Praying for our country

Our hearts are broken as we watch the violence and tragedy unfold in our nation's capitol.  Our prayers go out to the families affected by this violence and to all of our military personnel and first responders.  May God's peace and comfort be with them all.   Emma.

Prayer for Peace

Gracious Lord,
we dream of a world free of poverty and oppression,
and we yearn for a world free of vengeance and violence.
we pray for your peace.

When our hearts ache for the victims of war and oppression,
help us to remember that you healed people simply by touching them…,
and give us faith in our ability to comfort and heal bodies and minds and spirits
that have been broken by violence.

When the injustice of this world seems too much for us to handle,
help us to remember that you fed five thousand people
with only five loaves of bread and two fish…,
and give us hope that what we have to offer will turn out to be enough, too.

When fear of the power and opinions of others
tempts us not to speak up for the least among us,
help us to remember that you dared to turn over the tables of money changers…,
and give us the courage to risk following you without counting the cost.

When we feel ourselves fill with anger at those who are violent and oppressive,
help us remember that you prayed for those who killed you…,
and give us compassion for our enemies, too.

When we tell ourselves that we have given all we can to bring peace to this world,
help us to remember your sacrifice… ,
and give us the miracle of losing a little more of ourselves
in serving you and our neighbors.

Walk with us, Lord, as we answer your call to be peacemakers.
Increase our compassion, our generosity and our hospitality for the least of your children.
Give us the courage, the patience, the serenity, the self-honesty
and the gentleness of spirit that are needed in a world filled with turmoil and terror.  In Christ's name we pray.  Amen.

http://ploughshares.ca/publications/worship-resources/prayers-for-peace/ 

A Walk through Ephesians: Grounded in God

This coming Sunday, I will be starting a sermon series on Ephesians called Grounded in God.  Ephesians is rich in imagery and contains great theological statements that have shaped the Church throughout the generations.

Here is an outline of our travels through this great book of the Bible!

October 19

Ephesians 1:1-14

Our inheritance is through Jesus Christ

October 26

Ephesians 2:1-10

Sola Gratia: as we celebrate the Protestant Reformation, we know that we are saved through grace alone

November 2

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

Growing up in God (aka be imitators of God, as beloved children!)

November 9 (Remembrance Day)

Ephesians 6:10-20

God’s armor

November 16

Ephesians 4:1-16 and Ephesians 5:21

Get it together 

I encourage you to read the whole book in the coming weeks! 

Yours in Christ, Emma.

Now to him who by the power at work within us

is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine,  

to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.  

Ephesians 3:20-21

Article in the Hamilton Spectator - A test of Faith

The Hamilton Spectator did a thought provoking feature on October 11th on the state of the Protestant churches in Hamilton.

Mainline Protestant churches across downtown Hamilton are in trouble. Declining congregations and revenue have put them in a fight for survival that could permanently alter the city’s religious and architectural heritage. Spectator reporter Teri Pecoskie reports on the creative steps many are taking to stay afloat before a key piece of the city’s history is lost forever.


Here is the link to the full report. 

Blessings, Emma.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, 

so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2