What was there about this man that God used him so mightily? There was an essential humility, a self-effacing, even self-deprecating, inability to take himself seriously. His ability to cross time zones and emerge from intercontinental air flights was an act of heroic proportions. … Read More
We have been blessed in so many ways this year and want to share our recent experiences and thoughts with you. First, we are grateful for the thanks, queries, and comments regarding the studies we wrote about in a 2013 Renewal News article. We only recently learned that while most churches do Bible studies, these “theme” studies are still very much in the minority. This is partly because the concept is fairly new and the books and DVDs are not readily available in local stores. But we go online to see what new studies are available and which themes would be of help to our church. … Read More
You’ve probably seen the news of what’s going on at Asbury University, a private Christian college in Kentucky. It started during a regular chapel service on February 8 – but didn’t stop. “After the benediction, the gospel choir began to sing a final chorus—and then something began to happen that defies easy description. Students did … Read more
Turning others loose to lead. My wife Ruth and I recently spent three weeks in Ecuador as guests of my sister who had been there several times before and was there ahead of us for this visit. We spent most of our time in Cuenca, a colonial city and UNESCO Heritage Site. It is also … Read more
In April 2010, the Session of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Swift Current, Saskatchewan, decided to advise the Presbytery that their church would be closing in 2011. They were a small, discouraged group of seniors (approximately 15 at Sunday worship). Within days of their decision … Read More
Lest we forget. To never forget. Around the time most will receive this edition of the Record, Canadians will take time to observe Remembrance Day. It is how we reflect on the tremendous sacrifice made by so many Canadian men and women and their families. It is a time to tell the next generations that … Read more
Back in 2016, I spent three months on sabbatical in Edinburgh. One of the highpoints for us was the week we spent on the island of Lindisfarne, about an hour south by train from Edinburgh. What makes Lindisfarne unique is the fact that when the tide goes out, you can drive across to the island, … Read more
“Please don’t forget us.” I have heard this plea spoken many times by prisoners in Malawi. These words not only resonated in my heart but motivated me to engage and lead a ministry to prisoners in Malawi. So, what are these prisons really like? They are overcrowded, they lack the basic necessities of life that … Read more
On Wednesday afternoon of the 2012 General Assembly, just as the Life and Mission Agency's report was coming to an end, Rev. Dr. Clyde Ervine rose to make an additional motion giving priority to the reimagining and renewal of congregations. He gave a stirring and substantial preamble and then presented his additional motion. … Read More
The Renewal Fellowship Board two-day meeting in October was held in my home in Simcoe. As I was organizing the continental breakfast on the morning of the second day, the alarm on The Rev. Nan St. Louis' watch went off. I asked, "What's that all about?" Nan said, "It's 7:14 and that's my reminder to pray for The Presbyterian Church." I was amazed and somewhat embarrassed because … Read More