Crossroads welcomed Craig Perry back to the virtual pulpit today for the service on the 20th Sunday after Pentecost. Craig’s text was Exodus 33:12-23, a text which he identifies is noted for featuring the “backside of God.” But in his sermon, he shows how fruitful it is for our reflection in this time of pandemic,…
03Aug
Limping in the Daylight
Edith preached from one of her favourite texts, Genesis 32:22-31, the story of Jacob wrestling with Someone at the Jabbaok River. Jacob had always managed to trick or buy his way to get what he wanted. But when a stranger lunged on him in the dark and pulled him into the river, he more than…
16Feb
Reconciliation
Guest preacher the Rev. Janice Young from Peninsula United Church takes on the timely task of addressing the issue of Reconciliation among Indigenous people and settlers in this very topical sermon. Janice shares two stories in this sermon: 1) a family story about her grandfather’s work, a combination of purchasing and taking indigenous artifacts from…
30Jan
Outside the Institution
In this long (but worth listening to) “sermon,” guest speaker and Transgender educator, person of faith, and pastoral caregiver Lisa Salazar shares her story. Combining reflection on Matthew 9:18-26, personal storytelling, and closing with a compelling invitation to the Crossroads congregation as an Affirming Ministry, Lisa continues the “Take your faith outside” theme.
03Nov
Gratitude in Action
Our guest preacher for the final “dedication” Sunday of our stewardship season was the Rev. Dr. Richard Topping, Principal of the Vancouver School of Theology. Richard preached a “teaching sermon” on the flow of grace received, and grateful action; on the theme of “roots” that go deep into God’s grace, and “fruits” that are borne…
11Aug
Stump the Preacher: “A Political Gospel?”
The question this week is whether it is disobedient to God to disobey the law or resist political power given that Paul and Jesus both appear to endorse obedience to authority in both Romans 13 and Matthew 22:15-22. We look to a non traditional interpretation of Romans 13 from a Jewish scholar. We also examine…
21Jul
Is Death the Enemy?
Guest preacher Craig Perry is a big fan of Crossroads’ Stump the Preacher series and he asked Rev. Cari for a topic for his sermon this week. Today’s sermon looks in depth at two passages from the letters of Paul: Romans 8:31-39 and 1 Corinthians 15. We search for Paul’s understanding of death and whether…
07Jul
Did God Forgive Judas?
The Rev. Edith Baird preached in response to the Stump the Preacher question, “Did God Forgive Judas?” today, using Luke 22:1-6, 14-23 and 47-53 as her text. At the opening of the sermon she offered two initial comments: first, that she would never presume to say who God forgives, specifically; and second that she was…
02Jun
Holy Shift: “Why are you looking up?”
“So why are you standing there looking up at an empty sky?” In Acts 1:1-11, the disciples are asked that question after Jesus has left them. Rev. Edith notes that at the time of that question, Jesus had already shown the disciples how to live; what to do. Jesus had shown them close-up the power…
28Apr
Holy Shift: Recognizing the Stranger
Lydia’s last sermon as the Student Minister at Crossroads focussed on Luke 24:13-35, the story of the walk on the road to Emmaus. Lydia uses the story to identify how in the presence of Jesus (whether or not we recognize him right away) strangers become friends. She invites the congregation to celebrate their role in…