Years ago, I developed a course entitled “Catechesis and Community,” looking at new forms of Christian community and how the faith was being transmitted in a post-Christendom world. I included a whole class on “online church.” At the time, the inclusion of a digital Christian presence was met with raised eyebrows as some openly asked,…
When large group meetings were suspended a year ago due to COVID-19, churches scrambled to figure out what an online church would look like. Would it be on Zoom or YouTube? Would they be able to compete with all of the professional quality videos already posted? Should each church continue to create their own sermons?…
Every week, I ask our church community what’s helping them get through the pandemic. As a minister, the answers I receive sometimes smack of that old joke from Sunday school where every answer is “Jesus!” no matter what the kids might first think. And, honestly, that answer is correct. For every Christian (I hope), Jesus…
There’s a ton of great content out there that isn’t strictly Christian, yet explores questions of faith and morality. Everything listed here has spiritual or religious undertones and they’re great if you want to do some pondering after you watch. (A side note: While some would be great for a family movie night, not all…
Mental Health Week is May 3 – 9, and a new art exhibit is highlighting the intersection of race, faith and mental health. Healing in Colour features “Black, Indigenous, and peoples of colour artists from around the world, [and] the show highlights their experiences, wounds, and journeys of healing,” as stated on the event’s website….
One year and one month. Fifty-six weeks; 396 days; 9,504 hours. That’s roughly how long we’ve been deep in the COVID-19 pandemic. Depending on where you live this timeline may be longer or shorter. I still recall where I was when I received the news. I was co-leading an “alternative spring break” trip with a…
“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.” (Jer. 29:11-12) The year 2020 seemed like a year in exile for…
COVID-19 may prevent us from coming together for yet another church holiday, but if the following stories are any indication, the hope of the Risen Christ is very much alive. We asked pastors and leaders from east to west to reflect on the state of the church on this one-year anniversary of the pandemic. Was…
When COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020, the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine, an Anglican convent in East Toronto, lost its three major ministries: our ministry of being a praying presence in Victoria, B.C.; our ministry of hosting quiet days and retreats in our guest house in Toronto; and our ministry of…
While Nova Scotia has been relatively healthy throughout the pandemic, there has been a general feeling of angst and uncertainty in the air. This was heightened by the mass shooting that occurred here last April. The tragedy hit very close to home and intensified the feelings of grief and loss.Figuring out how to continue to…
I remember making the announcement: “We’re moving immediately to a livestream-only format for Sunday services. Oh, and all other groups are either cancelled or moving online. “Hopefully we’ll be back for Easter!” Sigh. When was the last time 12 months felt like 12 years? We miss seeing each other eyeball to actual eyeball. Pouring coffee…
When we made the switch to virtual worship, we continued to offer our weekly Young Children in Worship story time. Although originally intended for children, it became apparent that many age groups were enjoying it. Because of this, and because we believe that “parents are the most significant religious influences in the lives of their…
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