Love will always compel us to do something good for God. The Pastoral Care Ministry in our congregation provides spiritual care to the families in our church and community who are struggling with health issues, among other things. We … Read more

I came to get my car from my neighbourhood mechanic and asked, "What's the charge today?" "No charge," he immediately replied. Now, that was good news, since I had expected a hefty bill for my 14-year-old car. "That's hard to believe," … Read more

I punched the button on the counter to let someone know that I needed help at the fabric counter of the big-box store. Soon, I heard someone coming — banging and clanging. When she rounded the corner, I saw why: she had numerous tools and … Read more

One day in early August, I met a fellow resident who is very active. He had just returned from hospital treatment for a relatively serious fall when I saw him out walking. Jack is a very positive person. Rather than discussing his physical … Read more

I had been trying for at least six months to make a change to my bank account. I had spoken with the bank numerous times and answered dozens of questions, filled out paperwork, and sent everything in, and yet, I had still not had … Read more

"No turning back; no turning back!" I cheerfully sang these lyrics while tossing a pile of mementos into the wastebasket. I had extracted some old papers from my filing cabinet: a "Food Handler Certificate" granted 22 years ago from Public … Read more

Has it ever happened to you that you thought of something, perhaps something in your past, and that made you think of something else, and then something else came to mind? That happened to me a while ago, when I was told that a … Read more

Do you like surprises? I posed this question recently in a not-very-significant survey (I asked only three people). I received two responses in the positive and one in the negative. Even the two positive responses were later qualified … Read more

A year ago, early in Advent, on December 3, 2020, I took part in a Zoom dialogue with our Prime Minister and 400 faith leaders from across Canada. "I have been proud of our fellow Canadians to make it through this pandemic, but we have … Read more

The Mask. The ubiquitous mask! Everywhere, we see them, worn by almost everyone. You probably wear one yourself, as I do. Even Queen Elizabeth was shown worldwide wearing one at the funeral of Prince Philip. In a recent conversation with … Read more

It's 6 a.m. on a dark and moody morning, and the fog is deep in the Bay. I'm getting ready for the run that begins each new day — summer or winter, rain or shine. I have a routine to get ready — stretches, bends, push-ups, and all the … Read more

Ade, my then two-year-old granddaughter ran up the ramp to the front entrance of the church. As she did so, she stopped and looked into the manger beside the doorway. Horror registered on her face at what she saw. "Oh, Grammy," she … Read more

Some years ago, we were on a "Cities of the Reformation" tour, and we visited Eisleben, Germany, where Martin Luther, the great Reformer, was born on November 10th, 1483, and where he died on February 18th, 1546. We also visited … Read more

Sisters Tatyana, Anna, and their mother Anna are Ukrainian immigrants who, along with their families, have lived in my neighbourhood for the past 20 years. These families attend a local American church, and the ladies say that their … Read more

In my spiritual journey, I've discovered that God often leads in ways that we don't understand. He simply requires our obedience. He has something in mind for us further down the road. Like a book, our life has chapters. Each chapter … Read more

For many years, I have enjoyed listening to Queen Elizabeth's message on Christmas Day. This past Christmas, the Queen mentioned the importance of small steps leading to great change. She said that this was consistent with the teachings of … Read more

It is said that we have only a brief time — minutes or even seconds — to make a good first impression. That may be true, but it is also true that we are continually making impressions, positive or negative, that last for a long time, … Read more

After devotional time, my mornings usually follow a rather set pattern. Bed gets made and laundry started. Chewy goes outside to sniff the air and ground. Then he and Cat get fed. Water bowls and bird feeders get refilled. Somewhere in … Read more

In 1948, J. Calvin Reid published a collection of stories under the title Birdlife in Wington. Wington is an imaginary town, and all the characters are birds with very human qualities. One of my favourite Wington stories is about a … Read more

As I ponder this journey called "life", I wonder what on earth God has in store for me. What possible purpose does He have for me that I would still be here, while my Bob, who had a clear calling to share his faith through music, both … Read more

Here in North America, society seems to be evolving to a state where everyone — irrespective of gender, race, culture, religion, or political views — has equal freedom to hold and practice their beliefs. Simultaneously, however, … Read more

Imagine the scene that day: Jesus, the Man who did miracles and spoke powerfully — unlike any other — was making His way down the street, surrounded by His disciples and a noisy, jostling crowd. Everyone was trying to get close to Him, … Read more

Last year, I had emergency surgery and nearly died. For a week after I was released from the hospital, had it not been for the kindness of my son-in-law's sister, I would not have had a place to go. My landlord had just sold his house when … Read more

At one point some years ago, there were about 85 volunteers at our local Long Term Care Centre who went there on a regular basis to help out, mostly to assist those residents who like to be involved in the programs, but are not able to … Read more

First Presbyterian Church in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, will never be accused of not taking the risk to continue its ministry in the face of financial ruin. They took the talents (money and assets) given to them and, on bended knee … Read more

My grandfather was a doctor in London, England. In 1893, he unexpectedly took ill and died. He left my grandmother as a young widow, 26 years old, with four children: a boy of six, a girl of four, my father aged two, and a new-born baby … Read more

Did you, like me, write your first letters on a slate with chalk? In Jesus' day, it is said that, as a reward, teachers in Hebrew synagogue schools would put honey on the slates of children doing well. They were then allowed to lick the … Read more

Homelessness and people on the streets asking for money, food, and/or work are not new, but they are increasing in most communities, and perhaps nowhere more than on the Lower Mainland or on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, … Read more

Today, November 11th, is Remembrance Day in Canada and Veterans Day in the USA. On this day each year, veterans from the various wars and conflicts, both those who died and those still living, are recognized and remembered. There are … Read more

I had gone around the neighbourhood as usual handing out some of my devotionals. Many took them, saying, "Thank you." A few said a bold "No!" That's how it was when a young lady told me "No". I still had the copy out in my hand when I saw … Read more

Recently, I attended a beautiful memorial service for Pastor Tom, a Baptist pastor who had a ministry to marginalized people living with addictions or untreated mental illness, or in poverty, in the city of Victoria, British Columbia, … Read more

As a pastor, I have seen many people do wonderful things for God that are remarkable, as well as effective. Their faith is both enthusiastic and energetic, as well as considerate and compassionate. Some people think that churches are full … Read more

Have you ever been asked that poignant question? One day on my way home from elementary school, a girl asked me that. Not being one of the more popular kids in town, I immediately became defensive and replied, "Are you afraid of your … Read more