If you’re starting to lose track of what day of the week it is, today is Thursday and Palm Sunday is only a few days away. We’re all in COVID-19 self-isolation mode, so how do we celebrate this important religious tradition? It’s hard to be festive when you can’t have...
“How long’s this gonna last?” You’re probably already tired of hearing that. I know I am, and that’s mostly from the number of times I ask it in my own head. The other day, one of the late night talk show hosts, broadcasting from his home with his kids around,...
In the two weeks since our last podcast, the COVID-19 outbreak has gone from “totally under control” in Trump’s words, to a fully global pandemic with many millions of people on full lock-down or voluntary self-isolation, and NYC as the new epicentre of the crisis. Change sometimes happens a lot...
It’s a difficult time. However you’re coping with the world today, anxiety is not far away. Whether you’re isolated at home or at work and social distancing, you’d best be comfortable with your own company, at least for a while. That can be challenging at the best of times; we’re...
“Don’t be afraid.” That’s the one thing most frequently said by Jesus in the Bible. It’s not “love God” or “love your neighbour,” “be kind,” “don’t sin” or “go to church” (that one’s just silly). No. It’s “don’t be afraid.” And I’m pretty sure we don’t hear them all. I...
Robin and Ben share some personal wilderness stories, how God led them through times of uncertainty, doubt and fear, through Robin’s journey into ministry at Bashaw United Church, and through Ben’s solo flying adventure across Canada. We talk about what we learned from these “wilderness experiences” and also dive into...
I began the season of Lent as I always do. I even said “I say this every year but, much like Lent, it bears repeating.” So, here it is again. I think it’s important to remind people that when Jesus goes into the desert, he does not go alone. In...
The wilderness, literal or metaphorical, can feel like a scary place. Temptation, isolation, solitude, struggle and hopelessness is what we often associate with finding ourselves alone in the desert, or cast out of the garden. But maybe the bible’s many “wilderness stories” point to something else, something that could offer...
I’m know I say this every year but, much like Lent, it bears repeating. When Jesus goes into the wilderness for forty days – the story that is the foundation of Lent – he does not go alone. Each of the gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke tell the story...
What role does religion/church/faith play in your life, really? What better time to ask that question than right after the story of Jesus being revealed (transfigured) on the mountain, and right before the season of Lent? Let’s take a look at the “why” within our religious structures, routines and practices,...