Unplugged

Guest blogger - Rev. Sheena Trotter-Dennis

On Sunday we explored the idea of rest (Sabbath) - and taking intentional time out of our busy schedules to disconnect from that which drains us, and to reconnect to that which sustains us.

What I didn't mention in the message on Sunday is the complimentary practice of fasting - intentionally abstaining from something. Throughout history, people have followed this tradition - often fasting from food, but from other things as well (TV, shopping, computers, etc.) The intention is to focus on our reliance in God.

In our modern lives, we often believe we can do everything and completely rely on ourselves to do so. One scholar I read this week said this was the true problem with Adam and Eve's eating of the "forbidden fruit." The problem was that they broke the fast - they believed they could have it all.

We live as if there are no limits. The scholar said that we often believe it is our "God-given right to use every resource and creature on earth for personal enjoyment or gain." And sometimes we need to be reminded that this is not so. And, so, the two practices of rest and fasting go hand in hand. We are invited to rest, to recenter ourselves in God's love, and to fast - to remember that it's not all about us.

Do you think that intentional Sabbath and/or fasting is helpful in our contemporary life?  If so, how do you do it?  

- Sheena

P.S. On a related note - the videos we watched on Sunday were related to the Sabbath Manifesto. This group has produced a documentary called Connected. There will be a free screening of this film on Tuesday, Feb 28 at 7:15 pm at St. Thomas United Church in Calgary (100 Hawkwood Blvd. NW).

Note: The audio recording of Sheena's sermon is available here. 

Pity, Compassion, and Righteous Anger

So, in reality, we all have experienced and lived in these ways, whether pity, compassion, or anger, in response to an event or person. Sometimes we move quickly through, sometimes we remain in one mode of activity, and should 'stay there.' But, if we all did, we'd miss the point.

My question is, what are the efforts that cause your righteous anger to bubble up enough to really get connected and do something?

It might be the environment, seniors issues, gay rights, living wage, poverty, children's issues, youth, religious issues, etc. What has led you to feel the 'anger' that Jesus might also feel at injustice, and leads you to act?

Personally, after 23 years in the business, I have never noticed this interpretation and its importance because it reminds us that a spirituality of pity isn't enough...or worth dying for, in fact it doesn't cost a thing, thats why it's likely not enough...

- John

Footnote: righteous anger is what got Jesus crucified, that is, He went to the cross because he wouldn't safely be a pity prophet, or just a compassionate crusader...he was called to righteous anger...that can get you killed!

You can listen to most of our sermons, including this one, on our sermon page here.

Evangelism or Marketing our Faith

When you write a sermon, part way through you should ask the question: "So What?"

It helps you remember why you are doing what you're doing or whay you are saying what you're saying.

I didn't do that yesterday. So here is my answer to that question...'word of mouth' is key.

I believe that speaking up about what we believe matters, because the 'other' voices win out if we don't, i.e. the voices of hate, fear, narrow-mindedness, judgment etc. So we are required to say 'there is another way'...and explain.

I believe that what we say and do matters and that we need to express and live compassion in all we try to do, and when we do, we touch or sense the HOLY.

So, the framework of John Spong's concept of 'evangelism' (in his book "Why Christianity Must Change or Die") works for me. Evangelism is about NON-absolutes, that is God is beyond our limitations. It isn't a program by a few, but by all, and evangelism is a prophetic voice. I think it matters and just like the word itself, which has been hijacked by the 'right', we need to recover its power and passion.

Hillhurst has an 'evangelical' spirit; which is 'good news' and passion. I like that!

- John

P.S. I would've asked the congregation to talk to someone around them answering this question: What is something about your faith OR your church that you love? Sharing good news is important.

So, what is something about your faith OR your church that you love?

To listen to John's sermon on Marketing our Faith - click here to visit our sermon archive.

Words that get in the way

Yesterday we looked at four words that can be troubling for religious and non-religious folks alike: sin, shame, sacrifice, and salvation.

They are loaded.

One person before church looked at the service and wondered if they should stay. I think we DO look at stuff we would rather ignore.

It was also a day we were distracted by the ill health of a person in the congregation. So, the speakers were also distracted. Fortunately, the person is fine. I was impressed with the care offered as we continued...never done that before. Didn't really know what or how to proceed, but the ill person was taken care of.

So, perhaps the 'word' for the day wasn't any of the ones we explored, perhaps it was 'compassion.'

The scripture of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) was LIVED out in our midst, and we were all a little more thankful for where we live and how medical attention is so freely and willingly offered.

But back to the words...Is there a religious word that gets under your skin?

- John

You can listen to the reflections from January 29, on our sermon page here.

The Way

It was great to hear Gord Gunther sharing about his journey on the El Camino de Santiago. The words he used to describe the trip. Words like exhausting, exhilarating, up and down, spiritual, etc., ALL speak to our journey in faith.

We learn about ourselves as we travel. But we don't need to leave town to do so. I decided to reflect on what I have learned about faith. It was a long list.

One more thing I would have mentioned is, "I trust heaven is in good shape, our earth, not so much."

The list making is a good 'reflective' opportunity. What would be on your list?

- John

You can listen to both Gord and John's reflections on our sermon page here.