In the third chapter of the Gospel of John, we read the following, Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs...
So, how is 2023 going for you? Did you make resolutions or set goals for the new year? How successful have you been so far? 92% of people who set New Year’s goals never actually achieve them. I know because I have been in that 92% more than once! This year my family...
Happy New Year! The turning of the calendar is a somewhat random marking of time, but it is, nonetheless, an occasion to reflect backwards and be intentional about moving forward. I don’t really make New Year’s resolutions, but I do like to pause and think about what...
A family friend texted my mom recently saying she is praying for my husband and me as we prepare for the upcoming birth of our child, praying for the joy of new birth and for the bits of uncertainty that currently exist in the world. She wrote that she couldn’t help...
It was a full flight. We’d received the instructions to put personal items beneath the seat, keep our coats with us (we were headed from Toronto to Halifax, coats weren’t optional), and volunteer to check our carry on if we were boarding in a higher numbered zone. I’d...
Last week, I went to a Christmas party at a friend’s house. It is an annual event with a big group of girlfriends who have journeyed through life together for many years now. We greeted each other with hugs. We had some drinks and yummy food. At some point, our friend...
During the season of Advent, we are offering an opportunity for evening worship on Thursday evening. We gather with our Hot Dish & Hope guests and sit at the table and share a meal, and the pastors offer a scripture reading and devotional, and we sing hymns...
This is how I started the class I recently taught about spiritual health during the holidays. This time of year is taken up with a lot of stressful, seasonal activity and the expectations that come with it. What might happen if we thought about Christmas in a new way?...
November has come and it is quickly going. Seasons are changing, temperatures are getting cooler, and Advent has begun. You, like me, might be wondering how we are here already – December, the wrapping up of 2022, time for Christmas music on the radio, and preparing...
Ever had a plan to get up at a certain time to go exercise, or get some things done around the house before the day really begins? Then the alarm goes off, and the bed, where you are, as they say, snug as a bug in a rug, and you don’t want to move. So you hit the...
