The fellowship of the child — Missional Meditations

​Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation entitled, "The fellowship of the child," based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the day of Epiphany. Like the magi and the shepherds found the Christ child among his parents in Bethlehem, so God’s mission draws people together in a mutual sharing or […]

Mourning turned to joy

Mourning turned to joy

​Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,    and the young men and the old shall be merry.I will turn their mourning into joy,    I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. Photo by Josh Garber. Graphic design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.

Righteousness springs up

Righteousness springs up

​For as the earth brings forth its shoots,    and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise    to spring up before all the nations. Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash. Graphic design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.  

God’s love is forever

God's love is forever

​I declare that your steadfast love is established forever;    your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. Photo by Benjamin Davies on Unsplash. Graphic design by Cynthia Friesen Coyle.

Signs following — Missional Meditations

​Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation entitled, "Signs following," based on the Revised Common Lectionary  for December 20, the fourth Sunday in Advent. Mary’s faith to bear Jesus was strengthened by signs on earth that confirmed the announcement from heaven.  Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 2  Samuel 7:1-11, 16  Luke 1:26-38  […]

Ready. Set. Go.

​Are you mad, sad, or feeling bad? What’s causing you stress during this holiday season? As part of The Hope Series Prayer, Church Relations representative Karla Minter shares a tip to deal with our current despair, with three simple steps: Ready. Set. Go. This was initially streamed on  December 14, 2020.

Proclaiming liberty

Proclaiming liberty

1 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,    because the Lord has anointed me;he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,    to bind up the brokenhearted,to proclaim liberty to the captives,    and release to the prisoners;2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,    and the day of vengeance of our God;    to comfort all who mourn;3 to provide for those who […]

Restoring joy — Missional Meditations

Missional Meditations

​Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation entitled, "Restoring joy," based on the Revised Common Lectionary for December 13, the third Sunday in Advent. God’s appearing restores our joy and sends us with the joy that restores.  John 1:6-8, 19-28  Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11  Psalm 126  1 Thessalonians 5:16-24  This was […]

Thankfulness while waiting

​As part of The Hope Series Prayer, Sandy Miller, Senior Executive for Resourcing and Mobilization, shares about the great things that our God has done as she reflects on Psalm 71:19. This was initially streamed on  December 7, 2020.

God’s time

God's time

​8 But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.  Clock […]

God has noticed

​As part of The Hope Series Prayer, Church Relations representative Ann Jacobs welcomes us into the season of advent with reflections from the Anabaptist Prayer Book (Isaiah 61:10-11; Luke 1:5-7; Philippians 4:4-9). "God has noticed," A lamentation of prayer and praise. This was initially streamed on  November 30, 2020.

Living in the long delay — Missional Meditations

​Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation entitled, "Living in the long delay" based on the Revised Common Lectionary  for November 29, the first Sunday in advent. Calling on God and doing God’s work strengthens us in the long delay of God’s kingdom.   Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark […]