Most weeks, our worship leader offers a 15–20 minute sermon based on the Scripture texts for the day.
Our regular preacher is pretty versatile. She’ll tell stories, pull together different ideas, lead a meditation, give the congregation an “assignment” to talk about in twos or threes, show a slide show or video, or sometimes even sing to the congregation. The sermon functions to deepen our reflection on the Scripture themes of the day, and often leaves us with a challenge or a question.
Scripture texts are outlined in the Revised Common Lectionary.
Israel – Gaza Conflict – What might Jesus think?
Two major armed conflicts in our world alongside many smaller ones turn our attention to the topic of war and what Jesus would think or do. Despite numerous attempts at a peaceful solution to the Palestinian–Israel conflict which is rooted in the past, and profoundly affected by decisions made by Western nations in the breakup…
The Church: Walking the Talk
Sermon preparation felt like a game of snakes and ladders. I rolled the dice on Monday with a thought and hit a few snakes on the way and ended up on Friday where I least expected. I explore the importance of the current vision and values process and why it’s important and how it relates…
It Looks Easy But it Ain’t
We explore what seems like a way passage: “Love God with your whole being and your neighbour as your self”. Asked by a Pharisee what is the greatest commandment Jesus links the “SHEMA” with Leviticus 19 and say they are one. We explore what that means and how the three loves fit together with a…
Hopeful or Hopeless?
This is the Sunday we launch our stewardship campaign, and we reflect on Jeremiah’s words in the 29th Chapter. He is speaking to the people of Israel who have been deported to Babylon and their total way of life in Jerusalem has been destroyed including the Holy City. False prophets are saying they will only…
World Food Day – a panel discussion
For World Food Day, Crossroads offered a panel discussion among participants in the various food ministries that the congregation offers the community. Eileen Noullett moderated the conversation, about food insecurity in our own neighbourhood, and how Crossroads is responding to offer food, dignity and compassion. Heather Stewart spoke on behalf of the Community Dinners, Pam…
How Rude!
Luke is the only gospel that tells the story of Jesus in a “no man’s land” between Samaria and Judea. There, Jesus encounters ten men who have leprosy – a devastating contagious skin condition that was, in those days, impossible to cure and forced lepers to live in isolated areas in groups apart from their…
Ladders and Tables
This is World Communion Sunday and we will join the Christian community all across the world sitting together at Jesus’ table. In our society do we value the space and grace and community or the “table” or are we to busy climbing the ladder of self accomplishment and success to worry about others and whether…
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
On this Sunday closest to September 30, the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, Crossroads welcomed our new Coordinators of Children and Youth Ministry, Carson Beck and Nia Bentayen, into worship leadership. Pam Shaw moderated a conversation with Carson & Nia in which each of them responded to questions (framed by Rev. Jim) on the…
The Absurdity of Forgiveness
In an article by David Brooks from the Atlantic Magazine – entitled “How America Got Mean” he says that the lack of moral formation over the last number of years in North American Society has meant that selfishness and cruelty to others have been given free rein and we live in a society in which…
Back to School and Making Friends!
Learning that there are many different kids we meet during back to school. Many of these kids we might become friends with but also we should be prepared not to connect with everyone right away.