Scriptures: Joshua 24: 1-2a, 14-18 - We will serve our God John 6: 56- 69 - Lord, to whom shall we go? Struggling to be loving in the midst of the fear in the world? Struggling to be mindful in the midst of the distractions in the world? Struggling to be just in the midst of the injustices in the world? Great news: you do not have to start from scratch! God started by way of community, creation and covenant so let us learn to love in community, be mindful through the gift of creation and be guided by our Covenant with God. listen view

This photo was taken by Rev. Karen Bridges at Policeman's creek in Canmore, AB. John 6: 35, 41-58 - Whoever eats my bread has eternal life What does an abundant life look like? Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” How does this get lived out in our faith? listen view

Picture taken by Rev. Karen Bridges in Botswana 2017 Ephesians 4:25-5:2 - Do not let the sun go down on your anger. Psalm 130 - Out of the depths I cry to God From what depths do you cry and to whom? The readings today are filled with hope, even though they begin from a place of longing and pain. All too often, when we are in pain and suffering, we isolate ourselves from our church family, yet like the psalmist when we cry out to God we will find a way to wait in hope. listen view

Ephesians 4:10-16 and John 6: 24-35 When called to serve the world in response to following Jesus, how best can we discern (learn from God) how to serve? There are various forms of ministry and God pours out many gifts for our sustenance. What are the ways we can decide how to use our gifts and not squander our energy on roles that do not equip others to join us build up Christ’s transforming Way and Community. listen view

Photo taken by Rev. Karen Bridges 1 Kings 3: 16-28; 6:1-14 Solomon ruled in a time of relative peace which was good for him, because unlike David, he was not a warrior. Solomon was humbled that God chose him to rule, and in his early reign he prayed to God for wisdom and a heart to serve. He also asked God for strength to walk in God’s ways. God granted Solomon many things including a discerning mind and a loving heart. What would he do with these great gifts once he had the power of a King? How will we use these gifts that God gave us wisely? listen view

2 Samuel 5: 1-5, 9-10 Mark 6: 1-13 How we can love the shiny, the new, the expensive, the'over the top'! In slang this is called "bling" and some people have it in the form of jewelry or hats, others in their home or church decor, others in their car or camping gear! But no matter how your "bling" shouts - it is your actions that speak the loudest and it is your active response to God's call that tells the world about your faith! listen view

Picture taken by Rev. Karen Bridges at The Banksy Exhibit in Toronto June 2018. 2 Samuel 5: 1-6; 7:11-17 Though David may not at first have seemed destined for Kingship, he was the man! He has been described as faithful, courageous, smart, sincere and competent. He was a good warrior and he had a presence that was infectious. He had it all and people loved him. But like all humans, he made some questionable choices. The question is, did he operate out of self-interest or did he work for the common good? What can we learn from his leadership? listen view

Talk about a set up! Imagine being offered a job you have not trained for, no one has held before in a time and land never having experienced this type of leadership! Oh, did I say offered? Saul was not given a choice but rather an anointing and a throne. Then people seem surprised when he could not fulfill the job as invented by his supposed mentor (who keeps showing up late for meetings!) How did Saul try to succeed in this new job and how did he spectacularly fail at being King? listen view

Francis Cleyn’s Samuel’s Reproach to Saul, c. 1630-1635.  Copyright and used with permission from http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/cleyn-samuels-reproach-to-saul-t05745. CC-BY-NC-ND 3.0 Unported 1 Samuel 12:1-25 When one is set aside to lead others it is both a frightening and empowering thing. When people seek our guidance, our hearts can swell and we can be humbled. However, if we do not continually connect with community, service and worship opportunities, our heads can swell. Samuel’s life was deeply rooted in prayer and his leadership respected by most. However, his parenting and his role as King’s advisor were weakened by his self-reliance. How can we humbly listen and act while always keeping our feet grounded in our community and human limitations? listen view

Romans 14: 1-23 Do not judge another Psalm 15 Paul spent a lot of his ministry reminding people of the new commandment that we are to love one another as I would love you. Jesus served God and not himself. In this passage from Romans, Paul reminds the people who are weak in faith that they are welcome, but not so that they can place their agenda on others. Jesus calls us to advocate and care for those who are oppressed in our midst. We are called to stand with the oppressed, to be their allies, but not in the way that suits our purposes. What does it mean to be an ally? listen view