Sermons by Bert Thomson
Have you ever had to compete for someone’s attention or affection? You are together, but it feels like they are a million miles away. They may even look like they are listening to you but you sense that they are somewhere else. It’s easy to do these days. Watch people in a restaurant surrounded by TV screens and it is hard to keep your focus on the people you are with! Our hearts have a tendency to be captivated by something. Sometimes these affections or distractions can be all consuming and it can feel like a battleground in our hearts and minds. We’re going to talk about the root of such things in a 4-part series called “gods AT WAR.” Join us for this discussion. It might make all the difference between a well balanced life, and one that can feel out of control.
There is a popular practice in business to help people prioritize their work. Employees are asked – what can we stop doing – what can we keep doing – what can we start doing? Among other things, it’s meant to weed out activities that take time but which would not be missed if they were stopped. And it is meant to help people manage their often heavy workloads so that energy, time, and resources are devoted to doing the right things in the right way to be successful. Interestingly enough, people often find it hard to let go of things that they have become so accustomed to doing. So how do you start to stop? Over the month of August, we’ve been looking at the Art of Rest – understanding what it is, and the many physical and emotional benefits associated with it. Join us as we close this series with a focus on why it’s important to Start to Stop.
We practice many things. We practice how to play the piano. We practice how to drive a car. We practice how to cook. We practice how to play a sport. When was the last time that you practiced how to rest? That almost seems contradictory. You normally practice an activity… not a supposed non-activity. We live in a fast-paced city. In a fast-paced country. In a fast-paced world. But during the month of August, in a sermon series on the Art of Rest, we are going to give ourselves permission to seek and practice rest – as a lifestyle. You might be surprised to learn just how much importance the bible places on the idea of rest… and for many good reasons. Join us each Sunday to hear more about why rest might be different from what you’re thinking it is, and more important than you’ve probably every imagined.
We all have various roles we play in our lives. A daughter or son, a mother or father, a friend, an employee or employer to name a few. But we often overlook the role we play as citizens of a city or nation. Canada Day gives an opportunity to reflect on our nation and how we can be contributing members of our ever evolving story as a people. We will look this week at what the Bible says about the role of nations and our part to play.
Have you ever felt misunderstood…a time when others misinterpreted your intentions or motivations? Maybe it’s something you had said, or done, but it was not received well. Did you wonder “How could they think that about me? That’s not what I meant at all!” In our time, people think all kinds of things about Jesus. They may have their own versions about who he is, why he came to earth or why he died on a cross. They may not like some of the things he said or did, or debate at length whether he is the only religious figure to follow. We have been spending some time in the book of Mark to examine a report of what Jesus did and taught and said about his purpose. As a storyteller, Mark is straightforward and blunt. He provokes us to look at the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and respond to him accordingly. Join us throughout June as we draw the Gospel of Mark series to a conclusion.
In the church calendar, this Sunday is known as Pentecost Sunday where we remember the day of Pentecost. In this message, we learn about the importance of receiving God’s power in order to fulfill God’s mission.