))
We're a Christian church located in the suburbs of Ottawa, where it can be hard to feel connected to God, to each other, and to the places we live and work in. These sermons tell the story of how Jesus helps us live out our faith in this disconnected environment: setting down roots in the community, growing in character and moral honesty, and learning to love one another in deep, lasting ways. Have a listen and learn how to set down roots in your own life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv ...
…
continue reading
What happens when we don't think we get what's coming to us? It's easy to grumble in Christian life because we believe God is blessing others more than us. But what happens to our spiritual walk when we grumble? In this sermon, Fr. Stephen reflects on the danger of pride and considers why it might be wise to let go of our desire for God to be fair.…
…
continue reading
Good Shepherd's full service - broadcast for those at home due to Coronavirus Quarantine. Listen in to our music, prayers, sermon and Eucharist. Today's sermon topic: living water. Have a listen. Sermon begins at 17:45 Scripture Passage: John 4:5-42 Held on the 3rd Sunday in Lent, March 15, 2020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor…
…
continue reading
Most Christians are used to hearing the term "born again", but how many of us think through what it means for us? How are we born again, and what does it look like to be born again? Fr. Stephen's sermon today confronts the challenge of rebirths which don't seem to take. We sometimes want rebirth, but don't end up with the lasting change the rebirth…
…
continue reading
Temptation is part of human life. We know we should say no, but it's very tough. What do we do when we want to do something which seems fine, but God says no? In today's sermon, we see Jesus himself being tempted with things that aren't bad in themselves. Yet, he says no. Listen as Fr. Stephen explains how the core temptation isn't to do something …
…
continue reading
Worship is enjoyable for many, but for many others, it seems pointless. Why spend time praising God when you could be out doing good in the world? In today's sermon, Fr. Stephen reflects on the transfiguration of Jesus and what it says to us about the value of worship today. Scripture Passage: Matthew 17:1-8 Preached on Transfiguration Sunday, Febr…
…
continue reading
We all know there are rules to follow in life. Yet, we aren't always very good in following them. This can make Christian life seem impossible: we can't live up to what God asks of us. In this sermon, Fr. Stephen walks us through a very difficult passage with rules we cannot possibly keep. Jesus says these things to encourage us to seek the purpose…
…
continue reading
The great Christians of old can seem like giants of faith. Yet, Jesus shows us that his most faithful followers may actually be the ones you don't notice. In his sermon today, Fr. Stephen reveals how Jesus' disciples are called to be like salt and light. Neither of these draw attention to themselves, but instead help bring out the best in the world…
…
continue reading
The church often celebrates milestones in Jesus' life and ministry, like his birth, his death and his resurrection. Yet, we don't always understand why they matter. In the church today, we celebrated the Presentation of the Lord. This recalls when Jesus was brought to the temple for the first time as an infant. But so what? What does it tell us abo…
…
continue reading
Youth are at a challenging stage in life. They are drawn to adult tasks but aren't always mentored and equipped to take them on. In this reflection, representatives from the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa's Youth Internship Program speak to us about the ways our diocese is helping young adults grow in maturity and in confidence. Scripture reference: 1 …
…
continue reading
Humility is challenging, and not just because we think we're perfect in every way. It requires us to ignore our desire for praise, and instead desire to do what is right and good. This is especially important in Christian life, where we are called to seek Christ's honour above our own. So, how do we overcome our natural aversion to humility? In thi…
…
continue reading
Christian life can sometimes confuse us. We hear that we are beloved daughters and sons of God, but we also hear that we are supposed to behave well. That means sometimes when we haven't behaved well, we can wonder if we really are loved. In today's sermon on Jesus' baptism, Fr. Stephen explains how this tells us something important about our own b…
…
continue reading
Everyone today seems anxious and fearful. Yet, we live in a time of unprecedented prosperity, peace, and stability. Why don't we feel better, when there are so many things going right? In this sermon, Fr. Stephen suggests that a key reason is that we don't appreciate what the Epiphany story tells us. It tells us that even when bad actors take the s…
…
continue reading
The world is full of big, important people doing big, important things. Yet, what about the unremarkable lives most of us live? Fr. Stephen explains how Christmas reveals the value God places on ordinary lives. Scripture reference: Luke 2:1-20 Preached on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2019 by Rev. Stephen Silverthorne Sermon Highlights Most of us won…
…
continue reading
Most of us at some time wish we got more credit for what we do. We see others getting praised, when we know we work just as hard as them. Sometimes, others get to shine as stars when we are left in supporting roles. Yet, the Bible often shows us that supporting characters are deeply important to the story of salvation. In this sermon, Fr. Stephen h…
…
continue reading
Unanswered prayers and unrealized hopes are some of the most difficult challenges to our faith. Sometimes, they can leave us feeling that God has lost interest in us, or perhaps doesn't love us very much. In today's sermon, Fr. Stephen challenges us to ask whether our disappointments come from God's inaction, or whether they come from us not lookin…
…
continue reading
We all want peace. Yet, do we dare to hope for it when this has so often been disappointed? Peace isn't easy, and it is costly. Here, Rev. Lisa Pacarynuk reflects on the hope for peace, and the cost of making peace. Peace comes through repentance. This is more than feeling sorry. It is in turning our lives around to become peacemakers through God's…
…
continue reading
Homelessness and poverty are large societal problems. They can seem overwhelming to us. Yet, scripture tells us repeatedly that caring for the poor, the homeless and the children are central to God's mission. How can we practice bring justice and hope when we feel so helpless? Rev. Ken Maclaren, the director of Ottawa Inner City Ministries, speaks …
…
continue reading
Christians call Jesus King. Yet, we also say he died a very undignified and shameful death. What kind of king is Jesus, who lets himself be captured, humiliated and tortured to death on a cross? This sermon argues that the way Jesus died isn't a sign of his weakness. Instead, it's a sign that he is a king who is willing to suffer any kind of shame …
…
continue reading
Christians are used to hearing that God loves us. Yet, how often do we hear that God loves even the rocks, trees and animals? Today's sermon reflects on the value God places on all of creation, and what creation can tell us about ourselves and our God. Scripture References: Genesis 1 & 2; Joel 2:21-27; Matthew 6:25-34 Preached on Rogation Sunday, N…
…
continue reading
Today's culture makes us believe that romantic success is the most important of human achievements. Yet, Jesus himself neither married nor had children. Jesus' teaching tells us that marriage is important, but ultimately a means to an end. It serves to prepare us for the life of resurrection which is to come. Yet, in Christ it is not the only way w…
…
continue reading
Saints are an important part of Christian life and practice, but controversies about them can keep us from appreciating this importance. They present us with a picture of what life fully lived for God looks like. They are ones who lived out Jesus' words in the beatitudes and in his command to love enemies. They were able to do so because they kept …
…
continue reading
We all prefer to hear what we want to hear. Fewer people still strive to hear what they need to hear, even if it's not what they want. In this sermon, Fr. Stephen speaks about the importance of providing avenues for hearing what God wants to say, even if it isn't what you wanted. Being challenged in godliness is what makes us grow more Christlike, …
…
continue reading
Discipline can be an ugly word to some people, because it makes us think of high-pressure situations and the prospect of an ugly failure. Yet, the bible often calls on Christians to exercise discipline in pursuit of the gospel. How can disciplines be good news full of grace, when they are so demanding? Today, Josh reflects on St. Paul's imagery of …
…
continue reading
We usually think of faith as an active, personal commitment to Christ. This is true, but it's only part of what faith is. Faith is also a treasure we inherit, so that future generations can be blessed. This sermon on 2 Timothy challenges us to see faith not only as a personal benefit to us, but also the way God gathers a community of people over ti…
…
continue reading
Angels, demons and the supernatural are often the subject of mockery in western civilization today. Often, even Christians feel embarrassed when these topics come up in the bible or in sermons. Yet, they come up very often. Not just in bible, but in the belief systems of many cultures today. This sermon challenges us to acknowledge that there may b…
…
continue reading
Jesus tells us to love, but how do you love someone who breaks your heart? How do you love someone who continually frustrates you? Today's sermon tackles how to love people and institutions which disappoint and hurt us. Using insights from the prophet Jeremiah, Fr. Stephen reassures us that disappointment and sorrow are normal parts of human life. …
…
continue reading
The Bible is full of challenging passages, but the Old Testament prophets seem the most difficult. They often talk of destruction, disaster and judgment. We tend not to like hearing these themes. So what value do we find in the prophets' harsh words, and what good things does it tell us about God? This sermon addresses why harsh words are important…
…
continue reading
Judgment is one of the least popular themes in the bible, but it comes up a lot. How do we respond to passages about judgment and why is it important to listen to them? In this sermon, Fr. Stephen looks at an important passage from Jeremiah which helps us understand the purposes of God's judgment on Israel, the church and us. Scripture passage: Jer…
…
continue reading
We all grumble sometimes. Yet, how often do we remember the blessings we receive? Today's sermon addresses the challenge of gratitude during teams of disappointment and struggle. We can go through times where gratitude is hard to feel, but trusting in God will bring us to a place where we can feel it once again. Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 2:4-13…
…
continue reading
Modern people have more labour-saving devices than we know what to do with. We have more leisure time than almost anyone in history. Yet, we always seem busy and over-worked. How can people with so much free time feel so burdened? This sermon helps address the problem of over-work by reflecting on the gift of Sabbath. Jesus reveals to us that we ne…
…
continue reading
Money has an important part in our lives. It's a great tool to help us achieve our goals. Yet, it has a nasty tendency to tell us that it is itself the goal we should work for. In today's sermon, Fr. Stephen reflects on Jesus' challenge about money and material things. Jesus doesn't tell everybody to go without work and savings. But he does tell us…
…
continue reading
For many Christians, prayer is one of the hardest parts of faith. Yet, Jesus repeatedly tells us how important it is. How do we keep up a good prayer life, when it presents obstacles? In this sermon, Fr. Stephen reflects on what attitudes can make our prayer more meaningful and effective, as well as some practical tips on how to pray. Scripture ref…
…
continue reading
We live in a distracted age. There is always something more to do. For many of us, life can seem like an endless set of tasks. Sometimes, we get disappointed with Jesus because we don't think he's giving us enough help in getting the tasks done. Yet, the bible makes it clear that this isn't what Jesus came to do. Jesus invites us to follow his prio…
…
continue reading
We are all scared of evangelism. Few people seem to enjoy sharing their faith, even though Jesus tells us it's a priority for his disciples to do so. So how can we overcome our fear? What does it look like to share our faith? How can we avoid the cliches and manipulation that the word sometimes brings with it? In this sermon, Fr. Stephen shares how…
…
continue reading
We all long for vengeance sometimes. The desire to crush our enemies, and make them suffer for what they have done for us, is hard to overcome. Here, Jesus' disciples indulge in this desire to crush their enemies, but Jesus shows them a better way. The fire of the Holy Spirit comes to transform our enemies, not to crush them. This sermon encourages…
…
continue reading
Pentecost is one of the most important festivals in the church year. Yet, the meaning of this important festival is sometimes lost on us. In this sermon, Fr. Stephen shows how Pentecost reveals that God's promises are trustworthy even when their fulfillment takes longer than we hope. It also shows us that God empowers us to do tasks we couldn't do …
…
continue reading
Ascension is a principal feast in the Anglican Church, celebrating Jesus' ascension into heaven. However, this can seem like an odd thing to celebrate. Why be happy at Jesus' absence? This sermon explores why Jesus' ascension is important, even if it causes real challenges for us. Scripture reference: Acts 1:1-11; Luke 24:44-53 Preached by Rev. Ste…
…
continue reading
Pictures of heaven can sometimes seem boring and cliche. Yet, we get many pictures in the Bible, especially in the Book of Revelation. So why are they important, and how do they speak to us today? In this sermon, Fr. Stephen addresses the picture of the New Jerusalem which appears in the last chapters of Revelation. This picture of a perfect city i…
…
continue reading
Sometimes, it can be hard to care much about the world we live in. Disasters, wars, crime, and environmental degradation can make us feel like giving up and simply living for ourselves. Yet, God loves this world and calls us to love it too. So how can we love it without being discouraged by its problems? This sermon argues that the world is destine…
…
continue reading
Belief comes difficult to most of us, at least some of the time. Yet, Jesus often seems to demand we follow him out of our comfort zones even in the midst of our doubts. How do we follow, even when we doubt? In this sermon, Fr. Stephen suggests that we grow out of our doubts only when we lean in and follow. It's through following through on what Je…
…
continue reading
Churches can have a reputation for judgy behaviour. Folks with a past, folks who don't have it all together, and folks who have doubts can sometimes feel like church isn't for them. Yet, the gospel passage for today tells us this isn't the case at all. In fact, Jesus welcomes those who have messed up in big ways. He isn't surprised by our weaknesse…
…
continue reading
The phrase "Doubting Thomas" now part of the English language, as way of describing a person who is unable to believe the truth. Yet, the bible doesn't present the original Thomas in so negative a way. Instead, it invites us to identify with him because he resembles our situation in life. Like him, we find it hard to believe because we haven't seen…
…
continue reading
Easter celebrates a great miracle, where God raises Jesus from the dead. However, we don't celebrate this just as a chance to look back at a great event. We celebrate the fact that in his death and resurrection Jesus enjoyed a victory over death which brings hope for us when facing our own death. Scripture reference: John 20:1-18 Preached on Easter…
…
continue reading
The resurrection of Jesus is a world-changing event, but it can be hard sometimes to know why it should matter to us. This sermon argues that the resurrection is only understood rightly when we see it as part of God's ongoing mission of rescue from oppression. It's a mission which continues today and inspires us to faithful service in that same cau…
…
continue reading
Palm Sunday is the commemoration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, surrounded by shouts of joy from the people. They believed he was their long-awaited Messiah and King, who would usher in a new kingdom of freedom. Yet, they didn't realize that this kingdom is not of this world. Within days, the crowds turned against him to demand he be crucified. Pa…
…
continue reading
Faith is less understood today than it was in past generations. Today, many people are convinced that faith is a waste of time. Yet, this isn't a new situation. In today's sermon, we learn that sometimes the people in Jesus' day were just as critical. Mary shows special devotion to Jesus, but is criticized for it too. The story helps us understand …
…
continue reading
Some stories in the bible are so well known, they have a tendency to lose their power from over-hearing. The story of the prodigal son is one of those stories. Yet, when we read it with fresh eyes we start to see why it has become so popular. It is a story of profound challenge and profound hope. In this sermon, Fr. Stephen explores why the story o…
…
continue reading
Superheroes are now a staple of movie entertainment, and continue to be popular because they take action to overcome injustice. We forget sometimes that God empowers us to be heroes as well, through honestly facing up to where we have become comfortable with injustice. How do we grow out of condemning others, and instead start asking where we need …
…
continue reading
Nobody likes judgment, yet there are many parts of the Bible which talk about it. In this week's Gospel, Jesus talks about a judgment on Jerusalem and its temple. What benefit do we get from hearing these difficult words? How can we find words of judgment to be good news? This sermon explores what Jesus meant to his original audience, but also what…
…
continue reading
Most people who were raised in an Anglican, Lutheran or Catholic tradition know a bit about the season of Lent. It's a time for self-reflection, repentance and self-denial. The reasons for repentance and reflection may seem obvious to us, because everyone could stand to improve some things in their lives. But why self-denial? This sermon examines J…
…
continue reading
