Inviting, Inspiring, and Investing in The Way of Jesus Christ

Sermons

Sermons and other Reflections

Sermon: "The Divine in the Dirt," Dec. 24 2014 Christmas Eve

Why go through this same script? Year after year after year? Jesus, Mary, Joseph. Shepherds. Angels. Maybe it’s because Christmas is one of our favorite and most treasured holidays. It could be warm childhood memories. It could be the gathering of family and friends all in one place. And/or it could be that this story is often paired with a stiff serving of eggnog on the side.

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Sermon: "Broken Branches," Dec. 21, 2014

What a way to begin a story. Mark’s gospel begins in the thick of things with John the Baptist at the side of the river Jordan shouting “repent!” Luke’s gospel begins with a dedication to a faithful reader. John’s gospel begins cosmically, way back at the beginning of time with “in the beginning was the Word.” And Matthew’s gospel begins… with a list. A long, tediously precise list of names. Beginning with Abraham, the father of all nations. Through King David, Israel’s most celebrated King. On through the Babylonian exile. Name after name after name all the way down to Jesus. It might be the least exciting way to show someone your family tree.

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Christmas and Advent at St. George's

We invite you to join us on the journey of watching, waiting, and mystery in this year's Advent and Christmas seasons. No matter who you are, where you are in life, or the journey of faith. Join us as we wait and watch in joyous anticipation for Emmanuel—God with us—who is already at work in making all things new.

Click here to find out more about what's happening at St. George's this season.

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Painting the Stars: Science, Religion, and an Evolving Faith beginning Oct. 2

An adult study celebrating the communion of science and faith, Painting the Stars explores the promise of evolutionary Christian spirituality. Featuring over a dozen leading theologians and progressive thinkers, as we together explore our faith journey in the 21st century. All are invited to this adventure!

Thursday evenings, October 2, 9, & 16, and November 6, 13, 20, & 27 in the Upper Lounge
7:00-8:30pm

Leadership: Glenn Jackson

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Sermon: "The Call," September 7th, 2014

The following sermon was delivered by Rev. Foster Freed of Trinity United Church Nanaimo, on the occasion of the covenanting service between St. George's United Church and its new minister, Rev. Ryan Slifka.

            First and foremost, let me say how delighted I am to be here in your midst this afternoon.  This is, in so many ways, an exciting day: an exciting day for Ryan, an exciting day for this congregation, an exciting day for Comox-Nanaimo Presbytery.  It goes without saying that I am pleased to be in your midst…and that I am honoured to have been asked—by Ryan—not only to attend, but to offer a word as part of this wonderful occasion...

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Sermon: "Risky Business," August 10, 2014

The following sermon was delivered by Rev. Ryan Slifka at the joint service of Comox, St. George's and Cumberland United Churches held at St. George's United Church.

This past week I’ve been asking myself the question, “If you had all three United Churches in the Comox Valley in the same room together, what would you say?” I mean, it’s got to be good. New minister, new to the valley. Gotta impress. Gotta inspire. And I felt the same way I always do when I’m putting together a sermon. So much to say, so little space to say it all. Count yourselves lucky.

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