St. David's United Church

The other day Auntie Jeannie came to visit. Jeannie’s not blood related, but Janet’s known her for about twenty years so as it happens with friends who become over time like family the girls know her as “Auntie” Jeannie. Jeannie, who’s family is Chinese, recently lost her grandmother, the grandmother who was 100 years old, the grandmother Jeannie went to visit and care for everyday for the last eight years.

The other day I was talking with Vi Davis before the UCW Strawberry Tea. Vi was recollecting her love of Ireland, her homeland, and though she loves the people and the beauty of Vancouver, she’ll always have a special place in her heart for her home country.

As we were talking, I remembered a story about Irish immigrants during the potato famine about a hundred and fifty years ago. Because so many people died on these ships, and so many of these poorly built ships were lost in the Atlantic, they became known as coffin ships. Nevertheless, the potato blight in Ireland caused starvation and compelled people to leave their beloved home on dilapidated ships bound for Quebec City or New York. As mothers waved good bye to their teenagers and young adults whom they would likely never see again, they sometimes would hold a large ball of wool. Their son or daughter would hold the other end of the yarn from the edge of the ship, and as the ship pulled away the yarn would unravel. The one on the ship would wind the yarn and as they did so, it would be pulled through the briny sea, leaving the salty fragrance of the Irish sea on the wool. On the rough sail to the new land, the son or daughter would pass the long and lonely hours knitting a sweater with the wool, which would forever hold the feel and smell of their homeland.

St. David’s United Church
Rev. Dan Chambers
June 13, 2010
Romans 12:9-18
What Is the Scent of Love?
(Part two in a sermon series on the 5 marks of the Church)
 
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:15
          Community is a rare thing.  You don’t bump into it everyday.  As much as we’re surrounded by people in [...]

St. David’s United Church
Rev. Dan Chambers
June 6, 2010
Romans 12:1-8
Remember Who You Are
 
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern
what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and true.
Romans 12:2
 
Last week Janet had the privilege of attending the [...]

St. David’s United
Rev. Dan Chambers
Exodus 16 (in the wilderness)
Isaiah 40:28-31
The Practice of Getting Lost
 
We’ve all had experiences of getting lost.  Personally, I usually don’t cherish those moments.  I want to get to my destination as efficiently as possible.  If there’s a shortcut, I’ll look for it.  If there’s a faster route, I’ll take it.  Getting [...]

Perhaps this is why the Christian Church is sometimes called the Mother Church. Because like a mother, the Church is called to be a place that, out of love, speaks truth to power. Like a mother, the Church is called to speak words of protest when love is violated. Like a mother, the Church is called to be a place where you are welcomed, no matter who you are or what you’ve done. We’re called to be a place where you are accepted and you don’t have to prove yourself. In church, there’s a place made for you at the table.