I (David) remember “discovering” the 12 books in the Old Testament called the Minor Prophets. Most commentators say, “minor prophets with major points.” I’ve studied and loved the last of them, Malachi. God had a lot to say to his people then — about 400 years before Jesus’ birth — and most of what he… Read More »Malachi-Introduction (February 9, 2025)
sermon: Calling (Kletos) (1 Corinthians 1:1-9) with Pastor Lin Ying Liu
Join us for our 105th anniversary as we “remember, reflect, refocus” (1 Chronicles 16:8-12). Special guest speaker: Rev. Johnny Dalisay
The Greek word Kenosis means “to empty”. Jesus emptied himself of the rights and privileges of being God, to serve us, his beloved people. Philippians 2:7 and Mark 10:45 describe his attitudes; attitudes we are to adopt and live by. This has significant implication on how we live, how we treat ourselves, how we treat our friends,… Read More »Kenosis (January 19, 2025)
When we read Paul’s words, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation,” we recognize that we are in a special time; the time of grace. God is outside of chronological time, but involves himself with humanity within time. His activity now represents our opportunity to receive… Read More »Kairos, God’s time (January 12, 2025)
In this series, we’ll look at three Greek words and biblical concepts: Koinonia, (community), Kiros (God’s view of ‘the times’) and Kenosis (emptying oneself for others.) Koinonia appears in classical Greek philosophy as the ideal relationship to be sought after, sometimes described as “the fellowship of life.” Plato wrote about “a golden age” – happiness,… Read More »Koinonia (January 5, 2025)
This is, of course, the traditional Sunday to reflect on what has happened in our community over the last year. A lot has happened: comings and goings, celebrations and griefs, baptisms and burials, heart elations and deflations… As we consider what has happened, and we consider what might come in the next year, we need… Read More »God is at Work (December 29, 2024)
One candle left. We’ve celebrated, anticipated and contemplated this night over the past month: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. One candle left. This night is honoured in song; either Silent Night or O Holy Night; we pray for both. One candle left. The candle reminding us of the Lamb of God who takes away the… Read More »Christmas Eve Service (December 24, 2024)
The fourth Advent Candle represents ‘Love.’ This is the climax of the advent story; without knowing the Love of God through Jesus we can’t know what Hope, Peace and Joy are. God is Love, the Bible declares this as simply as possible. We need to rediscover God’s love in this world of division, aggression and… Read More »Advent 4: Love (December 22, 2024)
As we light the 3rd candle on the Advent wreath, Joy, we recognize that Joy is far deeper than happiness. It’s good to be happy; to celebrate a birth, a birthday, a holiday or a wedding; we do rejoice in these circumstances. Joy, however, is deeper and can be our state of mind and heart… Read More »Advent 3 -Joy (December 15, 2024)