The River: Downstream

This week we are actually reflecting on how we can join in God's work, be stewards of the resources we've been given (not just the material ones) and most importantly, listen and engage in the communities we want to help. You can find the video lesson here: https://youtu.be/icziYULmHJc?si=En9qNL-tRrA_taDn

This week we are learning why North American individualism is a bad fit for meeting the needs of those in poverty, especially when we don't consider what those needs are in the first place. Now we reflect on what it means to help without hurting. You can find the video lesson at: https://youtu.be/7_JzXbdqKHU?si=QWRbeiYR14fnyTkm

Recorded May 17th with Pastor Dale Melenberg You can find the video referenced in this episode here. Why do relationships with ourselves, God, creation, and community play such an integral role in our worldview?

Recorded May 10th with Pastor Dale Melenberg The video referenced in this episode can be found here . This week we are learning what it means to be in poverty

Recorded May 3rd with Pastor Dale This week we're coming back to the table, what does it mean to engage with this sacrament? And what memories does communion invoke in you?

Recorded April 26th with Pastor Dale The story of Naomi (Ruth?) is coming to a close, how does a family redeemer change life for both these women?

April 19th, 2026 with Pastor Dale This week the decision of Naomi to become Mara, and how Ruth becomes the joy, and the harmony to her story.

April 12th with Pastor Dale Tracing the story through the Book of Ruth we find two stories intersecting, interwoven, and interpreting each other’s story.; Ruth’s and Naomi. Three sermons will identify the arcs of their story and how each character plays out their role in the relationship differently. And where is God in all of this? What role does he play?

Join us on the darkest day, when God sent His own begotten Son to sacrifice himself for our sins, that we might live forever in heaven.

As we enter the streets of Jerusalem hailing the coming of Jesus, we are gathering to reflect on Jesus' time in the desert. What did resisting temptations actually teach us? What does it mean to choose God's kingdom over earthly rulings time and time again.

The world tells us that we should be pushing for success at any cost, making sacrifices of our time with family, labour, and health to ultimately be satisfied. But Jesus knows that all the riches in the world do not compare to the splendour of God's kingdom. How do we become servants of the Kingdom of God the way Jesus was a servant to humanity?

We are sometimes tempted to use faith as insurance, to protect ourselves from vulnerability in our every day lives. Faith should be our source of comfort, how do we avoid the temptation of manipulating our relationship with God to avoid anxiety?

There's an appeal to independence that can pull us into a sense of false security. As we follow Jesus into the desert we are confronted with his security in the Father. Join us this week as we learn what it means to trust God, and how that plays out in our lives.

This week we're venturing into the desert with Jesus for 40 days. The Lenten season gives us an opportunity to reflect, so join us as we begin the journey to Easter.

This week we are learning from Fr. Joash P. Thomas, author of Justice of Jesus about our modern rulers, and the ways that need for Justice is everywhere.

As we wrap up our BLESS series, one of the most important parts of loving out into the world is brought to light. Sharing our Resources.

A shorter episode this week as we gather around the communion table, and break bread with friends and strangers.

This week we're looking at the importance of words, and what it means to speak out God's love into the world.

This week we are putting into practice the habits that we use to follow Jesus, and walk in his footsteps.

What are the things that we do to enhance our relationship with God and live out the teachings that Jesus shared during his time on earth. This week we're learning about hospitality as we eat with friends and strangers.

How has Jesus being the Way been interpreted across time and denominations?

As we venture out into the world with light in our hearts, we are called to welcome others. That light is able to illuminate the darkness. What are ways that we overcome the darkness around us through our actions as a community? Our flashlight activity this week had us reflect light around the room with mirrors!

When we see darkness as an opportunity to build trust with God, our relationship with Him is developed guided by His influence in our lives. How do we place that trust in God as we walk in our valleys of darkness?

We are called to share God's light with the world, and many Christ followers are better than each of us alone. How does community help us spread the light of Christ to illuminate the darkness, and what are some ways that we build that community?

Light does not eliminate the darkness completely, just as there cannot be darkness without light. But light does illuminate what already resides in the darkness and allows us to see it in a new perspective. How do we use light to illuminate truth?