Grief. Mourning. Sorrow. Weeping. These are elements of lament. As children of God, we are not immune to feelings of abandonment and desolation. In scripture, most of God’s chosen leaders enter into a time of lament – Jacob, Joseph, David, Job, all the prophets, the people of Israel and even Jesus, whose anguished cry in the Garden of Gethsemane was accompanied by … [Read more...] about Lament and the church: Part 1, A theology of lament
Marion Van Driel
Marion Van Driel delights in her roles as a wife, mother and grandmother; her soul is fed by both composing and composting. Music, words, form and colour are ingredients on which she thrives. She considers her garden a gift where family and friends gather to visit, heal, reflect and celebrate. Called as writer, artist, worship leader, gardener and (sometimes reluctant) follower of Christ, she bears evidence of God’s abundant grace without which she’d be someone else entirely.
The early church and BC Christian Leaders – commonality of believers
As we enter the season of Pentecost, the compelling story of the early Church moves us. The Spirit’s gifting, bold faith, the commonality of believers in their eagerness to share with those in need. The Spirit’s outpouring and subsequent results were truly amazing. Local BC Christian leaders and the Church today has every reason to believe that God’s Spirit is still in the … [Read more...] about The early church and BC Christian Leaders – commonality of believers
Spiritual discipline in the wilderness
Today we, along with the rest of the world, wander in a spiritual wilderness. We face an unknown future, and everything seems beyond our control. We are only able to choose how we will respond. With the Spirit’s help, we can act in ways that bring hope and healing to ourselves, and others. To respond well is to be intentional about our spiritual wellbeing. Just as physical … [Read more...] about Spiritual discipline in the wilderness
Cultivating friendship – a lost art
We are fashioned to thrive within meaningful community, cultivating friendship – to work, learn, play and worship together. As we seek to live in community well, we are given friends to walk alongside us in love. And we are gifted to them in return. We may have multiple friends, including one or two (three perhaps) with whom we can share our innermost dreams and … [Read more...] about Cultivating friendship – a lost art
Friendship – viewing Valentine’s Day through an alternate lens
It’s upon us once more – the day reserved for romantic lovers. Flowers, chocolates, cards with big red hearts, and special dinners are synonymous with Valentine’s. For some, it’s an occasion to express their love in a special way – to nourish their exclusive relationship. But what if you’ve lost your loved one or if you’ve always been single? Just the thought of Valentine’s can … [Read more...] about Friendship – viewing Valentine’s Day through an alternate lens