Sermons from Castlegar United Church

Joy, which differs from but is connected to happiness and meaning in life, is the result of practice. Even for those who are joy-filled seemingly by nature, nurturing the possibility for joy in one's life is important.

Vignettes of ongoing peace work supported by the United Church of Canada's Mission and Service Fund.

Finding hope isn't always easy. Like faith, it is less air an individual belief that things will get better, but rather a collective commitment to see that things will get better. When we aren't feeling the hope, that's when we lean on each other and on God.

God mends the world. Jesus resisted injustice. The social justice folks among us have a very clear understanding of the core of Christianity. And they're right, for the most part.

This is part 3 of the 5-part series looking at what Janet Gear calls the "Theological Buffet". Many of us are inspired to be the church because of a theology rooted in mission. Each of us is "sent out" to take love and healing to the world -- this is what good mission looks like.

Jesus, Alive in the Church

The ongoing race to develop artificial intelligence looks a lot like a race to create God, in the classic sense. What are the implications for humanity? How can we ensure artificial intelligence will do net good with humanity for Creation? Rev Greg reflects on these...unsure, really, of where it's going.

Rev Greg reflects on the 15-billion-year version of the creation story, as told by the universe. Our role is to fully participate in the ongoing creation.

Recent events in Charlottesville and in Google highlight the polarization happening in North America. And how willing are so-called progressives to actually listen? Jesus changed his mind in a heart beat... Are we willing to do the same if confronted with new evidence?

Peter's first steps outside the boat are faithful and awe-inspiring. We also need to step out of our proverbial boats to have encounters with the divine.

God's Kingdom Is In Relationships

What should we be teaching to move us closer to God's Kindom? What is the purpose of education?

It's tempting to fall for the notion of seeing us all as one. But we risk erasing important identity markers. And those are what make us diverse. Reconciliation within diversity, that's the Kingdom.

If we were to colonize Mars, what laws and norms would we bring or develop? How would gratitude feature if we had a chance to do-over?

In more equal societies where wealth is shared, there is generally less fear, less crime, better education, better gender equity, and so on, compared to societies with less equality. When there is enough for everyone, I don't worry about losing my portion. The world needs an abundance mindset right now. The world needs a reminder that there is enough of God's love to go around.

Deep, global peace often seems impossible, even foolish to believe in it. But God calls us to be fools for peace. Whether we play the role of lion or lamb, we are to reconcile in the name of love.

God Inspires Creative Solutions

1 in 4 Canadians claims to regularly have a day that is "quite a bit" or "extremely" stressful, which wreaks havoc on individuals and communities. Could it be that the practice of keeping Sabbath could counteract discouraging trends in stress (and the related challenges to love God and neighbour)?

The story of the Samaritan who offers help seems to set the bar a little low -- wouldn't the vast majority of us, these days, offer similar help? But really the story is about a deep unlearning and relearning that God's love is for all. The Black Lives Matter events of late put this parable into context.

God Empowers Us to Prophecy