This is a sound byte from earlier in the day. It indicates something about who I am, where I come from, and where I am looking to get to. As ever, I welcome critical engagement. What works? What doesn't work? How related or not related to your present posture and perspective?

"mindful that brevity stands at the heart of clarity"

The UCC's cumbersomely and off-puttingly named Comprehensive Review Task Group is getting serious: change is coming and it's going to have to be sweeping.

The Moderator's latest blog is an IMPORTANT read for all UCC members:

http://www.facebook.com/UnitedChurchCda

My draft story and message for December 16.

Story:  Dare to Believe 

Is 12:1-6;  Luke 1:26-55 2012 12 16

Hi Folks - just occured to me today that some of you might like to know more about an upcoming conference in my Presbytery ... Ministry in Motion - for both clergy and lay leaders - looks like a great programme!   And I have an inkling RevJohn is signed up already!

http://www.haltonpres.org/featured-story/equipping-the-leaders-of-the-future

Sackville is a small town in New Brunsick near the Nova Scotia border.

It was even smaller when it built (and often filled) a 1,000 seat methodist church almost a hundred and fifty years ago. Today, Sackville's major business is the university that church built.

Okay. I have a special feeling for it. My first marriage was celebrated in that church. (No. My life has not been faultless).

The Church of Wales, part of the Anglican Communion, plans to make huge changes.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-18906518

This morning as I finish packing for Durban, South Africa, where the United Nations climate talks will take place over the next two weeks, I’m cherishing the encouraging words in a message from one of our United Church ministers:

Over the past several days I have been in Ottawa speaking with other faith leaders and political leaders about the moral and spiritual challenge of climate change. On Sunday evening I participated in such a panel at a fully public event hosted at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and the following morning, in a full-day Interfaith Forum.

The Canadian military Chief of Staff was crticized by the government for his flying habits. Soon after, some one leaks a story about the flying habits of the minister of defence.

What a coincidence!

Just a little earlier, the top brass refused to carry out a government order to  reallocate staff. Now, In a democracy, we run the country - and the government we elect gives orders to the top brass of the military. It looks to me as though we're seeing a power struggle and a defiance which is a very unhealthy sign in a democracy.