Hugh

It’s been a long week. Two deaths, two people critically ill, several people in hospital wanting a visit, people dropping in to talk about their challenges. And the sudden death of a dear church member, Hugh Creighton. I spent yesterday talking to his family, calling his various church commitments to tell them he would not be there this week. Then I called his ministers and the people at Brunswick Street...

Keeping all the balls in the air

There are a lot of balls in the air. This is a busy time for me and the numbers of specific people I am attempting to assist are many. I visualize each and every one. Some I can see are being helped by a few things I say and do. Some I wonder if my contribution is really a net positive, or if I am only a distraction. With some I wonder if my words are missing the mark entirely...

I Statements

“I” Message

An “I” message or “I” statement is a style of communication that focuses on the feelings or beliefs of the speaker rather than thoughts and characteristics that the speaker attributes to the listener. For example, a person might say to his or her partner, “I feel abandoned and worried when you consistently come home late without calling” instead of demanding, “Why are you never home on time?”...

Minister's Report - Fall 2019

Minister’s Report – 15 September 2019

I went to a workshop on church development some years ago. The gurus who came from “away” and had documented for three decades churches that had grown numerically and spiritually made it clear what most churches lack. The word they used throughout was “balcony”, meaning a space for conversation among church leaders about the big picture...

Being attentive to others

Being attentive is a big deal. At countless weddings, funerals and services held at nursing homes I am told I am “down to earth” or “positive” or “easy to relate to”. I confess I have no idea what people are talking about. People who know me well tell me I am odd, that my take on reality is unique to me, that I can be quite critical of the way things are and my friends are stunned I get away with these critiques without much fallout...

Making Valid Comparisons

Here’s the thing. It’s accepted now in these times of triumphant individualism that we are all unique, all different and wonderfully made in God’s image. Of course I accept this. How could it be otherwise? Every person has their own unique bodies, a sensibility that no one else can completely copy, even brothers and sisters born less than a year apart...

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