Previous "Coffee Time" Links
Monday, July 5
AJ Levine, a Jewish Scholar of the "Christian" story, helps challenge the anti-semetic way that Christian readings sometimes/oftentimes take. Here is another required viewing for people who follow Christ these days. Join in on the conversation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yMgKaniceE
Monday, June 28
During our Coffee time we have been speaking about Storytelling as the root of our emerging worship focus once worship is "re-invigorated" after the Pandemic. What if Sunday morning gatherings were simple and based on Jesus' story among us? These three videos offer us some insight into the arts and into the power of story to shape us. What could we let go in "worship" and what new aspect could we embrace. Could we have simple meaningful Sunday morning gatherings based on fellowship and story? All are welcome to the conversation where we will be joined by Susanna Suchak who has been leading churches as an artist in residence.
Saddleback Church Creative Arts Church Conference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vyvc2t_YCQE
Why do Churches need artists
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGkWDJ7iuhE
Why Imagination Matters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xReYEKMg9IY
Monday, June 21
This week we’ll be reviewing some of our favourite Monday Coffee times in order to prepare for the Reflection during the worship service on July 18.
Monday, June 14
This week: Author Karen Armstrong and Bill Moyers (My other favorite interviewer other than Krista Tippet) discuss the Charter of Compassion and the practice of compassion as central to all Religions. "It is not good enough to practice Compassion by holding hands in church, it is something to be practiced all day and everyday, and that is something quite different". Enjoy this thoughtful dialogue about the rise of compassion in religious thought throughout all religions. The video is 45 minutes, and is filled with the thoughtfulness and probing of these two great thinkers.
https://vimeo.com/55371288
In a panel discussion on Christian and Muslin dialogue, we eavesdrop on a conversation about what it would be like to pray for each other among other topics. It is an easy to listen to and understand this conversation and is a good beginning place for the church to contemplate its relationships with our neighbours who have faced a great heart ache and traumatic episode in London last week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFmMo9K4INg
It is always so apparent to me that we can be a church these days pretty easily, but to follow Christ requires surrendering much of our ego and learning a new responsiveness. These videos help the church learn a practice of compassion that allows the faithful to discern Christ's path, I think! Come with a cup of coffee!
Monday, June 7
We revisit this video in light of our conversation about Sunday morning gathering. As we explore Meditation and Mindfulness we are introduced to Ignatius of Loyola. This 20 minute documentary of an early founder of Meditation practice known as the Examin which is a simple way of praying over our day. It is a practice that helps us get in touch with God's presence in our lives each day which was the hallmark of Christian life for Ignatius. I think you'll find this 20 minute bio of him very rooted in human life, so influential in Christian Spiritual Formation, and you may understand why people came to love him so deeply.
Here’s the link to 20 minute Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lehPjhAky6E
Here is the actual practice of the Examin. Try it daily or just once before we meet on Monday! You may want to use your settings to reduce speed to .75% it will make the 5 minute video about 8 minutes. Its very good!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDQgjzJINdk
For Monday, May 31
Our church neighbours in Scarborough reflect on where their community has been, where they are and where they might imagine themselves to be, as well as who might offer imagination to lead that movement. As I watched this video I really thought that this could be a mirror image of our conversation as churches in St. Thomas. Watch and listen for Gretta Vosper's reflections in this video. While at the center of United Church controversy, this video just sounds like us!
Think about "where we are now and whose imagination is giving shape to our being church". Oh, don't forget to bring your coffee to the conversation on Monday! The chat is open to anyone who might drop in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zaw_tOMhZPI
For Monday, May 24
We return to our wonderful Eugene Peterson (author/translator of the Message Version of Scripture) this week who reflects on the life of the church and the evolution of himself as a Pastor. This is a great video for our Pastoral Caregiving Teams, people who want to enhance their ability to be present with people and generally people who give leadership in the church. This is pretty much "required watching" for our church in these days!
You are invited you to come to coffee on Monday and share what stands out for you from Peterson.
Here is the link:
https://outreachmagazine.com/features/4776-eugene-peterson-pastor-is-not-a-job-description.html
For Monday, May 17
Call out to Star Gazers, Birder Watchers and Backyard Bird Feeder warriors.
This Monday morning join us in some conversations around three videos. We begin with a little excerpt from Kate Humble's "Off the Beaten Path" TVO series on star gazing in Wales. Learn about protected dark skies and learn how to identify the North Pole. It is grand...
https://www.tvo.org/video/documentaries/ep-3-off-the-beaten-track-with-kate-humble
from time mark 19:40-14:55 (the video seems to count down)
Then on for some TVO Birding documentary with a hint of henpecking and humour on watching the bird watchers.
A twenty minute fun video that describes birder types!
https://www.tvo.org/video/watching-the-bird-watchers
And finally for those serious about backyard birding how to deal with your squirrels. Step One: Give them names.
Find out what the other steps are...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFZFjoX2cGg
And for the grand finale - a Katy Perry song for a squirrel. Any great Auntie or Uncle is going to want to impart this one to those children that look to them for wisdom and perspective on things.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RupUMJOEMO8
Join us for coffee and for something entirely different!
For Monday, May 10
Last week we deepened our awareness of the beauty, awe and sacredness of the Labyrinth and its mysterious way of showing us how we do and can walk in life.
This week we watch a video from Kate Humble in Wales from the series "Off the Beaten Track" Season 2, Episode 1, about the final journey of this life.
In Wales there is an eternal forest, a place people go to become part of the earth in their death. This is a gentle look at our relationship with the natural journey of nature's way through death into new life.
I think you will enjoy the funeral in the forest, and find beauty and awe in the midst of God's great geometry there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sARASHnzNCQ
For Monday, May 3
This week we are invited into the spiritual practice of contemplation through the Labyrinth.
Our first video is about 6 minutes and an introduction to the labyrinth
https://www.graceglenellyn.org/praying-the-labyrinth.html
The second video is 20 minutes and is the actual building of the Labyrinth at Grace Church San Francisco. https://vimeo.com/154457944
It is a beautiful old practice of embodied prayer.
For Monday, April 26
This week we welcome a special guest Rev. Darrow Woods who has been trained in Spiritual Direction. He comes to share some of the practices and stories of Spiritual Direction and wonder with us happened to the ancient form of Spiritual Companioning. Bring your favorite cup of coffee and your conversation!
For Monday, April 19
We had drama last week telling the story of Spiritual Direction and this week we have music sharing the story of the Spirituality and story of Jesus on the moment of the cross. The Biblical Storytellers Conference wrapped up last week. From the closing day we are offered an opportunity to hear Steve Bell, a great Canadian Christian Musician. He tells the story of Jesus Spirituality and his love in "real time". Bell tells the story of a man who gave himself for a different response in life, that people may have life. watch the whole two hours of this conference wrap up, or just the part with Steve Bell located between 13:00-26:49.
Link for the Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-1BqNeARoU&t=2723s
For Monday, April 12
As part of our conversation about the Healing Church we take a look at the old practice of Spiritual Direction in this story telling video. We discover the ancient practice of Spiritual Direction and the practice that is ours today too! It is an easy watch, easy to follow, explores different religious forms of direction, and is probably the least intellectual but most evocative of our videos this year! In this video we wonder, "How do we connect with and find bodily expression in our Spiritual life.
I won't be able to make coffee and conversation this week as I have a funeral to attend to. However, share what stands out for you and how Spiritual Direction might be reclaimed in our church's ministry!
Link for the Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI2F-dudWOU
For Monday, April 5
We wonder this week about Judas. Has he been misunderstood? Meet the Naked Archeologist again and this fun video about meeting Judas!
Join with coffee for conversation!
https://youtu.be/uL05yQj47sA
For Monday, March 29
We are wondering about what ever happened to the healing traditions in the Christian Church. This week we have two special guests. One of the authors of Healing from the Heart, Wayne Irwin and one of the founding members of the Lowville Prayer Center at Five Oaks will share with us their journey of healing practices in the United churches and other mainline denominations.
Join in with a coffee and to deepen our understanding and experience of healing as a church and individuals.
See you Monday at 10:30 am! All are welcome.
For Monday, March 22
During coffee time March 22 we are offered an opportunity to explore the tension between First Nations communities and a group of white folks who represent some of the stereotypical beliefs that are held by many of us- all the way from outright hatefulness to puzzled and curious. We go from watching Neanderthal Man video and Mars landing a couple of weeks ago to something that evokes again how God's creation really is inextricably one! Watch this TVO video from the series "First Contact" and join us for some coffee and conversation as we share what we saw in the video. IT is 45 minutes long, but if you only have time to watch the first 10 minutes it is worth it!
This is a must watch in our days of being church in a polarized and ever growing polarized world. While we won't be solving any problems on Monday we will certainly be given an opportunity to take an inventory and count the judgements we have accumulated.
https://www.tvo.org/video/documentaries/first-contact-episode-1
For Monday, March 15
For Coffee Time on Monday we will host the story tellers from Bridges out of Poverty- stories about scarcity, abundance, generosity and relationship. Join us. Especially if you've been involved in the Inn out of the Cold Project! All are welcome. Here is a preview of the storytellers....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDQl8p0qynk&feature=emb_title
For Monday, March 8
This week's video is a CBC documentary on Neanderthal Man. In these days when we send pictures back from Mars and places far away, we are looking way into our past as well to those ancestors of ours. It is wonderous, mysterious and imaginative. Do you think these insights add a new insight into religious thought today, or change our approach to Spiritual devotion?
Watch Neanderthal man doc here:
https://youtu.be/q86NfL_-GpU
While you are at it watch 10 minutes of the Landing of Perseverance from about 1:30:00 to 1:40:00 or so for the landing of the Rover on Mars Feb 18, 2021!
For Monday, March 1
For Coffee time and Thursday Night Group we continue to think about Ministry. A leading voice in thinking about Sustainable Ministry and Mission is Eric Law. Here is a lecture of his which is 2.5 hours long. If you're enthusiastic listen to it all, but for the purposes of our time together contemplate the first 35 minutes or so in the light of how church ministry may be sustained and enriched! It is really worth a watch as Board members, Treasurers, as well as small groups!
See you online Monday at 10:30am and Thursday at 7pm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-K94KfwAlc&feature=emb_logo&ab_channel=EPAConferenceUMC
For Monday, February 22
As we continue to explore staffing ministry and expanding our concept of Ministry these videos on an artist in residence opens up the place of art as a means for spiritual growth as individuals and as a faith community and as a community exploring the broader community it finds itself in.
This is a four part series on Visual Artist Scott Erickson. We could speak about the broader spectrum of art to include music and dance and theatre and there are so many artists who help bring meaning and story to life. They inspire an expression of our own.
What would it be like to dedicate a year and some space to an artist in residence?
Let's watch these little episodes to imagine ministry in a creative way! Enjoy!
See you Monday with a cup of coffee!
Here’s the link to the video!
https://createvisualculture.wordpress.com/2015/03/17/a-summary-of-why-the-church-needs-art/
For Monday, February 15
Let's continue our discussion about Ministry in St. Thomas and the opportunity we have as the United Churches in town to redefine Ministry and staff so we can be expanded in our hearts and minds by the Spirit!
For Monday, February 8
We began a few weeks of conversation around the concept of "Ministry" of the church, which isn't about paid staff of the church. Our first short video is of a United Church Minister's call into paid accountable Ministry, but the other short videos expand our notion of ministry, and refine our notion of "Inclusivity" and "Welcome". The church has always been called to live beyond its traditional definitions and confines of its institutional life. Notice in these videos the rejuvenation that comes with such work together and a sense of purpose. Lets begin thinking about Ministry in St. Thomas and the opportunity we have as the United Churches in town to redefine Ministry and staff so we can be expanded in our hearts and minds by the Spirit!
The videos will take about 20 minutes to view collectively! Enjoy!
https://united-church.ca/leadership/entering-ministry
https://united-church.ca/community-and-faith/welcome-united-church-canada/partners-mission/canadian-partners-and-community
https://united-church.ca/community-and-faith/being-community/children-and-youth/programs-youth-and-young-adults
For Monday, February 1
This weeks video is on the subject of Quantum Physics! Everyone knows what that means! Snooze time maybe? Actually it is a video that helps us explain difficult topics that we are trying to understand and communicate. This video offers four steps at explaining difficult things.
I am hoping over the next couple of weeks to gather some thoughts about what Ministry is in the church and how we might describe it to someone who might confuse ministry with the Minister!
Join us for some personal musing on Quantum Physics and Ministry!
https://ca.video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=AwrEzeJ_rxFgciMA.ESU7olQ;_ylu=c2VjA3NyBHNsawN2aWQEdnRpZAMEZ3BvcwMx?p=ted+talks+quantum+physics&vid=754d28dc1e9a3d1bad99623919a6e591&turl=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOVP.8F5QzQQFqswkB2kHf32HYwHgFo%26pid%3DApi%26h%3D360%26w%3D480%26c%3D7%26rs%3D1&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DARWBdfWpDyc&tit=Quantum+Physics+for+7+Year+Olds+%7C+Dominic+Walliman+%7C+TEDxEastVan&c=0&h=360&w=480&l=936&sigr=wYVD2uiWuBst&sigt=XZy90F4_0wXA&sigi=bLWVNLSoiTJm&age=1464105590&fr2=p%3As%2Cv%3Av&fr=iphone&tt=b
For Monday, Janaury 25
Last week we listened to author of Gilead, Marilynne Robinson speak to us about how she understands the good life". She said, 1. Consider yourself to be a unique expression of what is humanly possible and ask "What gifts are you most thankful about who you are?" Marilynne also suggested the good life is in 2. Discovering your vocation. Following your passion is key to the good life, competition is a sign that you're probably not living the good life. Robinson says also that the Christian Life and the Christian community we live in is part of the good life in that it helps us 3. Develop a sympathetic imagination in an environment where grace is a cornerstone of how we perceive the world. We wondered what that triggered in us about how we live the good life!
This week we can continue on with the conversation. Colin Beaven is a writer and environmentalist and puts the theme of the "Good Life" in a different framework- if we were living in balance with earth, would this help us grasp something of the good life?
I invite you to watch the film that was made of Colin Beaven’s book, No Impact Man. It is 1.5 hours, but it is entertaining and insightful. I think Colin would say he learned to live a good life. Check it out!
Here is the link. See you Monday!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW5_R-7BClY
For Monday, January 18
This week, I thought it would be good to listen to one of our leading authors Marilynne Robinson who wrote the trilogy Gilead, Lilah and Home. She is such a great theologian and imaginative writer. If you get a chance to explore her novels they are a great read, and offers great compassion for her characters. This is an interview between her and the Principal at Wheaton Theological College where she speaks to students about "call" and about what it means to live the "good life" and wonders about what it means to be part of the life to come. - the new heaven and earth! Can you pick out the ideas she suggests and see yourself in them! It is worth watching, and worth exploring other interviews and especially her public readings on Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0PJOFA2-eU
Join us for coffee and bring your conversation!
Rev. Daryl
For Monday, January 11
Given the state of the States right now, I thought it would be interesting to watch an interview between Peter Mansbridge and Tony Blair in 2016. They discuss the polarization of people and the desperate need for the Center of the population to ask the question "what do we really believe". I found it good to watch 4 years ago and when I revisited it this week I found it interesting to note what rings true. These great leaders help us think about what it means to be a human civilization
Here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIpeu_hYSUY
For Monday, January 4
Ok, so this is almost 1 1/2 hours long but this is a must watch for everyone in the house! It is funny and a good tear jerker at times. It is the documentary of Irish folks who are 100 plus years. Some of them think they are not on God's register! Sit back and enjoy this warm, loving and good humoured documentary over the Christmas Break! You and yours will not be disappointed. What was your favorite part?. Lets share coffee on January 3, 2021....when we are all living into another year!
https://tubitv.com/movies/490081/older-than-ireland
For Monday, December 28
We explore a couple of videos that consider Jesus traditional and Archeological suggested birth places. It is all very interesting and a great way to look at Bethlehem today. Join us for coffee and conversation in Bethlehem and about town!
The First Video explores modern day Bethlehem and the project of a church in England to discover what it is like to live in Bethlehem today. This is 13 minutes and quite interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqopH_uYM3U
The second video looks at the places Jesus grew up and what it may have been like. This video is worth the 24 minutes it takes to watch!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ievIjI8LPFk
For Monday, December 21
For some generations Christmas wouldn't be complete without some seasonal favorite shows. Everyone loves Charlie Brown's Christmas. This year when Christmas is spent in small groups or by ourselves we may empathize with good ole Charlie Brown. Like him we may wonder what it would be like to join in on the festivities with the enthusiasm of Snoopy! Rewatch this classic story and bring some eggnog to Coffee Time on December 21 at 10:30am
Here's the video!
https://archive.org/details/ACharlieBrownChristmasTVMovie19651080pHD
For Monday, December 14
As we move through the Advent season and closer to Christmas we think of the Christmas Story.
In this week's video offering for Coffee and Conversation we take a look at Joseph the father of Jesus.
This 8 minute video offers some really interesting insights into this father. Joseph is portrayed as a father who really fits the birth of Jesus into his life and that birth draws out some strong characteristics of the man!
Enjoy the reflection of the video and of coffee time. See you Monday at 10:30!
Here’s the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lSArwNfBNg
Monday, December 7
We continue to explore the practice of forgiveness. In this TED Talk video with Sarah Montana we learn a bit more about the process of coming to embrace the work and release of forgiveness. When people say we should forgive there usually is no guidance along that road and we are left to "fake it until we make it". Yet forgiveness is such an important journey so many of us want to take. Montana offers some guideposts that have grown out of her own journey toward forgiveness.
Join us for coffee and conversation on Monday at 10:30. Bring a friend!
Here’s the video! https://youtu.be/mEK2pIiZ2I0
Monday, November 30
Postponed due to funeral
Monday, November 23
We continue our journey on meditation in order to get in touch with trauma and discover how to speak of anger in new ways.
Here are two videos: "How to deal with strong emotions”, a 22 minute video; and an 18 minute Meditation on anger and the beginning of forgiveness. These are both led by the contemporary Buddhist teacher and writer Thich Nhat Hanh. I think you will enjoy both or either one!
Join us for coffee and conversation about the ways we find release in the midst of a meditative way of life.
All are welcome. Bring a friend and a latte!
Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJX8WkKbPf8
Video 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_UZCuBuuoU
Monday, November 16
We have been discussing prayerfulness and mindfulness as Spiritual Practice. There are other forms of Spiritual Practice too, including Social Justice work. This short video is of a man who is engaged in Civil Disobedience and Social Justice work. It is a riveting story of one man who finds Spiritual Formation in his work especially with people on death row. When has your faith caused you to stretch your compassion? Join in on our conversation & coffee time on Monday at 10:30am.
Coffee Cheers!
Daryl
Here’s the video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFHE36Z613I&feature=emb_logo&ab_channel=Inte
Monday, November 9
Rev. Daryl is on Study Leave this week but he has left this video for us to watch and discuss! Sounds like a fun one!
From Rev. Daryl: “I think you will enjoy this master pumpkin carver! Share it with the kids and everyone. It is interesting to be disorganized and give permission to let the creative process unfold from no firm plan!! It is worth the watch a couple of times even!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTWFZWgAjsg
Monday, November 2
Continuing our exploration of Meditation and Mindfulness we are introduced to Ignatius of Loyola. This 20 minute documentary of an early founder of Meditation practice known as the Examin which is a simple way of praying over our day. While not specifically related to trauma as we've been talking about for the last few weeks, it is a practice that helps us get in touch with God's presence in our lives each day which was the hallmark of Christian life for Ignatius. I think you'll find this 20 minute bio of him very rooted in human life, so influential in Christian Spiritual Formation, and you may understand why people came to love him so deeply.
Here’s the link to 20 minute Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lehPjhAky6E
Here is the actual practice of the Examin. Try it daily or just once before we meet on Monday! You may want to use your settings to reduce speed to .75% it will make the 5 minute video about 8 minutes. Its very good!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDQgjzJINdk
Monday, October 26
Last week we spoke about solitude as an opportunity to speak with our old trauma and find a closer measure of healing. In our conversation we spoke about the ancient Christian practices of solitude and meditation. There are many! One form of Spiritual meditation in Christian tradition is contemplation through art. This week's video is about the process of praying over and creating art. Anyone can use this as a way to deepen our awareness of the Divine.
Watch it early this week and share what you learned at coffee, or just share what you saw in the video.
Here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKiEpVfrJ7w
You may also take any picture and pray over it using the following exercise.
Here are a couple to go along with this week's scripture Matthew 22:34-46
AJ Levine, a Jewish Scholar of the "Christian" story, helps challenge the anti-semetic way that Christian readings sometimes/oftentimes take. Here is another required viewing for people who follow Christ these days. Join in on the conversation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yMgKaniceE
Monday, June 28
During our Coffee time we have been speaking about Storytelling as the root of our emerging worship focus once worship is "re-invigorated" after the Pandemic. What if Sunday morning gatherings were simple and based on Jesus' story among us? These three videos offer us some insight into the arts and into the power of story to shape us. What could we let go in "worship" and what new aspect could we embrace. Could we have simple meaningful Sunday morning gatherings based on fellowship and story? All are welcome to the conversation where we will be joined by Susanna Suchak who has been leading churches as an artist in residence.
Saddleback Church Creative Arts Church Conference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vyvc2t_YCQE
Why do Churches need artists
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGkWDJ7iuhE
Why Imagination Matters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xReYEKMg9IY
Monday, June 21
This week we’ll be reviewing some of our favourite Monday Coffee times in order to prepare for the Reflection during the worship service on July 18.
Monday, June 14
This week: Author Karen Armstrong and Bill Moyers (My other favorite interviewer other than Krista Tippet) discuss the Charter of Compassion and the practice of compassion as central to all Religions. "It is not good enough to practice Compassion by holding hands in church, it is something to be practiced all day and everyday, and that is something quite different". Enjoy this thoughtful dialogue about the rise of compassion in religious thought throughout all religions. The video is 45 minutes, and is filled with the thoughtfulness and probing of these two great thinkers.
https://vimeo.com/55371288
In a panel discussion on Christian and Muslin dialogue, we eavesdrop on a conversation about what it would be like to pray for each other among other topics. It is an easy to listen to and understand this conversation and is a good beginning place for the church to contemplate its relationships with our neighbours who have faced a great heart ache and traumatic episode in London last week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFmMo9K4INg
It is always so apparent to me that we can be a church these days pretty easily, but to follow Christ requires surrendering much of our ego and learning a new responsiveness. These videos help the church learn a practice of compassion that allows the faithful to discern Christ's path, I think! Come with a cup of coffee!
Monday, June 7
We revisit this video in light of our conversation about Sunday morning gathering. As we explore Meditation and Mindfulness we are introduced to Ignatius of Loyola. This 20 minute documentary of an early founder of Meditation practice known as the Examin which is a simple way of praying over our day. It is a practice that helps us get in touch with God's presence in our lives each day which was the hallmark of Christian life for Ignatius. I think you'll find this 20 minute bio of him very rooted in human life, so influential in Christian Spiritual Formation, and you may understand why people came to love him so deeply.
Here’s the link to 20 minute Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lehPjhAky6E
Here is the actual practice of the Examin. Try it daily or just once before we meet on Monday! You may want to use your settings to reduce speed to .75% it will make the 5 minute video about 8 minutes. Its very good!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDQgjzJINdk
For Monday, May 31
Our church neighbours in Scarborough reflect on where their community has been, where they are and where they might imagine themselves to be, as well as who might offer imagination to lead that movement. As I watched this video I really thought that this could be a mirror image of our conversation as churches in St. Thomas. Watch and listen for Gretta Vosper's reflections in this video. While at the center of United Church controversy, this video just sounds like us!
Think about "where we are now and whose imagination is giving shape to our being church". Oh, don't forget to bring your coffee to the conversation on Monday! The chat is open to anyone who might drop in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zaw_tOMhZPI
For Monday, May 24
We return to our wonderful Eugene Peterson (author/translator of the Message Version of Scripture) this week who reflects on the life of the church and the evolution of himself as a Pastor. This is a great video for our Pastoral Caregiving Teams, people who want to enhance their ability to be present with people and generally people who give leadership in the church. This is pretty much "required watching" for our church in these days!
You are invited you to come to coffee on Monday and share what stands out for you from Peterson.
Here is the link:
https://outreachmagazine.com/features/4776-eugene-peterson-pastor-is-not-a-job-description.html
For Monday, May 17
Call out to Star Gazers, Birder Watchers and Backyard Bird Feeder warriors.
This Monday morning join us in some conversations around three videos. We begin with a little excerpt from Kate Humble's "Off the Beaten Path" TVO series on star gazing in Wales. Learn about protected dark skies and learn how to identify the North Pole. It is grand...
https://www.tvo.org/video/documentaries/ep-3-off-the-beaten-track-with-kate-humble
from time mark 19:40-14:55 (the video seems to count down)
Then on for some TVO Birding documentary with a hint of henpecking and humour on watching the bird watchers.
A twenty minute fun video that describes birder types!
https://www.tvo.org/video/watching-the-bird-watchers
And finally for those serious about backyard birding how to deal with your squirrels. Step One: Give them names.
Find out what the other steps are...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFZFjoX2cGg
And for the grand finale - a Katy Perry song for a squirrel. Any great Auntie or Uncle is going to want to impart this one to those children that look to them for wisdom and perspective on things.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RupUMJOEMO8
Join us for coffee and for something entirely different!
For Monday, May 10
Last week we deepened our awareness of the beauty, awe and sacredness of the Labyrinth and its mysterious way of showing us how we do and can walk in life.
This week we watch a video from Kate Humble in Wales from the series "Off the Beaten Track" Season 2, Episode 1, about the final journey of this life.
In Wales there is an eternal forest, a place people go to become part of the earth in their death. This is a gentle look at our relationship with the natural journey of nature's way through death into new life.
I think you will enjoy the funeral in the forest, and find beauty and awe in the midst of God's great geometry there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sARASHnzNCQ
For Monday, May 3
This week we are invited into the spiritual practice of contemplation through the Labyrinth.
Our first video is about 6 minutes and an introduction to the labyrinth
https://www.graceglenellyn.org/praying-the-labyrinth.html
The second video is 20 minutes and is the actual building of the Labyrinth at Grace Church San Francisco. https://vimeo.com/154457944
It is a beautiful old practice of embodied prayer.
For Monday, April 26
This week we welcome a special guest Rev. Darrow Woods who has been trained in Spiritual Direction. He comes to share some of the practices and stories of Spiritual Direction and wonder with us happened to the ancient form of Spiritual Companioning. Bring your favorite cup of coffee and your conversation!
For Monday, April 19
We had drama last week telling the story of Spiritual Direction and this week we have music sharing the story of the Spirituality and story of Jesus on the moment of the cross. The Biblical Storytellers Conference wrapped up last week. From the closing day we are offered an opportunity to hear Steve Bell, a great Canadian Christian Musician. He tells the story of Jesus Spirituality and his love in "real time". Bell tells the story of a man who gave himself for a different response in life, that people may have life. watch the whole two hours of this conference wrap up, or just the part with Steve Bell located between 13:00-26:49.
Link for the Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-1BqNeARoU&t=2723s
For Monday, April 12
As part of our conversation about the Healing Church we take a look at the old practice of Spiritual Direction in this story telling video. We discover the ancient practice of Spiritual Direction and the practice that is ours today too! It is an easy watch, easy to follow, explores different religious forms of direction, and is probably the least intellectual but most evocative of our videos this year! In this video we wonder, "How do we connect with and find bodily expression in our Spiritual life.
I won't be able to make coffee and conversation this week as I have a funeral to attend to. However, share what stands out for you and how Spiritual Direction might be reclaimed in our church's ministry!
Link for the Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI2F-dudWOU
For Monday, April 5
We wonder this week about Judas. Has he been misunderstood? Meet the Naked Archeologist again and this fun video about meeting Judas!
Join with coffee for conversation!
https://youtu.be/uL05yQj47sA
For Monday, March 29
We are wondering about what ever happened to the healing traditions in the Christian Church. This week we have two special guests. One of the authors of Healing from the Heart, Wayne Irwin and one of the founding members of the Lowville Prayer Center at Five Oaks will share with us their journey of healing practices in the United churches and other mainline denominations.
Join in with a coffee and to deepen our understanding and experience of healing as a church and individuals.
See you Monday at 10:30 am! All are welcome.
For Monday, March 22
During coffee time March 22 we are offered an opportunity to explore the tension between First Nations communities and a group of white folks who represent some of the stereotypical beliefs that are held by many of us- all the way from outright hatefulness to puzzled and curious. We go from watching Neanderthal Man video and Mars landing a couple of weeks ago to something that evokes again how God's creation really is inextricably one! Watch this TVO video from the series "First Contact" and join us for some coffee and conversation as we share what we saw in the video. IT is 45 minutes long, but if you only have time to watch the first 10 minutes it is worth it!
This is a must watch in our days of being church in a polarized and ever growing polarized world. While we won't be solving any problems on Monday we will certainly be given an opportunity to take an inventory and count the judgements we have accumulated.
https://www.tvo.org/video/documentaries/first-contact-episode-1
For Monday, March 15
For Coffee Time on Monday we will host the story tellers from Bridges out of Poverty- stories about scarcity, abundance, generosity and relationship. Join us. Especially if you've been involved in the Inn out of the Cold Project! All are welcome. Here is a preview of the storytellers....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDQl8p0qynk&feature=emb_title
For Monday, March 8
This week's video is a CBC documentary on Neanderthal Man. In these days when we send pictures back from Mars and places far away, we are looking way into our past as well to those ancestors of ours. It is wonderous, mysterious and imaginative. Do you think these insights add a new insight into religious thought today, or change our approach to Spiritual devotion?
Watch Neanderthal man doc here:
https://youtu.be/q86NfL_-GpU
While you are at it watch 10 minutes of the Landing of Perseverance from about 1:30:00 to 1:40:00 or so for the landing of the Rover on Mars Feb 18, 2021!
For Monday, March 1
For Coffee time and Thursday Night Group we continue to think about Ministry. A leading voice in thinking about Sustainable Ministry and Mission is Eric Law. Here is a lecture of his which is 2.5 hours long. If you're enthusiastic listen to it all, but for the purposes of our time together contemplate the first 35 minutes or so in the light of how church ministry may be sustained and enriched! It is really worth a watch as Board members, Treasurers, as well as small groups!
See you online Monday at 10:30am and Thursday at 7pm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-K94KfwAlc&feature=emb_logo&ab_channel=EPAConferenceUMC
For Monday, February 22
As we continue to explore staffing ministry and expanding our concept of Ministry these videos on an artist in residence opens up the place of art as a means for spiritual growth as individuals and as a faith community and as a community exploring the broader community it finds itself in.
This is a four part series on Visual Artist Scott Erickson. We could speak about the broader spectrum of art to include music and dance and theatre and there are so many artists who help bring meaning and story to life. They inspire an expression of our own.
What would it be like to dedicate a year and some space to an artist in residence?
Let's watch these little episodes to imagine ministry in a creative way! Enjoy!
See you Monday with a cup of coffee!
Here’s the link to the video!
https://createvisualculture.wordpress.com/2015/03/17/a-summary-of-why-the-church-needs-art/
For Monday, February 15
Let's continue our discussion about Ministry in St. Thomas and the opportunity we have as the United Churches in town to redefine Ministry and staff so we can be expanded in our hearts and minds by the Spirit!
For Monday, February 8
We began a few weeks of conversation around the concept of "Ministry" of the church, which isn't about paid staff of the church. Our first short video is of a United Church Minister's call into paid accountable Ministry, but the other short videos expand our notion of ministry, and refine our notion of "Inclusivity" and "Welcome". The church has always been called to live beyond its traditional definitions and confines of its institutional life. Notice in these videos the rejuvenation that comes with such work together and a sense of purpose. Lets begin thinking about Ministry in St. Thomas and the opportunity we have as the United Churches in town to redefine Ministry and staff so we can be expanded in our hearts and minds by the Spirit!
The videos will take about 20 minutes to view collectively! Enjoy!
https://united-church.ca/leadership/entering-ministry
https://united-church.ca/community-and-faith/welcome-united-church-canada/partners-mission/canadian-partners-and-community
https://united-church.ca/community-and-faith/being-community/children-and-youth/programs-youth-and-young-adults
For Monday, February 1
This weeks video is on the subject of Quantum Physics! Everyone knows what that means! Snooze time maybe? Actually it is a video that helps us explain difficult topics that we are trying to understand and communicate. This video offers four steps at explaining difficult things.
I am hoping over the next couple of weeks to gather some thoughts about what Ministry is in the church and how we might describe it to someone who might confuse ministry with the Minister!
Join us for some personal musing on Quantum Physics and Ministry!
https://ca.video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=AwrEzeJ_rxFgciMA.ESU7olQ;_ylu=c2VjA3NyBHNsawN2aWQEdnRpZAMEZ3BvcwMx?p=ted+talks+quantum+physics&vid=754d28dc1e9a3d1bad99623919a6e591&turl=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOVP.8F5QzQQFqswkB2kHf32HYwHgFo%26pid%3DApi%26h%3D360%26w%3D480%26c%3D7%26rs%3D1&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DARWBdfWpDyc&tit=Quantum+Physics+for+7+Year+Olds+%7C+Dominic+Walliman+%7C+TEDxEastVan&c=0&h=360&w=480&l=936&sigr=wYVD2uiWuBst&sigt=XZy90F4_0wXA&sigi=bLWVNLSoiTJm&age=1464105590&fr2=p%3As%2Cv%3Av&fr=iphone&tt=b
For Monday, Janaury 25
Last week we listened to author of Gilead, Marilynne Robinson speak to us about how she understands the good life". She said, 1. Consider yourself to be a unique expression of what is humanly possible and ask "What gifts are you most thankful about who you are?" Marilynne also suggested the good life is in 2. Discovering your vocation. Following your passion is key to the good life, competition is a sign that you're probably not living the good life. Robinson says also that the Christian Life and the Christian community we live in is part of the good life in that it helps us 3. Develop a sympathetic imagination in an environment where grace is a cornerstone of how we perceive the world. We wondered what that triggered in us about how we live the good life!
This week we can continue on with the conversation. Colin Beaven is a writer and environmentalist and puts the theme of the "Good Life" in a different framework- if we were living in balance with earth, would this help us grasp something of the good life?
I invite you to watch the film that was made of Colin Beaven’s book, No Impact Man. It is 1.5 hours, but it is entertaining and insightful. I think Colin would say he learned to live a good life. Check it out!
Here is the link. See you Monday!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW5_R-7BClY
For Monday, January 18
This week, I thought it would be good to listen to one of our leading authors Marilynne Robinson who wrote the trilogy Gilead, Lilah and Home. She is such a great theologian and imaginative writer. If you get a chance to explore her novels they are a great read, and offers great compassion for her characters. This is an interview between her and the Principal at Wheaton Theological College where she speaks to students about "call" and about what it means to live the "good life" and wonders about what it means to be part of the life to come. - the new heaven and earth! Can you pick out the ideas she suggests and see yourself in them! It is worth watching, and worth exploring other interviews and especially her public readings on Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0PJOFA2-eU
Join us for coffee and bring your conversation!
Rev. Daryl
For Monday, January 11
Given the state of the States right now, I thought it would be interesting to watch an interview between Peter Mansbridge and Tony Blair in 2016. They discuss the polarization of people and the desperate need for the Center of the population to ask the question "what do we really believe". I found it good to watch 4 years ago and when I revisited it this week I found it interesting to note what rings true. These great leaders help us think about what it means to be a human civilization
Here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIpeu_hYSUY
For Monday, January 4
Ok, so this is almost 1 1/2 hours long but this is a must watch for everyone in the house! It is funny and a good tear jerker at times. It is the documentary of Irish folks who are 100 plus years. Some of them think they are not on God's register! Sit back and enjoy this warm, loving and good humoured documentary over the Christmas Break! You and yours will not be disappointed. What was your favorite part?. Lets share coffee on January 3, 2021....when we are all living into another year!
https://tubitv.com/movies/490081/older-than-ireland
For Monday, December 28
We explore a couple of videos that consider Jesus traditional and Archeological suggested birth places. It is all very interesting and a great way to look at Bethlehem today. Join us for coffee and conversation in Bethlehem and about town!
The First Video explores modern day Bethlehem and the project of a church in England to discover what it is like to live in Bethlehem today. This is 13 minutes and quite interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqopH_uYM3U
The second video looks at the places Jesus grew up and what it may have been like. This video is worth the 24 minutes it takes to watch!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ievIjI8LPFk
For Monday, December 21
For some generations Christmas wouldn't be complete without some seasonal favorite shows. Everyone loves Charlie Brown's Christmas. This year when Christmas is spent in small groups or by ourselves we may empathize with good ole Charlie Brown. Like him we may wonder what it would be like to join in on the festivities with the enthusiasm of Snoopy! Rewatch this classic story and bring some eggnog to Coffee Time on December 21 at 10:30am
Here's the video!
https://archive.org/details/ACharlieBrownChristmasTVMovie19651080pHD
For Monday, December 14
As we move through the Advent season and closer to Christmas we think of the Christmas Story.
In this week's video offering for Coffee and Conversation we take a look at Joseph the father of Jesus.
This 8 minute video offers some really interesting insights into this father. Joseph is portrayed as a father who really fits the birth of Jesus into his life and that birth draws out some strong characteristics of the man!
Enjoy the reflection of the video and of coffee time. See you Monday at 10:30!
Here’s the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lSArwNfBNg
Monday, December 7
We continue to explore the practice of forgiveness. In this TED Talk video with Sarah Montana we learn a bit more about the process of coming to embrace the work and release of forgiveness. When people say we should forgive there usually is no guidance along that road and we are left to "fake it until we make it". Yet forgiveness is such an important journey so many of us want to take. Montana offers some guideposts that have grown out of her own journey toward forgiveness.
Join us for coffee and conversation on Monday at 10:30. Bring a friend!
Here’s the video! https://youtu.be/mEK2pIiZ2I0
Monday, November 30
Postponed due to funeral
Monday, November 23
We continue our journey on meditation in order to get in touch with trauma and discover how to speak of anger in new ways.
Here are two videos: "How to deal with strong emotions”, a 22 minute video; and an 18 minute Meditation on anger and the beginning of forgiveness. These are both led by the contemporary Buddhist teacher and writer Thich Nhat Hanh. I think you will enjoy both or either one!
Join us for coffee and conversation about the ways we find release in the midst of a meditative way of life.
All are welcome. Bring a friend and a latte!
Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJX8WkKbPf8
Video 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_UZCuBuuoU
Monday, November 16
We have been discussing prayerfulness and mindfulness as Spiritual Practice. There are other forms of Spiritual Practice too, including Social Justice work. This short video is of a man who is engaged in Civil Disobedience and Social Justice work. It is a riveting story of one man who finds Spiritual Formation in his work especially with people on death row. When has your faith caused you to stretch your compassion? Join in on our conversation & coffee time on Monday at 10:30am.
Coffee Cheers!
Daryl
Here’s the video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFHE36Z613I&feature=emb_logo&ab_channel=Inte
Monday, November 9
Rev. Daryl is on Study Leave this week but he has left this video for us to watch and discuss! Sounds like a fun one!
From Rev. Daryl: “I think you will enjoy this master pumpkin carver! Share it with the kids and everyone. It is interesting to be disorganized and give permission to let the creative process unfold from no firm plan!! It is worth the watch a couple of times even!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTWFZWgAjsg
Monday, November 2
Continuing our exploration of Meditation and Mindfulness we are introduced to Ignatius of Loyola. This 20 minute documentary of an early founder of Meditation practice known as the Examin which is a simple way of praying over our day. While not specifically related to trauma as we've been talking about for the last few weeks, it is a practice that helps us get in touch with God's presence in our lives each day which was the hallmark of Christian life for Ignatius. I think you'll find this 20 minute bio of him very rooted in human life, so influential in Christian Spiritual Formation, and you may understand why people came to love him so deeply.
Here’s the link to 20 minute Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lehPjhAky6E
Here is the actual practice of the Examin. Try it daily or just once before we meet on Monday! You may want to use your settings to reduce speed to .75% it will make the 5 minute video about 8 minutes. Its very good!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDQgjzJINdk
Monday, October 26
Last week we spoke about solitude as an opportunity to speak with our old trauma and find a closer measure of healing. In our conversation we spoke about the ancient Christian practices of solitude and meditation. There are many! One form of Spiritual meditation in Christian tradition is contemplation through art. This week's video is about the process of praying over and creating art. Anyone can use this as a way to deepen our awareness of the Divine.
Watch it early this week and share what you learned at coffee, or just share what you saw in the video.
Here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKiEpVfrJ7w
You may also take any picture and pray over it using the following exercise.
Here are a couple to go along with this week's scripture Matthew 22:34-46
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR VISIO DIVINA
Visio divina is a form of divine seeing in which we prayerfully invite God to speak to our hearts as we look at an image. As you gaze at an image, you will be offered some questions for silent reflection, some of which may speak to you, while others you may choose to ignore. At the end of the visio divina, you will be invited to share a word or phrase to express your experience of the image.
As you gaze at the image, notice your breath and your body.
Read Matthew 22:34-46 slowly a couple of times.
Simply be present to the image and allow it to speak to your heart, without any particular agenda. It might speak to you in words or wordlessly.
How do you feel looking at the image?
If you had to describe the image in a sentence or two silently to yourself, what would you say?
If you were in the image, where would you place yourself ?
Do you get a glimpse of the sacred from this image? Is God speaking in the image about the scripture?
In silence, sit with what you have received.
If you choose, share aloud a word or phrase to express your experience of the image at coffee time.
Visio divina is a form of divine seeing in which we prayerfully invite God to speak to our hearts as we look at an image. As you gaze at an image, you will be offered some questions for silent reflection, some of which may speak to you, while others you may choose to ignore. At the end of the visio divina, you will be invited to share a word or phrase to express your experience of the image.
As you gaze at the image, notice your breath and your body.
Read Matthew 22:34-46 slowly a couple of times.
Simply be present to the image and allow it to speak to your heart, without any particular agenda. It might speak to you in words or wordlessly.
How do you feel looking at the image?
If you had to describe the image in a sentence or two silently to yourself, what would you say?
If you were in the image, where would you place yourself ?
Do you get a glimpse of the sacred from this image? Is God speaking in the image about the scripture?
In silence, sit with what you have received.
If you choose, share aloud a word or phrase to express your experience of the image at coffee time.
Monday, October 19
This week we will listen to a 10 minute meditation by Stephen Batchelor – who has written about the gift of solitude and the epidemic of loneliness - to help us ground ourselves in who were are, what we notice and how we belong to the world. Batchelor offers a way to have compassion upon ourselves.
Do this meditation over the next few days and share any insights you have. It is a good way to continue the conversation we have been having about "trauma" in the body.
Here's the Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB_yl-vnyiw&t=3s
Monday, October 12
No Coffee Time due to Thanksgiving Holiday
Monday, October 5
We'll listen to an audio interview between Krista Tippet (Onbeing.com) and author and therapist Resmaa Menakem. It is an hour long but listen for as long as you are able. It is very worthwhile!
Here is the introduction that Krista offers.
"The best laws and diversity training have not gotten us anywhere near where we want to go. Therapist and trauma specialist Resmaa Menakem is working with old wisdom and very new science about our bodies and nervous systems, and all we condense into the word “race.” Krista sat down with him in Minneapolis, where they both live and work, before the pandemic lockdown began. In this heartbreaking moment, after the killing of George Floyd and the history it carries, Resmaa Menakem’s practices offer us the beginning to change at a cellular level."
Watch the video here: https://onbeing.org/programs/resmaa-menakem-notice-the-rage-notice-the-silence/
Monday, September 28
Last week we fell in love with Eugene Peterson, author of The Message. So now we find out about what Eugene 's life as a Pastor and as a person in a congregation meant to him. In this video he speaks about the gift of a congregation being the gift to be yourself.
Watch the video here: https://matthewzcapps.com/2016/09/02/eugene-peterson-and-the-pastoral-imagination/
Monday, September 21
The video this week documents the friendship between Bono (of the band U2) and Eugene Peterson (author of contemporary-language Bible translation The Message) revolving around their common interest in the Psalms.
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l40S5e90KY
Monday, September, 14
We will reflect on a great little video about Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield. It would be something enjoyable to view with children and teens as parents and grandparents. We will speak about what stood out for us and our children if we watched with them.
Hadfield video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo62S0ulqhA
Monday, September 7
No Coffee Time due to Labour Day Holiday
Monday, August 31
Rev. Daryl is on holidays so no video, just pop in for a chat!
Monday, August 24
Rev. Daryl is on holidays so no video, just pop in for a chat!
Monday, August 17
We'll be discussing the video of Jann Arden's interview at Hillhurst United Church (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtBW9NDqt6k).
(The interview starts at about the 16:30 point of the video)
Monday, August 10
Rev. Daryl & Lori are on holidays so no Coffee Time
Monday, August 3
No Coffee Time due to the Civic Holiday
Monday, July, 27
Rev. Daryl is on holidays so no video, just pop in for a chat!
Monday, July 20
Monday morning coffee and conversation will focus on Netflix show Queer Eye Season 5 episode 1 titled "Preaching out loud". A Gay Lutherean preacher wrestles with coming to confidence and purpose as a Minister and one of the members of the Queer eye wrestles with stepping back in the church that almost killed him. If you can watch the Netflix episode do that. If not, watch the clips. Let's wonder together about the welcoming church and what difference church makes! Be aware that there is some mature language, but the content is brilliant!
On Netflix search - Queer Eye - Season 5 Episode 1 or
1st clip: https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/popculture/localish-this-openly-gay-pastor-shares-his-story/vp-BB15Qi3I
2nd clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cer8x93bVcA
3nd clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zocPLUlDHxI&list=FLeOucOiAjCxpQLbV3Q9gQdQ&index=27
Monday, July 13
If you have never heard of Father Richard Rhor here is a chance to meet one of our current Spiritual Leaders in our culture. He speaks to us about the second half of life and how it offers an opportunity to enter life anew from the point of view of "maturity" which he says all of us need some help reaching for! This humourous and gentle video is an hour long, but I think even the first ten minutes of his conversation will offer much to reflect on personally and collectively as we move to our second half of life. The lecture will be a good introduction to one of our leading Spiritual Leaders in the church as well! Enjoy! What stands out for you?
Here's the link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YngpUoh2AxU
Monday, July 6
We will take a look at a video called Reserve 107. Here is the link. https://www.reserve107thefilm.com/
What might happen if living into the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission meant having to revisit land ownership? A small community in Saskatchewan enters into the dialogue with the First Nations inhabitants that predated the establishment of their town. Heartbreaking, delicate and courageous, the dialogue helps offer a way to conversation and deeper community. What part do you think the church plays as news of a land claim emerges?
Monday, June 29
Preview the TedTalk by Josie Lewis who speaks about grief and the work of flow to heal. Anyone who has experienced loss, or works/lives with others who have experienced loss might find this valuable.
Here's the link: https://www.josielewis.com/creativeflow
Monday, June 22
We will explore a great 45 minute documentary called Stay Woke. It offers a history and the passion of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. It was made in 2016 and wrestles with many of the exact storylines that current protests are highlighting. Plan to join in by previewing the documentary and sharing, "What stands out for you?". I found the piece around the rebirth but separation from the 1960's leadership perspective very fascinating. Everything evolves, even with a 100plus year civil rights movement! It feels like we cannot be the church without being part of this conversation.
Here is the link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIoYtKOqxeU
Monday, June 15
Send in your favorite short, funny video to share Monday morning over coffee. Just for a change of pace.
Monday, June 8
This week we look at a comedian's view of "why" we do things. It is a five minute clip sure to entertain and bring us around to a conversation about our Christian life in the world.
Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ytFB8TrkTo
Monday, June 1
This week we'll preview this short (3 minute) and humourous video on Church as a way into our conversation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLQfhxDld7E
Monday, May 25
We will focus on a 15 minute video about discovering ways of connecting with others on their spiritual journey who may have no background in the church. It is a very interesting video about a project which expanded church beyond traditional Sunday morning gatherings. I think you will enjoy and connect with it! The link is here: https://www.salisbury.anglican.org/ministry/lay-ministry/commissioned-lay-pioneer
Monday, May 18
We will share a TedTalk about Sacred Spaces. It is 15 minutes long and very good! I think it will be a great conversation! Watch the Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K77a6TxE118
Monday, May 11
You are invited to preview a 10 minute video of my friend and colleague who is the host of Bedford House. He runs a program called Bridges out of Poverty and shares what he has learned about the conversation between the economic classes. It is a great way into a conversation about Christian Ministry. We are called to learn to value people across the economic sphere. If Jesus asked us to love those who are marginalized, I wonder how might we begin to enter into those relationships? Is there a way of learning responsiveness and letting people teach us about their lives who are economically disadvantaged. Join us for the “wonder” questions of our Christian formation!
Here is the link: https://www.united-church.ca/blogs/round-table/working-myself-out-job
Monday, May 4
No video, just pop in for a chat!
Monday, April 27
We have a change of pace this week. I am becoming more aware of Equine (Horse) Therapy and its use in Psychotherapy and also in Christian Ministry. Check out the two videos below. It is about 20 minutes worth of watching!
The first is a news clip about a woman who has faced trauma and with horses learns to test her limits of trust.
The second clip is a United Church Mission & Service clip of a program with horses and survivors of Residential School.
If you or someone you know works with Horses have them join in on the conversation! I'm thinking about "Ministry" and how diverse it can be to do the work of God's caring! It models safe and welcoming space for people who are stuck in their life journey to move forward!
Video #1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dhRv6qiXek
Video #2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWJhDh2ZoDM&list=PLQDu-SgFb3RhYlxVfQOxbo1DjO9ezW-sR&index=14&t=0s
Monday, April 20
This week we are invited to watch an interview with Matthew Fox, whose faith grew from the 60's and the Post War era. He is one of our early Creation Spirituality thinkers, a Mystic and Liberation Theologian. The journey of faith and belief in people's lives is rich and so interesting. Watch the 30 minute video and join in the conversation by answering "what stands out for you" Here is the link:
https://therealnews.com/stories/original-sin-and-the-war-on-liberation-theology-rai-with-matthew-fox-4-8