Commons Church Podcast

At the start of a new year, we’re launching a new series on creativity—not as something reserved for artists or content creators, but as a core part of being human. In this message, we explore how **technology shapes our creativity**, our relationships, and even our spirituality. From smartphones in our pockets to bricks in the story of the Tower of Babel, the question isn’t whether technology is...

Simeon waited his whole life for one moment—to hold the Messiah. When it finally happens, he doesn’t cling to hope. He releases it. In this Advent reflection on Luke 2, we explore Simeon’s song ( Nunc Dimittis ) and what it teaches us about peace, waiting, generosity, and faith in an unfinished world. Christmas isn’t about getting everything we want—it’s about becoming the kind of people who pass...

In this sermon for the Third Sunday in Advent, "Joy," we explore the story of the shepherds and the angels' announcement—the "Gloria." What does it mean that God's great, extraordinary glory first breaks in upon the most ordinary, mud-caked, and weather-worn people? We look at: The Ordinary Shepherds: How their simple, unearned divine appointment offers a profound message of acceptance—your everyd...

In this Advent sermon, we explore the second canticle of Luke’s gospel—the Benedictus , the prophetic song of Zechariah. Before he could sing, Zechariah had to face something deeper than disbelief: the fear that God had forgotten him. And maybe that’s a fear many of us hold quietly during the Christmas season. In this message we look at: ✨ Why Scripture gives us songs—not just stories—to prepare...

"My soul magnifies the Lord." Kicking off our Advent series, Advent: The Musical, we dive into the first song: the radical and revolutionary Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). In this message, we explore: Model Disciples: The powerful, non-competitive relationship between Mary and Elizabeth. An Oldie: How Mary's song borrows from the prophetic words of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2. The Reversal: Why the Magnifica...

Genesis 22 is one of the most troubling stories in all of Scripture. In this sermon, Jeremy walks through the binding of Isaac with honesty, curiosity, and deep pastoral care. Rather than rushing to easy answers, he explores the generational trauma behind Abraham’s family, the God who sees Hagar, and why this difficult text challenges our imagination of God. What if the real test in this story isn...

What really happened in Sodom and Gomorrah—and why has this story been so badly misunderstood? In this sermon, Jeremy Duncan takes us past the clichés and weaponized readings to explore one of the most difficult and infamous passages in the Bible. Beginning with Abraham’s bold negotiation with God, we look at what this story reveals about divine character: a God who listens, responds, and invites...

Join us as Scott delves into Genesis 15, exploring Abraham's journey of faith and doubt. This sermon unpacks the "base of fear" we often experience, the "hard-fought" space "where faith forms" through honest questions, and the "sacramental discernment" that guides our "ways forward." Discover how God's "sure sign" in a unilateral covenant reveals His unwavering commitment, stretching beyond our li...

In this week’s teaching, Jeremy explores Genesis 13 and the moment Abraham begins to trust God after failure. Coming out of his mistakes in Egypt, Abraham is faced with a new test — will fear guide him again, or will faith take root this time? This story of Abraham and Lot isn’t just ancient history; it’s a mirror for our own journeys of grace, learning, and renewal. If you’ve ever felt weighed do...

This sermon, "Big Promises Small Steps," explores the story of Abraham and Sarah from Genesis, focusing on themes of discernment, the challenges of beauty, and God's unwavering devotion. It delves into how individuals navigate big and small changes in life, drawing parallels between ancient narratives and contemporary experiences. The sermon also touches on the "Matriarch in Danger" type-scene in...

The story of Abraham and Sarah begins not with certainty, but with faith, hesitation, and the courage to take the smallest of steps toward a bigger promise. In this opening message of our Big Promises, Small Steps series, Pastor Jeremy Duncan explores how the grand narrative of God’s reconciliation—what Paul calls “the healing of all things”—begins with a single family leaving home, not knowing wh...

What if faith isn’t about certainty—but about trust? In this message, Pastor Jeremy revisits the story of Thomas and Jesus’ promise of the Spirit in John 14, exploring how honest questions can lead to deeper encounters with divine love. Through Thomas’ doubt, Philip’s confusion, and Jesus’ response of kindness, we discover a God who meets us not with precision or perfection, but with presence. Thi...

Join Bobbi from Commons Church in Calgary for "Grounded: Participation," the fifth installment in their "Grounded" series. In this sermon, they explore what it means to shape a community that is good for you and good for the world, drawing insights from Acts 2. Bobbi shares her personal journey and the exciting news of leading the new Marda Loop Commons parish launching in late 2026. Discover the...

What does it really mean to be a peacemaker? In this sermon from our Grounded series, Pastor Jeremy Duncan unpacks Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” We’ll explore:  • The difference between peacekeeping (avoiding conflict) and peacemaking (creating transformation)  • How Jesus’ teaching on turning the other cheek, givin...

In this sermon from our Grounded series, Pastor Jeremy Duncan explores the story of the Emmaus Road in Luke 24, where the risen Jesus walks with two disciples who don’t recognize him at first. What if faith isn’t just about ideas or passion, but about centering everything on Jesus? We’ll discover how:  • Doubt can be part of faith and lead us deeper.  • Spiritual passion is a response to God’s gra...

We reflect on Commons' commitment to shaping spiritual passion. We explore Luke's account of Jesus being anointed by a woman, contrasting it with versions in Mark, Matthew, and John. The message delves into Luke's unique perspective, highlighting Jesus' point about forgiveness and love, and poses a key question: "Do you see this woman?" We consider how we learn faith from others and the particular...

We all know him as “Doubting Thomas”—but is that really fair? In this teaching, we take a closer look at Thomas’ story in the Gospel of John and discover:  • Why nicknames in the Bible matter (and how Thomas got his)  • What his name “The Twin” really means  • How his doubt might actually mirror our own journey of faith  • Why doubt and faith are not opposites, but twins From John 11 to John 20, T...

In the final installment of our "Sacred Practice" series, we explore the Christian practice of keeping time, looking at how faith works itself out in our bodies, habits, and shared experiences. We discuss the significance of the Christian calendar, the human need to mark time, and how daily, ordinary moments can become sacred. Join us as we reflect on endings and beginnings, and discover how time,...

This Sunday, Bobbi explores pilgrimage as a sacred practice, distinguishing it from mere habit. She shares her personal journey to Iona, a sacred island off Scotland, and discusses the historical significance of pilgrimage in various cultures and faiths, including the Christian tradition and the Camino de Santiago. Bobbi contrasts her transformative experience in Iona with a less impactful visit t...

Welcome to Commons! In this talk, Bobbi explores journaling as a sacred practice. She discusses different approaches to journaling, including the "Line-a-Day" diary for tracking everyday life and the "Infinity Prompt" for deeper emotional processing. Bobbi also touches on the use of sketchbooks for self-reflection and the idea that journaling can be a practice not just for personal benefit, but al...

Why do humans sing — and why has singing together been a part of human culture for as long as we can remember? In this talk, we explore the surprising science, deep history, and spiritual significance of song — both inside and outside the church. We’ll cover:  • Song Psychology – how music rewires the brain and shapes memory  • Social Bonding – why singing together builds connection and trust  • N...

Today also marks the final week of our summer series, Reads a Classic, where we’ve reflected on the wisdom of enduring voices in the Christian tradition. We’ve learned from Hildegard of Bingen, Brother Lawrence, and Dallas Willard. And today, Jeremy explores the profound legacy of Walter Brueggemann, who passed away just weeks ago. As one of the most influential Old Testament scholars of our time,...

In this week’s special episode of our S5 Reads a Classic series, we dive into the enduring wisdom of philosopher and spiritual teacher Dallas Willard. Join us as we explore his vision of Christian spiritual formation, the kingdom of God, and the slow, transformative work of grace in our lives. Whether you're new to Willard or returning to his work with fresh eyes, this sermon will challenge and en...

Dive into Week 2 of our "Reads a Classic" series as Scott introduces us to Brother Lawrence and his timeless classic, The Practice of the Presence of God. Discover how this 17th-century lay monk found profound spiritual transformation in the ordinary, mundane tasks of daily life. Last week, Bobbi took us on a wild ride with Saint Hildegard of Bingen's Scivias—if you missed it, catch up now! This w...

Join Bobbi as she kicks off a new summer series, "Reads a Classic," by diving into the life and visions of Hildegard of Bingen, a remarkable 12th-century prophet and polymath. Discover Hildegard's revolutionary take on Eve, her concept of "viriditas" (holy greening power) flowing through all creation, and her profound vision of the Sapphire Man as Christ. Bobbi encourages us to embrace the "streng...