2014.04.13 - Kevin Makins - Church in the Wild
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Join us on a trip down memory lane as we talk about nostalgia, life transitions, the words of the Prophet Isaiah, and the New Thing that God doesn’t want us to miss.
2014.04.06 - Justine Lodder - Church in the Wild
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Justine Lodder preaches on the story of Daniel, and how the smallest things we do can shape us.
Epilogue story is told by Kevin Makins
Music is led by Joel Cumby, starts 35 minutes in.
2014.03.30 - Cindy Stover - Church in the Wild
You Can’t Always Get What You Want
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Cindy Stover preaches on God’s eternally messy plan, making home in exile, and wait-how-did-I-end-up-living-in-downtown-Hamilton?!
2014.03.23 - Kevin Makins - Church in the Wild
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We continue our study of the prophets and the time of exile by looking at Amos, who is super sneaky.
Kevin also talks about making his mother cry… twice.
Epilogue story is told by Anne Cumby.
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Brian Craig wrote his doctoral thesis on the prophets and the time of exile, so we HAD to get him to share with us on who the prophets were, what their mission was, and how we can see prophets all around us.
Music led by Aaron Craig (make the connection?), and starts at minute 38.
2014.03.09 - Kevin Makins - Church in the Wild
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Have you ever been asked “what do you do?” and had a little awkward moment? Have you ever felt like your life just wasn’t as successful as you hoped it would be?
Never fear! The sermon podcast from Eucharist Church is here to give you 10 Simple Steps To Success… Or more likely, to point out the ways in which the prophets blow the whole paradigm into little pieces.
Music led by Jeff Wynands, starts at minute 38.
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Kevin tells us two stories of rejection.
In Luke 4, Jesus goes to church, is rejected, and nearly murdered.
In January of 2014, Kevin and Meg went to Vancouver, were rejected, and got a nice polite letter.
Two very different endings, but a similar question can be asked about both: how should we respond in a culture of rejection?
(As an aside, this was our first week in a new gathering space, so there are some veiled, and not so subtle, allusions to that fact)
(As another aside, the church planting group Kevin talks about is in no way affiliated with the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec/CBOQ, and do not reflect the values or blah blah blah of the CBOQ!)
2014.02.23 - Brian Walsh & Sylvia Keesmaat
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Brian and Sylvia, authors of “Colossians Remixed”, happened to be preaching at Eucharist Church on our last week at St Paul’s Presbyterian, a church building we have been meeting in for a year and a half. They took the opportunity to present us with the grandest, most epic “wilderness” sermon you can imagine!
Moving through the entire biblical narrative, Brian and Sylvia told over a dozen stories, and gave us Spirit-filled reflections on community, wilderness, home, and God.
We followed our gathering with a huge potluck under a big tent in the back hall.
At the end of the podcast there is a recording of Hannah Essex, who gave us a closing reflection and led us in a blessing for St Pauls.
We also sang a massive medley that we used to say “goodbye” to the building. It can be found at soundcloud.com/eucharistchurch
2014.02.16 - Prayer 2014 - Leshia Knopf
Leshia Knopf shares an honest and reflective sermon on suffering, lament, trust, and being angry with God. Leshia is a part of the Eucharist Church “Preaching Guild”, a student of theology at McMaster Divinity College, and has spent the last few months driving her mother back and forth to her cancer appointments.
Suffice to say, this is not an intellectual exercise.
Leshia draws from the (little preached on) prophet Habakkuk to present a way of wrestling with God that is both faithful and raw.
Jeff Wynands also lead us in songs of lament, including a remixed version of Psalm 137.
The music starts at 32 minutes.
The lyrics to the song are below:
If I sing it wouldn’t mean a thing
If I dance it wouldn’t prove a chance
If I shout it wouldn’t lift the doubt
But I will if just to trust
We sit in endless sorrow at this river of defeat
We hang our songs in sadness on this tree of memory
Our joys are shapeless shadows these foreign city streets
We’ve fallen prey to mockers and their morbid mockeries
These hands surrender function and this heart it stutters beats
Were I to forget mount Zion my lips would surely seize
The wreck and rubble of a promise now dust upon our feet
We pray the same for the infant of these wretched godless deeds
If I sing it wouldn’t mean a thing
If I dance it wouldn’t prove a chance
If I shout it wouldn’t lift the doubt
But I will if just to trust…
Your will is enough oh God
Father this city’s cursed but you bless it with your name
Oh son this home is exile but you make it all the same
2014.02.09 - Prayer 2014 - Jill Weber
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Jill Weber, of the Greater Ontario House of Prayer, joined us to talk about prayer, breathing, and simple everyday disciplines for ordinary disciples!
Her teaching is designed to include moments of pause and prayer, so please don’t rush through it, and feel free to take part in the activities… even if you’re doing the dishes or driving or cleaning!They don’t require you to close your eyes or anything.
There is also a gorgeous banjo/loud voiced hymn at the one hour mark.
2014.02.02 - Resonance of Christ - Stephen Edwards
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The text:
But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.
Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds,with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
These things speak and exhort and reprove with all [i]authority. Let no one disregard you.
2014.01.05 - COLOSSIANS REMIXED - Kevin Makins
COLOSSIANS EPILOGUE: PHILEMON & THE TABLE
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Philemon, Colossians 1, Romans 14, 2 Corinthians 5
Paul sends a runaway slave back to his master, because there are some things more important than freedom.
When the slave returned he brought two letters; one we call Colossians, and one we call Philemon. One to the whole church, and one to just the slave’s master.
The text:
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To Philemon our dear friend and co-worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God 5 because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus.
I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother. For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love—and I, Paul, do this as an old man, and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus.
I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel; but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. One thing more—prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping through your prayers to be restored to you.
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
2013.12.22 - COLOSSIANS REMIXED - Kevin Makins
RECONCILIATION REMIXED / ADVENT LOVE
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Colossians 4:7-18, Acts 13 & 14
Paul closes his epic letter with a long list of names that means nothing to us at first glance. Once you find out who these people are, it begins to come together!
The text:
Tychicus will tell you all the news about me; he is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts; he is coming with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him. And Jesus who is called Justus greets you. These are the only ones of the circumcision among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always wrestling in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in everything that God wills. For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.
Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, “See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord.”
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Targum written and read by Chrissy Hurn
2013.12.15 - COLOSSIANS REMIXED - Cindy Stover
EVANGELISM REMIXED / ADVENT JOY
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Cindy talks about one of the most important, and potentially uncomfortable, aspects of the Christian faith: talking about it.
The text:
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Targum written and read by Katherine McLean
2013.12.08 - COLOSSIANS REMIXED - Kevin Makins
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Colossians 3:22-4:1, Romans 8, 1 John 1
Now that we’ve tackled women and children’s submission we can move on to a simpler, more Christmas-like topic… slavery. …
Awkward…
Let’s be honest: lots of people want to put the bible on trial for what it does and does not say when it comes to slavery. But the same bible that was used to defend human slavery was also used to give hope to the enslaved!
What exactly was Paul saying to these slaves and slave owners in Colossae, and perhaps the more frightening question, what is the text saying to us two-thousand years later?
The text:
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
Targum written and read by Aaron Craig
2013.12.01 - COLOSSIANS REMIXED - Kevin Makins
SUBMISSION REMIXED / ADVENT HOPE
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Nothing says “the road to Christmas” like women submitting to their husbands and children doing what their fathers say. Well, ok, so it’s a bit of a weird text for for the first week of Advent. But what if the problem isn’t what the text is saying.
What if the problem is that we don’t have the same ears as the original recipients. What sounds like bad (or repressive) news to us was filled with hope to them.
And that hope is what the Kingdom of God is all about.
The text:
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
Targum written and read by Scott Fairley
2013.11.24 - COLOSSIANS REMIXED - Justine Lodder
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Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Targum written and read by Cath Craig
2013.11.17 - COLOSSIANS REMIXED - Kevin Makins
CHEAP SEX/BAD WORDS/NEW CLOTHES
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Colossians 3: 5-14
That’s a good sermon title. Moving on in Colossians, Paul talks about what we have to take off, and what we need to put on, in order to live in the Kingdom of God.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free,but Christ is all, and is in all.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Targum written and read by Ben Lootens
The wonderful and talented Joanna Aitcheson (bloggy blog!) also created this helpful photo for us, to remind us of what to wear:
2013.11.10 - COLOSSIANS REMIXED - Matt Willard
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Colossians 3:1-4
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Targum written and read by Justin Eisinga
2013.11.03 - COLOSSIANS REMIXED - Kevin Makins
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Colossians 2:16-23, Matthew 5
This text is so weird. The sermon also starts out a little weird, exploring what these words might have meant to the original hearers, but much like the text, the punch comes with the subversive good news hidden in all the strangeness: the good news that we are more than our “do’s”, and are not defined by all our “do not’s” - this good news is far bigger and better than our actions.
The text:
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Targum written and read by Brett Klassen
