Penticton United Church Blog

Advent Calendar

As we head into the holiday season and navigate new gathering restrictions, now is a time, if ever, to engage in traditions that bring us comfort. One of the things I enjoy during advent is an advent calendar. There is much anticipation and joy in opening a new window each day as we move towardContinue reading “Advent Calendar”

Ruby

A favourite moment at Worship on Sundays is to see everyone’s faces come up on the screen. Here is Ruby watching our online Service. Hi Ruby!

Church Chat ~ may 29, 2020

Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2020 Liturgy

Gathering of God’s People Welcome  The Christ Candle is Lit As I light the Christ candle, I invite you to also light a candle, if you have one. It reminds us of the presence and the love of Christ that surrounds us. We are not alone.  Land Acknowledgement We acknowledge these lands upon which weContinue reading “Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2020 Liturgy”

Activities for Earth Day ~ April 22, 2020

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. Organizers see it as an opportunity for “a global outpouring of energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to create a new plan of action for our planet.” The theme for Earth Day 2020 is climate change. “Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity andContinue reading “Activities for Earth Day ~ April 22, 2020”

Prayer for Community in a Time of Pandemic

From Corrymeela Community, Ireland God of the good news that spreads faster than fear,God of the courage that comes from the heart:Be with us as anxieties rise and with us as uncertainty grows.Be with us when children ask difficult questions,and with us when parents seem farther away.Remind us that to be a community does notContinue reading “Prayer for Community in a Time of Pandemic”

Congregational Letter ~ March 17

March 17, 2020 Dear PUC Congregation, In consultation with Patti Skinner, Chair and Church Council, I want to update you on Penticton United Church’s plan in response to what is happening with the coronavirus (COVID-19). As you know, things are changing rapidly. We have been watching closely recommendations from federal and provincial public health andContinue reading “Congregational Letter ~ March 17”

“Getting our Attention”May 5, 2019 – Easter 3 – Year C

“Getting our Attention” May 5, 2019 – Easter 3 – Year C             Are you able to hear Jesus asking each of us, “Do you love me?” Rabbi Moshe-Leib tells the following story.  “What is love?  I feel I ought to tell the truth and confess that I learned its meaning from 2 drunkards.  Yes,Continue reading ““Getting our Attention”May 5, 2019 – Easter 3 – Year C”

“The Funeral that Wouldn’t Be”April 21, 2019 – Easter Sunday – Year C

“The Funeral that Wouldn’t Be” April 21, 2019 – Easter Sunday – Year C   On Good Friday many of us stood at the foot of the cross and tearfully watched Jesus be crucified.  It was a time of pain and sorrow.  We felt helpless.  There, on a plain wooden cross hung our Redeemer.  AndContinue reading ““The Funeral that Wouldn’t Be”April 21, 2019 – Easter Sunday – Year C”

“I Will Adore Christ’s Sacred Name”Good Friday – April 19, 2019 – Year C

“I Will Adore Christ’s Sacred Name” Good Friday – April 19, 2019 – Year C   Will you adore Christ’s sacred name? George Macleod writes, “I simply argue that the cross should be raised at the centre of the market-place as well as on the steeple of the church.  I am recovering the claim thatContinue reading ““I Will Adore Christ’s Sacred Name”Good Friday – April 19, 2019 – Year C”

“Hail!  O King!”April 14, 2019 – Palm Sunday – Year C

“Hail!  O King!” April 14, 2019 – Palm Sunday – Year C   The quintessential Palm Sunday word, as far as I am concerned, is Hosanna, and a palm branch is an absolutely necessary symbol.  Yet, alone among the 4 evangelists, Luke says nothing about Hosannas or branches, palm or otherwise, on this fateful dayContinue reading ““Hail!  O King!”April 14, 2019 – Palm Sunday – Year C”

“At Jesus’ Feet”April 7, 2019 – Lent 5 – Year C

“At Jesus’ Feet” April 7, 2019 – Lent 5 – Year C   As you listen to this message, I invite you to breath deeply and imagine the sanctuary filled with the smell of expensive perfume.  With each breath you take, smell the perfume and feel Mary’s hair draped over your feet.  Feel the touchContinue reading ““At Jesus’ Feet”April 7, 2019 – Lent 5 – Year C”

“It’s Not Fair – Or is It?”March 31, 2019 – Lent 4 – Year C

“It’s Not Fair – Or is It?” March 31, 2019 – Lent 4 – Year C   Gloria Gonzalez tells about the best party she ever went to.  “You grow up fast in Spanish Harlem, especially if your parents are the superintendents of the building.  You see a lot… There are also the good times,Continue reading ““It’s Not Fair – Or is It?”March 31, 2019 – Lent 4 – Year C”

“Second and Third Chances”March 24, 2019 – Lent 3 – Year C   

“Second and Third Chances” March 24, 2019 – Lent 3 – Year C      Have you ever noticed basketball enthusiasts who practice their ball handling skills by bouncing the ball?  But it isn’t just any ordinary kind of dribbling.  They’d walk a ways, bouncing, and then they’d quickly pivot.  Then they’d run in the otherContinue reading ““Second and Third Chances”March 24, 2019 – Lent 3 – Year C   “