of you hear God singing in your life?
Music permeates all God’s creation and embraces all humanity. Music is rooted in and evolves from God’s relationship with us and our relationship with God. Music shapes who we are and who we are becoming. Music is not inserted into worship but rather worship is musical. Continue reading October 16 Sermon by Bill Bale
Let us pause for a moment and create a space in our hearts and minds to recognize the blessing of God’s presence…Pause for silence… and, in the words of Mary Jo Leddy we offer a prayer to God…
 We are grateful,
You have given us this day
and have given us this way
to say Thank You.
We thank you for giving us
what we need to be grateful.
We offer back to You
all that we have
all that we are.
We know our thank you
is as fragile as we are
- it can be crushed
by the care of the moment
- it can disappear
in the heat of the day
- it can be blown away
by the winds of suffering.
And so we ask You
to take our small thank you
into Your great act of Thanksgiving:
…You in whom it is all
Yes and Amen.
Mary Jo Leddy is a devout Christian who lives and works with refugees in the “Romero House Community” in Toronto. She is also the author of a book called Radical Gratitude which I highly recommend. She is a silver haired woman who exudes gentleness and kindness, strength and conviction. I had the great priviledge to hear her speak in person at the Western Women’s Conference, at Naramata Centre, three years ago. I was impressed by her humility, quiet assurance and confident faith. She is a woman who “walks the talk” and integrates her deep and abiding faith with a life of faith-filled loving action. Continue reading Reflection: October 9 – Thanksgiving Sunday
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Kimberley United Church 10 Boundary St Kimberley, BC V1A 3C8
(250) 427-2428
Sunday Worship: 10 am
Minister: Rev. Christine Dudley
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