Be Loved Podcast: Recent Episodes
saintandrewshfx
An archive of sermons, services, a Pandemic Podcast, all from 2016-2020
You'll find 2020-2021 playlists for live-streamed and pre-recorded worship at https://www.youtube.com/c/StAndrewsHFX
Like St Andrew's on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/saintandrewshfx/ , follow on twitter @saintandrewshfx, visit our website www.standrewshfx.ca
Lead Minister: Russ Daye Minister of Faith Formation and Pastoral Care: Susan Chisholm Minister of Music: Kevin Parks
Lent is meant to be a time out of time — a piece of life dedicated to rethinking all of it. It's not about giving up our adult candy or immersing ourselves in pain. Lent is about being honest with ourselves, changing what needs to change in our lives, making our world a better place, and growing into the Light.This Sunday we make time-out-of-time in communion, prayer, song, and thinking about thinking.
This Sunday we worship in the epiphany light of Peter's words, which start with comfort, then take a sharp turn to challenge. Like church?? The Mostly Righteous will lead our singing, and share their version of REM's Losing My Religion. But you won't be lost - not with all the lamps shining in the dark places.
This Sunday we welcome The Newcomer's Choir, a welcoming, singing community who call Saint Andrew's home . The choir offers English language practice and community for newcomers and locals in the Halifax area. It's free, it's fun, and this Sunday, it's all of us.No experience required. Just a voice (you've got one), a belief in community (it's in there somewhere), and the Holy Spirit of song (well that's just everywhere).We'll lift our voices and our spirits,as we welcome one another in worship.
July 5, 2020 First Sunday back in the sanctuary after 16 weeks from Covid 19 Restrictions. Into the Great Wide Open – Together: The whole world has changed since we last gathered in person. In fact, it’s changing every day in ever more surprising ways. The Bible has much to say about how to live – and how not to live - in such times. Sunday we’ll use the joy of meeting in person to fuel worship that focuses on living in a time ripe with uncertainty and opportunity.
In this, the fifth episode of Be Loved, we talk to Laura Faloon.
This podcast is meant to bring a little light into your life while we all deal with the quarantine and Covid-19.
This is the fourth episode of Be Loved, in which I belatedly introduce myself, and talk with Julia Faloon, who you may know as the daughter of Treena Faloon. Quick disclaimer, this was recorded mid-way through April. This podcast is meant to bring a little light into your life while we all deal with the quarantine and Covid-19.
In this, the third episode of Be Loved, we talk to Kevin Parks.
This podcast is meant to bring a little light into your life while we all deal with the quarantine and Covid-19.
In this, the second episode of Be Loved, we talk to Russ Daye. We speak about the mass-shooting in Portapique, and about healing.
This podcast is meant to bring a little light into your life while we all deal with the quarantine and Covid-19.
In this, the first episode of Be Loved, we talk to Penny Bedal.
This podcast is meant to bring a little light into your life while we all deal with the quarantine and Covid-19.
Gospel, Land, and Pipeline Protests: once again protests have erupted across the country, seemingly out of nowhere for those of us who do not have a good grasp on the ongoing relationships between Canada, our Indigenous Peoples, our economy, and the land. What does the Gospel have to say to us about this amazingly complex web of relationships? That will be the focus of Sunday’s reflection with some more help from Rush (New World Man) and Mostly Righteous.
Encountering the Other: A New Monomyth? Does the world need a new myth that will speak to every culture, that will guide us in saving the planet? Or would such a myth just be a new form of oppression? How could people of different faiths - and no faith - participate together in being guided by such a myth? How would this change our worship? Russ sermon begins at 25:24. Mostly Righteous performs Rush, Closer to the Heart (Shelley Meisner channels Geddy Lee)
We kicked off World Interfaith Harmony Week (Feb 2-9, 2020)with worship involving members of our Centre for Spiritual and Social Innovation (SASI) Roberto Montiel presents “Conversations not Conversions”, riffing off Rev Russ Daye’s exegesis of the Acts 8 encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Special music from George Woodhouse joining with our house band The Mostly Righteous.
This week we dive into our Epiphany theme ‘Encountering the Other’ with a sermon called ’The Battle of Angels’. This theme came out of a fantastic brainstorming session with our ministry team and Mostly Righteous. Through the season we will follow stories from the book of Acts in which the first Christians moved through the world encountering peoples very different form themselves after Jesus instructed them to ‘go to the ends of the earth.’ These stories are highly relevant today as the end of the earth are coming to us.
The Mostly Righteous perform the title song (John Mellancamp Battle of Angels) at 8:00, and Russ' sermon follows at 12:05
Losing yourself in the body of Christ. We wrap up Advent with another paradox, perhaps the most hopeful one. Christians become most fully themselves, most fully whole, when they lose themselves in something larger - the love, strength and joy of Christ. This can happen as a spiritual experience or as deep communion with other people in becoming the mission of Christ, the hands, feet, hearts (and brains) of Christ in the world. We’ll work our way into the paradox with prayer, advent carols, preaching and more offerings from Mostly Righteous.
Russ' sermon begins at 14:12
Finding Peace Between Genders - Our Role in All of This. (Russ' sermon begins at 22:26)
We gather in the midst of the Sixteen Days of Action Against Gender Based Violence. How does the message of Advent speak to this action, and to the great pain that provokes it? How can Christ’s peace find its way into relations between men, women, and other genders? What is our role in all of this? In this service women of all ages carried out a ritual of commemoration, placing red roses in memory of the 14 women killed 30 years ago at the École Polytechnique. Powerful performances of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" by Shelley Meisner with Mostly Righteous, and a women's quintet singing the Wailin' Jennies "Bright Morning Stars are Rising" (44:55) The postlude is D. Buxtehude's setting of the chorale, "Now come, thou healer of the world" (56:26)
The recording begins with Rev. Susan Chisholm giving context to the context todays service was designed for. At 15:30 Susan frames the ritual, followed by the placement of flowers during the performance of Running up that Hill. Finally Susan brings the whole together in prayer beginning at 48:22.
Another Paradox! The World is Perfect. The World is Deeply Broken: How do we live into these contradictory truths? How Could God have created such a world? Russ Daye lays it all bare, beginning at 21:44.
The recording contains the entire service, including a stunning performance of Jane Siberry's "The Valley"
In both the Bible and Christian history there is a great debate about the nature of God. Some voices argue that God is pure love. Others argue that God is pure power. Some describe God as the one who blesses kings, presidents, and other authorities. Others say God dwells with the poor and marginalized and has a special concern for them. The way we worship and celebrate actually shapes our place in this debate, even when we’re not aware of it.
Russ' sermon begins at 21:25
We celebrate communion this Sunday, and the recording includes hymns, sung refrains, special music by Mostly Righteous, soundscapes and organ(Kevin Parks)/bass(Steve Tugwell)/djembe improvisations, with special guest Henry Bishop
It is a question of stewardship... ...we know 'the church' is struggling in many places, and we certainly know our own struggles with finances and volunteerism--the current buzzword is 'Engagement'--at St. Andrew's. But what if we trusted one another to make the contributions we each have the capacity to offer? What fantastic, amazing, God-inspired things might we accomplish?
Susan Chisholm's sermon begins at 4:45. Mostly Righteous offer a little High School Musical inspiration, paired with at photo montage showing our potential in action--real people doing real things to make a difference at St Andrew's and in our community. Here's a link to that video, intended to be watched during MR's presentation of "We're all in this together"
All Saints’ Sunday … Who By Fire? Did you know that Leonard Cohen’s song is based on an ancient Jewish prayer? The prayer relates our lives and deaths to the larger dynamics of politics, power, living and dying at a societal, even global level. So does the Book of Daniel. On this day when we remember the saints in our own lives, Russ Daye dives into these intersections and relates them to living and dying in our world today. Susan and the youth group lead a ritual of remembrance for the ones we love, and Mostly Righteous will offer up some Leonard Cohen.
Russ sermon begins at 18:45
Guest preacher Dr. Randy Woodley addresses the fundamental dualism propping-up the Western worldview as the major cause of the current ecological crisis and how an Indigenous worldview can help the West heal the earth and ourselves in the process.
The entire service is presented here. Randy's sermon begins at 18:30
Randy is a Keetoowah Cherokee (legal descendent) Public Intellectual, Author, Ethicist, Activist, Theologian, Ecologist-farmer, Peacekeeper, Speaker/teacher, Story-teller. H addresses a variety of issues concerning American culture, faith, justice, race, our relationship with the earth and Indigenous realities. His expertise has been sought in national venues as diverse as Time Magazine, Christianity Today, The Huffington Post. Dr. Woodley currently serves as Distinguished Professor of Faith and Culture and Director of Intercultural and Indigenous Studies at George Fox University/Portland Seminary.
Spirituality
Psychedelics
Surrendering ...
into the ocean of the whole.
On this Worldwide Communion Sunday we explore communion with God, with the Earth, and with each other. To help us, we’ll hear about astronauts, psychonauts, and psychedelics and ask the question: does the way we search for God need to be turned inside out?
At the end of a week where 16 year old Greta Thunberg admonished world leaders at the UN for their inaction on climate change, and where millions around the globe took to the streets on a Climate Strike, we have an interfaith response. Imam Abdallah Yousri from Ummah Mosque delivers and inspiring message. Most of the service is captured in this recording, including Mostly Righteous performing "Little Bird" by Imogen Heap, the choir anthem, My Heart Soars, is a text by Chief Dan George, who was a chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, a Coast Salish band located on Burrard Inlet in the southeast area of the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is a truly interfaith service with a reading from Hebrew Scriptures and a recitation from Qu'ran. Imam Abdallah's sermon begins at 25:50
With big questions and decisions looming about our continued relevance at the corner of Coburg and Robbie, we have devised an ingenious plan to discern the Sprit's call and hear the many voices that make up our community. Hear about the ordering of chaos at Pentecost and our plans for a Year of Conversation.
Extreme weather like hurricanes or “once a century floods” are becoming more and more common. We need to reach deep into the wisdom of the scriptures and Christian tradition to know how to respond.
Perhaps prayer is simply surrendering to a deeper reality within. This week’s gospel reading is about prayer, something that contemporary Christians often struggle with. Is prayer begging? Is it an attempt to convince God to give us what we need? Do we have to be holy to do it? Actually, prayer is very natural and we often do it without being aware that we are doing it. With some poetry, some contemporary music, some hymns, and some preaching and practice that moves the balance from prophetic to pastoral a smidge this week, we’ll engage the world of prayer and meditation.
At 9:50 in the recording Russ reads the scripture, Luke's account of Jesus answering the question "How do we pray?" The sermon and spiritual practice follow.
World of Wonders - In our culture we tend to think of the different realms of life - the ecological world, the economic world, the cultural world, the world of emotion in our hearts - as distinct and separated from each other. With some help from from a fierce, old Hebrew prophet, from St. Paul, and from Mostly Righteous (who will be performing two songs) we will challenge this view and see how allowing mystery and Spirit to make connections between these realms might just bring about healing for our world
This recording of the complete service includes: Organ Prelude - Selections from Mass for the Parishes, F. Couperin 11:10 Vocal presentation - The Future (Cohen) Dana Pardy, with Kevin Parks, piano 18:15 Reflection - World of Wonders by Russ Daye 52:00 Offering - World of Wonders (Cockburn) Kevin Parks piano&vocals
Sermon by Russ Daye: In Matthew 15 there is a remarkable tale of Jesus meeting a Lebanese woman and receiving a major attitude adjustment. This is a story of how the grace, strength, and wit of a woman changed a powerful man. It has a lot to teach about connecting across our differences in a way that goes beyond inclusion and opens human relations to the Kin-dom of God.
The United Church of Canada designates the first Sunday in June as Pride Sunday. Gender-queer ministry hopeful Tamsin Michael Robson preaches a powerful message that shows the radical, inherent Queerness of the Gospel of Christ, and what it would mean for the world if we all came to follow it. The sermon is preceded by a reading of Matthew 11:1-13 by Bob Hanf. The choir concludes the recording with Healey Willan's "Rise Up My Love, My Fair One"
Saint Andrew’s is at a crossroads with enormous potential and a few dangers. We have grown to be one of the most impactful faith communities in Atlantic Canada, and, like all churches in this time, we have to build a new model for sustainability. In our best moments, we take time to go deep into practice and dialogue when making future-shaping decisions. Today we begin a two week seriew shaped by a teaching about attending to finite challenges in a way that opens to the infinite presence and mission of God.
Susan Chisholm presents the concept of finite/infinite games based on on the book by James Carse of the same name (6:45). Stewardship committee members Will Webster and Don Stonehouse present a brief overview of the current missional and sustainability picture (19:40). Russ brings it all together in his sermon (31:15). Mostly Righteous, supported by the choir conclude with a presentation of Queen/David Bowie's classic tune, Under Pressure (50:00).
Easter Sunday...
In this age of speed and bad news, it’s easy to forget that our world is absolutely saturated with potential for renewal. It is also easy to forget the core message of resurrection: the most powerful renewal comes through the cracks created by trouble. The cross shows us that God gravitates to trouble. The resurrection shows us that we cannot predict how God’s new life will burst through - but it will! It will burst through climate trouble, racial trouble, even Trump trouble.
The recording begins with the Choir singing Frank Ticheli's Earth Song, and continues with the celebratory Easter hymn, Jesus Christ is Risen Today. Following the scripture reading, Russ' sermon begins at 14:52
There's a selection of music for Communion, including Dana Lynn Farrell singing "I know that my Redeemer Liveth" from Handel's Messiah, and two hymns from More Voices. Catch Mostly Righteous at the end of the recording performing a very bluesy Bruce Cockburn tune, Jesus Train.
This Sunday we move into the holiest week of the Christian year.
Be moved by the power of the organ the voices of our youth leading scripture and prayer the reflections of Russ the prophecy of Cohen, channelled by Peter Baylis, the Choir, and The Mostly Righteous
Russ' sermon begins at 18:35
Be moved, as we come together, in the Gathering Storm
Words to speak truth to your life. What are they for you? Could they be some of the same words that were spoken to Jesus in his life, as he studied and thought and walked his days until his death? The Old Testament prophets were poets, in their way, and this week Susan (who is neither) shares the words of Isaiah, heard by Jesus and generations to follow. Isaiah, prophet and poet, speaks truth for our lives.
Susan's sermon begins at 12:55.
This week we celebrate baptism, and welcome special musical guests, The Message. Russ' sermon deals with the word ‘sin’ - what it really means, why we’re confused about it and how it was never meant for a guilt trip until religious authorities discovered how to turn it into an instrument of social control.
The recording begins with a medley set of songs by The Message for congregational singing, followed by the baptism of Leo Gerald Hugo, and reading from scripture. Russ' sermon begins at 19:55
Christchurch, Pittsburgh, Quebec City, Charleston … the list of cities in which worshippers have been attacked just continues to grow. How do we respond to this? How do we hold the heartbreak, and how do we support those who must go to worship carrying some fear. Jesus actually spoke about a worshipping community that was attacked. We’ll explore what he had to say and turn to strong prayer and music to lift our souls in this strange and uncertain time. Russ Daye preaches, following the choir singing a movement from Randall Thompson's 'Peaceable Kingdom'. The sermon begins at 5:15. Following the sermon, Mostly Righteous' Steve Tugwell sings Cockburns "Forty Years in the Wilderness."
This Sunday Epiphany Revelations continue as:
Susan rips through the cliché “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”;
Marion Brown shares revelation a year after a car accident ripped through her life;
and
The Mostly Righteous riff – not rip - through a Beatles song...Let it Be.
The entire service is presented here. Marion Brown speaks at 15:30
Susan's sermon is at 26:35
This Sunday our Epiphany Revelations series continues, as Susan puts a theological spin on nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman’s bookThinking Fast and Slow. The sermon begins at 30:45.
Ian Sutherland shares a revelation encounter with Autism, which begins at 13:45.
The complete service is included. We began with special prayers for the Barho family, Syrian refugees to Canada whose seven children perished in a tragic house fire earlier in the week. The previous day a public funeral was held with nearly 2000 people in attendance.
Music by the Mostly Righteous band, which included horns and a drummer this week. Shelley Meisner sings Aretha Franklin's 'Think' at 50:52.
The full service from today, including drumming call to worship, an inspiring sermon on the Spirituality of the Drum from Dr. Henry Bishop and a special anthem for African Heritage Month, Yakanaka from EthnoMass for Peace by Lorenz Maierhofer. Dr. Bishop's sermon begins at 18:18.
We all have demons. What do we do with them? Ignore? Suppress? Acknowledge? Feed? Cast out? There’s wisdom in Jesus teachings and Buddhist teachings, for us and our demons.
Today's recording begins with a contemplative prayer based upon 1 Corinthians 13, by Susan Chisholm. Music includes the choir, band and Peter Baylis performing "Weeping" by Dan Heyman. John Gunn reads the key scripture for today, Jesus casting out demons in Luke 8:26-37.
Russ' sermon begins at 17:27. There is a video played midway in the sermon. The audio quality here is not very good. You can view the video at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjHg65JORi8
The recording concludes with Mostly Righteous and Steve Tugwell soloing on Jackson Browne's tune "Doctor My Eyes", and our final hymn today, "There is a Balm in Gilead"
Continuing with our Epiphany theme, Revelation Encounters, this week we reflect on the question: Beasts, Birds, and Bees: Is it Time to Extend Community Beyond Human Beings? According to the psalms, God saves humans and animals alike. How can we receive this message, and respond, when so many animals are disappearing forever and so many humans are threatened by climate change. From this angle, we’ll return to our exploration of intersubjectivity and to last week’s question: ‘who’s in and who’s out?’
Solar Technology Engineer and musician/environmentalist Tomi Allen offers a testimony, and Russ Daye preaches.
This Sunday we continue with our Epiphany theme: Revelation Encounters. This week we explore encounters across the boundaries of sexual and gender identity and ask how do we live ethically and generously in this time of increasingly acute identity politics. The recording begins with readings from the prophet Isaiah and the book of Acts, followed by a challenging testimonial from Tamsin Robson. Russ' sermon concludes the recording
Russ Daye. Human beings find meaning in so many different ways. The hidden world of light, love, and creative power reveals itself to different cultures, different religions, and different individuals in myriad manifestations.
Complete Family Christmas Eve Service.
Sermon by Susan Chisholm at 27:30
Band: Chris Mitchell, alto sax; Jackson tenor sax; Paul St-Amand, trumpet; Brendan Melchin, drums; Steve Tugwell, bass; Kevin Parks, piano.
Christmas Eve 4pm - Order of Service
Gathering Prelude Welcome Opening Prayer Carol VU 60 O Come, All Ye Faithful
Word Lighting the Advent Candles Carol VU 67 Silent Night Scripture Luke 2:1-20 Carol VU 91 The First Nowell vv. 1,2,3 Reflection Adversity and Hope
Practice Prayers of the People Passing the Peace Offering Go, Tell It on the Mountain Spiritual, arr: K. Shaw Announcements Carol VU 59 Joy to the World Blessing
Carols, Communion and Candlelight, Christmas Eve 2018
The sermon begins at 26:20
We Gather and Centre Prelude On Christmas Night Michael J. Rudman Meditation David Jaeger Barbara Pritchard, piano
Welcome and Announcements Bidding Prayer Processional Carol VU 62 Once In Royal David’s City (choir vs 1, congregation join on vs 2) Lighting of the Christ Candle and Passing of the Peace
We Listen for the Word Carol VU 60 O Come, All Ye Faithful Reading Luke 2:1-7 Choir Lullaby for the Christ Child R. W. Henderson (Dana Lynn Farrell & Heather Fraser solo) Reading Matthew 2:13-23 Carol VU 48 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Sermon A New Incarnation
We Respond with Prayer and Practice Offering Anthem Carol for a New World Tamsin Michael Robson
Communion Prayer Music During Communion How Long The Night Can Last Stephen Hatfield (Tamsin Robson, solo; Barbara Pritchard, piano) In Bethlehem Tonight Norman Nurmi (Dana Lynn Farrell, solo) Before the Marvel of this Night (Kevin Parks, piano)
Candlelight Carol VU 67 Silent Night Blessing Postlude Midnight Carolers
We continue with our Advent Series, Clarity in Confusing Times. This Sunday's theme will be: Becoming an Island of Sanity. With the world changing at such breathtaking speed, and so many seemingly crazy things happening, the need for places like St. Andrew’s to be both safe and courageous islands of sanity has never been greater. Energized by John the Baptist’s prophetic challenge, and taking inspiration from Dalhousie University’s courageous Scholarly Panel to Examine Lord Dalhousie’s History on Slavery and Race, we will do some looking back, some looking forward, and some simple spiritual practice.
Throughout December we continue with our Advent task of Finding Clarity in Confusing Times. This Sunday we work with the theme of peace, turning our hearts, minds, bodies and relationships into places of harmony - places for the very incarnation of Christ’s peace - in a way that is not only good for ourselves but brings greater peace into the world.
A performance of Philip Glass "Forgetting" from Songs from Liquid Days appears in the middle of the sermon. Vocals: Tamsin Robson; Trio: Dana Lynn Farrell, Heather Fraser, Sherise Jones; Kevin Parks, piano and Chris Churchill, bass
Susan Chisholm: Advent, we are told, is a time of waiting; an invitation to a different order of being, involving patience, anticipation, and expectation. It is a lovely thought, but our experience in the world - as parents, city dwellers, workers, activists, readers, the politically aware and the socially engaged - it hardly resonates with our lives and our times. In our worship this season, we seek clarity in the confusion.
The recording includes the Communion Great Thanksgiving, with some of the music of communion. The conclusion of Susan's sermon follows communion. The recording ends with Mostly Righteous (Steve Tugwell vocals) performing Tom Petty's "Under the Great Wide Open" Four weeks not just for waiting, but for opening and way-finding to Clarity and to Christmas.
The recent end to a long process of inquiry into the fitness for ministry of self-declared atheist, Rev. Gretta Vosper, which she and her supporters wrote about with the hashtag #heresytrial, brings to the fore questions like these: What is faith? What is belief? Is there room in the United Church tent for people who don’t accept the existence of a personal God with agency in the world? How do we navigate our differences? *Where should inclusion end? Russ Daye reflects on these questions and delves into the processes by which our own beliefs are formed and changed.
In the middle of the recording there is a spiritual practice that involves a video with extemporaneous music performed by Kevin Parks at the piano. Please visit this youtube link for the video: https://youtu.be/boQFJhI3_pY
The recording concludes with some words of wisdom from the Delai Lama on the topic of inclusion.
For generations, most liberal Christians accepted the notion of inevitable progress. With technological, economic, and social scientific advances, life would get better for every generation, perhaps with some bumps along the way. Today, it often seems that the bumps are much greater than the progress. The future doesn’t look the same anymore. All of this would be no surprise to Jesus or the writers of the gospels. We’ll turn to their view for a powerful story of hope that isn’t imbedded in the ‘myth of progress.’ Russ Daye preaches, and Mostly Righteous offers a rendering of John Prine's "Living in the Future"
Youth Service focused on Peace...just take one step, that's all! This is the entire service; the sermon begins after the 13 minute mark (13:18)
The entire service, including a remembrance observance on the 100th Anniversary of the signing of the WWI Armistice.
We laid the wreath, witnessed the marriage of Margaret MacKay and Bob Sheperd, and it was all wrapped in spirit and community.
Music includes the Duruflé Ubi Caritas, Set Me as a Seal by Richard Nance, with French Horn obligato by Ameilia Parks, and a rendition of Van Morrison's Someone Like You, vocals by Peter Baylis.
The fullness of life …
As we do every year at the time of All Saint Day and All Souls Day, we remember the loved ones we’ve lost in the past year. In the sermon, Russ explores the place of death in life and life in death, using a rarely explored story at the end of the gospel of Matthew-- the ‘Bible Zombie Story.’ Our culture usually flees from death, approaching it from a place of fear. We will learn from other cultures, ancient and modern, that see death a different way.
Russ' reflection begins at the 9' minute mark. Following the "U" pattern of worship we are using this fall, in the middle of the sermon there is a spiritual practice, followed by the reflection's conclusion. The recording begins with Susan Chisholm's opening prayer which acknowledges the shooting tragedy at Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh. There is a lively rendering of VU 333, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling and readings from the Song of Solomon and Matthew's gospel. The recording concludes with our house band, Mostly Righteous performing Bruce Cockburn's "Mighty Trucks at Midnight"--Peter Baylis, vocals.
Preacher, Russ Daye: Water is such a powerful metaphor for life - and for God. It has so much to teach us. We grow in water in our mothers’ wombs. Water flows through our veins and keeps all living things alive. It provides inspiration and beauty in oceans, lakes, and rivers and is used in sacred rituals in many faiths. It also can be terribly destructive when it comes in force or doesn’t come at all - and both of these phenomena increase with climate change. Sunday, as we celebrate a baptism and learn from Jesus’ teaching about baptism’s meaning, we will immerse ourselves in the fluid presence of the Divine.
There is a guided meditation in the middle of this sermon, bounded by a refrain "We are still growing, let it be/let love be" This is an original composition by Emily DeTar Birt.
A great day of celebration as we re-open our sanctuary with a new floor and seating, and we were blessed to celebrate a baptism in this service. Using Mark 9:38-50 as his text, Russ speaks to the statement "Whoever is not against us is for us", and explores what practices we can engage in to help realize a hopeful future for our children, like the one baptized today.
There are questions. They come to us in the quiet, as if there all along, patiently waiting to be heard. Using the story of Jesus asking the disciples, "Who do you say that I am?", Susan Chisholm preaches on Questions that can make or unmake a life … your life.
The recording concludes with the choir singing "The Road Home" by Stephen Paulus.
Apologies for the lower quality recording...we're using different equipment in our temporary setting for worship in the hall of the church. We expect to be back to normal on Sept 30, 2018.
Disruption as a Spiritual Practice: From Donald Trump to global warming to myriad revelations of sexual misconduct - it seems that every day brings us news that disturbs our sense of security and harmony. There are ways to live into this disruption that foster both growth and harmony - in our hearts and in our society. We will explore those this Sunday.
This week we begin working with a new order of service, intended to help us delve more deeply to the impact of text and context in our lives. This recording is the middle part of our service, beginning with the Word section. Here's what you'll here:
- Susan and Russ read scripture with contextualizing commentary
- Russ preaches 'Move 1' of his sermon, leading to a period of Spiritual Practice
- Music: Didn't It Rain (Spiritual) vocals, Shelley Meisner and Kevin Parks
- Russ preachers 'Move 2' of his sermon.
Susan Chisholm preaches...Hannah Gadsby in her acclaimed special 'Nanette' speaks her truth, which like Paul in his message to the Ephesians calls us to sing to the Evil of our days.
The Christian faith has had remarkable resilience and renewability for 2000 years. When society changes, the church changes its form and renews its rituals to match. As western society changes rapidly, it looks like the traditional, neighbourhood church will largely disappear. Some form of Christian community will replace it. What will it look like? Is St. Andrew’s being called to evolve to be a birthplace of the new thing?
In the wake of new allegations of sexual misconduct among those leading in spiritual communities, Russ asks why is sexual misconduct so prevalent in organized religion? Why do organizations and traditions that are all about love and justice produce leaders that predate on women and children? What hidden truths need to be told about this, and what is the gospel message that can point us to healthier ways of being faith communities?
We were so pleased to welcome back Erica Kulnys, who performing two of her original songs, written in response to her own experiences. Check out her homepage: http://erikakulnys.com
Russ Daye preaches; The cycle of our Spirituality...what do we have to release on the way...
The recording concludes with "True Colours" sung by Ameilia Parks, with Kevin Parks on piano and Chris Churchill on bass.
When Summer’s here and you NEED to enjoy, but the world’s a mess an NEEDS you to care. What’re you gonna do? Susan Chisholm preaches a word of encouragement and optimism to take you into the summer...
The Gospel points us to a deep reality of Divine Spirit, love, and creativity. At St. Andrew’s we honour other traditions that also point to this deep reality. Recently, Russ was very surprised to discover a MIT management professor who’s writings may also be pointing in that direction. Could it be that the church is about to find wholly unexpected new partners in the mission of serving God’s ‘emerging future?’ The sermon, by Russ Daye, is preceded by the Gospel reading for the day, Matthew 6:19-34
This Sunday we really celebrated
Confirmation - 9 Confirmands! Artist in Residence - covenanting Penny Bedal! New Members - right hand of fellowship! and...Communion - Rev. Chisholm flies solo!
Susan reflects in her sermon on the experience of preparing for confirmation with 9 young adults in the congregation...Why this?...some fascinating conclusions on the place of relationship. Dana Lynn Farrell, one of the confirmands, sings "I choose Jesus" to conclude the recording.
Having returned from a South American Sojourn, Russ Daye preaches on Creation and Christian intersections with the Tao of Suffering. We also welcomed Fountain School of Music graduating student, soprano Rachel Taylor, accompanied by harpist Ellen Gibling. Rachel and Ellen performed selections from 19th Century composer Isobelle Colbran’s 6 Airs for Soprano and Harp. Colbran was married to Italian opera composer, Gioachino Rossini. On this recording we will hear two of the songs from the set. One before and one after the sermon. The translations are as follows:
Quel cor che mi prometti: That heart that you promised me, if it’s not all mine, Then give it to other people; do not keep it for me. Go where love guides you, because my loyal soul Will suffer cruelly after finding you evil
So che un sogno ѐ la speranza: I know that a dream is hope, I know that often he does not say the truth, But the pitiful deceiver comes around consoling my heart. Among those dreams, I do not find peace, But I render myself capable of suffering the cruelty of harsh experiences
Celebrating birth, considering our own close relations and their implications for our lives here on God's creation, Susan Chisholm asks, "Is blood really thicker than water?"
The opening section of the recording is the 'Learning with Children' time. Susan shares the news of a new baby in sponsored refugee family, who have now been in Canada a full year. This is followed by a performance of Lean On Me, by Shelley Meisner. The sermon is next, followed by the choir singing VU 644 I Was There To Hear Your Morning Cry, arranged by Kevin Parks
In the week following the the Humboldt Bronchos bus crash, and gas attacks on innocent people in Syria, many are asking "Where is God" in the midst of tragedy. Susan Chisholm offers a hopeful perspective. We were joined by the Saint John High School Choir, directed by Patricia Gallagher. The recording finishes with the choir singing 'Hope for Resolution'
This Sunday we continue to celebrate the resurrection, looking at the story of Doubting Thomas, and the simple spiritual practice taught by Jesus that helps us to recognize resurrection happening all around us. Fourth Year Dal French Horn major, Mimisu Lee, performs and Intermezzo by Reinhold Gliére following the sermon.
Ecumenical community Good Friday Service at St. Andrew's United, with St. John's United, Presbyterian Church of St. David and First Baptist Churches. Sermon by Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards from First Baptist, preaching on the living waters of the crucifixion that flowed from Jesus' side. Music includes mass choir on Jason Locke's setting of Psalm 22, and St. Andrew's sanctuary band performing Springsteen's My City of Ruins.
This Sunday, Passion Sunday, we continue to look at other spiritual pathways, this time turning to the dark side of spirituality and remembering how Jesus’ confrontation with the ‘spirituality of empire’ took him to the cross. The worship of imperial power continue today in many forms. How do we learn from Jesus’ example to unmask and confront it.
The recording begins with Shelley Meisner singing George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord"
This Sunday we welcome Judy Johnson, spiritual coordinator of the Halifax Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centre. Brahma Kumaris supports the dignity of each one's soul, and the transformative power of the collective consciousness.
We continue our Lenten series called Other Pathways, exploring the nexus and interaction of Christian faith with other spiritual practices and traditions. This Sunday we will engage in Muslim-Christian dialogue with Dr. Syed Adnan Hussain. Dr. Hussain is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Saint Mary's University. He has a particular interest in modern Islam in South Asia and North America.
Following the sermon the choir sings 'Burden Down' from the Ethnomass for Peace, by Lorenz Maierhofer
This Sunday we launch our Lenten theme: Honouring Other Pathways. We are exploring how our faith meshes with a global fabric of faith and spirituality. The choir sings Stephen Paulus Kyrie to conclude the recording.
Susan and Kevin team up to illustrate the synchronous and transformative power of music for our souls. Then we are graced by a superb performance by our community partner, Polaris from the Choirs for Change Collective.
Continuing our Epiphany series, "The Inextinguishable Light In Being" Susan Chisholm preaches on demons and burdens, and the power of letting go. The sermon is followed by Russ Daye's invitation to communion, and music during communion: Silence, Frenzied Unclean Spirit (Dana Lynn Farrell, solo) and Healer of our Every Ill (Kevin Parks, solo)
…we continue with our Epiphany Theme, The Inextinguishable Light in Being. Russ’ sermon, Try as They Might, They Can’t Put Out the Light, will respond to all the ugliness in the news these days with a message of hope. We welcomed back Campbell Woods who performed regularly at St. Andrew’s a couple years ago as part of “The Mostly Righteous Brothers”. The recording begins with Cam performing Barry Maguire's 'Eve of Destruction'.
Susan Chisholm preaches on the Inextinguishable light that is often right before us but we nearly do not notice, using the Hebrew Testament story of Samuel and Eli. The recording concludes with a performance of Jason Isbell's song 'Fire In My Daughter's Eyes'. (Steve Tugwell, guitar and vocals; Kevin Parks, blues organ; Chris Churchill, bass; Doug MacKay, drums)