The Rev. Canon Hilary Murray reflects on her experiences as a Canadian Black woman, created in the image of God but living in a world that too often fails to see that truth in her.
The Rev. Canon Hilary Murray reflects on her experiences as a Canadian Black woman, created in the image of God but living in a world that too often fails to see that truth in her.
Jesus may have been the one who was outwardly transfigured but it was Peter and James and John who were changed by what was revealed on that mountaintop, called to go beyond what they knew and embrace Jesus in a more complete way; to listen to him and obey his instruction to take up their own cross and journey with him down the mountain.
The season of Epiphany is a time of paying attention to the way God reveals Godself in the world – noticing and naming the moments and experiences in our own lives when we find ourselves in God’s presence. Today, Terry and Kim shared stories of just such moments from their own lives.
The season of Epiphany is a time of paying attention to the way God reveals Godself in the world – noticing and naming the moments and experiences in our own lives when we find ourselves in God’s presence. Today, Brad and Kevin shared stories of just such moments from their own lives.
We welcomed Deacon Jarrett Carty as our guest preacher. Jarrett serves as chaplain at Belong Ottawa and Deacon Residentiary at Christ Church Cathedral. He is Professor and Principal of the Liberal Arts College at Concordia University, Montreal.
Readiness for a new beginning is, perhaps, the most remarkable thing about Simeon – even more remarkable than his faithfulness in waiting or his ability to recognize the Messiah in the unlikely form of the baby Jesus. He was able to release what was finished and embrace the new beginning that God had prepared; to lay down his previous role with grace and humility and hope.
But it is enough for Mary to understand that she is being asked to serve her God and her people; to participate in something worth the risk; a new chapter in the story of God’s promises. She doesn’t know everything she is saying “yes” to – but she knows who is asking and she is brave and bold and strong so she says “yes”, giving her whole self – body and soul and reputation – to the fulfilment of God’s story.
God has cast down the mighty and lifted up the lowly; God does cast down the mighty and lift up the lowly; God will cast down the mighty and lift up the lowly.
These are declarations of faith and they are powerful. They have sustained people in moments of crisis and over generations of struggle. But declarations of faith are not intended purely for comfort or sustenance. They are intended to shape lives; to direct attention and action in accordance with that faith.
And on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of worship in St. Helen’s church building.