Every Sunday, I post two 'meditations' to this page. First of all, there is a version in print, which has been uploaded to this website and can be accessed by clicking on the PDF button beneath that Sunday's date. (That version is easier to access if your internet connection is limited!) Secondly, there is a video version, which has been uploaded to YouTube and can be accessed by clicking on the camera button beneath that Sunday's date!
Jan 24/21: Epiphany 3
Some recent exchanges have led to the decision that, on your behalf, the Leadership Team of Mt. Albert United, and a representative from Shining Waters Region, would participate in a Covenanting liturgy with me by Zoom. (It's going to take place on Tuesday, Jan 26/21 at 7:30 pm, if you would like to hold us in your prayers!) Then that recording will be rebroadcast as part of my meditation on Sunday, Jan 31st, so that you can also participate. Isn't technology amazing? At any rate, because this 3rd Sunday of Epiphany features the story of Jesus calling his disciples, and because that lection is a perfect backdrop for a covenant, I'm going to 'swap' Sundays, carry today's gospel reading over to next week, and use next week's reading today! Epiphany 4 features the story of a man with an "unclean spirit" (from Mark 1:21-28), so, today, we will read that story and consider how to get, not just 'clean' with God, but 'Squeaky Clean!'
Jan 31/21: Epiphany 4 (although, as per above, masquerading as Epiphany 3!)
An experience of God's covenant between the Rev. Warren Ball, Mt. Albert United Church, and Shining Waters Regional Council - special thanks to the Rev. Jim Clubine for officiating and our amazing Leadership Team! We read Mark 1:14-20 and its story of Jesus calling his disciples as we consider how, in the miracle of God's grace, that story in turns 'calls' us: 'The Power of Purpose'
Feb 7/21: Epiphany 5 (Communion)
Today, I've chosen the Epistle Lection - it's a reading from Paul's letters to the Corinthians (1 Cor 9:16-23 ‘Becoming All Things to All People’) and we think together about spiritual empathy as opportunity: 'Becoming All Things'
Feb 14/21: Transfiguration Sunday
We read the Transfiguration story (Mark 9:2-9), we seek to ascend the heights of inspiration, and we consider the nature and nurture of revelation: 'The View from the Top'
With Ash Wednesday on Feb 17/21, we enter a whole new season of the Christian calendar: Lent!
Feb 21/21: the 1st Sunday of Lent
Lent always begins with the story of Jesus' time of temptation in the wilderness (Mark 1:9-15). We read that story and think together about the hardship at the heartbeat of life, but how God’s love can resolve that hardship: 'The Lenten Road'
Feb 28/21: the 2nd Sunday of Lent
We read our gospel lection once again (Mark 1:9-15 ‘Losing your life to save it’ ) and think about how what is spiritually ‘frozen’ can be melted: 'Spring-Thaw, Christian-Style!'
March 7/21: the 3rd Sunday of Lent and Communion
Today, the lectionary directs us to John's gospel (John 2:13-22 ‘Jesus clears the temple’ ); we read that lection and reflect upon the theme of ‘cleaning house’ in relation to our spiritual heritage: 'Cleaning House'
