Hallowe’en is over. I wonder . . . does that mean that we’ll start seeing Valentine’s Day adverting? And yes, I realize that I sound quite snarky when I say that . . . but if Christmas promotions begin in August it makes sense (to me, anyway) that holiday creep will . . . creep.  I’m not ready to start preparing for Valentines . . . I’m not even ready to start preparing for Christmas . . . although we’d d better get ready for the ad onslaught! Last Friday Garth Steele shared thoughts on the ...

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I know. It isn’t that people are opinionated as much as it is that people have opinions. Yes. I said that. Like that. We base our opinions on what we see and on what we hear and on what we read . . . on what people that we hold in esteem (or at least have influence in our society, whether or not earned or deserved) think and say and do. For example, I read that actor Laurence Fishburn’s daughter became involved in the sex trade because of the influence of the Kardashians (and how sad is it, that my spell checker didn&rs...

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Autumn may be my favourite season, but today it just looks like fall to me. Sure there’s a bit of blue in the sky, but it’s cold not crisp, it’s windy not breezy, it’s not “happy-cloudy”, and the leaves aren’t crunchy to walk through. Maybe it’s just me, but it’s a bleah and dreary day. And yet . . . the sun does shine through the clouds occasionally, and the wind is not howling mad, and the temperature is still well above 0. So why complain? I’m going to enjoy the day. I&...

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Today I am thankful. I admit that I am not (known as) an expressive person (ask my family: there are times that they say that while I say life is bubbling up inside me it does not show on my face) . . . but I am thankful. I am thankful for the freedom I have in Christ Jesus. I am thankful for the freedom I have as a Canadian. I am thankful for my family, and I am thankful for my church family. I am thankful for small things like shuffling through the crackling leaves on a Monday afternoon and . . . well, I rejoice and am thankful for ...

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Last week I pointed out that autumn is my favourite time of the year because of the colours . . . the smells . . . the general feel in the air. I’m not looking forward to the season that follows this one, but I’m not going to worry about or think about that (much) for a while. The end of September/beginning of October would normally mean (and what does . . . what will normal even mean in the days ahead?) – would normally mean that I would be at conference with other denominational district secretaries. Last week I...

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This is my favourite time of the year: autumn (I like the word “autumn” more than I do “fall”). I like the colours of the season. I like the smells of the season (especially the aroma of turkey as it cooks, but I’m a little ahead of myself). I like the promise of the upcoming hockey season! Ah, there is much to like . . . much to enjoy . . . even if it does mean that I have end-of-summer clean up to soon worry about. Yesterday we continued our fall series on Keys to Kingdom Living. We look to find our ...

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Today is the day! After weeks of hearing party platform ideas (and nasty words from and about the political “leaders” – there isn’t much leadership when they act like that, in my opinion), it is voting day (unless, of course, you voted in advance). Take the opprotunity . . . let your voice be heard . . . and continue to pray for your leaders!   Who knew that something as innocent as having a pedicure could possibly be encouraging modern slavery? Victims of human trafficking have been found working in in...

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Shocked was the word people used most often to describe their reaction to the announcement we made last Thursday of life changes that we plan to make, although not surprised “surprisingly“ was mentioned as well. It was an announcement that I did not plan to make. To be honest, I was – am – surprised by the direction that we feel God is taking us. Just this past summer as I was talking with someone, I said that I thought that we had many more years of ministry here at Trinity Church. However, God is leading us e...

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And here we are. The beginning of September. Already! Where in the world did the summer go? It was just June, wasn’t it? And yet here we are, post-Labour Day. Which means it’s back to school time! Which means it’s be careful on the streets time . . . for both drivers and walkers. So when you’re on the road (whether on foot or behind the wheel), watch out for one another. Slow down and pay attention! (Thus endeth the Public Service Announcement). Students are not the only ones returning to school . . . tea...

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And here we are still . . . summer . . . hot . . . COVID . . . with a few thoughts to update life at Trinity Church . . . This Sunday we’ll conclude our summer series looking at D Problems: this week’s emphasis is dissention (actually, our emphasis is on how there should be unity instead of dissention and on how to avoid divisiveness in God’s Church). Johania will lead our service and preach on Sunday September 5 (and I know, we need to create a more appropriate slide). I will be in Saskatchewan for my &ldqu...

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