Author Archives: Dell Bornowsky
About Dell Bornowsky
I have been a farm boy, woodworker, and building maintenance consultant. Prior to Anglican, my formation was in Roman Catholic, Jesus People, Baptist and Pentecostal tribes. I am interested in cultures, philosophy, mysticism, and wilderness travel. I am a husband and father. I believe creation is good, that God acts in material history, and that ancient wisdom may be more relevant than we realize. Presently Rector of St Philip in Regina.Who let the Gentiles In ?
If we are gentile followers of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach (Jesus Christ) we can be thankful to Ruth for showing us the possibility of being welcomed into the elect. Continue reading
Why Jesus’ identity doesn’t matter much anymore
It seems that the question of who Jesus is, is not as relevant as it once was. …Preachers can speak about Jesus identity, but the assumptions of popular spirituality have made it largely irrelevant. Should we even bother? Continue reading
3rd after Pentecost: anointing the rejects
The story of the anointing of David is a gift for preachers of narrative and we get a tiny glimpse into the psyche of Samuel; that great king maker who stands as the transitional figure between the times of the Judges and the times of the Kings of Israel. If we remember that Mary’s Magnificat is a reiteration of Hannah’s praise we get the idea the Samuel like Jesus was expected to upset the world order. Continue reading
Resurrection commune-ism?
Is it possible that it was exactly the power of the Spirit that enabled communalism where “No one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common?” Continue reading
Epiphany 5 – Let’s go to the neighbours?
It is proper that congregations, vestries, and clergies are concerned with what happens here. But it seems that Jesus’ sense of his place and his purpose in the mission of God was more than just having a satisfactory local ministry (here). As we follow Jesus will we also take responsibility to “proclaim the message ‘there’ also”? Continue reading
Water & Spirit baptism (Proper 1)
Perhaps rather than asking “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became a believer?” a more useful question today would be: “Is the Spirit presently active in your life… and how?” Continue reading
Preaching Advent 3: Christmas needs Pentecost
We tell children that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. But the specialness of that birthday, above all others, remains hidden until we tell the rest of his story, particularly Pentecost. Continue reading
Are you in or out? Really?
When I baptize infants I often tell the parents that having a child baptized but never bringing them to church is like having a child adopted but then never letting them go to live with their adopted family. Continue reading
Love excludes ?
In some parishes the option to use the lections for “Harvest Thanksgiving” may be the cause of thanksgiving by preachers who thereby circumvent two rather difficult passages in the regular lections. But can stories of wrath and judgment teach us to love a God who practices exclusion? Should we also be thankful for what is not around the table of the kingdom banquet. Continue reading
Holy Cross Day: “snake on a stick”
Perhaps only the boldest Sunday School teachers will want to highlight the image in Sunday’s readings. “Now children, did you know Jesus is like a snake on a stick?” Continue reading
