Easter(n) Pilgrims
Examining through story, anecdote, and dialogue, the life of ministry for those in communities shaped by cool winds and the salty sea.
Cabin & Camper – Ministry to the Newfoundland Nomad
Will you abandon the encounter with the sacred once outside of the regular pattern of life and ministry? Will you strive to reconnect more deeply with the God who created you, as you revel in the change of routine that summer brings? Continue reading
Whales & Icebergs: Seasonal Engagement in Ministry and Mission
In this province over the last two weeks, there has been much activity and excitement with the advent of summer. Bird, whale, and iceberg tours are in high demand, as more and more tourists arrive from around the world to see the beauty of this province in summer. Continue reading
Dancing, Driving, and Dining – turning the tables of ministry engagement in the church
The needs of persons and of communities change over time, and so I believe that we must adjust how we offer hope and healing to the wider world. I was blessed in 2008 to be challenged by a close friend with a spark of an idea about how the church could engage the wider community. This ‘spark’ changed my whole life, ministry, and world. Continue reading
Emblem or watermark? Christian presence in society
A cross does not make me a Christian. I do not wear a cross, nor do I have a cross tattooed on my body. My Christian life and witness are revealed in my actions within the world. All I do reflects my Christian identity, and my attempts to faithfully respond to God in Christ Jesus. Continue reading
re(using) infrastructure to engage the wider community
Around many a vestry table and clergy gathering, there have been discussions about what we do with the infrastructure of the church, as the world changes around us. Continue reading
aging communities and budding faith
Many times age seems to be a barrier to ministry and mission in the church. Persons are overlooked because they are too old or too young. We dismiss the quiet, introverted souls as we strive to respond to the squeaky wheels in our communities. Continue reading
From Here and There – Identity and Openness in Community
If one cannot identify Newfoundland and Labrador as where you’re from, instantly the conclusion is, you are a CFA, (come from away). Many times in this instance, the conversations and sharing changes, for there is little hope of sorting out family history, common friends, or a common history. Whether we are from here, or from there, however, identity is essential in the Christian journey. Continue reading
Both home and abroad
Coordinating baptism preparation with both parents is difficult when one works in the oil industry, and may be in Saudi Arabia, Northern British Columbia, Brazil, or the Gulf of Mexico at any given time. Continue reading
The Face of Poverty within our Land
In the early eighties I was among thousands throughout the western world who saw the face of extreme poverty and famine through the media’s coverage of children in Ethiopia and other North African nations. The images haunted me, and still remind me of the hardness and helplessness of extremes in the third and developing world. Continue reading
Multi-Faith, Multi-Culture Issues in small community
During my experience of life in Newfoundland I have encountered much openness to differing expressions of faith and culture. Historically communities in the province were settled in relation to safe harbours and plenteous fishing grounds. Many communities were predominantly of one faith expression, with little interaction with others. Continue reading
