Rev. Bri-anne is confronted with Good Friday all the time. She needs Easter so that has the strength to keep going...and dancing. God is a great dance partner. Scripture: John 20:1-18 Mary finds the tomb Empty Read by A Sanctified Art Music: Lord of the Dance by Sydney Carter and performed by Reflection (in 1968) Related Links: John 20:1-18 from A …

The first warm day of spring brings with it the promise of ice cream and the park. Yet, it was on such a day that a simple outing with Rev. Bri-anne and her children transformed into an unexpected lesson on life, loss, and how sometimes, not even Mama can make things better. Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11 Jesus Enters Jerusalem From "The Lockdown Broth…

Mary anoints Jesus and wipes away the costly perfume with her hair. Judas is scandalized. Scandal seems to follow Jesus everywhere. We explore the very human (dare we say sensual?) aspect of the incarnate God who came to live among us. Scripture: John 12:1-8 Mary Anoints Jesus Music: These Bodies by The Many Related Links: "The Elephant in the Wait…

Jesus enters the outer courts of the temple and has a temper tantrum, turning over the tables and driving out the animals. Clearly this means Jesus doesn't think commerce and a place of worship can coexist in the same space, right? We explore one more story of Jesus upending the status quo, and perhaps what it could mean if we lean into adjectives …

Jesus asks, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter gets it right. Jesus says he needs to die. Peter says don't do that. Jesus calls Peter Satan and invites his followers to take up their cross. It's a bit much. What is this cross Jesus is moving towards? What does it mean to take up our cross? Is violence every the answer? (spoiler alert: no) Can humani…

Join Rev. Bri-anne as she talks about God changing their mind, Rev. Bri-anne changing her own mind, and the change of mind and heart of a certain media pundit. Scripture: Genesis 9:8-17 God Covenants with Noah and all of creation after the flood. Music: Proteus - Atonement Related Links: Epiphany: A Christian's Change of Heart & Mind over Same-Sex …

Join Rev. Bri-anne as she talks about not knowing what to say or how to feel about the conflict unfolding in Israel and Palestine. Lament is important. Sitting with hard things is important. Being angry is sometimes important too. Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22 The Question About Paying Taxes Music: Love > Fear by The Many Relevant Links: United Churc…

Join Rev. Bri-anne as she talks about growing up where the food...also grows up. We also hear about East End United's food security programs, as Rev. Bri-anne wonders about how we are inwardly changed when we say "yes". Scripture: John 6:1-14 Jesus Feeds the 5000 Music: Let Us Break Break Together by the Free as a Bird (I know, I know, I saw "Free …

Join Rev. Bri-anne as she describes one night this week when East End United offered shelter to nearly 100 asylum seekers — something Black Churches have been doing all day, every day, since the summer. How does "yes" beget "yes"? Scripture: John 6:1-14 Jesus Feeds the 5000 Music: Wade in the Water by the Antioch Mass Choir About Toronto's Refugee …

Join Rev. Bri-anne as we explore Earth Sunday, part of the Season of Creation. In the lead up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we consider the settler church's role in healing past wrongs...with all the hope that we can muster. We also celebrate the work of Noval Morriseau in building bridges between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous p…

Ron McKay & Judith Ramsay lead a discussion about the effects of climate change. Ron starts us of with a reading from Psalm 13. This talk was originally given at the Eastminster Campus of East End United Regional Ministry as part of worship on Sunday, September 17th, 2023. Music: Raise a Voice (Hear it Echo) by Emorie. East End United Regional Mins…

Join Rev. Bri-anne for her first Sunday as we enter the Season of Creation, explore Jesus' instructions on how to deal with conflict, and find out about her fascination with bees (even if they kill her). This reflection was originally offered on September 10, 2023 at the Eastminster Campus of EEURM. Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20 Music: For the Beauty…