Easter Sunday, April 24

We are an Easter People!

Easter is my very favourite Sunday of the year. I look forward to the music and the celebration - this is what being a Christian is all about. This morning's service was wonderful, it was certainly good to be in the house of the Lord. But what made this morning special for me was the emphasis on being a part of the global family of Christ followers. When our first hymn was Jesus Christ is risen today, I wondered how many people were singing that same hymn in churches across the country at that moment.

Then Andrew's story for the children reminded me that Easter is celebrated not just in my country, but everywhere there are Christians. And to hear Christ is Risen in all those languages was very moving. Easter morning is not just about me and my personal celebration, it's about all of us as a community, celebrating the resurrection together. In all the languages and in so many of this morning's songs, Alleluia was the word that brought us all together.

Christ is risen, he is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Sunday, April 17

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.”

These words are familiar to every Christian. They’re an encouragement. A call to action. An exhortation. With this short sentence, Jesus says much more: “Don’t be afraid. Trust me. Follow me and I’ll show you the way.”

Everyone knows what happened next. As Andrew reminded us this morning, Jesus turned words into decisive action. He chose to sacrifice himself to defeat darkness, violence and doubt. He chose to affirm the power of life and point to what is beautiful, enduring and right.

This is, of course, a wonderful story. But how do we learn from it? How is it relevant to us? How can we use it? What are the practical applications?

Thankfully, our minister has plenty of ideas. We were encouraged by the timely examples Andrew offered this morning:

• The Rev. Dr. Arthur Currie, who has given the gift of himself during the 50 years since his call to St. Andrew’s
  
  
• The federal election, a chance to choose engagement over apathy and trust in justice, peace and joy
  
  
• Earth Day, a chance to honour God by valuing, respecting and preserving the Earth and all that fills it
  
  
• The Multifaith Housing Initiative’s Tulipathon, a chance to walk with people of all faiths to provide affordable housing for low-income households in Ottawa
  

It’s always inspiring to learn about what the words and actions of Jesus can teach us. It’s even better to have great examples of how we can apply these lessons – and honour God – in our daily lives.

Sunday, April 10

I really liked the emphasis in the sermon this morning on abiding in Christ - on making Christ the thing around which we define ourselves. Putting Christ at the centre gives us strength and assurance. Christ is always with us, and because we are able to depend on him, we are able to live fully and to grow abundantly.

I also appreciated the connection Andrew made with the question put to those who joined the church today - will you make diligent use of the means of grace? It is up to God to speak, but, by defining ourselves around Christ and putting him at the centre, we give God opportunity through worship, reading and prayer.

On my run before church this morning, a song came on my iPod that has a wonderful line in it - "Every day, I wake up. I choose love. I choose light." Very inspirational and invigorating! I thought of that line during the sermon – while it seems pretty individualistic, I think that it could be seen as an affirmation of the choice we have made to put Christ at the centre. If every day we can wake up and choose to define ourselves around God's love and light, we will bear much fruit and our joy will be made full. :)

Laura

Sunday, April 3

In reflecting on today's sermon, "The Good Shepherd", on the 23rd Psalm and on the 100th birthday of Ann Crain, my mind turned to leadership. Shepherds, at least in Palestine, lead by example, as Andrew said. On this morning with the first breath of spring in the air, I was touched by the truly exceptional and quite beautiful ways members of our church community lead. Maureen shines with unselfish loyalty to a friend by donating a kidney - giving of her self quite literally in the service of life. Schoolgirls read bible verses in calm, clear voices. Ann Crain reads the 23rd Psalm with a strong, lovely voice that has resonated for 100 years, providing a shining example of a good life. Beautiful music flows through the sanctuary, with a soprano solo so compelling as to actually quiet my children, which is no small feat. Andrew speaks with patience and tact and conviction, leading us to read interesting books, see interesting movies and contemplate how best to follow the path of Christ. In this time of election when people in the political sphere posture, mock and shove for a chance to lead us, it is refreshing indeed to see the more subtle ways in which positive examples of leadership surround us.

Rebecca