This Sunday, we continue our study of Ecclesiastes, exploring the raw honesty of its author. We'll reflect on how this ancient text invites us to confront the world's suffering with open eyes and compassionate hearts, and grants us liberating permission to be honest about our own struggles, suffering, doubts, despair and disillusionment as a path to healing and growth. 
Together, we'll consider the transformative power of lament, authenticity and vulnerability within community as gifts of hope and strength amidst life's struggles, tragedies and uncertainties.

Discussion Questions:

Cathleen references an earlier sermon where Shane, Mel and Sophie shared their stories, that can be listened to here.

Summertime, and the living is … meaningless?!? 

The Teacher of Ecclesiastes contends that everything in life is ultimately in vain and therefore meaningless. Is the Teacher completely correct or could there be something more?  What might Jesus have to say to the Teacher?

Join Mark Dettweiler as he explores these questions.  

Question 1:  What gives life meaning? 

In the Teacher’s view, “meaning” or “substance” arises from personal permanent gain.

Do you share that view? Why or why not?  What do you think makes life meaningful?

Question 2: Is life finite or eternal?

The Teacher states that we are finite (dust) but also notes that God has given us the “burden” of understanding the concept of eternity. Is the knowledge of short-term existence in an eternal timeline a blessing or burden? Do you think God would give us understanding of something we cannot experience?

Question 3:  Do I “find” meaning in life that already exists or “create” meaning (if any) by how I choose to live?

“Essentialism” (Aristotle): Essence (i.e substance, meaning) precedes existence. i.e there is a big story that we participate in.

“Existentialism” (Kirkegaard, Sartre and others). Existence precedes essence. We create whatever meaning there is through our choices and actions.  

Traditionally, religion has leaned heavily on essentialist philosophy even at an individual level (i.e “God has a plan for your life”).  The Teacher of Ecclesiastes has a more existential world view (i.e. meaning does not exist or at least cannot be understood so go live your best life). Discuss the merits, faults and practical implications of each viewpoint. 

Question 4: What might Jesus say to the Teacher?

Dallas Willard writes in The Divine Conspiracy:

“Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens is at hand”.  This is a call for us to reconsider how we have been approaching our life, in light of the fact that we now, in the presence of Jesus, have the option of living within the surrounding movements of God’s eternal purposes, of taking our life into his life.

The invitation of Jesus to “seek first the Kingdom of God”, hints at a larger, eternal meaning.  How might we practically  “seek the kingdom” or God’s eternal purposes in Kitchener-Waterloo (or where we live) in 2024?

We are told that moderation is a virtue, but it is easy to call for moderation when you are in a place of comfort and privilege. This week we will look at a number of passages of scripture and consider how they could be used to both help and to harm and discern together what it means to listen to the Spirit as a community. 

Please note that due to a technical glitch, the first portion of the sermon was unrecorded. It picks up again after Brian leads us in the opening verse (slides are added with these for you to read through).

This Sunday we open up our nine-part series on one of the most difficult books of the Old Testament.

Devon explores how the uncomfortable and abstract nature of Ecclesiastes is intentionally present, and also an essential aspect of the teaching of this book. 

The Youth took over our regular Sunday gathering!

This week, our Youth commandeered over pretty much the whole service, including the welcome and greetings, worship, communion, announcements, kids dismissal, and teaching.

Tessa (and Parker) spoke about Jesus as the embodiment of God living a life to the fullest through humility and surrender, capturing the essence of Philippians 2:5-11. 

This Sunday, we’re continuing our 2-week ‘Church as a Common Collective’ series with a look at how God can bring beauty out of brokenness. Join us as Mel, Shane, and Sophie each share their personal stories about God’s providence in times of despair.

Please note that this week's message contains sensitive content, including discussions on health crises, homophobia, loss, and miscarriage.

This week, join us as we explore the theme of God’s miraculous intervention throughout the Old Testament and its profound connection to Pentecost. Together, we’ll ponder the intriguing question: Why does goodness often seems chaotic in this world?

Understanding our own belovedness transforms us, and in doing so transforms our understanding of others. When we see others through the eyes of Jesus’ love we realize that even our enemies are beloved. But belovedness does not mean we lack boundaries, but instead belovedness calls us into transformed living. 

This week, Brian will be rounding off the current series with his topic on how Belovedness Transforms Enemies.  He will be looking at the story of Paul and Ananias, with scripture taken from Acts 9:9-19 and Galatians 1:15-20.

As we continue our series on Belovedness, Cathleen will guide us through “Breaking the Binary of Belovedness.” We’ll explore how everyone, from the prodigal to the powerful, from the marginalized to the magnified, is deeply cherished. Join us as we embark on a journey beyond the constraints of binary thinking to recognizing, celebrating and embracing the belovedness of all, paving the way for individual and communal healing.

This Sunday we will begin a sermon series on Belovedness. Mark Dettweiler will speak about the positive changes that arise as we embrace God’s love for us and live each day as His beloved.