Bideford Pastoral Charge

This morning, we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday, which marks the end of the Season of Epiphany. And this morning, we have two readings that are quite clearly connected: one from Exodus and the other from the Gospel of Matthew. In both passages, the story centres around a mountain, an encounter with the Divine and a message […]

This morning, our scripture reading invites us to spend time reflecting on a passage that is well known to many of us: the “Beatitudes.” The Beatitudes are a part of the what is referred to as the “Sermon on the Mount” in the Gospel of Matthew. They are also the opening verses of Jesus’ sermon, […]

*This is the sermon I preached for our Annual Ecumenical Winter Festival Service at the Ellerslie Legion.* This morning we have two very interesting scripture readings. Our Gospel reading is familiar to many of us, the one we often refer to as the “The Wedding at Cana.” Our second reading from the book of Acts, […]

This Sunday, we were blessed to share in our annual Ecumenical Service, held during Winter Carnival. As always, it was a blessing to gather with our sister and brothers in faith to share in worship. I always enjoy sharing in leadership with Rev. Ann and Rev. Gordon, and look forward to our gathering times to […]

Last Sunday we were finally able to celebrate both Epiphany Sunday and the Baptism of Jesus. Two important occasions in the church, that mark the beginning of what is known as the season of Light. Coming right after we celebrate the birth of Christ, the season of Epiphany invites us to reflect in a greater […]

As a new year begins, we often find ourselves looking back over the year that is now gone. We might think about our regrets, draw up a list of “resolutions” or just feel grateful that a difficult year is now behind us. Whatever it is that you’re feeling as 2020 begins, may you know God’s […]

Christmas blessings to you and yours on this Holy day! As you celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus in your own way, my prayer for you is this: May the hope God offers give you strength; May God’s peace rest upon you; May the God’s joy fill you up, and May God’s unconditional love […]

Luke 1:26-38 and Luke 1:46-56 “Count your blessings!” “It could be worse!” “Just focus on the good things in your life!” Perhaps these words are familiar to you. Maybe you’ve said them to someone in an attempt to comfort them. Or, perhaps they’ve been said to you when you’ve been in the midst of a […]

This past Sunday we were delighted to once again have our children and youth lead us in worship through the sharing of their annual Christmas Pageant. As clergy, I always look forward to the services where our children and youth take the lead. They bring a different energy to our time together and remind us […]

Once again this year, we will be sharing Worship Packs for you to use with family or on your own, as you celebrate Christmas Day. Each pack comes with a short service of prayers, scripture and two carols, along with a short Christmas story to guide your reflections. A tea light is also included so […]