Acts 2:47 describes the Early Church as constantly “praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.” In this week's podcast, Rev. Catherine looks back and praises God for all the wonderful memories of her time at BMUC. MV 30, VU 245 Performed by Bethany Russell. Resources for this series have been adapted from those prepared by Andrew Hyde …

The Early Church gathered in each other’s homes to break bread and eat food “with glad and generous hearts.” What does it mean to share what we can with glad and generous hearts? Members of our church offer inspiring examples of glad giving! VU 684, VU 400 Performed by Bethany Russell.

The Early Church had a profound sense of community, a togetherness whereby they combined their resources and made sure there was enough for all. But the Spirit also pushes them to expand their sense of who is included-- who the "all" is that they should focus on-- and breaks down the barriers between different communities. The recent confirmation i…

This episode, the second in a series on lessons from the Early Church based on Acts 2, explores the importance of coming together as a community of faith. Music VU 395, 603 Performed by Bethany Russell. This series has been adapted from resources prepared by Andrew Hyde and Lisa Leffler.

Focusing on some of the stories from the Early Church, this series will explore what they have to teach us about what it means to be a community of faith. We'll look at the Book of Acts to remind us of who we are as Christians and what lies at the core of our communities of faith—things like awe and wonder, togetherness and community, enough for al…

This week on the podcast, Rev. Catherine has a conversation with funeral director Lorna Baker. We talk about grief, adapting to change, what makes for a meaningful life, and how a poolside conversation with a stranger set Lorna on a new life path. VU 256, 497. Performed by Bethany Russell Prayer of Invocation from All Things New, written by Rev. Su…

Hear from essential workers serving on the frontlines of this pandemic. In this episode, we speak with a nurse practitioner working in a local hospital. We discuss the challenges and triumphs she's experienced, as well as vaccines, burn out and the importance of healing the mind, body and soul. VU 625, 612 Performed by Bethany Russell Opening Praye…

A series exploring faith, hope and resiliency from people working on the frontlines of this pandemic. In this episode we hear from Lonnie Jones, a volunteer with the Essex Food Bank, to find out how the pandemic has changed their work and to learn about poverty in rural communities. Music: VU 220, 594 Performed by Bethany Russell Opening prayer: ww…

Lessons on faith, hope and resiliency from essential workers serving on the frontlines of this pandemic. In this episode, Rev. Catherine speaks to Katie Nanson, a social worker in private practice, for her insights into mental health and the big questions this pandemic is raising. Music: VU 286, 273 Performed by Bethany Russell Opening Prayer By Fo…

As we find ourselves in the midst of another stay-at-home order, Rev. Catherine speaks to essential workers to hear reflections on faith, hope and resiliency from the frontlines of this pandemic. In this episode, we hear from a JK/SK teacher, Deanna Quaglia. She talks to us about changes in her classroom, challenges facing students and the joy of h…

Awe and wonder. Joy and hope. Transformation and new life.In this episode we will explore the Easter story as told in Mark’s gospel, and consider the ways in which Easter informs our mission as followers of the Risen Christ.Music: VU 155, 169 Performed by Bethany Russell.Opening prayer by Peter Chynoweth, Gathering, L/E 2021Prayer for Illumination …

This episode is the culmination of our Lenten series on the 5 Essential Practices of the Christian Life, based on the book “The Walk” by Adam Hamilton. We explore those five practices as they are demonstrated by Jesus in his seven last words from the cross. These seven recorded statements of Jesus reveal that, even in his dying moments, Jesus pursu…

Why are you a Christian? What difference does it make in your life? In this episode, Rev. Catherine considers what it means to own your faith story and share it with others in humble and authentic ways.

Do money and spirituality mix? Jesus thinks so! Money can sabotage or deepen our spiritual life. Listen in as Rev. Catherine Elsdon and guest explore the spirituality of money, the importance of generosity, and key components of 'the good life.' Music: VU 606, VU 594. Performed by Bethany Russell.

If we're serious about following Jesus, we'll cultivate the daily practice of serving God by serving others. In this episode we discuss the scriptural basis for the importance of service, as well as how to go about service in ways that are life-giving. Music: VU 256 “O God beyond All Praising”, VU 560 “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee”, performed by…

How do we hear God's voice and follow God's lead? This week's episode of the podcast is the third in our Lenten series inspired by Adam Hamilton’s book “The Walk.” Rev. Catherine Elsdon is joined by a special guest for a conversation focusing on study, specifically the study of scripture as a means of hearing God. Music: VU 343 “I Love to Tell the …

How should I pray? Why should I pray? What does prayer do? This episode is the second in our Lenten series inspired by Adam Hamilton’s book “The Walk.” Lent is a time for repentance and renewal. As we prepare our hearts and minds for Easter, we’re reflecting on the 5 essential practices of the Christian life. Rev. Catherine Elsdon is joined by a sp…

In this conversational series, Rev. Catherine Elsdon welcomes a special guest to explore the core spiritual practices of Christianity. Inspired by Adam Hamilton's book "The Walk," this series offers concrete tools and encouragement as you seek to deepen your faith, and increase your awareness of God's presence. Music: VU 672 and VU 602, performed b…

Can we find hope in the prospect of God’s judgement? Elijah gains a disciple and King Ahab lets envy and entitlement get the better of him in this sixth episode of the series, Hope for Hard Times. Series inspired by the book, “Hope for Hard Times” by Magrey DeVega.Music: VU 273, VU 333 performed by Bethany RussellPrayers by the Rev. Debbie McMillan…

Elijah is burnt out and wants to give up; he needs a sign from God but God doesn’t always show up in the ways we expect. Elijah must slow down and quiet down before he can hear God’s “still, small voice.” Can we do the same? Music: VU 378, VU 608 (verses 1,4,5) Opening Prayer written by Suzanne Edgar, Gathering, A/C/E 2017-2018, page 41. Used with …

Episode 4 in our series on finding hope in hard times. After God’s dramatic fiery victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah learns that God doesn’t always work according to our timeline or our methods. Sometimes God’s hope is as small as a wisp of cloud. Music: VU 672, VU 382 performed by Bethany RussellOpening Prayer by Bill SteadmanPrayer for Hop…

Competing priorities and the power of God are the focus of this third episode in the series, Hope for Hard Times. Elijah meets Obadiah, a royal official who has to navigate loyalty to God and king. Then Elijah has a dramatic showdown with the prophets of Baal.

Episode 2 in a series on finding hope in hard times. We follow Elijah as he journeys into enemy territory, meeting a widow and revealing the life giving nature of God.

Episode 1 in a series, Hope for Hard Times, inspired by the book by Magrey DeVega. We are looking at the story of the prophet Elijah to receive encouragement and guidance. This episode introduces Elijah’s context and his experience in the wilderness. Music performed by Bethany Russell.

The story of the wise men following a star to the Christ child prompts us to look up and around for God’s guiding light in this new year. Music performed by Bethany Russell.

This Christmas Sunday worship service celebrates the songs of the season. Recorded in the sanctuary, you can watch this video on the church’s YouTube channel.

Carols and a Christmas message! Recorded in the church sanctuary, this service can be watched on the Bethel-Maidstone United Church YouTube channel. Thank you to Paul Rodey for recording. Works cited: Opening prayer by Aaron Palmer. Advent candle lighting by Martha Spong. Poem “Star Giving” by Ann Weems.…

The fourth instalment of our Advent series following Scrooge’s tale of transformation, inspired by Matt Rawle’s study, “The Redemption of Scrooge.” We are living in a fearful, uncertain time; hear how the story of God in the gospel of Luke is one in which fear is turned to great joy.

Our third episode in a series exploring Christian themes in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The Ghost of Christmas Present teaches us about the greatest gift of Christmas.

Memory and nostalgia play a heightened role in our lives at Christmas time. In this second episode of our Advent series, we consider Scrooge’s visit from the Ghost of Christmas Past, as we look for signs of hope in what can be a difficult season.

In a series based on Matt Rawle’s book, The Redemption of Scrooge, we journey to Christmas with Ebenezer, Bob Cratchit and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Along the way, we will rediscover for ourselves the meaning of Christ’s birth.

Should there always be winners and losers? Do some people just deserve more than others? In the third and final episode in this series, we explore God’s idea of fairness as it relates to equal pay for unequal work.

Part 2 in our No Fair! Sermon Series explores the challenge and grace of unlimited forgiveness.

Discover how God’s idea of forgiveness is fortunately very different from ours as we explore three passages from the Gospel of Matthew. This episode focuses in on conflict resolution in the church and the theme of Remembrance Day.

Our final episode in our “Food for the Soul” series is a bit of smorgasbord! Jello salad, baklava, honey and olive oil? It’s all in there as we explore sweets and fruit, now and in the stories of Jesus.

Fish and bread for a crowd. Fish fry on the beach. Fish and fishermen feature prominently in a number of stories about Jesus. We explore these stories and how they inspire our response to food insecurity in this message preached on World Food Sunday.

A Thanksgiving message about special foods, wine, celebration and the abundant life found in Christ!

Bread baking has become a pandemic pastime. Hear recipes and reflections on bread and its role in Christian rituals and teachings.

The first episode in a 5 part series on the significance and symbolism of food in the teachings of Jesus and our everyday lives. Find recipes and more on our Facebook page! References for this episode: Miriam Feinberg Vamosh, Food at the Time of the Bible: From Adam’s Apple to the Last Supper.Gary W. Charles, Feasting on the Word, Year B, Volume 1.…

The fourth and final episode of the series focuses on faithful action. For this message I drew upon a number of sources:Jane Fonda interview on CBC Radio’s program Q, 8 Sept 2020.Mark O’Neil, “Canada has a long, documented history of racism and racial discrimination. Don’t look away,” Globe and Mail, 12 June 2020Laura Beaulne-Stuebing, “’We are in …

In this episode Rev. Catherine Elsdon explores the challenge of envy and the power of gratitude.

A reflection on the rich tradition of prayers of lament.

Rev. Catherine Elsdon considers the particular anxieties we face in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and leads you through a simple prayer technique that can help ground you in the Spirit.