WildWords: Sermons from Wildwood Mennonite Church

Paying back of injury, often vengefully, seems to be the most common human response. When Jesus says, “Do not resist an evil person”, what do we do with these words? Is it even possible to live with mercy and compassion? #WildSermon  

I vividly recall being asked by the clerk whether I was prepared to solemnly swear to tell the whole truth. It felt for me, as a young and idealistic 17 year old, as if the ensuing pause was laden with meaning and significance. Adopting a posture of courage and resolve, I announced, “I affirm.” The immediate response from court officials was unremarkable. The clerk looked a puzzled, and the judge...

Adultery and divorce: the consequences are pretty harsh in the Old Testament. What does Jesus have to say about adultery in the Sermon on the Mount? Adultery has mainly to do with breaking promises. Actually, we all break promises. What would Jesus have us learn about grace and healing when we mess up? Is there redemption even after divorce?

 You say you want a revolution? Well, you know, we all want to change the world... Taking down institutions, telling people to make their own justice... It sounds exciting, but is it really going to be alright? There's a reason the Beatles are more popular than Jesus. Listen here to join the rebellion? 

The Sermon on the Mount begins with the beatitudes and an inspiring bit about being like salt and light. But then Jesus shifts gears and tells his listeners that he has not come to abolish the laws, but to fulfill them. So what does this mean? Does salvation by grace exclude us from the Old Testament laws, or are these laws still necessary for our obedience? And if they are important, are they all...

 A sermon about a sermon? Yep. And some people actually paid attention the whole time (probably because there were also pictures). As (alleged) "followers of Jesus" perhaps we could at least consider the clearest collection of his teachings, known as "The Sermon on the Mount." What might we prairie folk have to learn from the wisdom of the heights? #wildwords #lessisRohr 

  Ever wished you were chosen? Is there a difference between being chosen justly and just chosen? Consider for what you've been chosen.  

"It’s been a while. I’ve missed you. I’ll be at the shack next weekend if you want to get together. – Papa" Listen to what Scott has to say on the topic of "Rediscovering Joy" and how "The Shack" by William P Young has become a part of his Christmas tradition.

When our world is confusing and frustrating and stressful, how do we perceive God and how does God perceive us? Are we stuck in some way and does God care? Maybe in this holiday season of Advent Malachi has some insight.

Step on up, the Advent ride to the goodness of God is about to depart, just check your soul for the appropriate levels of Righteousness and buckle up! Don't know what righteousness means? Unsure that you even want to get on this thing? You're not alone. #wildride #keepyourarmsandlegsinsidethevehicleatalltimes

On this last Sunday of the church year, we explore huge themes - suffering, love, hope and resurrection. Meet Violette from Nazareth and Widad from Bethlehem. And ... the Lord's Prayer in Cree and Low German!

Like most labels, the labels for 'victim' and 'offender' are not black and white. Justice is complex. Often pain and suffering unchecked is what leads to violence. Parkland Restorative Justice's director, Heather Driedger, shares insights on what these two labels mean in the context of restorative justice and the work she does with inmates and individuals integrating back into the community.

Whether 16th or 21st century believers, becoming Anabaptist Christians remains an important if sometimes costly choice. What are the core commitments to which our faith family heritage continues to call us?

Feasts, Pharisees, missions trips, ants, grasshoppers, Jesus, potlucks, and chocolate-covered cherries... It's a Thanksgiving smorgasbord of a sermon at Wildwood! #gotguilt?

"The Church is dying" -a frequent assessment in our society. Is there hope for the church? Where can it be found? Emily shares her journey from former church cynic to discovering fresh hope for the church.

My sisters and brothers, what good is it to profess faith without practicing it? Such faith has no power to save. If any are in need of clothes and have no food to live on, and one of you says to them, “Goodbye and good luck. Stay warm and well-fed,” without giving them the bare necessities of life, then what good is this? So it is with faith. If good deeds don’t go with it, faith is dead... ...Be...

White Supremacy at Wildwood?!! Look carefully, it's closer to home than you think... Let's learn from the representatives WMC sent to the NAIITS 2018 Symposium. Go to our Wildwood Mennonite Church website or Facebook page for links to listen in on some of the full talks at NAIITS from a diverse group of presenters.

We were pleased to have Gaylord and Lois share with us about their Canadian Foodgrains Bank learning tour to Ethiopia this past winter.

How's your spirituality working for ya? Does that word even make sense, beyond a vague notion that it's in the same ballpark as religion but somehow better? (Like, spirituality = religion for hipsters?) Also, do you have space for a friendly pastor in your fantasy football league?

Repent!!! (Umm, no thanks?) Change Yourself for the Better! (Yeah...that seems nicer, but still pretty hard to know where to begin.) Never fear, The Enneagram is here with a healthy dose of self-awareness and alternative ways of being yourself! (I hope the content is better than the sales pitch?) Guess you'll have to listen to find out. :)

How do we make sense of God? How do we understand God? How have people over time tried to think and talk about God? Maybe we'll find a new idea that will help us in our relationship with God. Listen as Rick shares his musings about God.

“Be on your guard. Stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 We were privileged to have Vic share with us his thoughts on growing in courage to have faith in love.

"Don't worry, be happy!" It's finally time to talk about the Enneagram Type Nines! But before you get toooo comfortable, be aware that there might be a bit more going on under the surface than "Hakuna Matata" would have you believe... and that's a good thing!

Katniss Everdeen. Samwise Gamgee. Queen Elsa. Marlin the Clownfish. Sansa Stark. Ron Weasley. C3P0. Piglet. Even ("Holy Penetrating Self-Awareness, Batman!"), Robin. All the best fictional characters are Sixes, and their strength is surprising only to themselves. For those of us who are non-fiction Sixes, how can we learn to turn our fear into strength?

Enneagram Type 8 - What does God have in common with Beyonce? Listen for stories of Independent Women who show just how fierce God can be.