I shared this reflection a couple of days ago at our Easter Sunrise service.  It was held up on a hill in a picnic area, with a beautiful view of the Saint John River and little creatures running and singing all around us.

The following is an article that I wrote that just appeared in the Maritime Conference e-Newsletter.  If you would like to view the full newsletter and read what others wrote, go here.

The other day, a parishioner and I had a great discussion on the article that recently appeared in The Observer titled "Sacred, yes.  But is it church?"  I thought I would share my response to that article with you too.

I am aware that I have not posted anything in a good long while.  This is not an apology but an explanation:  I've been on vacation.

Last night it stormed.  It left the whole world covered in clean, white snow this morning.  I walked through the woods to work.  I can understand why they call it a "winter wonderland" for it filled me with wonder and awe today.

This is my message that will appear in the Forest Hill United Church Annual Report.  Not much more to say about it other than that.  Maybe you hear a whisper of something in there that's meant just for you?

I wrote this bit for the last session of my Advent study "It's a Wonderful Advent" which is tonight.  We have been trying to understand Isaiah's message by exploring the classic Christmas movies of our time.  My goal was to make a dusty old prophet relevant and help him to speak our language.  Thought I'd share this here. 

When I was ordained, along with a Bible, I was handed a really interesting life.  I get to do some good work and hear some really incredible stories.  

On November 18, a friend asked on Facebook:  What does it make you feel when you see Christmas lights outside?  I responded by saying:

Over the last couple of months, I have been spending most of my time making connections.  This is something that needs to happen when a person moves to a new place. 

When you leave one place, you are uprooted.  It really does feel like your roots are being pulled from the soil.  That can be a stressful experience.  However, then you are lovingly re-planted in a new patch of land.  Then you spend some time trying to get your roots to take hold so that you can grow.