This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit to the followers of Jesus. Pentecost (meaning "50" is 50 days from Passover). And Pentecost happens under very specific circumstances. People pilgrimaged to Jerusalem from all across the Roman Empire for the Festival of Weeks (commemorating the wheat harvest and the giving of the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai). This gathering of diverse people spoke Greek because of the empire but their native language would have been from the region they were from. So when tongues settle on the disciples and they begin to speak the Word of God in the various languages, people are taken aback. And out of this, Peter preaches, many come to believe and the church as we know it today begun. And out of this we know that we also who have been baptized and become part of God''s beloved are also gifted the Holy Spirit to continue the work of God in the world. Attached to this week's notes is a map showing the various regions people travelled from in order to be part of this festival and the Pentecost experience. 

Today we get to hear Jesus offer a prayer to the One he called Father. This prayer from the heart asks that we may be one in unity with God and God's call on our lives, as the Trinity is in their own, 3-in-1 relationship.   

Last week we looked at the passage immediately before this one. Jesus had shared with his followers 2 central teachings: (1) that to see Jesus is to see the One he called Father and (2) that the way to where he is going is to follow him. He is the Way. We may want the coordinates but Jesus instead offers an invitation - follow me. 

Today we pick up in the next verses of John where Jesus relates his personhood and work with the relationship of the Holy Spirit. Jesus will soon leave this earth and return to heaven but he won't abandon them (or us). No, when he returns to heaven soon after the Holy Spirit will come to continue the work of being our guide, our comforter and our advocate. In the church calendar, we are currently 2 weeks away from Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus promised.

I am glad to live in a time when we have Google Maps. That technology which helps us get places, able to speak directions to us and knowing up-to-date delays and the best route is quite incredible. But when The Way is with you, you do not need a map. In the lectionary Gospel passage for today Thomas asks Jesus, "We do not know where you are going so how can we know the way?" It's an honest question I can easily imagine asking Jesus myself. And Jesus replies, "I am the way (and the truth and the life)". The Way is not a place per se, but a person. When I hearJesus say, "I am" it reminds me of how God identified Godself to Moses at the burning bush. And our call is to follow Jesus wherever he may lead. No map required but please do, buckle up and enjoy the ride! 

The church is a different kind of community from many in the world. Where else but around Jesus do we find people of all different languages, nations, identities, ages, socioeconomic statuses etc gathering in one place with someone so major in common? Society often divides us up into neat and not so neat identities and categories. The church breaks down all that. The church is a weird and wonderful, counter-cultural community. Let's name that, recognize what it means and own our place in that ongoing story of God's people and work called to stand out. 

We see with more than just our eyes. Our heart, our ears, our sense of smell and touch all play a part in how we come to really see people and know they truly are. On the road to Emmaus, 2 disciples are walking when suddenly Jesus joins them post-resurrection. But the fail to recognize just Who is walking with them. He unpacks scripture pointing to himself, reminding these disciples all the prophets had said about the path to life coming through death and resurrection. But it's only when they join him at the table and he blesses the bread, breaks it and gives it to them (Communion, The Last Supper) that their eyes are opened and they finally see it was Jesus all along. 

This recording is from the Sunday after Easter and Reverend Lauren was away. A wonderful retired United Church Minister, Rev. Brian Thorpe filled in. Enjoy this message! 

It's Easter Sunday and He is Risen! Celebrate Easter Sunday and Communion/Eucharist with us as we mark that Jesus arose in the world and conquered the powers of sin and the grave/death. And, Jesus Way is still alive in the world today - through us. 

In the art of Improvisation acting, performers are invited to jump into an unfolding story someone else began by agreeing with what they do and adding to it. This technique is known as, "Yes, and...". This happened, "Yes, and" then this happened! Today we employ that idea to the unfolding story of God's work in the Easter narrative and in our day.  This amazing thing happened and then watch what unfolded.... Enjoy. 

Good Friday. Today we follow Jesus and his journey to the Cross and look at how our inclinations as people and as a society lean towards violence, while Jesus Way is the Way of Peace and Forgiveness - even to his accusers! 

Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey's colt which marks Palm Sunday and the entrance to Holy Week appears in all 4 Gospels. Each Gospel writer tells the story a little differently. This year we focus on Mark's account. But what does that mean? How does Mark frame the story next to the other Gospel accounts? Well, you're in luck because this week Reverend Lauren prepared posters and preached the story 4 ways, detailing how each Gospel writer tells the same story. Please visit our Facebook page: South Arm United Church to see the images of the posters detailing each account. Blessings to you and yours as we enter Holy Week. 

Continuing in our Good News series we examine the story of the woman accused of adultery who is brought into the temple for judgement. Faith leaders confront Jesus and ask what should be done with her. The scene reads like a set up. But Jesus flips the script by writing some things in the sand which cause these righteous leaders to drop their stones and walk away. None is left to accuse her except Jesus, who offers her forgiveness and the chance to start again. God's justice is generous and no matter our station in life, we all are in need of God's forgiveness, mercy, faithfulness and justice beyond what we deserve but God lovingly offers. 

We continue in our "Good News" Lenten series this week acknowledging the systemic injustices that exist in our world, how Jesus meets people on the margins with compassion and love and calls us to love to do likewise. We acknowledge the rhythms and pressures of empire vs. the rhythms of God. We acknowledge that God forming us for this world, for this time means we are a cherished part of God's creative plan without needing to prove anything to the world. The Good News? God cares for those on the margins, the most vulnerable, the outcast (including us)!

Continuing in our Lenten "Good News" series, we look today at Mark's account of "The Feeding of the 5,000". Jesus sent out the disciples (here called Apostles for the first time which means, 'sent ones') to do as he has done - teach, encourage people to repent, pray, anoint, heal the sick and follow Jesus' example. Having gone out in pairs to minister to people as Jesus instructed, they return to report back, in need of rest. Jesus invites them to get away with him to a deserted place. But the crowds see Jesus and rush to get where he's going. Jesus has compassion for them as "Sheep without a shepherd" (a direct reference to Moses) and attends to their needs feeding mind, spirit and yes, body. With God all things are possible. God's economy is one of generosity where all our needs are met and there is more to spare. 

There are times when God's word is so good I who love to preach (Rev. Lauren) just want to sit down, be quiet and let God speak. This Sunday was one of those times. Someone asked if I could put the big point of the message up front and in this sermon I did just that. After giving the big point in the first 1-2 minutes I was very tempted to sit down and let the words sit with people. I had a whole sermon prepared but God's word and the big point would have been enough. I wonder if this week is almost best listened to twice? Once for the big point and another time for the full scope? You decide and please let us know. 

First Sunday of Lent. We are following a series created by 'A Sanctified Art' entitled, "Tell Me Something Good". Each week the sermon title begins with the words, "The Good News is...". Today we find Jesus at a wedding party where he will perform his first miracle (sign/wonder work) that points beyond the act itself to revealing something of his identity. With the wedding banquet as our setting and a 93 year old Birthday in the church, we decorated with balloons and started the sermon with a little dance party. Starting in this fun and unexpected way drew people into the setting and grabbed their attention and from their we let the scripture speak. 

Music: "Ev'ry Day Is a Day of Thanksgiving" (More Voices Hymnal #185). Words and Music: Leonard Burks. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477 

The banners in the church turn to white for this service as we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday. This is from the last Sunday of Epiphany/Ordinary Time before the Lent season begins next week. In Matthew 16 the religious elite ask Jesus for a sign (which he does not provide anymore than he has already), Jesus and the disciples cross a lake and head to Caesarea Philippi where Jesus asks the disciples who people say He is. Then, Jesus asks them directly, who do You say I am? And Simon Peter correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. With this, his name is changed to Peter (Petros, meaning the rock) and "on this rock I will build my church" Jesus declares. It is after correctly naming who Jesus is exactly the he takes Peter, James and his brother John up a mountain for a holy encounter they won't soon forget! The beginning and now near the end of Jesus ministry are marked with a voice from Heaven saying, "This is my beloved Son in whom I well pleased" and here we have the extra statement imploring us to, "Listen to Him". 

God gives a word to the prophet Isaiah to deliver to God's people, you fast and act holy in vain when you don't live as my people the rest of the week. Is it good to fast? Yes, absolutely. Is it good to worship? Yes, absolutely. Is it good to bow down in prayer? Yes, of course. But what good is any of that if we return to our normal lives and live like everyone else, as if God has not transformed us in any way? None. 

United Church Growth Animator, Rev. Scott Reynolds was with us all weekend. 

On Saturday he lead our Seeking God's Vision team on a Retreat to begin imagining where God is calling us to serve and grow as a community. 

Sunday morning Rev. Scott co-lead service and was our Guest Preacher. His message reminded us: (1) How the way of Christ looks very different to the ways of the world & (2) To go and look for the face of Christ in others and show up in such a way that they see the face of Christ in us as well. 

This Sunday we had a special Guest Preacher, Jeannie Van Zandt. Jeannie is a student at Vancouver School of Theology (VST) where she is completing a Master's of Public and Pastoral Leadership towards being a Hospital Chaplain. Today she lead our in-service Children's Time with a beautiful illustration from The Chronicles of Narnia and then spoke on Why Jesus Came. And after church she stuck around to mingle with our community as we gathered around tables of food and coffee for an old-fashioned, church potluck. 

Having spent a good amount of time in Corinth, Paul has established relationships and has encouraged the home churches there. He gets reports that things have gone sideways a bit and sits down with a fellow leader, Sosthenes, to pen this letter to the Corinthian churches. They have divisions and disagreements to do with following different leaders, worship styles and right beliefs. The church is a beautiful, set apart community of God called to serve God in the world. We have all the spiritual gifts we need to do this work but sometimes our all too human ways can get in the way of the good God intends us to do. It was true in Corinth and it is still true to this day. We are a blessed and broken people, a people of great faith and sometimes with doubts and fears, a people with hope and a people who hurt. We are all that. And what is especially true - is that God loves us and calls us to be a special kind of community (Koinonia) for His glory through it all. 

In Matthew 3 we find John the Baptist in the wilderness cleansing people of their sins (ways that do not align with God's best for our lives and turning towards God with humbled hearts). This is a call John takes seriously and lives out beautifully, set apart for a purpose, including a different wardrobe and even diet. One day Jesus Himself comes to be baptized and John is reluctant. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus has no sin. Jesus is already obedient to the Way and Word of God. He IS the Word of God. How can we baptize the Lord? And yet Jesus insists that this is the way it must go to show his obedience to Parent God in His own life, demonstrate for us what faithful life looks like lived out and to inaugurate the ministry that will lead him to the cross, the tomb, resurrection and back to heaven again to prepare a place for us. Baptism is a beautiful and powerful sacrament of the church not to be taken lightly and to be remembered again and again. This Baptism of Jesus Sunday we welcomed 2 new members to the church with a blessing to remember their baptism and 2 people were baptized and welcomed to the church local and universal. Praise be to God. 

Fear doesn't stop us. This recording is from 04 January 2026, the Sunday closest to Epiphany (the day we celebrate the wise men reaching the holy family and paying homage to Jesus with their worship and precious gifts). On the road to Jesus the wise men are confronted by King Herod. Threatened by any mention of another king, ruler or authority in his earthly realm, Herod hatches a plan to go after the baby Jesus and wipe away the threat - but God has other plans. In dreams, both the wise men and the holy family are lead away and escape his grasp, so Herod does the unthinkable...he orders the elimination of every child born under 2 years of age. It's violent, horrific, offensive and grievous. It's also an ancient and all too familiar story of an earthly ruler/tyrant who will do anything to keep and advance their own agenda without concern for the lives of those who might get in their way. And throughout the ages, God invites us not to fear but to trust Him and press on as his image and light bearers to a world in need of faith, hope and love. Earthly rulers and fear do not have the last word. 

The news headlines we read and the top stories on TV and Radio news that seem to get the most attention tend to be negative. But in a world with lots to get us down and be concerned about, there are also plenty of Good News stories as well. They are just not featured as prominently. But there are plenty of people doing beautiful things in the world if we take the time to look. And of course on this Christmas Eve service, we remember the Best news of all - Emmanuel, God with us is ever with us and for us. Wherever we are as the followers of Christ, Emmanuel - God With Us is truly with us. And that, is the best news and of huge comfort through all times.

There are lots of moments in life both joyful and difficult where reaching out for someone's hand is of great comfort. In our service today we hear the call to reach out for God's hand for our comfort and strength and then to reach our hand out to those in need. 

Christmastide and the Holiday season can be fraught with memories of years past, loved ones we miss, loneliness, stress and an manner of struggles. The human experience is not all sunshine and rainbows. We hold both the hope, peace, joy and love of Christmas while at the same time acknowledging that life can be quite hard and the world is a challenging and often violent place in which to follow God. And so we have a service, a place to come holding the tension of the grief and the gratitude, to pray, to hear a word of hope, to light candles and to be in the presence of God and others on the journey to know we are not alone. 

Music throughout the service: 1. O God Hear My Prayer - Repeated Refrain, taize style throughout the service (Voices United hymnal #948), 2. Hope Is A Star (Voices United Hymnal #7),  3. O Ancient Love (Voices United Hymnal #17).  Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477   

Today we look at the story of the angel's anunciation to Mary that she is to be with child and this child is of God. While we may never have an angel visitation and hear those words, "do not be afraid" we are reminded that God calls us to walk faithfully, to pray and to serve others through all times and places - including in the very midst of our fears. 

Advent 2 (Peace) Are you The One who is to come? Or, is there another? John the Baptist asks these 2 pivotal, important questions from prison he wishes to have resolved with Jesus. In our day and time we might expect a simple 'Yes' or 'No' response to those prompts, but Jesus answer is not so simple or straightforward. Instead, Jesus quotes Isaiah and cues John to the prophecies said about the coming Messiah which are all coming true in Jesus. In the midst of our fears, we lean into Hope and Peace this Advent - knowing that God is at work. 

Thanks to www.sundayschool.store we found a free, no practice needed family pageant with a theme centring on the lights of Christmas and "The One True Light of Christmas". Listen in as school teacher Jean Ann who often leads our Children and Families programming along with Reverend Lauren work our way through a pageant with no rehearsal. The script was in place, Jean Ann brought props to make the story come alive in colour (simple costume pieces, flashlights, Christmas lights, green fabric and a bright star for all the characters to follow) and volunteers jumped up to fill all the parts needed. Pageants are such a fun, church Christmas tradition! 

Advent 1 (Hope). This year we follow a series produced by "A Sanctified Art" with the theme, "What Do You Fear? Insisting On Hope This Advent". Today we revisit the story we touched on last week of Zechariah and Elizabeth and dive deeper into the Hope it offers us for our time. 

Reign of Christ/Christ the King Sunday. We begin today by looking at the text before today's text so that we have the full context of the message. Elizabeth and Zechariah are mature in years and have never had a child. While Zechariah is serving in the temple and angel appears and tells Zechariah that his prayers have been heard and Elizabeth will against all odds, by the will of God, bear a child late in life. This child will be John (the Baptist) who will be a prophet and prepare the way for the One to come. Journey with us through "The Benedictus" - Zechariah's praise to God and then prophecy over this blessed child, John (who would grow to be John the Baptist).

Visions of heaven a new earth fill our Christian imagination. One day God's new Kindom will come about. One day justice will be the way. One day all will live peaceably side by side. Children will be born, people will live long and the ways of this world will be turned around for good. Until that day, we as followers of Jesus are called to be good news bearers, light givers and workers for justice in this world, in our time and in our place. God could bring this all about on God's own. But God delights in working in and through people. 

There are a myriad of theories and beliefs around the end of times. Some of them sound very convincing. Paul reminds the believers in Thessalonica to stay the course, remember what you were taught and to keep calm and carry on in following and serving God. Do not be distracted by 'fake news' of convincing theories of the end of times. Is it today? We don't know. Did we miss it? No. Those who stay true and faithful will always find themselves on the right track, offering hope for today and the promise of everlasting peace and reward in God's Kindom. 

 Music following the sermon: "Put Peace Into Each Other's Hands" (More Voices  Hymnal #173). Words: Fred Kaan, 1989, rev. 2001. Music: Ron Klusmeier, 2004. Words copyright with Hope Publishing Co. Music copyright Ron Klusmeier, 2004. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477        

The Revised Common Lectionary today offers a letter believed to have been written by the Apostle Paul with words of encouragement to a community of believers in Thessalonica. Under persecution, their faith and love for one another are growing stronger. Paul, Silvanus and Timothy commend the community and encourage them to be worthy of the calling God has given them. However the lectionary selection leaves out 6 of 12 verses in this passage. Those 6 that are left out of this week's selection speak volumes. The portion left out speaks of a day when all will stand before God on a judgement day and the lives we have lived will be accounted for. What we do on this earth matters. Sometimes in a conversation, what is left unsaid says more than what is said as we are reminded in today's message. 

Every 3 years The United Church of Canada has a meeting where worship takes places with representatives from across Canada, the business of the national church is conducted and a new Moderator who is our head of the church is elected. Susan Johnson from our neighbouring church, Gilmore Park United Church was a delegate to this huge occasion. Today she blends worship with news of what is happening across our denomination, The United Church of Canada. Scripture readings include Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17. 

Music Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477         

Guest Preacher and Presider, The Reverend Maggie Watts-Hammond lead this service as Rev. Lauren was away. Hear Rev. Maggie's wonderful interpretation of the parable of "The Widow and the Unjust Judge". How can we who are called to offer words of hope, faith, strength and comfort preach in a world of such trials and stay clear of politics? The truth is, we cannot.

"Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" our Psalm says today. But there is more to 'fear of the Lord' than the surface level, English translation where we imagine being scared. In Hebrew the word for fear (yirah) is also translated as reverence and respect. So, to hold God in the highest regard with reverence and respect is the beginning of wisdom. Acknowledging that God is Holy and greater beyond all our human understanding and imagining, thereby recognizing our place in the created order under God, is the beginning of understanding and living into wisdom. 

From the Revised Common Lectionary offerings for this week we return to the Psalms, the mini-Bible, the songs and poetry of the Hebrew Bible. Today we look at Psalm 37, a Wisdom Psalm which seems to speak right into our time today with an age old question, "How do we affirm a Great and Holy God and live in the midst of a messy and often unjust world where wrongdoing seems to thrive"?  Our temptation may be to meet evil with evil, anger with anger, fire with fire. But that doesn't solve anything. It only makes things worse. A better response is to Stop, breathe, pause, turn to God in prayer and discern how we can peaceably stand against injustice and make a difference. In this, we trust God implicitly and act in integrity out of our faith. 

A rich man who seems to be living easy and a poor man who has it rough and lives right outside the gates of the rich man's home. Two very different people and life circumstances. When they die, they find their roles reversed. The poor man is with Abraham and the rich man is not. He is somewhere else and there is a gulf between them which cannot be crossed. What do we make of this parable? And what is God saying to us through this story? Listen in, open your heart to what the Spirit is saying to the church (you) and hold the tensions of the story with us. 

Today we hear the call to pray for Kings and those in positions of authority. We also learn a formula for structuring our prayers: ACTSI. Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplications and Intercession. We start by praising and adoring God. This is followed by Confession where we admit to God the ways we have fallen short of God's best for us and, we receive God's forgiveness and grace. Then we Thank God. We Thank God for forgiveness and grace and all things we can think to thank God for. After this we lay out our prayers before God for ourself. This is called making Supplications. Finally, we stand in the middle between God and some other person or situation and we Intercede for them. We pray for those we know are sick, who need a special blessing from God and for situations in the world. We intercede for people and events as Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercede on our behalf. ACTSI. 

This Sunday we welcomed guest preacher, Reverend Jay Olson. Rev. Jay has helped shepherd our church through 1 year with no clergy and 2 years with Lauren as a student minister. Today Lauren was officially sworn in as the minister of South Arm United Church. Hear Jay preach about the Body of Christ and how we are all in this together. 

Did Jesus really say, "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters and even life itself cannot be my disciple"? And if so, what did he mean? First, did he say it? Maybe. Scripture records it as such. Did he mean it? Well, we don't believe in a literal translation of being called to hate anyone. No, we are called to Love God and Love our neighbour as ourself. What Jesus is getting at is that being a disciple asks everything of us and can cost us relationships and indeed, our very life. Jesus stresses the cost of following him and ensures his followers know the cost before signing on. And of course, whatever the cost here, we believe God makes it all worthwhile. 

Again this Sunday we encounter Jesus on a Sabbath, with Pharisees (a sect of religious leaders who were very strict about following the law) and we're presented with a person in need of healing. Jesus asks if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath, qualifies the ask further and then heals a man of dropsy (edema/swelling). The man leaves healed and Jesus offers 2 lessons: (1) A parable about a wedding banquet and sitting in a humble place instead of a place of honour and, (2) A call to breakdown social barriers and to welcome those beyond our comfort zone and usual social group. To serve those who cannot repay you is an act of kindness that reflects the heart of God and will be rewarded in heaven. 

This Sunday we examined the command to honour the Sabbath and keep it holy. In the synagogue on a Sabbath, Jesus sees a woman bent over for 18 years. She doesn't ask for help but he sees her, lays hands on her and pronounces her healed. She stands up for the first time in 18 years and is restored to wholeness in body and in the community at large. A leader is sure Jesus has broken the command to honour the Sabbath and this healing is classified as 'work'. Jesus has some words back to the man which bring restoring people to wholeness in word and deed as the true heart and meaning of the Sabbath. So...how do we personally live out the command to honour the Sabbath? 

Last week we began exploring The Hall of Faith. We looked at some of the biggest names and stories we know in The Bible and how God works through people to accomplish God's plans. Today we continue with a few more such stories along with a warning. Pursuing The Way of God runs counter to the ways of this world and can bring on trouble including persecution and even death. In fact, the greek word for 'witness' is 'martys' from which we get the English word, 'martyr'. To be a follower and witness is linked to being willing to follow God even unto death. With that, we pray that God would direct our steps to accomplish whatever it is God wants through us to bring about the "Kin-dom come on earth as it is in heaven".

Today we start a 2 week examination of what has been called The Hall of Faith, a 'whose who' of great Biblical figures we know and recognize. As we look at their lives we are reminded that God is awesome, God seeks relationship with all of us, that we too are vessels of God's love and work in the world and finally, that "By Faith," with God, all things are possible for God's glory and purpose. 

After Jesus finishing praying, one of the disciples asks Jesus how to pray. Jesus lays out a shorter form of what we know as "The Lord's Prayer". Following this, Jesus offers a metaphor of how we as humans who are beautiful and messy creatures know how to give good gifts to one another and how much more does our Holy God is altogether Good know how to give us all good gifts including most of all, the Holy Spirit. It's a powerful passage. 

Today we welcomed back guest Minister, The Reverend Dr. Brian Thorpe. Hear as he shares from God's word and brings the text to life in our time and place.

Rev. Billy Graham is said to have prayed the Psalms daily, such that every 3 months he would have prayed aloud all 150 Psalms before starting again. The Psalms have been called a mini-Bible unto itself. In the Psalms we find the the full scope of human experience. We find people not unlike ourselves laying their very souls bare before God in anger, in distress, in sadness, in jubilation and in reverence of God's holiness. If we are ever at a loss for words on what to pray, we might just open up the Psalms and find in them what it means to walk through all the good times, hardships and ordinary days in between with God on our side.

In today's message we talk about being a gathered and sent people. Gathered into the church to worship, to hear a word from The Word, to pray and to encourage one another on in good works. And then we are sent out into the world to live out our faith, to share the good news and to participate in hospitality - both giving and receiving graciously. And we wonder, who might be the 1 person we could invite to church?

Music throughout our service Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477  

Everyday we face a myriad of choices. In each moment we can choose to live by gratifying the desires of the flesh or the way of the Holy Spirit. Are we meant to subdue the flesh and live according to the Spirit 24/7 or is there a way to hold both body and Spirit as holy and be in communication with both? This is the topic we address in this week's sermon. Living in the flesh, with the Spirit. 

 Music between scripture reading and sermon: "O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee" (Voices United Hymnal #560). Words: Washington Gladden 1879, alt. Music: Henry Percy Smith, 1874. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477        

In Canada, June is Indigenous History Month and June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day. If honour of this, we were fortunate to have The Rev. Murray Pruden join us as our guest preacher and co-presider. Rev. Murray opened our service with a wonderful prayer to 6 directions (East. South, West, North, Up and Down) and he offered a beautiful sermon which you can hear here. 

Music between scripture reading and sermon: "Many Are the Lightbeams" (Voices United Hymnal #588). Words: Cyprian of Carthage 252, Swedish para. Anders Frostenson 1972, rev. 1986. English Translation David Lewis, 1983. Music: Olle Widestrand 1974, arr. Len Lythgoe, 1983. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477        

This Sunday we designated, 'Music Sunday' with special guest musicians and extra hymns. We also took time to honour all students connected to our church who are graduating from various grades, programs and schools. 

Made in God's image and even more specifically, in the archetype of Christ, we are called to Love God and Love our neighbour as ourself. From a heart of awe, wonder and reverence for God, we are called to live as Christ in the world. Not exploiting our planet, animals or people, but caring for one another as Godself does. Today we are reminded of God's spectacular works and our place in the grand story of it all. 

Music between scripture reading and sermon: "Seek Ye First the Kingdom" (Voices United Hymnal #356). Words & Music: Karen Lafferty, 1972. Copyright Cccm Music (ASCAP) Universal Music-Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP). Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477       

On June 10, 1925 people from across Canada who were part of the Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church and Congregationalist Church came together to form The United Church of Canada. June 10th, 1925 was the inaugural service in a giant hockey arena in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. That arena would later be famously named, 'Maple Leaf Gardens'. 

On the 100th Anniversary we invited the other United Church communities in our city of Richmond, BC including: Steveston United Church. Richmond United Church and GIlmore Park United Church to join us for a big celebration! Today we release a super-sized episode of much of that service which was planned by volunteers from our various communities. When God's people come together to pray, worship, sing praise and hear God's Word - anything is possible. 

All Music chosen from The United Church hymnals, "Voices United" & "More Voices". Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477       

In this service we examined the story of a paralyzed man who lies for years by a pool thought to have healing properties. The story goes that occasionally an angel comes down to stir the waters and the first to get in the water while it's stirring find healing. But no one helps the man get in so he misses his chance again and again. Jesus asks him this strange questions, "Do you want to be made well?" Explore that with us. 

Music between scripture reading and sermon: "Come and Find the Quiet Centre" (Voices United Hymnal #374). Words: Shirley Erena Murray, alt. 1989. Music: attrib. Benjamin Franklin White 1844, harm. Ronald A. Nelson, 1978. Words copyright Hope Publishing Co., 1992. Harmony copyright Lutheran Book of Worship, 1978. Used by permission Augsburg Fortress. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477      

There is coming a day when God will redeem and reconcile all Creation unto Godself. No pain. No tears. No death. No mourning. A new heaven and a new earth will have been transformed into God's glorious vision all along. From the beginning to the end and everything in between (The Alpha, The Omega, The Beginning and The End) this has been God's heart, God's work and God's invitation to us. 

Music between scripture reading and sermon: "I See a New Heaven" (Voices United Hymnal #713). Words & Music: Caroline McDade, 1979. Harmony: Janet McGaughey ca. 1991. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477          

The book of Revelation can be intimidating and scary. But it need not be. For we know God has a plan to redeem and reconcile people and Creation. This has been the Master's plan and Jesus made The Way for it to come to pass by conquering sin and the grave (death itself). The vision John shows us, documenting what God has made known to him, shows us that God's plan ultimately results in people from every nation, tribe, people and language gathered around in unity worshipping God. "Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honour, power and might be to our forever and ever! Amen." 

Music between scripture reading and sermon: "Psalm 23: The Lord's My Shepherd" (Voices United Hymnal #747). Words: Scottish Psalter, 1650. Music: Jessie Seymour Irvine, 1972. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477          

Today we look at the popular conversion story of Saul to Paul. Saul a religious leader who persecuted Christ followers is met by Jesus in a holy encounter while on the road to Damascus. For 3 days he is temporarily blinded and fasts completely from food and water. God sends along a disciple named Ananias to find him and lay hands on him. With this, Paul regains his site, is baptized and enjoys a meal before starting on his ministry journey to Gentiles, synagogues and Kings. If God can meet Saul where he was at and totally transform his life, there is hope for all of us as well! 

Music between scripture reading and sermon: "Open My Eyes That I May See" (Voices United Hymnal #371). Words & Music: Clara H. Scott, 1895.  Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477         

During Holy Week we hosted 5 services so the following week, we gave our Minister Lauren a break. Various leaders in the South Arm United Church community took responsibility for various parts of the service. Hear as Olwen Walker shares the message this week. 

Music between scripture reading and sermon: "I Danced in the Morning" (Voices United Hymnal #352). Words: Sydney Carter, 1963. Music: Shaker Melody, adapt. and harm. Sydney Carter, 1963. Copyright 1963, Stainer & Bell. Used with permission of Hope Publishing Co. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477         

What happened? This is the question the disciple asked as he left the empty tomb. It's a good question. What meaning do we take away from Jesus life, death and resurrection? It is Easter Sunday, "He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!". We join with churches around the world this day and celebrate that Jesus has conquered sin and the grave. And because Jesus has conquered both sin and the grave, our lives are forever changed. 

Music between scripture reading and sermon: "Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Give Thanks" (Voices United Hymnal #179). Words & Music: Donald Fishel, 1971. Arrangement by Darryl Nixon, 1987, Descant by Betty Pulkingham. Words and Music copyright 1973 International Liturgy Publications. Arrangement copyright, 1987 Songs for a Gospel People. Descant Copyright 1979, Maranatha Music. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477        

Easter Sunday we brought in 2 special musicians: Sarah Stevenson, Soprano & Ian Cohen, Trumpet. Listen as Sarah uses her angelic voice to share with us, "Now the Green Blade Rises".  Words: J.M.C. Crum Music: French. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477        

On the cross Jesus quoted these words from Psalm 22, "My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?" Today we look at the Psalm Jesus quoted and reflect on Good Friday. 

As the reading is longer than usual, we took time in the middle and at the end to sing a hymn in taize style of repetition and contemplation, "O God, Hear My Prayer". Words & Music copyright Les Presses de Taize (France). Used with permission of G.I.A. Publications, Inc. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477        

The lectionary today offered up a beautiful Passover Praise Psalm for this Palm Sunday. This Sunday marks Jesus entry into Jerusalem on a donkey and the beginning of Holy Week. The opening and closing verses of our passage today offer up the call to, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever". 

 Music between scripture reading and sermon: "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" (Voices United Hymnal #123). Words: Jennette Threlfall, 1873. Music: trad. 18th century German tune, adapt. Xavier Ludwig Hartig, 1868. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477        

Isaiah had a message for God's people. Look back to the Exodus and remember that God is your God and you are God's people. Keep your eyes and heart on God. But do not live in the past. And do not rest on your laurels. God is doing a new thing and invites them (and us) to follow.  Today we also welcomed a new Music Minister who did a beautiful job and fit in so well we could hardly believe it was his first Sunday with us, Tyler Fleming. 

Music between scripture reading and sermon: "Take My Life and Let It Be" (Voices United Hymnal #506). Words: Frances Ridley Havergal 1874, alt. Music: unknown, desc. John T. Wilkinson, 1980. Descant copyright 1980 en Thusia Enterprises. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477       

Today we say a huge Thank You and send our long time Music Director home with our prayers and wishes for a happy retirement after 23 years of relationship here. This was Ron's final farewell at the end of his last service with us.

Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477    

The Prodigal Son (someone who spends a fortune recklessly) is one of the most well known stories of our faith. This parable is the 3rd in a trilogy of stories about something of great value being lost and found. The first parable in this section of Luke tells of a Good Shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to bring 1 lost sheep back into the fold. The 2nd story tells of a woman who lost a coin of great value. She turns her household upside down until it's found and then throws a party. The Lost Son / Prodigal is the 3rd in that set of lost and found stories. 

Music between scripture reading and sermon: "Come Let Us Sing of a Wonderful Love"  (Voices United Hymnal #574). Words: Robert Welmsley ca.1900 Music: Adam Watson. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477      

A parallel to this scripture is found in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus tells a parable about a homeowner who offers a banquet. When the banquet is prepared the host sends out a worker to gather the invited guests. Each come up with reasons they are too busy to attend. So the homeowner directs the worker to gather the outcast from the streets and the alleyways. Bring all who were initially not on the guest list. The worker does so and there is plenty of room to spare for even more guests. God's welcome is for All, particularly the ones society casts aside. And Jesus invites us to feast on the Bread of Life and Living Waters that satisfy us body, mind and spirit in a way bread and drink alone cannot. Those who hunger and thirst for God will find themselves forever satisfied. 

Music between scripture reading and sermon: "Just As I Am"  (Voices United Hymnal #508). Words: Charlotte Elliott, 1834. Music: William Batchelder Bradbury, 1849. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477      

When the Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod is out to kill him, Jesus replies, "Tell that fox for me I am casting out demons today, tomorrow and the next day will be on my way." The ways of the world are not God's ways and God does not answer to any earthly ruler. Jesus is going about God's work on the way to Jerusalem and will not be stopped or sidetracked by the plans of any earthly ruler or kindom. 

 Music between scripture reading and sermon: "O Jesus Christ May Grateful Hymns Be Rising"  (Voices United Hymnal #329). Words: Bradford Gray Webster, 1954. Music: Alfred Scott-Gaity, 1900. Used by permission of Hope Publishing Co. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477     

This Sunday The United Church of Canada looks ahead to March 14th (3.14) and we call that, PIE Day as a play on words for pythagorean theorum (pi). In The United Church that term has come to be used for a Gospel of Inclusion that is Public, Intentional & Explicit (PIE) in welcoming the outcast into the church, particularly the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Today's lectionary passage from Romans speaks of "No distinction between persons and how All who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved". 

 Music between scripture reading and sermon: "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say"  (Voices United Hymnal #626). Words: Horatius Bonar, 1846. Music: English and Irish traditional melody, arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906. Arrangement used by persmission of Oxford University Press. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477      

Grab a piece of bread or cracker along with some grape juice and join us from wherever you tune in as we celebrate The Lord's Supper together. All are welcome at this table of Grace, Mercy, Redemption and ultimately, Love. 

This service took place on 02 March 2025 which in the church calendar is "Transfiguration Sunday." Jesus took 3 disciples up a mountain to pray. There Moses and Elijah appear in glory and Jesus appearance is alight. Moses & Elijah talk to Jesus about his coming crucifixion, his 'exodus' from Jerusalem. Simon Peter wants to set up tabernacles to Moses, Elijah and Jesus, a kind thought, but not at all what they are there for. They descend the mountain, Jesus gets right back to business exorcising an evil spirit out of a young boy and All were amazed at the work of God. 

Music between scripture reading and sermon: "We Have Come at Christ's Own Bidding"  (Voices United Hymnal #104). Words: Carl P. Daw Jr., 1988. Music: Cyril Vincent Taylor, 1941. Copyright Hope Publishing Co., 1970. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477    

Today's lectionary passage seems to speak right into the heart of our world at this time; the call to "trust in the Lord" at all times and places while the wicked seem to prosper. Remember the wise counsel of the prophet Micah (6:8) to "...Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly before God." We are the light bearers, the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Now is our time to lean on our faith more than ever and to be that source of Hope and help for others. 

Music between scripture reading and sermon: "Creator God You Gave Us Life"  (More Voices Hymnal #27). Words & Music: Judith Snowdon, 2004. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477   

Today we look at the prophet Jeremiah's message that amid trying times in the world, those connected to The Source will fair better than those without God. Those who rely on humankind and the things of this world and turn away from God will be like a shrub in the desert. Those who are connected to God on the other hand will find that while a drought happens, they still bear fruit and are stable because their roots run to a nearby steam/river and Source of Life. In these challenging times in the world of uncertainty and shifting alliances, may you find hope, peace, comfort and strength to carry on through Faith in the God of the Universe who is with us, for us, within us, around us and, Above All. 

 Music between scripture reading and sermon: "God Who Gives to Life Its Goodness"  (Voices United Hymnal #260). Words: Walter Farquharson, 1970.  Music: Cyril Vincent Taylor, 1941. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477  

After 23 years with South Arm United Church, our beloved Music Minister, Ron Stevenson is retiring. While he will still be helping us out until the end of March, today we planned a retirement party and send-off for him. As part of the service, our Ministry & Personnel (Human Resources team) expressed their gratitude and Ron was presented with a book of well wishes from each person in the community. 

509 is the hymn number in Voices United based on this passage, "Here I am Lord/I the Lord of Sea and Sky". Today we talk about Empire, the temporary nature of world rulers vs. God's eternal rule and wonder how we might be vulnerable before God and each other. We speak of confession and forgiveness and wonder how the church might be a place of vulnerability, confession, community, healing and life transformation, not unlike the work done in 12 step groups. In other words, we cover a lot of ground today inspired by the prophet Isaiah! 

Music between scripture reading and sermon: "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise"  (Voices United Hymnal #264). Words: Walter Chalmers Smith, 1867, alt. 1987. Music: Welsh folk song arr. John Roberts (Henllan) in Caniadau y Cyssegr 1839. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477    

Grab a cracker or piece of bread and some juice and join us virtually as we gather together around God's table to remember how Jesus called his followers to "do this in remembrance of me." 

Today we welcomed guest speaker Lynda Dickson who is finishing her studies to be a Diaconal Minister in The United Church of Canada. Diaconal Minister's are particularly called to focus on the church in the world beyond Sunday service. Hear about her recent visit to The United States down around the Texas-Mexico boarder and the humanitarian work happening on the ground there. 

Musical response between scripture reading and sermon:  "There's A Spirit in the Air" (Voices United Hymnal #582). Words: Brian Wren, 1969. Music: John Wilson, 1969; desc. John Wilson 1969. Words and Music descant Copyright 1979 Hope Publishing Co. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477    

Each person has God-given talents and abilities with which to serve God. No gift is better than any other. They are all needed and all useful for God's service within the church and in the world. Something magnificent happens when each of us bring our talents and abilities to the table and combine all our gifts. Alone we can do wonderful things but together, something exponentially more amazing happens. If I do my part and you do your part and the one next to you does their part, together we can all be in awe at what God can do with willing people. This is unity in the Body of Christ. 

Music between the scripture reading and sermon:  "We Are One" (Voices United Hymnal #402). Words: Doreen Lankshear-Smith, 1988. Music: Jeeva Sam, 1987; arr. David Kai, 1995. All copyrights by said artists. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477    

"Christmastide" is the season that lasts from Christmas Day to Epiphany. Today we mark the end of that season, Epiphany. Epiphany is the day the Magi finally get to see the baby Jesus and present their gifts before the King of Kings. These wise men were astrologers and dream interpreters. Mystics we might call them. And the God of the universe spoke their language, leading them to Jesus by way of a star and guiding them safely home through a warning in a dream. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "A Light is Gleaming" (Voices United Hymnal #82). Words & Music by Linnea Good, 1992. Copyright Borealis Music, 1982. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477   

Grab a piece of Bread or a cracker and some grape juice and join us as we gather at Jesus' table where all are welcome! On the night before he was to be betrayed, Jesus gathered his followers in the upper room at shared this sacred meal with them. He commanded them to 'do this is remembrance of me'. And so, on the 1st Sunday of each month, we do. We do share of the Lord's table and remember his life, death and resurrection. 

This Very special podcast episode we present to you our entire Christmas Eve service (sermon begins at the 52:10 mark). Along with our Christmas Eve worship, we enjoyed the South Arm surprise singers and the extraordinary guest piano skills of Miri Lee. With Miri Lee on piano all night long, Ron was able to accompany on the organ throughout so that we were spoiled with a church full of music! Join us anytime from wherever you are to celebrate that God came down amongst us to show us The Way. Hear the Good News again and again, "God is ever with us and for us". 

Advent Week 4: Love. For the 3rd Sunday in a row we hear of an awesome angel visitation. This time, the angel visits shepherds watching their flocks by night. They are told of the Christ child and instructed to go see the Holy One who quite unexpectedly, is found as a humble babe wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger. 

 Music between the scripture and sermon "The Snow Lay on the Ground". Traditional. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477   

Listen in as Jean-Ann, Julie & Trish gather the young folks in our midst and tells us a story that engages the theme of the week - On the Way to Bethlehem - Joy.

Advent Week 3. Nothing is impossible for God! 

Music between the scripture and sermon "There Was a Child in Galilee/Dreaming Mary" (More Voices Hymnal #134). Words & Music: Janet Gadeski, 2005. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477   

Dear Listener, Please turn the volume up for the Sermon. 
In the excitement of the day when beloved, retired South Arm Minister The Rev. Gary Gaudin and his beautiful wife Peggy came to pay tribute to our retiring Music Minister Ron plus the Pageant energy, it seems our Minister Lauren forgot to turn on her lapel microphone for the sermon. So, you are picking up the sound from the pulpit microphone a few feet away. While serving in the Temple, Zechariah has an angel visitation and receives incredible news that his wife Elizabeth will conceive and bear a child who will be great, will have the Holy Spirit within him from within the womb and throughout his life. This baby will be great news to them, the community and far beyond as this child, John the Baptist, will draw people back to relationship with God and ... prepare "The Way" for one even greater to come!

 Music between the scripture and sermon "We Are Pilgrims" (Voices United Hymnal #595). Words & Music: Richard Gillard, 1977, arr. Betty Pulkingham. Copyright Universal Music-Brentwood Bensen Publ. (ASCAP). Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477   

The Annual Christmas Pageant is always a lot of fun. I sometimes wonder who has the most fun? Is it the children, the grown up's involved or all who attend and get to listen in, watch and giggle at the costumes, props and multiple pieces that come together? This year the pageant was interspersed with song throughout which made the event especially interactive and added an extra joyous element. It feels like a lot of moving pieces as it comes together, but my goodness is it a huge delight and blessing! We hope even in the audio version, that energy and the message of this inter-generational Christmas service come across. 

Grab some juice and bread/cracker and join us as we Celebrate the Open Invitation to God's Table. 

After 23 years of serving as our Music Minister, Ron Stevenson is retiring at the end of December, 2024 (the month of this service). As a kick-off to his final month, we invited Ron to sit in the church and let us minister to him. We also invited Ron to be the first to come forward and receive communion. Two fabulous guest musicians came in to help us surprise Ron: James Malmberg on Violin & Brigid Coult (on piano). Ron along with the whole congregation were surprised and blessed by this very special addition to our Communion service (formally Ron's last with us).  Enjoy!

Music in the Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477  

This 1st Sunday of Advent we enter a series that will take us through to Christmas Eve called, "On the Way to Bethlehem". We explore what it means to journey in hope, peace, joy and love towards the manger and Emmanuel (God With Us). We start today in Rome: A Place of Longing.
As we pilgrimage through this series, we will consider what transformation happens within each of us along the way as we follow God's Way. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "There's a Wideness in God's Mercy" (Voices United Hymnal #271). Words: Frederick William Faber, 1854. alt. Music: Johann Ludwig Steiner, 1723. Copyright Desert Flower Music, 1983. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477  

Alpha is the 1st letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last. So today we explore what it means that God is the first, the last and everything in between. From A-Z, Alpha to Omega, God is God over all, in all and through all. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "Come to My Heart" (Voices United Hymnal #661). Words & Music: Joe Pinson, 1979. Copyright Joe Pinson, 1981. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477  

Today we discuss the Temple. Actually, there were 2 great Jerusalem temples built and both were destroyed. While we may marvel at great architectural wonders and some things of this world, our true home is in the heaven and earth to come in God's good time. In the meantime, we are to: (1) Discern whether what we are being told fits with the larger story of the God we know, love and serve, (2) We are to be patiently waiting and serving the world in anticipation of the end of the age and the coming of God and, (3) We are to remain Hopeful in a world that increasingly calls us to lose hope. God is Good. God is still God. And God's story is still unfolding. Discern. Be patient. Remain hopeful. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "In Loving Partnership We Come" (Voices United Hymnal #603). Words & Music: Jim Strathdee, 1982. Copyright Desert Flower Music, 1983. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477  

The phrase "Do not fear" is mentioned 98 times throughout scripture. "Fear not" comes up 169 times. And the topic of 'Fear' comes up 515 times. In today's passage, a widow going home to prepare the last meal for herself and her son is approached by a prophet and asked to make some for him. The promise she is told, is that God will bless that giving and her remaining food supply will not run out until the next harvest comes around and she is provided for even more. WIll she respond in fear and keep the food for herself and her child, or trust somehow that what this prophet said will come to pass and feed him out of the little she has, even at risk of her own life? 

Music between the scripture and sermon "When Will People Cease Their Fighting?" (Voices United Hymnal #687). Words: Constance Cherry, 1983. Music: Franz Joseph Haydn, 1797. Words copyright Constance Cherry, 1990. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

This portion of our service 10 Nov 2024 was dedicated to honouring Remembrance Day. There are words of Remembrance, Poems, Lighting of Candles, a Slideshow of veterans, a moment of silence and Ian Cohen on Trumpet plays throughout the service and here particularly, "The Last Post".

0:00-4:26 Words of Remembrance
4:27-7:43 Silence while a Slideshow of Veterans pictures played (veterans all related to people in our South Arm community)
7:43-9:00 In Flanders Fields
9:01-11:20 Lighting of Candles
11:21+ Last Post & Moment of Silence 

This 1st Sunday of November, 2024 our Minister Lauren was away and we were fortunate to have Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred leading service and preaching. Ray is the Director of Indigenous Studies at Vancouver School of Theology, He is a husband, father and grandfather, ordained in the Anglican Church of Canada. He is status Cree from Swan River Band, Treaty 8 in Alberta. Born in Northern Alberta, he now resides with his wife in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. Ray and his wife Elaine are dear friends of our community whom we always delight in seeing and to have Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred lead our service this day was truly special. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love" (Voices United Hymnal #593). Words: Tom Colvin, 1969. Music: Ghanian folk song, adapt. Tom Colvin, 1969. Copyright 1969 Hope Publishing Co. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Our Minister Lauren was away on vacation this week so Rev. Maggie Watts-Hammond generously stepped in to offer this beautiful Communion/Eucharist liturgy on the 1st Sunday of November, 2024. 

This was a Big day at South Arm with plenty of reasons to celebrate! In the service as we spoke about God having a remnant of people seeking to follow Godself, we welcomed 7 new people into membership (Baptizing a family of 4 and Re-affirming the Baptismal vows of 3 others). The choir was with us to celebrate this big day. And John Yu was with us to take professional photos of the whole thing which will be used to develop a refreshed website for the church.

Music between the scripture and sermon "Standin' in the Need of Prayer". Copyright: Traditional. All rights reserved. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Today we learn about an important and much lesser known person in The Bible, Melchizedek. In Rabbinic tradition, it was Melchizedek who bestowed priesthood on Abraham. And it is from Abraham that the story of Israel really begins. The first of the Patriarchs of our faith. Melchizedek's very name means King of RIghteousness. Melchizedek was both King (of Salem) and High Priest, most high and honourable in both roles. Jesus is called a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Jesus, our ultimate King/Ruler and High Priest all in one. Listen in as we consider why that matters. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds" (Voices United Hymnal #344). Words: John Newton, 1779., alt. Music: Alexander Robert Reinagle ca. 1830. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Today we learn about the role of the High Priest and why it matters that Jesus is our Great High Priest (among many other roles Jesus fulfills).

Music between the scripture and sermon "This is God's Wondrous World" (Voices United Hymnal #296). Words: Malthie Davenport Babcock, 1901. Music: English traditional melody, adapt. Franklin L. Sheppard 1915, adapt. Stanley Oliver, 1929. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Today we welcomed back to the South Arm pulpit the wonderful, Rev. Sally McShane. Hear what Rev. Sally had to share with the church this World Communion Sunday. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say" (Voices United Hymnal #626). Words: Horatius Bonar, 1846. Music: English & Irish traditional melody. arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

This Sunday we explored the Psalms as Hebrew Bible poetry. The Psalm in the Revised Common Lectionary for this week was Psalm 19. The Psalm opens with a broad perspective and call for all of Creation to praise God. And then the Psalm gets more specific to us. There is a Christian music artist who plays piano, sings and composes beautiful songs for praise and worship whose name is Fernando Ortega. As I read this Psalm, I cannot help but hear Fernando Ortega's beautiful piece, "Let the Words of My Mouth" play. There is something extra special about worship music that includes actual scripture passages. It is good to sing praise to God and setting them to music may help us remember the passage easier. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "Be Thou My Vision" (Voices United Hymnal #642). Words: ca. 8th cent. trans by Mary Elizabeth Byrne, 1905. ver. Eleanor H. Hall, 1912 alt. Music: Irish traditional melody. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Jesus Loves the little children. Whoever welcomes a child welcomes Jesus and not just Jesus, but the One who sent him. That's too easy. What's the catch? Lots of people love children. That's not counter-cultural, world changing, Kin-dom in-breaking news. There must be a catch. And there is. Children were seen as not-yet-persons and the property of their Father. Not full status people but dependent. Who in the world today may society look at as less than full status people who are in need of love and support? Today we look at loving those who are different from ourselves, recognize that our church is situated in a diverse neighbourhood and ask, how we may love them and be of service?

Music between the scripture and sermon "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus"" (Voices United Hymnal #357). Words: William H. Parker, 1885. Music: Frederick Arthur Challinor, 1903. Words and Music Copyright 1904, National Christian Education Council. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

The tongue is a small but mighty part of our body. WIth it we Bless God and with it we sadly, say unkind things to one another, whom God also created and loves. That ought not to be so James tells us. As we bridle a horse and steer with a bit and reigns, so too we need to find a way to bridle and keep our mouth in check so we use our words for Good and not for ill. That's easier said than done, yes. Yet, it is something we can work on and aspire to. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "Take My Life and Let it Be" (Voices United Hymnal #506). Words: Frances Ridley Havergal, 1874, alt. Music: Unknown, desc. John T. Wilkinson, 1980. Descant copyright 1980, Thusia Enterprises. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Proverbs is 1 of 3 books of Wisdom literature in The Bible (along with Ecclesiastes & Job). The wise sayings are meant to help us live a good life in alignment with God. Mom said, "Eat your vegetables. Look both ways before crossing the street. Don't run on the pool deck". Proverbs says, "It is better to have a good reputation than to be rich. The rich and poor have this is common: God made them all. Keep the words of God close at hand so you can draw on them when needed and to be able to give account to others for your choices. Help the poor and oppressed". 
This week, all are invited to do a good deed for someone who can't repay you. I'd love to hear about those deeds, not to give us all credit, but to celebrate good work going out through this place and into the world in tangible ways. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "Come Touch Our Hearts" (More Voices hymnal #12). Words & Music: Gordon Light, 2002; arr. Andrew Donaldson, 2002. Words and music copyright Common Cup Company, 2002. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Song of Solomon (also known as Song of Songs) contains a number of poetic songs. Today we examine the one offered in this week's Lectionary readings and discuss whether it is written between two earthly figures (King Solomon and a peasant Bride) or as a metaphor for God and God's Bride (the church), or some combination of both. Whatever interpretation we gravitate towards, these ancient words of Love poetry and song are to be respected and cherished. They tell us a lot about the God of Love and inspire us to reflect that Love to a weary world. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "Though I May Speak" (Voices United hymnal #372). Words: Hal H. Hopson, 1972. Music: traditional English melody, adapted by Hal H. Hopson, 1972. Words and Music copyright by Hope Publish Co., 1972. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

The temple that King David wanted to build for God for worship and where's God's presence would dwell (including the housing of the Ark of the Covenant with the 10 Commandments) was completed by his son, Solomon. With the temple complete, King Solomon offers up to a God a most humble, worshipful prayer. We breakdown that prayer and examine what we can learn from Solomon's example.

Music between the scripture and sermon "God Who Gives to Life Its Goodness" (Voices United hymnal #260). Words: Walter Farquharson, 1970. Music: Cyril Vincent Taylor, 1941. Words copyright Walter Farquharson, 1970. Music copyright Hope Publishing Co., 1970. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

This special service was to be held outdoors but due to rain the night before and the soggy field, we chose to do "Church in the Wild" in the sanctuary. The sanctuary was decorated with plants and throughout the service were references to Creation and Nature. The message written by Lauren and delivered by Rev. Kerry Child revolved around the topic of Discernment. As the new King of Israel, God invites Solomon to ask for something and God will grant whatever Solomon asks for. Solomon recognizing the enormous task of leading God's people and following the legacy of his Dad, the great King David, asks for Wisdom. God is pleased and grants Solomon great wisdom as promised along with long life and prosperity as well (which Solomon did not ask for but is receiving as a gift because of his faithfulness and heart to please God). 

Special Guest Musicians Gilmore Park United Church, Ukelele Strummers.  "Like a Rock" and "Let it Shine". Like a Rock (More Voices #92). Words: Kerri K. Wehlander, 1998. Adapted to Music: Linnea Good, 1999. Words & Music copyright Borealis Music, 1999.  Let it Shine, traditional spiritual with Arrangement by Moses Hogan. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Jesus says, "I am the Bread of Life, those who come unto me will never be hungry or thirsty again". But our bodies need food and water to survive. So that doesn't on the surface, make sense. Jesus must mean something more than nutrition. Listen as we explore the depth of Jesus' words (In the title of the sermon and this episode, "I Am" has been capitalized on purpose as a play on words because that is the name God calls Godself back with Moses and the Burning Bush). 

Music between the scripture and sermon "O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts" (Voices United #472). Words: 12th cent. trans. Ray Palmer, 1858, alt. Music: Henry Percy Smith, 1874. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Today we look at a series of miracle stories featuring the prophets Elijah and Elisha where God multiplies the small offering of someone who is on the margins and has little to offer. God invites them to give what they have and trust that they will be provided for. Not subtraction, but addition and multiplication somehow happen time and again, just as God promises through the prophets. Through their act of faithful giving and obedience, they are taken care more than they could have on their own. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "For the Fruit of All Creation" (Voices United #227). Words: Fred Pratt Green, 1970. Music: Welsh folk melody, ca. 1784. Words copyright Hope Publishing Co,, 1970. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

In the Beginning God made the heavens and the earth and declared each piece of creation, "Good". Today we remember that God will again bring all things into harmony with Godself at some future date and time unknown to anyone but Godself. The story will come full circle one day when all will be "Good" again and God will walk amongst the Created. Until then, made in God's image and likeness, we are tasked with caring for the earth and one another (as Godself does). We have an inheritance in God here and now as believers and in the future to come. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "Come O Fount of Every Blessings" (Voices United #559). Words: Robert Robinson, 1758. Music: John Wyeth, Repository of Sacred Music Part 2, 1813. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Grab some grape juice and a piece of bread (or cracker) and join us for Communion/Eucharist. Co-presided over by Lauren Kirkey, Minister of South Arm United Church & Rev. Bruce McAndless-Davis, Minister of Gilmore Park United Church in joint worship. 

Fresh off 3 healing stories, Jesus heads to his hometown of Nazareth. We find him teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath. At first the listeners are astounded at the wisdom of this great teaching. But it isn't long before they question the source - the teacher. It's just Jesus who grew up here. His family are here. How can he be so special? So Jesus moves on, gathers the 12 core disciples in, empowers them for a mission and sends them out. Gathered in and Sent out. It is the rhythm of life with God. It is the rhythm of the Church. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "Who Is My Mother" (More Voices Hymnal #178). Words: Shirley Erena Murray, 1992. Music: Ron Klusmeier, 2002.Words copyright Hope Publishing Co. Music copyright Ron Klusmeier.  Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

In Mark 5 we look at 3 healing stories: Jesus heals a possessed man, a young girl (12 years old) who was dying & a woman who had been hemorrhaging for 12 years. To the possessed man Jesus says, "Go tell of your healing by God throughout the diaspora" (10 cities). To the young girl's family Jesus says not to tell anyone. We examine these stories, look at what they have in common and wonder why Jesus would tell 2 people different things. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing" (Voices United Hymnal #326). Words: Charles Wesley, 1739. Music: Carl Gottbelf Glaser ca. 1828, adapted and harmony Lowell Mason, 1839. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

God's people are set apart. A more formal word we use sometimes is 'sanctified'. In loving and following God, our thoughts, words and actions are meant to be more aligned with what God desires, than what the rest of the world seems to think, believe and do. We are meant to stand out as salt and light to the earth. But there are times when the ways of the word are very tempting. In today's passage, God's people see all the nations around them appointing Kings and decide, they too want a King. They fail to recognize that the role of a ruler who oversees and protects them King is already being filled in the most wonderful sense by Godself. They are warned what will happen under the rule of an earthly King, but they insist on moving forward with an earthly King anyways. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "Lord, Speak to Me" (Voices United Hymnal #589). Words: Cyprian of Carthage, 252. English translation: David Lewis, 1983. Music: Olle Widestrand, 1974, arr. Len Lythgoe, 1983. English words copyright 1995, Estate of David Lewis. Music copyright 1974, Olle Widestrand. Arrangement copyright 1983, Len Lythgoe.  Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

In this famous Gospel story, Jesus is in a boat with the disciples when a huge storm comes along. There are gale force winds. The waves are so turbulent they toss the boat around and water starts to flood into the boat. The disciples are genuinely worried for their lives, even though 4 of them were fisherman and know the seas intimately. And Jesus? He's asleep. How can he sleep through this? They wake Jesus in fear and say, "Don't you care that we are perishing?" Jesus wakes, stills the wind, says, 'Peace be still' to the sea and all is well. Having calmed the outer storm, now Jesus has to address the storms in the disciples for having been rattled in the first place and then rattled again that nature is at Jesus command. Our focus is on the storm of the wind and waves, but there's a bigger storm Jesus has calm and it's within his followers. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "I Feel the Winds of God" (Voices United Hymnal #625). Words: Jessie Adams, 1907. Music: English and Irish traditional melody, arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906. Words copyright 1933, National Adult School Organization. Arrangement by Permission of Oxford University Press. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Disappointed in King Saul's lack of faithfulness, God sends a Prophet Samuel to anoint the next King of Israel whom God has chosen. Though worried at first the reigning King Saul will kill him for this, God hatches a plan for him to get safely to Bethlehem and specifically, to the family of Jesse. 7 sons are brought in order from oldest to youngest before Samuel but none of them is the one whom God has chosen. There is 1 last son they didn't think to bring in from the field who is shepherding the sheep. It couldn't possibly be him, they thought. And to their surprise, it was indeed - David.  Isn't it amazing how God chooses and delights in working through the least expected people?

Music between the scripture and sermon "I, the Lord of Sea and Sky" (Voices United Hymnal #509). Words & Music: Daniel L. Schutte, 1981. Copyright Daniel L. Schutte & New Dawn Music, 1981. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

In today's message Rev. Maggie Watts-Hammond shares with us about Pentecost. The Holy Spirit indeed came as Jesus had said and people started speaking in many languages, proclaiming the goodness of God. A bizarre event to be sure, but also a powerful movement of God in the world that would become the start of the church we continue today. 
Music between the scripture and sermon "Oh a Song Must Rise" (More Voices Hymnal #142). Words & Music: Paul V. Svenson, 1995. arr. Bryn Nixon, 2006. Copyright 1995 Paul B. Svenson, Dad's Songbook Music. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

What does it mean to be a friend of God? And why is there the word "If" in the sentence ("If you follow my command...")? Hear how God (the One whom Jesus called Father) loved Jesus. Jesus has in turn loved us and we are to keep that Love of God and others going. In this, we follow in the way of God and join the periochoresis, the Divine dance of unity, Love and action with God.  
Music between the scripture and sermon "In Loving Partnership We Come" (Voices United Hymnal #603). Words & Music: Jim Strathdee, 1982. Copyright by Desert Flower Music, 1983. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

In today's passage we learn about what a Eunuch is and how God goes to extraordinary lengths to meet, minister to and baptize this person on a road in the middle of the desert at the peak of day. If God goes to such lengths for one society would otherwise consider an outcast, how could we imagine anyone excluded from God's love and reach? 
Music between the scripture and sermon "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (Voices United Hymnal #333). Words: Charles Wesley, 1747. Rowland H. Prichard ca.1831.  Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Peter and John go to the temple to pray and come across a man lame from birth.  He asks for handouts which they do not have but what they do have they proclaim over him, the name of Jesus. And with that, they direct him to get up and walk. And he does! The authorities are threatened by this power and bring the disciples in to be questioned in an unfair trial, just as they did to Jesus. The disciples explain that Jesus is the source of the power to heal and the cornerstone they rejected. A cornerstone is the chief stone that lays the foundation from which all others follow. Jesus is certainly that for us - our rock, our firm foundation and the one who sets all others on their rightful course. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us" (Voices United Hymnal #198). Words: Janie Alford, 1979. Music: Thomas John Williams, 1890. Words copyright 1979 Hope Publishing Company. Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

When Jesus appears in resurrected body before the disciples, they are sure they are seeing a ghost. Jesus response? (1) Peace be with you, (2) Do you have some fish I can eat (so we share fellowship and you know I am not a ghost) & (3) Jesus takes time to lay out how all their sacred texts point to One who would suffer, die and rise again in glory. All of this came to pass as it was told all along. Scripture points to and was fulfilled in Jesus being "The Real Thing".  For Christians, the scriptures really come to life when read in the light of Christ's life, death and resurrection.  May we go forth and witness to The Real Thing. 

Music between the scripture and sermon "Thine is the Glory". Words by Edmond Louis Budry, translation by Richard Birch Hoyle, 1923. Music by Harmonia Sacra, ca. 1753, translated by George Frideric Handel, 1747. Copyright 1925, World Student Christian Federation. 
Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License Number: A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

In today's sermon we learn how our faith is Embodied - meaning we experience and live our faith within and 'through' our body. The passage begins with a very sensory approach wherein the disciples testify to having seen, heard and touched Jesus. They then go on to implore us to walk in the light of Christ. This is involves 'walking the talk' so that our faith in words and deeds matches what we believe. And if and when we do find ourselves off course, falling short of God's best for us, taking the opportunity to name that, ask God's forgiveness and receive it with grace to carry on again. May we be a people whose faith is wonderfully Embodied. 
Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Although originally called, "The Death of Death" this sermon really could in the end have been called, "Empty". Hear how we explore the Easter Resurrection story from the perspective of Mary Magdalene. As she sits at the tomb, weeping, wanting to care for Jesus even unto death, she like the tomb may have felt, empty. But that's just how the story starts. How it ends is a whole other matter and is indeed, Good News! 
Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Along the lines of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" we sit and listen as Jean Ann (and Trish) bring us, "Twas the Morning of Easter" written by Glenys Nellist,  book illustrated by Elena Selivanova & published by Zondervan. 

Easter Sunday was a great celebration at South Arm. The South Arm Chimers (bell choir) performed along with a guest pianist, violinist and flutist. What a joy to have so many beautiful instruments come together for such a great act of worship. We hope you enjoy! And thank you to all who gave their time and talent this day. Such a blessing!

Good Friday. Today we acknowledge that the powers of this world were so threatened by Jesus' teachings, compassion and acts of non-violence that they responded in the strongest manner they knew how - by eliminating the threat by any means necessary. Hear the ordeal Jesus goes through and how unimaginable as it is to us, Jesus was indeed an all knowing and willing participant throughout. 
Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Today we mark the entry into Holy Week as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. We look at what that signalled within the context of the Roman Empire and what it may have revealed to those around him. We also quite ambitiously, weave in a conclusion to The Theological Banquet series. 
Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477 

In the final edition of the individual Theological Banquet tables, today we learn from those whose faith most calls them to the wisdom path. Whether through Creation, the arts, sciences or anywhere really, these folks love to deepen their knowledge and their relationship with the Maker of the Universe. For Spiritual people, so many things can be a portal to wondering about the God who designed it all. We can learn so much from them and they too sit in the pews of our very own congregation, bringing their perspective and wisdom to our community. 
Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Continuing in our Lenten series, "The Theological Banquet" we join today with those in our church who are called (alongside our Missional friends from last week) to address the world's ills. Ecclesials are those whose faith most calls them to want to find solutions to the issues we see in the world. If it's the environment for example, you would find them not only championing recycling, compost and energy efficiency in the church but advocating with others across faiths, countries and any false divisions to turn the environmental crisis around for good. Hear the gifts they bring, the shadow side of our Ecclesials folks and who in the banquet is the antidote to that shadow. Who can come alongside these wonderful people when things get off balance a bit and help them succeed at their important work once again? 
Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Continuing in our Lenten Series, "The Theological Banquet" we learn about the gifts of those whose faith most calls them to want to "do" something for the hurts of the world. Don't just go to church, be the church they would encourage us. The helpers. Bless them. They are a large and important part of our community. We explore the gifts, the shadow side and the antidote (who else in the community can compliment their gifting) when things go off track? 
Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Guest Minister, Rev. Sally McShane shares with us about those at the Ecclesial Table whose faith most calls them to serve the church. Something special happens in the church community where we come to meet with God and encourage others on the journey. Where Evangelicals go tell people of their faith, Ecclesials invite people in to experience the warm welcome and God's community of believers for themselves. 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Guest Minister, Rev. Brian Thorpe introduces us to the The Evangelical Banquet. At this table in The United Church are people who love God so much, their faith most calls them to praise, worship and especially, tell somebody how a relationship with Jesus has forever changed their life. 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Throughout Lent South Arm United Church & our neighbours, Gilmore Park United Church are exploring a series called, "The Theological Banquet". This series is based on Rev. Janet Gear's book, "Undivided Love". Today we introduce the series and look at the way God calls people to live their faith. Each a gift. Each made better by the gifts of another in the body. Many parts, 1 body. 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

At the prescribed time in the Jewish Law, Mary & Joseph bring their first born male child (Jesus) to be presented in the temple as an offering to God. What happens next they could not have imagined. Not one but two people prophecy beautiful words about this holy child. God shows and tells us through multiple witnesses, exactly who this child already is, and will grow to become. 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Casting out a demon? Jesus performing an exorcism? That's uncomfortable stuff for us in The United Church. However... it does say something about who Jesus is that even the Spirit world recognize him and must submit to his authority.  The spirit world know who he is and submit to his authority. Can we say the same?

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

At the prescribed time in the Hebrew Law, Mary & Joseph take Jesus to be presented in the temple. What happens next they could never have expected. Not one but two prophets say amazing things about the destiny of this child, Jesus. God shows up in the world and tells us exactly who God is and what will unfold in God's perfect time. God shows & tells us who God is. Do we believe it? How does it transform us? 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

God told Jonah to go deliver a prophetic message of doom to Nineveh that they would be overthrown if they did not straighten up their ways. Jonah at first said No thanks God and ran from the call. But after being in the belly of a whale, when the message came again, Jonah was obedient - though in as brief a way as possible. Nonetheless, the message delivered had the desired effect. The people of Nineveh from the King to the common people to the animals repented and God spared them. Have you ever said 'No' to something God asked you to do? 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Service from Sun. Jan 14, 2024. This week we looked at: (1) Jesus calling disciples, (2) their recognition of something special in Jesus that is worth following and (3) That angels would be ascending and descending on Jesus. Notice how the word 'ascending' comes first. Could there be angels amongst us?

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

January 7, 2024 service. In the Christian calendar, our service fell on the day we honour Jesus' baptism. Today we recall what happens spiritually when we are Baptised and formally welcomed into the Church/the Body of Christ. 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

The Gift of Being Present - to Love, Version 2. God with us and God for us. 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Christmas Eve 7:00pm was a special service with lots of readings, singing and a very special children's Christmas storybook reading. Thanks to our Community Life Coordinator, Trish Gorton for choosing this story and reading it so beautifully. 

Sunday Dec. 24, 2023. Advent 4 & Christmas Eve, 10:00am Service.  Today we look closely at the what the angel Gabriel said to Mary and remember, nothing is impossible for God. 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

On Dec 17, 2023 (Advent 3 & Music Sunday), Ron Stevenson our Music Minister lead the choir in a beautiful rendition of, "Mary's Boy Child". Enjoy!

South Arm service from December 17, 2023. Today we focus on Mary. Having received the news that she was to become pregnant by the Holy Spirit and give birth to Jesus, her response is a song, 'The Magnificat'. Blessed Mary who holds a sacred and special place in the story of God with us.  

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

On Thurs. Dec 21st, 2023 on the evening of the Winter Solstice, the longest day of darkness in the year, we held a "Blue Christmas" service. This special service made space to hold the grief and pains people carry through the holiday season. Here is the Poetry of Jan Richardson that closed our service that evening, "How the Light Comes" & "Blessing for the Longest Night" after which, we sang "We Shall Go Out With Hope of Resurrection" and departed in silence. 

Thurs. Dec 21, 2023 on the Solstice, the longest day of darkness in the year, we held a "Blue Christmas" service to collectively name and hold the grief and struggles that can arise through the holidays. Here is the reflection from that night based on a United Church of Canada hymn, "O Ancient Love" (Voices United Hymn #17, words and music by Michael Joncas, 1994). 

How can we preach Peace while there is war in the Holy Land ? Today we remember that world empires and regimes have long battled for control of the Middle East. The New Testament was written in this very context. Perhaps the war can bring the scriptures even more to life for us and makes us yearn for the Advent promises of  Peace of Christ more than ever. 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

We hope you enjoy this episode as Jean-Ann narrates us through a fun Christmas pageant. Thank you to each of our actors who brought the characters to life and shared with us what may have been the inward thoughts of those involved in the birth story of Jesus.  

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

This Sunday begins Advent - the Season of preparation and waiting expectantly for Christ's arrival. This year our Advent series is called "The Gift of Being Present". The basis of the material comes from Worship Design Studio by Marcia McFee and is being utilised by a number of other United Church's in our region.

"The function of advent is to remind us what we're waiting for as we go through life too busy with things that do not matter to remember the things that do”.

Source: Joan chittister. the liturgical year: the spiraling adventure of the spiritual life (nashville: thomas nelson inc., 2009), 58-61.

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again. This is a familiar call of the church and our response, might be "Amen" but just as likely we may respond, "When"?! When will Christ return? Only the One whom Jesus called Father knows the exact date and time. We need not worry as much about the 'when' and more about what is in our control; being ready. If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready. Are we living for God today as if Jesus could return at any moment? May we be found ready.

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Such a joy and privilege to officially welcome 7 new members into the church community.

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

This Sunday we had a very special part of the service where Minister Lauren and the Community of Faith made a Covenant to each other to support one another in growing in faith, hope and love over the next 2 years. The scripture from Joshua this week also spoke about covenanting as Joshua challenges Israel to choose this day whom they will serve. The response? "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord". 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

In today's sermon episode we looked at the end of the life of Moses. God takes Moses high on a mountaintop once again and shows Moses the Promised Land, promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Unfortunately Moses himself will not enter that land. This is the end of Moses' journey and indeed his life. A new kind of leader is needed in this next chapter. The Law/Commandments of God will be their primary leader and Joshua their earthly leader. We also took time this day to honour "All Saints/Souls Day" lighting candles for those Saints who impacted our own lives. Whose life/lives will we in turn impact? Leaders come and go, but the purposes and story of God carry on. 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

We as the church are a counter-cultural people. Constantly under the authority of whatever empire was ruling at the time, Israel and Judah were forever vulnerable to attack and were under the authority of the system of empire in which they lived. Amidst that, they were set apart as God's people. Today we hear of a beautiful praise psalm in which people "Sing, sing, sing" and praise God. Amidst all the world authorities, we have a higher authority and another kin-do we look forward to. This is the source of our faith, hope and Love - that despite what we see around us, God's story is unfolding and we have a part to play and it will always be Good News. 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

This week we try not to jump too quickly to thinking we know everything about this Psalm. We learn about sheep and the important role the Shepherd plays ensuring them good pasture to graze, water to drink, safe travel and protection from enemies all around. The Shepherd stands between the vulnerable sheep and the prying enemies. The sheep rely on the Shepherd. They know danger is all around, but greater still, they have confidence they are in good hands under the Shepherd's care. And in that, there is peace. 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

What starts out as a love letter to a vineyard quickly turns to judgement. This metaphor of a vineyard that starts out beautiful but quickly turns sour, is a prophecy God has given Isaiah to proclaim over God's very people. The fruit God expects is Love, justice and right living. As we give Thanks this Thanksgiving weekend for the harvest and for our blessings, let us take a personal inventory of what the prophet might say to us personally (and collectively) today.  

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

In this episode we hear the blessing over the Communion elements both spoken and sung. This was Lauren's first communion with the South Arm United Church community. This occasion was made all the more special by recognising that churches around the world were all celebrating Communion on the same day & by the grapes for the juice coming from our very own orchard. Special thanks to Heather Kerr for lovingly preparing the juice and Marg Dixon for preparing the bread and the altar. 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

We've never been masters at getting along perfectly with one another and the rest of creation in the world. The Bible records a number of examples of very human behaviour that comes from the flesh and not the spirit. We are not alone in our struggles and desire for better. Nevertheless, our heart's desire, aim and call are to: 
Look to Jesus, 
Follow Jesus, 
Imitate Jesus and 
Seek to Live our Lives According to the Ways of Jesus. 
God help us to live into the Way of Jesus. 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Examining "The Labourers in the Vineyard" parable, we reflect on how paying all labourers the same wage whether they worked a full day or part of the day seems unfair to the first workers, and a tremendous blessing to the latest workers. With God, all are (1) invited to participate, (2) all are paid and provided for and (3) all leave with a denarii, enough to obtain "their daily bread" and feed their family for the day (and then are dependent on God for provision the next day again).

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

Based on Romans 14:1-14 this week we have a reminder from the Apostle Paul that as Christians, it is Love which most binds us.  The key take away is a reference from the Pulpit Fiction Podcast:
In essentials, unity.
In non-essentials, liberty.
In all things, charity. 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477

In the first sermon of our podcast Lauren shares a reflection on Psalm 119:33-40. Key points: 
(1) Faith is both vertical and horizontal. 
(2) This psalm is the longest at 176 verses (22 stanzas, 8 lines each). 
(3)  It’s a love letter to God and God’s word. 
(4) Give is life in Your Way O’ God. 

Apologies that the recording starts a couple minutes in. Referencing Dorothy meeting the Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz”, the opening illustration talked of roads diverging and the choices we must make. 

Music between the scripture and sermon covered under copyright: One License A-607425 & CCLI 2453477