Sermons

Emily’s Weekday Wonderings – What I’m Doing this July

July 11, 2018
General Council 43

Weekday Wonderings: What I’m Doing this July

This summer I have been elected as a commissioner to the 43rd General Council (GC43) of the United Church of Canada. This meeting of the whole denomination happens in person every 3 years, and this year it is being hosted in Oshawa. My term as Commissioner will last for 3 years, until the 44th meeting, but the week of July 21-27th and the lead up to that week, is the busiest part of my commitment. For the remaining 3 years there will be two or three relatively brief online meetings. I know this can sound like a lot of church speak, and not necessarily what you want to read about in the summer, but I did want to share a bit of what is happening for me and for the larger church.

Risking Faith, Daring Hope

This is the theme of GC43, and I thought it was such an interesting one
that we’ll have the opportunity to explore it in worship at Leaside United during July. What does faith ask us to risk? What are we daring when we hope?  Where do we need to bring risk and daring into our own lives, our community, and our world? I talk about this in our first “Minute with Emily” video.

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This Little Light of Mine by Tanya Wiles-Bell

July 4, 2018

Tanya Wiles-Bell took the lectern yesterday on her last day as Leaside United’s Christian Education Director.

Listen to her reflection here (best listened with headphones):

June 24, 2018 – 25:26: This Little Light of Mine – Tanya Wiles-Bell

She talked earnestly about her journey to Leaside United Church and how it wasn’t always easy. She persevered in the light of God and fulfilled a calling to become the Christian Education Director after reflecting on a simple note that said “Be silent and listen” … a sticky note she had posted on her bathroom mirror encouraging her to search daily for direction and answers.

We sang some of her favourite hymns like My Love Colours Outside the Lines and Draw the Spirit Wide both by Gordon Light.

Tanya shared an inspiring poem with us called The Light by Steve Taylor.

After her brilliant spoken reflection, as a memento of her own bright light, Tanya Wiles-Bell shared a token of this light she believes flows through all of us like a connected current of energy, by inviting each of us to come and collect a crystal ornament to hang in a window or a special place to enjoy and share with others.

Today she is celebrating her birthday and the first steps of her new dance in to retirement!

Thank you Tanya for your incredible ministry!