Aside from the two cheek “kiss”, Montréal is best known for its hockey madness. Now that the Canadiens are in the playoffs for the Stanley Cup Championship there is a total media blitz about the team and its chances to score the biggest prize in hockey. In addition to the news coverage there is also a sense of brotherhood that this sport has fostered amo... read all »

The idea of taking the communion in order to “remember” the sacrifice of Jesus is a safe spiritual idea. It only requires us to commemorate what someone else has done for us, and not what we might be doing ourselves. When Jesus said, “This is my body...given for you; ...my blood poured out as a sacrifice for you...” (Luke 22:19-20), He was not ... read all »

Most gardeners will tell you that there’s no growth without rigorous pruning. Dead or unproductive branches, vines, and growth need to be cut away so that the healthy plants can bloom. This same process is true for the church as well. Jesus said, “I am the true grapevine, and my father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t pr... read all »

It is always harder to give up tomorrow’s sin. Today’s challenge is, well, here today. We are facing it and have the resources and presence of mind to focus on it and overcome it if we want to. Today’s temptation is felt, experienced, dealt with in real time and the battle, even though fierce at times, is usually quite short – three seconds act... read all »

Aside from the gospel, the good news in our congregation is that there are many visitors each week. The not so good news is that they are simply replacing members who are regularly absent. I have noticed that the top five reasons given to me for missing services (on Sunday or Wednesday) are the following: I have to work or work late It is inconvenient / ... read all »