20 Years Ago - 11 September 2021 - Plague Journal Day 548

Micah 6:8
Deuteronomy 32:28-35
Yes, your life matters.

Some of you are still sheltering in place, but fear not: I'm here to keep you sane and entertained.
One could hardly ask for much more than that, now could one?

Yes, I remember where I was twenty years ago as I heard what was happening. I was in my car, listening to CBC Radio 2 and heard a brief news announcement that a plane had run into the World Trade Center. Clearly neither the news reader nor I really understood what had happened. I was able to wonder what kind of poor pilot could run a little Cessna into a giant building like that. By the time I was getting out of my car and heading up to the office, chatting with a coworker, we were hearing of a second plane, and it was then clear that it was something larger.

It wasn't long before we were all sent home to deal with what was going on in our own spaces, in our own ways. I don't know that I've really dealt with it completely even to this day. The sheer evil of killing people at random in order to terrorize others it simply beyond my comprehension. And so far, it's beyond my ability to forgive - not that anyone has asked forgiveness, mind you. They seem to think it was a glorious work of their bizarre, distorted concept of a god who hates. 

Were that really the nature of God, I don't think I'd be a worshiper. I'm glad I know the truth, and He has set me free. Now I need to free myself from the hatred that naturally boils up from this kind of thing.

Pray for the world.

Keep Calm and Don't Stay Away.
I'll be back tomorrow.
The mental health issues related to our lockdown and the pandemic are especially hard for people with depression. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has a 24 hour helpline: 800-950-6264.

I Don't Cotton To That - 10 September 2021 - Plague Journal Day 547

Micah 6:8  (check this song too)
Mark 2:21
Yes, your life matters.

Some of you are still sheltering in place, but fear not: I'm here to keep you sane and entertained.
One could hardly ask for much more than that, now could one?

Today is an interesting one. It's Blame It On The Large Hadron Collider Day. The LHC went online for the first time on this date in 2008 and every bad thing that's happened since then is likely due to its warping the woof of the fabric of space-time. (See what I did there?) For a moderately hip tour of the LHC, check this video.

Speaking of fabric, it's interesting that also on this date, but back in 1846, a patent was granted for a sewing machine with a lockstitch design. Sewing machines are fascinating: how does a needle going up and down through a piece of fabric sew anything? It has to do with bobbins and all kinds of fiddly bits and gears and sprockets and such.

See what I mean?

Keep Calm and Don't Stay Away.
I'll be back tomorrow.
The mental health issues related to our lockdown and the pandemic are especially hard for people with depression. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has a 24 hour helpline: 800-950-6264.

All Believers - 09 September 2021 - Plague Journal Day 546

Micah 6:8
Matthew 11:18-19
Yes, your life matters.

Some of you are still sheltering in place, but fear not: I'm here to keep you sane and entertained.
One could hardly ask for much more than that, now could one?

What a day for Protestants! Today is International Buy A Priest A Beer Day, and since we believe in the priesthood of all believers, that translates into Buy Any Believer A Beer Day!

John Wesley was apparently a bit of an ale expert. Perhaps it was because there was no safe water to drink in London in his day, but one cannot but revel in the fact that he savoured the flavour when drinking.

Keep Calm and Don't Stay Away.
I'll be back tomorrow.
The mental health issues related to our lockdown and the pandemic are especially hard for people with depression. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has a 24 hour helpline: 800-950-6264.

More Updates - 08 September 2021 - Plague Journal Day 545

Micah 6:8
Psalm 118
Yes, your life matters.

Some of you are still sheltering in place, but fear not: I'm here to keep you sane and entertained.
One could hardly ask for much more than that, now could one?

First, an update from the Labour Day Classic at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario. The streak is up to seven - the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have beaten the Toronto Argonauts seven straight Labour Day Classics (it took eight Labour Days, as there was no CFL season in 2020). Oskee Wee Wee!

Dad is a bit up and down these days. He's at home with constant care, but it's depressing to be unable to do much of anything for oneself, after all. He's healing (slowly), so the next goal is to build up some strength and get out of bed now and again. The long-term goal is to get back to church. We know there are lots of prayers going up for him to do just that, so you'll find no despair in us - and feel free to add your prayers to those already being said. We really do appreciate them.


Keep Calm and Don't Stay Away.
I'll be back tomorrow.
The mental health issues related to our lockdown and the pandemic are especially hard for people with depression. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has a 24 hour helpline: 800-950-6264.

Worship and 39 Years - 05 September 2021 - Plague Journal Day 542

Micah 6:8
Mark 7:24-37
Yes, your life matters.

Some of you are still sheltering in place, but fear not: I'm here to keep you sane and entertained.
One could hardly ask for much more than that, now could one? 

 

For our 9:30 worship service we are sharing communion, we'll have an international duet at offertory time, and two hymns for congregational singing. (Yes - we're back to congregational singing. We're Methodists again!) Remember, we'll be streaming for all those who can't join us in person, and intend to continue that practice indefinitely. Still, know that we miss seeing you in person - please come join in corporate prayer, praise, and worship as soon as you feel ready.

As usual, today's stream should just appear as the latest entry on our YouTube channel, here.
You'll find all our previous worship videos right there at that same place, and today's stream will stay there as a recording as well. 

Wondering about that 39 years in the title? It's the 39th anniversary of the smartest thing I ever did - marrying Heidi - and it even lands on the very same day of the week this year! I am the most blessed man there could ever be. I love you, Heidi!

Keep Calm and Don't Stay Away.
I'll be back tomorrow.
The mental health issues related to our lockdown and the pandemic are especially hard for people with depression. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has a 24 hour helpline: 800-950-6264