Category: social justice

The Wholeness of the Forgotten Ones

Part of healing from fundamentalism is staring straight in the face the kinds of things I used to say to other people as an obnoxious evangelical. It’s not the easiest of tasks. Actually, it’s more like trying to cleanse an open, blistering sunburn with rubbing alcohol. The sting is excruciating in the midst of being exposed over and over again…

Black and white close up of white girl's eyes; her face covered all around by a wooden scarf, light reflecting in her eyes.

What Are We Seeking?

When the pain of the world filters through my vision all at once, I easily focus on what I’m seeing rather than what I’m seeking. Without thinking about it, what I’m seeing then determines what I seek. And I can seek cynicism, fear, and distraction with the best of them. I feel entitled to my cynicism. And to my fear.…

Epiphany: The Showing of God in the Most Unlikely

It’s not so far-fetched, you know. The Magi. Them being occultic astrologers, I mean. Jesus’ entire life is predicated on learning from and uplifting voices of the unlikely. The presence of pagan strangers with expensive taste simply falls within this odd norm, along with foul-smelling shepherds and pregnant virgins. Technically, they aren’t even classified as ‘wise folks’ in Matthew’s account.…

Black background with triangle rainbow flags in each corner; small rainbow central top, text reads: "I can support GSAs however I can, support families as they seek to be healthy support systems for LGBTQ2SIA+ youth, and speak out against the darkness that threatens the lives and wellbeing of marginalised groups." www.reluctantmysticism.com

Honouring the Presence of GSAs

Film Production This past winter, Trinity Lutheran Church was host to local filmmaker Mark Koeppen (KTNexus), and video creator Katie Cutting (Big Sky Life, Lazy Kitten Productions), who shot and produced public service announcements for the importance of GSAs/QSAs (gay/straight alliances/queer straight alliances). The political and social climate in Alberta right now is incredibly tense, more so with the provincial…

Array of 3 photos of people standing with pride flags and signs at a rally. Text reads: "Without [cynicism], my curiosity revels in my privileges and permits me to question the world without questioning myself." www.reluctantmystcism.com

GSAs, Curiosity, & Cynicism

A rival political candidate in our upcoming provincial election announced that if he is elected, he will reverse the current government’s policy of supporting Gay/Straight, Queer/Straight Alliances (GSAs/QSAs). Essentially, he’ll allow teachers and school administrators to inform parents when their kids attend any such group on school grounds. His announcement, while not unexpected, remains devastating. It’s provoking peaceful demonstrations across…

Green figs in a decorative white bowl and plate spilling onto a wooden table; one fig is cracked open to reveal red fruit inside. Text reads: "Jesus & the fig tree: when manure stands in the gap between us and judgment, Luke 13:1-9"

Judgment, Jesus,Figs, & Poop

Preaching on passages known for judgment during their integrative history is difficult. For some reason, we are overly attached to this notion of God as axe-wielder, ready to chop down the useless and pointless with divine gardening wrath. We want God to get rid of all that doesn’t measure up. Having said that, trying to preach a gospel of grace…

Dear Nefoos: On My 40th Birthday

Dear Cubbie, Dodger, & Rex, Today I turn 40 years old. To you, that sounds ancient I know. But trust me, once you turn 40 it won’t sound or feel old at all. In many ways, it will feel like life has just only begun. For now, I’m thrilled to be your middle-aged auntie who loves zip-lining down old Welsh…

Line up of people casting long shadows in a city square

Changed for the Healing of the World

I have a bad habit (one among many). Whenever there is conflict, I need to run. Any disturbance in the Force is a reason to flee — a true Jedi I am not. If there’s something someone else has done that has hurt me or bothered me, I’ll often ignore it for the sake of keeping the stasis (calling it…

Black and white photo of a trans/genderqueer person at a Pride parade holding a sign reading "Harvey Milk, Larry Kramer".

Pride Month Feature: Lindsey Jorgensen-Skakum

I’m excited and honoured to introduce to you my friend and colleague, Lindsey Jorgensen-Skakum. I first met Lindsey when they were finishing their final year at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon while I was beginning my first year. Warm and welcoming in a kind and hearty way, Lindsey demonstrated the kind of hospitality and community we all desire when entering…

Background of a green and red flower with a quote in the foreground: "Let my life be rooted in the ground of your peace, O God, let me be rooted in the depths of your peace. ~ from CELTIC BENEDICTION by J. Philip Newell"

Stillness Is Not Inaction

In the busyness of this day grant me a stillness of seeing, O God. In the conflicting voices of my heart grant me a calmness of hearing. Let my seeing and hearing my words and my actions be rooted in a silent certainty of your presence. Let my passions for life and the longings for justice that stir within me…