Inspired by John 13:1-35 and Revelation 21: 1-6

Have you ever thought about what is going on in the world today in terms of Peter’s experience? Have you ever wondered why so many are afraid of immigrants, legal or not? Do we realize that Sunday morning can be the most exclusive, segregated, and separate time of the week? All week long we work with, bump against, commute with, and eat with people who are not like us, but often on Sunday we attend a church that consists mostly of people like ourselves.

There are exceptions, of course. But many of our churches do not look anything like the communities that we live in, the grocery stores we shop in, or the movie theaters we attend. Why is that? Do you ever wonder?

We all get into mental ruts and often need a whack on the side of the head to jar us into new and better ways of thinking. We also bring a lot of wrong-thinking baggage with us into our Christian life. If we are truly going to live by our Vision and Calling, then maybe every once in a while, God has to take a 2x4 and gently whack us on the side of the head to help us change our thinking.

The writer of Revelation, our second reading for today, offers a passage often read at funerals. The image of death having been vanquished, of mourning and crying being no more, and of God wiping away every tear is a powerful image, followed by the declaration that God is making all things new. One of those new things is surely the way we experience one another as diverse gifts of the God, who made us all. If we begin to change our way of thinking about people who are different from us in race or culture, then we will see them as God’s gifts to us. That gives us a whole different point of view toward the many people God brings into our lives. Sure, we can turn away from them, but does that not mean we are turning away from God?

When we hear the gospel reading, Jesus’ own words call us to love one another, “Just as I have loved you.” This is not a phrase easily dismissed. Jesus’ entire ministry, including his passion and resurrection, hangs on this sentence. Jesus loved people in a radical way. Today he would be – and often is – in the supermarket talking with the cashiers, the stockers, and the customers finding their way through a bewildering array of products. He is there because that is where all of us go to buy food. He is there because that may be where a lonely newcomer to town gets a smile at the cash register, or even a query, “Are you new here? Welcome.”

So, what about church? What about that Sunday morning experience that is often the place where we see only familiar faces, only people like us, only people we know? Is Jesus here? Are we following his teachings? We say we are welcoming – but if someone sits in our pew!

Our culture impresses upon us the idea that love is primarily a feeling that happens to us. Today’s reading, however, demonstrates that love is primarily about action rather than feeling. 

Don’t mistake what I’m saying — our emotions are vital and important parts of who we are. I am simply saying that love, from the Biblical perspective, is rooted in action.

Let’s take a look at the scene from John’s reading. Jesus and his disciples have returned to Jerusalem, where Jesus’ enemies are on the lookout for him. Jesus and his disciples are celebrating the Passover meal in private. Imagine — the disciples are full of exuberance, eagerly awaiting the reward that will come when Jesus establishes the kin-dom of God. But Jesus knows what is coming. So, in these last hours before the soldiers come to take him away, Jesus gives his disciples a vivid example of the kind of life to which they are called. Jesus gives them and us an example of living a life of love.

God changes our thinking with his action and teaching 

The first thing he shows us is that love is about action. This was way before paved roads. Dirt streets were dusty and dry, and most people walked, so feet got dirty. Ordinarily, it was the duty of the host to have a servant ready to wash the feet of guests so they might enjoy their meal in comfort. Since no servant was available, it logically would have fallen to one of the disciples to wash the feet of the others. 

But the disciples had just been arguing over who would be greatest in the kin-dom. So clearly these “great princes in the kin-dom” were too proud to perform the menial task of washing one another’s feet. Imagine for a moment the confusion among them as the Master — the last one who should be doing this — stands, puts on servant’s clothing, and carries a basin and begins washing feet. Here Jesus teaches us that love is an action of service and humility. Jesus meets a need where others are too proud to act.

God changes our thinking by repeating the lesson until it sinks in

In case his disciples miss the point, Jesus keeps coming back to it. Verses 13-17 show how Jesus instructs his disciples to follow his example by washing one another’s feet. Again, down in verse 34-35, Jesus says to love one another. Jesus’ command here is to actively express our love to one another. In today’s world, this applies to how we love and care for one another not only within the church but within our community. 

As we think about love as action rather than love as feeling, I believe the most accessible summary of Scripture’s teaching on this is in Dr. Gary Chapman’s book The Five Love Languages. His idea is that there are 5 main ways we, as humans, actively express love: 

1. Touch, 

2. Words of affirmation, 

3. Quality time, 

4. Gifts, and 5. Acts of service. 

These are the primary types of actions that we can take to show our love. Most of us will tend to focus in one of these love languages — it becomes our primary way of expressing and understanding love. If we do not receive love back in that language, then we might feel unloved. Our challenge, as Christians, is that we should all work on becoming masters of communicating love to everyone we encounter. 

Let’s look at how we can express our love through touch: when we know someone need hug, handshake, or comforting arms around the shoulders – Let’s give it to them. Then we have words of affirmation. Why not send a wee note of encouragement or thank you card or give a spontaneous compliment when it is least expected. David was notorious when it came to thank you cards. But sometimes just listening can speak louder than words. What about quality time? It could simply be staying in touch with shut-ins, experiencing a cultural event with someone, or creating opportunities to meet for coffee with friends. I meet with my French Connection every Wednesday – Then the good old gifts. it doesn’t necessarily mean spending money; it could be simply sharing your skills and knowledge. 

Finally, acts of service: These could be acts of kindness like opening doors, saying hello or smiling at strangers which might lift someone up and even change the trajectory of their life. 

I’ve been reading Cicely Tyson’s autobiography, and I liked what she wrote: “When you give yourself away, when you surrender yourself as a divine vessel, you impact lives eternally.” 

The end picture is if we put more energy in showing our love actions for one another then our blessings will overflow and affect the those who witness them. There’s a reason why Jesus says, “By this all men will know you are my disciples.” If we love one another, the whole world will see and know the meaning of love in action.

God changes our thinking by jarring us through uncomfortable feelings

After showing that love is action, Jesus also demonstrates that love is receiving. Looking at the passage, as Peter figures out what Jesus is doing, Peter tells Jesus to stop. Look how Jesus replies: “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” This is probably the hardest part of the passage — it’s easy for most of us to share our love with other people, but boy, it’s the hardest thing to be the recipient? It takes humility to serve someone else; it takes even more humility to admit that we need help. Most of us like to think that we are the Master of our lives – that we have everything under control — that we are independent and can make it on our own. There’s an unspoken sense of shame with admitting that we need someone else. But as Jesus points out here, if we try to stand on our own, we have no part of him. 

We cannot stand on our own, we must rely upon each other! Each of us must learn to depend on the people sitting next to us and across from us. Learning that kind of humility is hard.

God changes our thinking by seeing that He is the Mastermind – not us!

Love may be “action”, love may be “receiving” but love also extends to the unlovable. 

Note that after Jesus performs this expression of love, he reveals that one of his followers will betray him, and he tells Peter to his face that Peter will deny him. He knows that Judas is a traitor, and he still shows love toward him. He knows that Peter will deny him, and he still shows love toward him. This is consistent with what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:43-44: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” 

If Christ was filled with enough love to wash the feet of a traitor and a coward, then how much more should we express love to those who are unlovable to us? How much more should we love that irritating person who gets on our very last nerve? I have some of those. How much more should we love that person who talks incessantly without giving us a chance to reply. I have some of those too. How much more should we love that person whose pettiness astounds us to no end? Yip got those! How much more should we love our brothers and sisters when they are childish, thoughtless, selfish, mean, and just plain rude? I know it’s hard. It’s impossible. We can’t do it without God working within us. 

We couldn’t do it if we didn’t know that God loved them first. We couldn’t do it if we didn’t know that God loved us even when we’re unlovable.

Yes, God often has to whack us to get us to change. If we’re comfortable, we don’t feel any need to change. But if we’re suddenly hit with a new situation that’s outside our comfort zone, we realize that our old ways of thinking won’t do. We have to listen to God and trust Him to do something we can’t do on our own.

So, let’s try it. Intentionally act out love — let’s look for opportunities that are blessings. Let’s have the humility to receive blessings from others and graciously say “thank you”. 

Finally, let’s have the tenacity to love the unlovable. And when we have a hard time doing these things — let’s talk to God. He knows we can’t do it alone, so he’ll help us discover what’s so great about love. Let’s think about that. Amen. Thank you for listening.

  Inspired by Mark 6:30-34

We are, in many ways, a weary people. Literally and figuratively, we’re tired.

Let's give ourselves an “A: for effort. We keep our minds so preoccupied with work projects that we act and think on autopilot. We keep our schedules so full of meetings and housekeeping and even entertaining that down-time sounds like a mortal sin. When we fail to rest, we do more than risk burnout. We misunderstand the God who calls us to rest--who created us to be people of rest. Let's face it: our rest needs work. I should know because I’m probably in the triple “A” earners category!

According to Statistics Canada 

· People aged 35-64 are the most likely to not get enough sleep. In the 18-34 and over 65 groups, 1 in 4 said they are not getting enough sleep.

· 21% of car accidents are caused by lack of sleep.

· We increase our risk of coronary heart disease by 48% if we sleep less than 6 hours per night.

· 30% of Canadians have insomnia and 2.2% from obstructive sleep apnea.

· 36.3% of people sleeping less than the recommended 7 hours report feeling chronically depressed.

That is a serious problem! Fatigue and exhaustion can have severe consequences. Lack of sleep can affect our physical and mental health. It can also be deadly. We hear about doctors, nurses, teachers, all raise the alarm of burnout. What about pilots, truck drivers? Sleep deprivation is a worrying problem, that affects our lifestyle, our work, and our relationships. Sleep disorders will cause other medical problems.

We often hear people say: “God help me, I’m exhausted,” “I’m running myself ragged,” “I’m wiped out,” “I’m spent,” “I’m running on empty,” “I just need a nap,” and “I need caffeine.” 

People are tired these days and they will tell you so. We are over-worked, over-committed, over-extended, stretched-thin, stressed-out, and burnt-out. We are too busy, we are too tired, and we will tell you about it. 

Is there some kind of strange competition going on where we try to outdo each other with how busy and how tired we are? In a curious way, busyness has become a socially desirable good. 

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples to do something. What he says is: “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” In other words, he tells them to take a break to devote some time to being rather than doing.

He often tells us the same thing. “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest for a while.” What He is telling us is we need to take a break and devote some of our time to “being” rather than “doing”. Yet often we ignore this command. We want to follow Jesus and are willing to take action. But when it comes to rest, when it comes to Jesus telling us to take a break for a while, we say “but rest is too simple” so we ignore what Jesus tells us.

We are a busy, busy people! Ask anybody how they are doing, and you’re more than likely going to hear about how worn-out they are.

The pace of modern life has picked up, with keyboards clicking and computers crunching and cell phones chirping with their instantaneous messages around the globe. Contradicting the optimistic predictions of people in the 1950s and 1960s, these technological feats have not led to more leisure time for us. Quite the contrary. 

Most people are busier than ever most likely because they are glued to their smartphones as if their lives depended on them. We need to remember what Pope Francis once said, “we are not machines, we need to rest.”

We are not just physically tired - We are “world weary.” We are exhausted by many things in our lives. In our work lives, people speak of being tired of the rat race, the daily grind. In our political lives, people are tired of wars, broken promises, empty rhetoric, partisan bickering, and fake news. In our personal lives, we are tired of being alone, tired of assumed expectations, tired of the routine. We are tired of feeling angry all the time, or feeling afraid all the time, or feeling worthless all the time. 

In so many ways we are a tired and weary people.

In today’s gospel, Jesus addresses the weariness and busyness of his apostles. The apostles gathered around Jesus and told him all that they were doing and all that they were teaching, and, apparently, they were very busy. They were so busy, we are told, that they didn’t even have time to eat. So many people were coming and going, that they didn’t even have a chance to grab something on the go. So, Jesus’ words to them must have felt like cool, refreshing water to people who are thirsty. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” 

How refreshing this response must have been to his weary disciples. Notice Jesus didn’t respond to the apostles’ reports about what they were doing by going over a new strategic plan. Notice he didn’t respond to their reports of what they were teaching by going over a new curriculum. No. He said to his weary apostles, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.”

Jesus invites us to rest, yet we treat rest as a four-letter word. If people are resting, we may be leery of them. If we are resting, we are suspicious of ourselves?

There's always more to do, further ways to justify our existence by what we produce. We think we are irreplaceable. As a caregiver, I remember thinking “No one can do it better than me! – No one knows David’s needs better than me!” In the face of this, Jesus smiles and says, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest for a while.”

If asked, most of us could recite the pattern of busyness as we engage in it day-by-day, week-after-week. But can we do the same about our rest? Do we have patterns established that insure that going off by ourselves to rest for a while is a reality for us, rather than simply a desire?

We may lack such patterns of rest, but we can take steps to establish them. Gradually we can build into our lives rhythms of rest and solitude to balance out the busy rhythms that already pulsate so strongly. It can be done. When David’s eldest son, John, was here it forced me to stop, and to relax for a while. You see I had to drive him to various golf courses and wait for him – no crossing the bridge 4 times in a day so I brought a book while I waited for him. No emails, no reports, no phone calls – I finished the book!

Let me mention a little book by Lynn Baab called Sabbath Keeping. Sabbath recalls our creation, and with it, God's satisfaction with us as he made us, without our hurried wrangling and harried worrying. Lynn helps us see that the sabbath is not something to keep, but a way of living that helps us become people who work when it's appropriate, rest when it's appropriate, and even rest and work at the same time. She sees sabbath as a road to living a life of plenty.

The French mathematician and theologian Blaise Pascal once said that more than half this world's ills come from how people cannot sit in a room alone. Our refusal to rest can hurt us, the people around us, and the endeavors to which we devote ourselves.

A lot of us try to function without the Rest Factor that Jesus wants us to include in our lives. We're plenty busy, but the results are disappointing. When we factor in some rest, some sabbath time, we are not working as much, but what we do is more significant, more meaningful than it was when we were always on the go.

No doubt our faith requires us to do certain things as well as believe certain things. No doubt we are created to find meaning and value in the work we do, especially when it is done to the greater good of God. But our weariness in what we do, and our pervasive busyness are signs that something isn’t quite right. 

Could our constant business and weariness be signs of our failed illusions that we are in control of our lives? Do we really think that we can make ourselves right with God through our actions and beliefs? Rather than see our weariness as a sign that something is out of whack, we take it as a sign that we are making headway. Because we are so busy, we feel that we merit at least a little divine favour. NO WAY!

When the apostles gathered around Jesus, they told him all that they were doing and all that they were teaching. They were so busy, so many people were coming and going, they didn’t even have time to eat. Did Jesus admire them? NO WAY! Jesus said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” 

Jesus knows what we need, even when we don’t. When we gather around him, we may want to tell him all the things we’ve done. We say to ourselves, surely all these things will prove how important and valuable we are. NO WAY!

Jesus looks past all our illusions, and he doesn’t even mention them, because if he did, he would have to remind us that all that we are, all that we do, are gifts from God in the first place. Instead, he looks into our hearts and sees what we truly desire, what we truly need. 

He makes us lie down in green pastures and leads us beside the still waters and restores our souls. And he says to us, “Come away to a place all by yourselves and rest a little while with me.”  AMEN

    Inspired by Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

In Luke’s gospel, a very short time after Jesus sent out the twelve disciples to spread the news about his ministry and a new Kingdom, he gathers some other disciples and sends them out too. They are seventy-two in number (or seventy depending on the biblical translation). 

In either case, “off you go” in pairs and as we heard, “Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; 9 cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”

But there are undertones that the journey will not be easy. You will be rejected Jesus reminds them. You will be like sheep among the wolves. Despite having the authority to “cure the sick,” these new disciples would have a difficult time. 

Regardless of their challenges though, the seventy-two returned with good news saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” 

This must have been encouraging news then. Can it be encouraging news for us now, given we are receiving it during Pentecost, the season that emphasizes the growth of the church? 

I wonder if this message is a bit, perhaps even a lot, out of touch with our reality. What do we make of instructions to go out into the world and evangelize? Some might suggest that is something the United Church is not very good at, and we should be more like our Jehovah Witness friends who distribute pamphlets on street corners and spread their message door to door. One has to admire them for their dedication.

Are you up for that? If we divided into pairs, we could probably get to each household at least in Peachland without too much trouble. That would be a good start. If my math is close, we probably have about two thousand residences in Peachland. For forty of us, that’s only about one hundred dwellings per pair. At two visits per day that would only take fifty days. Let’s give ourselves three months. Shall I bring that up at our next board meeting in September? I have a feeling if I did, I would be asked to take early retirement.

We know of course that wouldn’t work. Pushing religion or faith on someone has never been very successful in the long term. It only alienates people and gives the church and religion a bad name.

Just before Jesus sent out the seventy-two, he remarks, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”  The harvest represents the number of souls that can be saved, the non-believers. And they are vast in number. I will send you, the labourers into the harvest to reap what God has decreed Jesus is saying. Go and spread the good news.

Are we but labourers slogging along day by day to bring in a harvest? Is our ministry about getting more people here on Sundays? Is that how we might measure success? That gives me a vision of Jesus beside the boat on the Galilee. “Cast the net on the other side. There you go, look at all those fish. Those are like the new disciples we can catch if you follow me.”

No, nyet, nada, nein, mais non! I don’t think so.

It is not that we gathered here today or online are too old or too tired or physically up to being labourers. Its more that this is just not the way to spread the gospel message of grace, peace, justice and compassion that is the cornerstone of Christ’s ministry. It is not the way faith is evangelized. I don’t think it is anyway. 

Don’t you think that The Gospel, and from that your faith, have to be experienced to be real to you? 

To be profound and true scripture needs to be lived out. It’s my hunch that is one of the greatest impediments to our churches today. It’s not that the biblical messages are irrelevant. Far from it. I think it is more that we are surrounded by so much darkness the light has a lot of difficulty getting in. Folks are not receptive. The spirit of the living and loving God we experience here, is in short supply elsewhere. And so, apathy and indifference set in. No one will answer the door if we ring the bell on our evangelism visits.

Like most COF’s we have a lot of diversity here. Some of you have been here for quite a while. (It must feel like forever)! Some of you are relative newcomers. And there are others in between. 

If you are the former. Do you remember what it was about PUC that attracted you? Better still, why are you still here? I know the fellowship is important, but there has to be more. I expect you have been through some tough times when you have really needed support, and you got it. I expect the fire of a spirit of peace and justice has encouraged your passion for outreach ministry. I expect some of what you have seen, heard or experienced as a witness to the Creator’s love, has filled you with light. Perhaps that light has given you hope. Perhaps it has stirred you on to advocacy or pastoral ministry here or elsewhere. 

You are not here, because you have been guilted into coming. If that was the case you would have left long ago. And I bet you are not here because someone knocked on your door and said you should come. 

If you are among those newer to our Community of Faith, what do you see? We are friendly and I think pretty open-minded. That’s what I hear. And I hear we are compassionate, sincere and pastoral. I hear you like the music and the worship services. I hear you appreciate our authenticity and rootedness in Christian Love.

So why are you all here? I believe you are here because you have been evangelized. 

PUC has a thriving ministry. That is because we are a caring and compassionate community. We live our faith well and are eager to share it. We are kind and generous. We want to be a resting place for weary souls. We strive to spread hopeful news of a living, loving God. We try our best to show that Jesus’ ministry of justice is alive in this community. We celebrate our beliefs through what we do here, and we celebrate the Holy Spirit in how we do it. We evangelize well among ourselves and outside these sanctuary walls. 

When the seventy-two returned they told Jesus, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” Do you think we can say that too? Would it be OK to put that on our website. Peachland United Church Moto: “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” I wonder what kind of response we would get. We could even change our Vision Statement – Big Bold Letters - “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” 

The thing is, that true. That’s factual! That is our Evangelism. We evangelize by sharing our experience of Christ in this place and in our ministry together.

When we are able to help someone who is a little short of cash make it through the day, that is casting out demons. When we gift something from the Bargain Bin or help out by donating to the Food Bank, that is casting out demons – someone has adequate clothing, and another has enough to eat. When you have a coffee next door after worship you cast out demons of loneliness and fill voids of grief with your compassion. That same thing happens with hospital visits, home visits or phone calls. Our prayers when we are gathered together in this COF help to fill hearts with hope and reassurance. Demons of despair are cast aside.

We do evangelism a little differently than the seventy-two in Jesus’ time. But we do it well. We do it by sharing our experiences of God in this place and in this time. We share that openly and with sincerity. We share it with our love. 

Thanks for listening this morning, Amen 

Inspired by 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14

In ancient Israel’s cultural and legal system came the practice of a “double portion.” It represented God’s promise to give beyond the normal amount, symbolizing favor, inheritance, and blessing.[1] This was a special allotment, a blessing or inheritance on individuals in unique positions. 

A double portion would be considered an enhancement, a perk, something extra, a privilege. 

In our reading from 2 Kings this morning, the student Elisha asks for a “double portion” of his master’s spirit. The prophet Elijah is about to be taken to heaven and asks Elisha what he can give him before he leaves. “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit,” Elisha responds. If you see me as I am taken your request will be granted Elijah replies. 

As we heard Chris share, Elisha did see chariots and horsemen coming for his master and his wish was granted. 

I wonder what Elisha actually wanted with his extra portion. Was he inclined to be someone who wanted to stroke his own ego? If he had more of Elijah’s skill as a prophet, he would possibly be more sought after, a notoriety. Perhaps he relished in the spotlight drawing attention to himself. Perhaps he really wanted to be a somebody. 

Alternately, maybe he just wanted to be more gifted so that he could accomplish more in his ministry. Perhaps his desire to receive a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, was so that he could serve God more completely. 

In later chapters of 2 Kings, we hear of many significant acts Elisha accomplished. He parted the Jordan River after Elijah’s death, filled vessels with expensive oil for a widow who was in debt with her creditors, healed a commander of the Syrian army from leprosy and resurrected a Shunammite’s son from death. Elisha was a productive prophet.

What was his motivation? We can only make assumptions.

Throughout my life there are times when I wished that I had been given a double portion. 

At times I wished that I had been a little brighter. I did well in school, but it always seemed I was a “nose to the grindstone,” student. Study, study, study, to get reasonable grades, when I knew of others that just seemed to soak everything in without much trouble. How come they got straight A’s, and I got maybe one, a few B’s and some C+’s. Man, that was frustrating.

I wished I had a double portion of height, or agility, or strength. You know the guy who is picked last when choosing teams for a baseball match? That was me. OK, we’ll take Ian. How embarrassing. How come I was not 4” taller, fleet of foot and muscular?

I would have taken even a single portion of my dad’s mechanical aptitude or carpentry prowess. He could re-valve an engine or overhaul a carburetor. He was a handy carpenter. He proved that by resurfacing cupboards in the kitchen and fabricating his own workbench which was so well made I still have it. We raised the house when I was young, and he did all the support work for the new walls. I can barely manage to change the furnace filter and if I replace a tap washer, it will leak, guaranteed. 

Give me a double portion already, I want to be better than I am!

I officiated at a Celebration of Life service yesterday here in the sanctuary. As is always the case, the mood is solemn. But the sharing inevitably leaves me with feeling blessed. That is because I always hear about an individual who was spirited, cherished, and loved. There are stories of achievements and stories of memorable events, and the personality of the departed always comes through in remarkable ways. The spirit of the eulogized is with us. And often I remark, because I didn’t know the deceased, I’m jealous because my life would have been blessed by having known them.

I have absolutely no idea whatsoever if the deceased had a double portion of anything. Were they privileged? Were they extraordinarily talented? Carpenter, lawyer, brick layer, physician? Teacher, used car salesperson, accountant, truck driver? Perhaps a check-out clerk at the supermarket or an accountant, it doesn’t matter. 

When sharing happens we hear about a sense of humour, and someone who was good provider. We hear how good they were with children or grandchildren. We hear about them being a great host or a super green thumb gardener. We hear they loved music or liked to walk in both sun and rain warmly greeting passersby as they went on their way. 

In all that is shared, there are common threads. Compassion, honesty, sensitivity, kindness, generosity and gentleness. We leave knowing how the person loved and was loved. We know through the tears that are shed how they were cherished. 

Which makes me wonder about the double portion thing. I’m not sure if it matters. I’m not sure it matters at all as long as one inherits a single portion of the creator’s love. Just a little bit is all that is needed. 

I witnessed that in abundance yesterday as family and friends embraced each other and dried their tears. I witnessed it in the fellowship after the service as stories were shared. I witnessed it the face of a father holding his young daughter, who didn’t quite know what was going on.

I felt it after the service yesterday when a stranger on Waldo Way asked me how the service went. He asked, “was that a memorial service.” “Yes, I replied.” “Did is go well?” “Yes, I said. I think it did and that is what I hope for, that family and friends feel nurtured and supported.” “That’s good he said.” And then he shared a lengthy story about how he came to be here in Peachland. I think a portion of grace was shared between us.

A single portion of God’s Grace, a single portion of Christ’s Love should be enough. It is enough. These are simple but extraordinary things. And we are blessed when we receive them.

Knowing that you are cherished whether or not you can hammer a nail straight or update that antivirus thingy on your computer. Knowing that you are special even if you are packing around a few extra kilograms or don’t have the finest clothes to wear. Understanding that honesty, integrity and good judgement can’t be compromised. Knowing that the best way to treat a stranger is how you want to be treated yourself. Understanding that while to “forgive and forget” is difficult, it is what we are called to do.

Receiving a double portion might be nice but a single portion is lots. It is lots when it comes from the Creator because that tells us we are enough. It tells us we are singularly cherished for all of our unique talents, and we are enough despite our limitations. It tells us we are special. It tells us just be who you are, that is who you were meant to be, and that is why you are loved so much.

It is lots when it comes from Jesus because then we know we are valued for our differences. We are not cast aside because we look or think differently. We are not shunned because of how we talk or who we choose to love. We are not admonished because we have to visit the local food bank or shop at the thrift store. We are not admonished because we are forced to live on the street or in a tent.

A single portion is enough. Just knowing the Creator and walking with Jesus is enough.

Thanks for listening this morning, Amen 

[1] a double portion biblical - Search, Accessed June 28, 2025   

Inspired by Isaiah 43: 18-21, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

In his day the prophet Isaiah said God was about to do a new thing. He was speaking to the Israelites in Babylonian exile. The time is coming soon, Isaiah says, when there will be water in the wilderness, drink to quench the thirst of the chosen people. 

I’m thinking it is about time God did a new thing again, today, right now. I say that as I rage about the most recent US bombings in Iran. We are all holding our breath at what may arise from this outrageous, unprovoked attack against a sovereign nation. I’m angry that our southern bully is at it once more. 

And I wonder, God is it possible you can do a new thing?

If you follow the Nostradamus predictions (which I don’t really) you will read that he predicted 2025 would be filled with climate upheavals. He also predicted that man and machine would become one, which sounds a lot like AI to me. There is reference to “broken allies” and “brothers turned enemies,” which is essentially the status of strained international relations.[1]

And I wonder, God is it possible you can do a new thing?

You all have heard of the Doomsday Clock? Well, today apparently it is 89 seconds to midnight—the closest it has ever been to catastrophe. That is apparently up one second from last year. The Science and Security Board remarked, “Our fervent hope is that leaders will recognize the world’s existential predicament and take bold action to reduce the threats posed by nuclear weapons, climate change, and the potential misuse of biological science and a variety of emerging technologies.”[2] 

And I wonder, God is it possible you can do a new thing?

That is a fair question to ask and one which all ponder. It is especially important for new ministry candidates to consider. 

I had the pleasure of interviewing a couple of them this past week. At the outset one wants to pose the question, “are you guys nuts?” Churches are closing all over the place, attendance is way down in most Communities of Faith, fewer and fewer people are interested in organized religion at all. Why do you want to serve, especially when we cannot even predict what the United Church will look like in just a few years? 

Most times new candidates are second or third career people (like I was). And you wonder, you are going to leave the security of the job you have now for a career in ministry? Perhaps we should offer a free brain scan as part of our selection process. 

Well frankly it wouldn’t matter. During this last interview session, the “Office of Vocations Minister,” who is in charge of this portfolio, told us she has at the moment twenty-two (twenty-two) enquirers who want to seriously discern if they might enter the ministry. And that is just here in BC.

Have they not been watching the news, reading the UC magazine Broadview or visiting some of our COF’s? 

The answer to the above is yes they have, they are well informed. And, these are intelligent people, worldly wise in most cases. And in the majority of times, these are individuals with a lot of life experience. They are not fools. So, what’s up?

I think I have an inclination. In all of these potential candidates, God is about to do a new thing. The Holy Spirit is drawing them into a love affair. And I can tell you from my own experience there is no escape. Do you ever wonder how it was that those Jesus called from their boats to join him in ministry, simply left everything and followed? That was how it happened then and that is how it happens now. 

And my reason for telling you this story is that it is happening now in this place. God is doing a new thing here and now as we speak. God is doing a new thing in you. You are here because you dare to defy the odds of the Doomsday Clock. You are here because, while you hear Nostradamus' predictions, you refuse to acknowledge this to be truth. You know better, your vision is clear, your pathway to your own unique and gifted discipleship is cast. It is a love affair you cannot avoid either. 

In every greeting you make, every smile you offer, every cookie you bake. In every bell you ring, every bank deposit you make and every account you balance. In every bag you sort, every bulb you replace and every lick of paint you apply upon a wall. In every note you play or sing, in all the joy and laughter shared, in every prayer offered, God is doing a new and wonderful thing. The call of discipleship is infectious among you. 

Alas, the new thing God calls us to do sometimes takes us down a different path. 

The wisdom offered us in the book of Ecclesiastes tells us things change even in the kin-dom. There are seasons and times when we are called in different directions. Indeed “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.”

God is doing a new thing with me letting me know that it is time to step away from this pulpit, a place I have grown so comfortable being in the last 9 years. A place where I have been so incredibly honoured to serve. She is telling me it is time to step aside and retire from active ministry. Peachland is a wonderful, energetic and vital ministry she says, it is time they did something new. They can do it.

God has something new instore for me. A little more relaxed pace and an opportunity to seek further spirit wisdom and study, as I immerse myself in what is called a “Soul Guiding Program.” 

I will be here until the end of June next year so don’t cast lots for my stoles just yet. In the interim you will have lots of time to plan for your bright and exciting future. And we will have more time to see what new thing God has in store for us. However, when you do set up a job description for a new minister, please remember that your number one criterion is a good sense of humour. 

There will be time down the road for me to express my sincere gratitude for allowing me to be your pastor these nine years. For now, let me just say it has been an incredible honour to be in ministry with you all and I look forward to continuing in that role throughout this next year.

God is doing a new thing this day and every day. Thanks be to God, Creator, Holy Presence and Holy Love.

Thank you and bless you all for listening this morning. Amen

[1] Nostradamus' Predictions 2025: War, Climate Change, And Technological Advances, Nostradamus’ Predictions 2025: War, Climate Change and Technological advances, accessed June 21, 2025

[2] 2025 Doomsday Clock Statement - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Bulletin of The Atomic Sciences, Closer Than Ever: It is Now 89 Seconds to Midnight, accessed June 21, 2025

Hear the wind as it blows across the fields and through the trees. It whistles and calls out. Brushing across your face you are touched by something you cannot see. On a day like today, you are thankful for the cooling sensation of moving air that envelopes you. This is the breath of the creator, the very Spirit of God, Ruach. 

On the day of Pentecost, it blew a strange mixed-up miracle upon a diverse crowd. Suddenly they became one, united in voice and blessed by the spirit. The spirit brought forth visions, visions of a future of harmony. Dreams that a peaceful kingdom could become a reality. God’s saving grace would blow in upon the wind, 

Ruach, the spirit of God, carried wisdom along in her breath. I was there, says wisdom, when the earth was created, in the depts of the oceans, in the breadth of the skies, I was there in the birth of mountain and field, in forest and stream, in soil and in every living thing. I was there walking alongside the creator. I was with him as a master worker when she marked out the foundations of the earth. 

Wisdom blew with the wind on the day of Pentecost, in Ruach, the breath and spirit of God. Wisdom rides on the breath of God today, bringing with her the promise of renewal and rebirth. You have seen it. You have experienced it.

Wisdom spoke to us in 2017; the year Okanagan Lake rose higher than it ever had before. Our well-intended mortal attempts to stop her eventually failed, and the lower level of our church succumbed. But wisdom said hang on. Wisdom said, stay hopeful. Wisdom prophesized that our ministry would be revived, and as the spirit of tenacity and perseverance blew through the people, it did. 

Wisdom spoke to us when our meeting together was interrupted by the pandemic. Ruach came again breathing patience into our midst. She spoke to the gathered community in an unusual way, keeping us connected in fellowship and prayer. She kept us united in purpose. This wisdom blew in and filled the people with hope and gave us perspective. God would continue to be in our midst. 

Would that the breath of wisdom ignite a new reality upon this United Church of ours. As we worry and fret about our ministry in the future, perhaps even our survival, what does that voice say? What message is carried upon the wind? Ruach reminds us that fellowship, kindness, and generosity are what keeps the spirit alive. We need worry about nothing else. This too is Wisdom’s presence.

As we age and concern ourselves with our mortality, or that of good friends or family members, the Holy Spirit, the breath of God persists. Wisdom is mindful of human frailty. It visits the needy, the doubting and the desperate, and casts its love spell upon them. It whispers its prayer, “you are not alone.”

Wisdom sees the dream, the Creator’s dream. There will be equality. Anger, hostility and resentfulness will give way to understanding and compassion. Freedom from oppression will ride on the breeze. Pentecost visions of mankind talking together, sharing the common language of belonging will be realized. 

On the breath of God, the Holy Spirit, Ruach carries wisdom into the abyss, the place where demons dwell. Here live the power brokers, the authoritarian regimes, the greedy and selfish. Corruption lies in the shadows. Wisdom seeks them out and in her emancipating presence, they succumb. 

All of this will be, if wisdom has her way. If the Spirit of God, Ruach is welcomed in.

Excerpt from Proverbs 2 – Wisdom’s Part in Creation

22 “The Lord created me at the beginning[a] of his work,[b]
 the first of his acts of long ago.
23 Ages ago I was set up,
 at the first, before the beginning of the earth.

Wisdom blew in on creation, in the beginning she was there helping shape the earth and the heavens. She helped the creator assign the sea its limits and set out the foundations of the earth. She was there when the inhabited earth was created, delighting in the human race.

Wisdom has surrounded us, fed and nurtured us since time began. She has ridden with us on our journey, offering us sustenance to navigate this often too complicated and cruel world. She is a presence now blowing through us with the Holy Spirit, Ruach, tending, encouraging, nurturing and finding us a place to rest when we are weary. Ruach brings wisdom, that which encourages us to climb out of the dark and uncertainty; to resist fear; to move forward from heartache into healing.

Thank you Ruach, breath of Wisdom, we need you with us. Blow gently upon us and give us your peace.

Thanks for listening this morning. Amen  

John 17:1,2,6, 17-23 (KJV)

Reflection One: A Look Back 

I thought it would be a super idea to take the reading and reflection from the original UC Church formation service in 1925 and share some of that with you. And, I thought, I would offer some comment on the original reflection by Rev. Samuel P. Rose, keeping in mind the time in history his thoughts were offered. What a great idea I thought! I could then offer some comment on the same scripture, read of course by a more familiar biblical version in todays context. 

Yes, what a brilliant idea Ian! Alas, whilst reviewing the pages of the KJV and reading through what Rev. Rose shared back in 1925 I realized, perhaps that wasn’t such a good idea after all. Theoretically and Theologically a brilliant idea. Practically, well practically it seemed a dubious task.

Well, determination (or perhaps stubbornness) prevailed. I was not going to let the thous, thines, spakes and gavests intimidate me. After all the original author of this gospel had a singular message, didn’t he? We should be able to understand what Rev. Rose was sharing 100 years ago. It is the same gospel, just a different point in time. And so, we jump in.

In context, the gospel message speaks of a time when Jesus was about to be betrayed and confronted by the Roman authorities. His message is to his disciples, likely during the last supper. He is prayerfully hopeful that they might continue to seek God as he has taught them and continue working toward the peaceful kingdom that has been his ministry. He speaks of his leaving, but of his coming again to be with them in that quest. Jesus is predicting his crucifixion and resurrection.

Rev. Rose begins his reflection (entire text available at the back of the sanctuary) by an affirmation of Jesus’ walk to the cross. He suggests Jesus could have avoided it, could have removed himself from potential harm and hidden or just left. However, says Rose, had Jesus “refused that last step, He could never have become the object of adoration He is to-day. Resisting recurring temptations to the short cut, our Lord pursued His wa[y?] unfalteringly to the end, conscious that to save others He must not care to save Himself.”[1]

The interpretation that Jesus gave up his life so that others might be saved has always troubled me. Worse is the suggestion that Jesus was crucified so that our sins might be forgiven. I just cannot believe that a God in our midst could possibly orchestrate such a thing. To me that is just bad theology. But I kept on with the text intent on trying to understand the reverend’s message more deeply. 

As I read further, I do applaud to Rev. Rose for making an excellent and insightful observation. He quotes an earlier chapter of John’s gospel, Chapter 12, a story we all know well. From Verses 24-25, “Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth by itself alone; but if it die, it beareth much fruit. He that loveth his life loseth it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto eternal life.” Let us be daring enough to ask the question, If Jesus had refused the Cross, what would have followed?[2]

The grain of wheat that does not die perishes. The life governed by the maxim “safety first” is a lost life. He who is willing to accept salvation selfishly for himself alone has already become a castaway. You and I find ourselves as we seek not our own but the good of others. And this law is binding upon the Christian community as certainly as upon the individual believer. Only insofar as The United Church of Canada owes her birth to obedience to this law, only to that extent that she is loyal to it in the future, may she vindicate her right to live and grow. There is no prayer so fitting to this hour as the humble petition for pardon for whatever of vanity, or self-love, or self-will has mingled with loftier motives in bringing us together as denominations into this new fellowship. There is no sacramental oath so appropriate as the promise by divine grace, as individuals and as a Church, to follow Christ all the way, for, believe me, thus and thus alone shall we find the way of life.[3]

The Rev. Rose had the privilege, but also the burden, of speaking to the formation of a new church. I can imagine him being filled with excitement as to the potential on the new entity. I can also imagine him being filled with great anxiety. He could pray for the new Union and bless its work into the future. He could remind it that union would be tough going and that there would be a need to put aside differences for the common good of those we were to serve. He could have reminded us to keep our eye on the ball; we are to serve God and walk with Christ. He could remind us to avoid getting stuck in our own specific doctrinal beliefs. 

But he did something else. He said that the old way has died and that a new life had begun. This new life, a resurrected Church called the United Church had been borne. And in that he advised, as he concluded his homily, the ideal type of institution for a religion like Christianity would be one which was entirely indifferent to its own fortunes, and prepared at any moment to die in order to live,” he adds, “so far as I am aware, no such type of Christian institution is at present to be found anywhere upon the earth,”……. What an ideal for the United Church of Canada to set before herself, willing as a grain of wheat to die, if thus she may enter into a larger life; ready to be “lifted up,” that she may draw men [sic],[4] ], not to herself, but to the Christ,

I think that was a brilliant message for everyone to hear 100 years ago. My question is how are we living that today?

John 17:1,2,6, 17-23 (NSRV Updated Edition) 

Reflection 2 A Look Ahead

Louise, Lenore and I took in our 2025 Regional Council Meeting last weekend in Nanaimo. The theme of the meeting was “Cracked Open,” which I found very appropriate for our United Church today. 

Cracks in the very foundation of our societies are widening as basic care and compassion for neighbour seems to be diminishing. Intolerance for the “other,” however named, is on the rise. More and more fundamental human rights are being challenged and with that a rise in popularity of white supremacy movements. The drive by gang shootings and public displays of racism are commonplace now, even in our cities. A palpable unease rests heavily upon many hearts in this time. There are many cracks that need to be mended as much has been broken. 

The United Church was inaugurated on June 10, 1925 in Toronto, Ontario, when the Methodist Church, Canada, the Congregational Union of Canada, and 70 percent of The Presbyterian Church in Canada entered into a union. Also joining was the small General Council of Union Churches, centred largely in Western Canada. It was the first union of churches in the world to cross historical denominational lines and received international acclaim. Each of the founding churches had a long history in Canada prior to 1925. 

The movement for church union began with the desire to coordinate ministry in the vast Canadian northwest and for collaboration in overseas missions. Congregations in Indigenous communities from each of the original denominations were an important factor in the effort toward church union.[5] The amalgamation would make the United Church the largest Protestant Church in Canada. 

One can only imagine the enormous pressure on the founding churches prior to the union. The amalgamating denominations took substantial risks giving up a familiar path and a way of ministry to embrace something completely new. There were surely cracks in their structure and function before. What if everything went wrong? What if bickering over the authority of doctrine, disagreement on membership or irreconcilable differences in the Order of Ministers threatened to shatter the union? What then? The cracks would widen, and the new vision would die. 

The truth is that, then, like now, the church had to be broken open. New seeds of ministry had to be scattered. Some would take root and thrive, others would perish. In time what was new and vibrant would also perish making room for something different again. That has been the way of those that follow a faith tradition for hundreds of years. Every denomination has had its challenges, and every denomination will continue to do so. 

Our church membership continues to dwindle. (As it does in every mainline denomination in Canada). The 2021 Canadian census found that 1.2 million Canadians (3.3% of the population) self-identified with the church, remaining the second-largest Christian denomination in Canada. That is down considerably from 2011 when there were about 2 million people. Church statistics for the end of 2023 showed 2,451 congregations and 325,315 members in 243,689 households under pastoral care, of whom 110,878 attend services regularly.[6] In 2011 there were some 480,000 members and about 165,00 attending regularly.[7] 

Church closures and more and more common – In our region, five that I know of (Westbank, Rutland, St. Paul (Kelowna) and PLURA Hills and Mt. Paul in Kamloops. Sunday school classes are a distant memory in many Communities of Faiths as is the beloved United Church Women. Many of our Communities of Faith are struggling to meet budget shortfalls and have difficulty recruiting ministry personnel.

But on the brighter side, this United Church of ours is pivoting. In this region, the Pacific Mountain Regional Council, is trying its best to support all its Communities of Faith while at the same time embarking on new regional initiatives. A new “Strategic Ministry Support Fund” has been established to help congregations live out their ministry plans. New ministry initiatives or “Church Plants,” are being developed that offer new ways of “doing church.” There is a strong ministry support program called “LeaderSHIFT” to nurture ministry leaders. I have taken two retreats and participated in several on-line sessions which have been amazing. A strong and vibrant “First Third Ministry,” is thriving offering a variety of programs for youth and young adults. The PMRC remains steadfast in its commitment to equity, inclusion and justice. The PRMC gained Affirming Status in June 2022. Across Canada the United Church’s commitment to Indigenous Reconciliation is exemplary. 

What I recall from this account is the Rev. Rose’s comments about the Church willing to die for its future. Repeating from part one, “What an ideal for the United Church of Canada to set before herself, willing as a grain of wheat to die, if thus she may enter into a larger life; ready to be “lifted up,” that she may draw men [sic],[8] ], not to herself, but to the Christ,”  I see the United Church dying again like it did in 1925 in order that a new thing be birthed.

A number of you have attended this or other United churches for years and have seen many, many changes. What will this Community of Faith look like in, 5, 10 or 15 years? 

Jesus means to give his followers hope in John’s gospel we heard today. He is preparing them for his departure. The message is perhaps not really clear, even in the undated NRSV Shirley Mae shared, but there is not doubt what Jesus is saying. “As you Father are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us.” God be in these your servants, shine your love in them and be with them always. “May they be one as we are one.” Let them become completely one with you, “so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

Jesus gazed upwards as we might now and prayed. He prayed for a covenant promise, a prayer that God would look over and be with the people when Jesus left them. The disciples heard it and they believed. We have heard it all of our lives and we hear that promise today. All of those gathered for the 1925 Union heard it as well. 

The United Church in its formation could not have envisioned where it would go or how it would get there but its members believed in a God of goodness and grace. A God of justice, hope and peace. We need to believe in that too regardless of what form of ministry this, or any church takes in the future. We need to believe and hold in our hearts a pastoral, healing, caring and compassionate God who desperately wants us to know love. That God is the Holy presence that was with Jesus, the Holy One who heard Jesus, prayer. That is the same Holy Presence that is with us now in this place and will be with us forever in this United Church of ours.

Unfortunately, we need to be broken open while we are on that journey, and brokenness is very hard. Some things have to die, like the way we used to do ministry and be the church. But we will always be cherished and always held in the Creator’s arms regardless of where this journey leads. 

Thanks for listening, Amen

[1]Check for web reference

[2] Same reference

[3] IBid

[4] Ibid

[5] History of The United Church of Canada | The United Church of Canada, accessed June 6, 2025

[6] united church of canada statistics - Search, accessed June 7, 2025

[7] united church membership over time - Search, accessed June 7, 2025

[8] Ibid