Ministry Pieces

Trash or Treasure – June 3, 2019

The late Phyllis Tickle has said, and I believe it is in her book, “The Great Emergence: How Christianity Is Changing and Why” (October 1, 2008) that churches go through great transitions every 300-500 years. It is like purging the attic of a house to see what is worth keeping and what needs to go. In the last few months, the neighbouring United Churches where I live and serve have met twice. Our first meeting was held on March 30th and the second, just a few days ago on June 1. In conversations we had many questions come up: What … Read more

God’s Providence: A Tap on My Shoulder – May 8, 2019  

Today, Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at our V.I.B.E. (Venturing Through Biblical Education) morning gathering, we shared how we each have, and continue to experience God’s Providence in our daily lives in different ways. We have been reading the wonderful book by The Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann titled, “The Bible Makes Sense”. Today’s reading, Chapter 2, talks about how we are fed in the wilderness of life, just like Ancient Israel was fed the Heavenly Manna while they were going through the desert of life to The Promised Land. My Personal AHA moment from this chapter was, now that I am … Read more

Be a Blessing & Be Blessed on this Holy Thursday – April 18, 2019

Holy Thursday reminds us how Jesus is glorified by becoming a servant. Holy Thursday empowers us to love and serve each other as Jesus did. Here are a few pictures from the gathering that took place at Elgin United Church (The Elgin-Portland Pastoral Charge). A Holy Thursday Service of Anointing and Communion. Holy Thursday is A Gathering to Remember Jesus and his disciples around the table of Love, where Jesus washed their feet, shared the Bread of Life and the Cup of the New Covenant sealed with his blood. Here is a prayer that we prayed as a Community of … Read more

Life’s Journey – Returning to My Roots – with New Found Wings

Dear Friends & Family, It seems that it was just yesterday that the sabbatical journey conversations were starting to take place between The Elgin-Portland Pastoral Charge and I, but that was more than eighteen months ago. August 26 marked the last Sunday Worship Celebration for me to officiate in 2018, before beginning this sabbatical journey on September 1. Between planning the trip to Lebanon and Armenia, and balancing curve balls of family duties, I have had the privilege to be with one hundred and seventeen amazing women at Quin-Mo-Lac (A Bay of Quinte Conference / United Church of Canada Sponsored … Read more

Trust Revisited…

Dearly Beloved, Today, I want to share with you the miracle of trust. This morning, I got up and I counted the days, and we are one month away from the Sabbatical Journey to Lebanon. There are many emotions with this anticipation of going back to a place that I left thirty-five years ago. As most of you know, the pastoral charge that I serve, the Elgin-Portland Pastoral Charge has been fundraising to reach out to the refugee children who are unable to receive education. The initiative we started is called: “Peace through Education – Lebanon”. Many have given generously, … Read more

Rev. Takouhi’s Reflection…. Are We Ready to Reclaim Jesus?

On May 21, I was on my way to Washington D.C. for the annual Festival of Homiletics, which is an ever nourishing and rejuvenating week-long gathering of ministers/church leaders of Faith Communities that I look forward to every single year – This year marked the fifth year that I have been able to attend, and I was one of 1,700 registered participants from all over the world – Yes, even Australia.   On my way there, I heard that there was going to be a procession on May 24, from one of the host churches, the National City Christian Church, … Read more

The Silver Lining in the Middle of Winter…

Last Tuesday, February 6, 2018, When I was about to go to sleep, I started feeling a little tickle in my throat… I did not make anything out of it and tried to ignore it as much as possible and went on with my busy week. By Saturday, I had no voice so I kept as quiet as possible. Sunday morning, my voice was a bit better but not enough to carry on two full worship celebrations one after the other. I did not want to call in sick and stay home, because it is more than being in accountable … Read more

Snow Clearing – Egos Disappearing…

Those of us who live in Canada know what to do when that snow comes down and life becomes a stand still. Of course, this is not just in Canada, it happens anywhere that snow is inevitable. After I turned 50, on November 18, 2017, believe it or not, I became more interested in using the snow blower to help clear snow off our driveway and house entry then ever before. Maybe it’s because a few women around me have turned 80 and demonstrate how an active life can make us more agile and alert. After a good two-week deep-freeze, … Read more

Because of Traffic, I Found a New Song…

This year, one of the highlights was our family trip to California. My husband, Gary, and I had not been there since April 2008 – That is a long while, especially when you have beloved family and friends there. My Father-in-law, who turned 86 on October 18, had never been to California and only took his very first flight ever, in April of 2013. So, imagine what an impact this trip was going to have on all of us, seeing loved ones, going to Palm Springs (thanks to my sister Ruth and her husband Donald for the beautiful accommodations at … Read more

Christmas Talk before Remembrance Day

There are always people complaining that no one should talk about Christmas before Remembrance Day.  This is what I believe. I do not think, Christmas disrespects the Veterans who fought for Hope, Peace, Joy and Love; because the essence of the Original Christmas was exactly that, to bring Hope to those in darkness; Peace to those in war; Joy to those who were oppressed; and most of all Love to All. And that is what the Veterans fought for and put their lives on the line. However, many parts of the world has evolved so much, and ingrained in us … Read more