Author: Ruth McCowan

I think that often, in our Christian faith, we think that we have to have a big story to tell, a turning point in our lives that will make people really sit up and listen. You know, like the story … Read more

This passage from Isaiah is a familiar one for the Advent Season. I know that I have read it often, but it has only been recently that this image of a stump has really intrigued me. Where we live, on … Read more

It always happens at this time of year, as we begin to get inundated with the commercialism of Christmas, that for those of us who follow the Christian calendar year, we find ourselves wishing people "Happy New Year!" Advent is … Read more

Part of our church's ministry is our involvement in the chapel ministry at William Head Prison. Some of our members go to the chapel services every week, and often more than once a week. I don't often go with them … Read more

I've often wondered what would happen in our churches if we took seriously the responsibility of praying for our churches and the leaders involved in ministry. In C. Peter Wagner's book, "Church Planting for a Greater Harvest," he says that … Read more

Paul reminds us in these verses that we have a responsibility to each other to be lifting each other up in prayer. I have heard it said that the most we can do for someone is to pray for them … Read more

When I am reminded of these verses about the tongue, I am reminded of the children's story with a tube of toothpaste. The children are asked to squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube which they usually do with much … Read more

In our home, one sure sign of spring is the beginning of Little League. Sometimes I think we live on the field, between scheduled practices and games for two sons on different teams. As a non-ball playing parent, I have … Read more

For almost two years now, I have been involved with a team ministry on the outskirts of Victoria BC, starting a new Presbyterian congregation. As we have been taking steps towards constituting the congregation, it became very evident to me … Read more

This is the theme for the Women's Cursillo Weekend on Vancouver Island, March 26-29, except we shortened it a bit to "Jesus is the Light of Life". Since I am on the leadership team for the weekend, I was on … Read more