Let it Be – A Prayer of Hope and Healing

Today at both worship celebrations, (Portland and Elgin) this prayer was spoken after  “Let it Be” by The Beatles, was sung…. Prayers of Hope and Healing…. God of favor and purpose, You have clothed us with a robe of righteousness. And journey with us wherever we go – even in the midst of the pit of darkness… You are with us in our deepest pain, fear, and bewilderment. Help us to Let it be, Lord, let it be. You hear our cry when others turn a deaf ear and a cold heart. You lift us from the depths of discouragement … Read more

We Are ALL Part of the Universe

Light in Darkness

It is the Sunday morning worship celebration at Portland United Church – August 6, 2017. While I was sitting on one of the chairs at the pulpit, I sensed a presence that was unexpected – or was it expected? I sensed that the late Councillor of our town, Mr. Doug Good, was present. I know he tragically passed away with his buddy, Mike Carty, this March 10, while I was in El Salvador; and I was not sure why was I having these feelings. I wondered and asked myself, “What is it that has me feeling this way?”. A few … Read more

The Church is NOT a Building

For the past five weeks, we completed the DVD study of John Ortberg’s, “God is Closer Than You Think”. John is a Presbyterian pastor in California and we have been enjoying his studies. The first one we did was, “Soul Keeping”, which made us fall in love with his simple but yet profound insights; therefore, we went on to do another study from his, which is this one. The following points are a few things that stuck with me: First, God wants a relationship with every single individual. God is NOT sitting on a throne and checking a list of … Read more

God Knows Our Needs

Today (July 6, 2017) is Nazani’s 21st birthday. Nazani is a wonderful, beloved individual who is helping us at VBS (Vacation Bible School – 2017) at Elgin-Portland Pastoral Charge. She came here from Montreal for this week, to share her musical gift with our VBS students. We have about 14-16 children and youth participating, daily, from 9:15 a.m. to noon.  Nazani did not come alone, she also brought her boyfriend, Rafi to help out with games. We have been having a blast. Today, I wanted to get a special cake, a card, a gift, something special to mark Nazani’s 21st … Read more

It is ALL Worthwhile

Today we gathered at Hanna Park, Portland, ON for our Annual Outdoor Worship Service and Picnic Lunch. Half of the regular congregants were not there, as there are other events going on on this day, where they have responsibilities. In the morning, the clouds were covering the sun and i was almost tempted to say, “Let’s move the service at the Portland United Church building, just in case it rains.” But another voice discouraged me to make that phone call and trust Mother Nature. As soon as I arrived at the park, a member of the churches I serve came … Read more

God Visits Us in Different Forms…

Yesterday evening, June 23, 2017, if anyone asked me how is ministry life – They would have been disappointed by my answer. I had visited little “Princess” (2 month old today), who is fighting for her life and a man in his 80’s who has been living in the hospital for over 2 years, because of dialysis… His days are mostly spent sleeping, and he barely remembered who I was. But I know who he is… So, it was a good visit…After such deep, sacred moments at the hospital, I had to withstand other fires that were draining my energy … Read more

A Day of Firsts

Today was a day of Firsts. I officiated my very first same gender wedding and after which I rushed to go and do an emergency baptism of a 6-week old baby. It was an emotional roller coaster ride but it was a sacred one, nonetheless. Sometimes I wonder why I do what I do, then I get a beautiful note like this one (below) that reminds me, our work is never in vain. Here, I share this priceless note with all of you…   “Dear Takouhi, I could not have imagined a more beautiful, fitting marriage ceremony than that which … Read more

Pentecost – The Promise of God

Promise of God, You never fail. Ray of Light, You grant us Hope. Author of all Good, Your Word is Life. Living Water, You quench All thirst. Consuming Fire, burn away our worries and set ablaze the fire in us. Ardent love, Your Passion gives Courage. Spiritual balm, You Salve our Pain. Eternal Compassion, Help us be compassionate. Spirit of Wisdom, Guide our Steps. Spirit of Guidance, Send us forth. Spirit of Truth, May we Live in Your Truth. Spirit of Reconciliation, May we Live in Peace. Spirit of transformation, Refine us again. Spirit of Justice, Help us to Act … Read more

Let Your Actions Match Your Words….

Today, May 31, 2017 – in conversations with different individuals, the following words surfaced and I am compelled to share them with you. “God does not promise an easy life – but to journey with us ALWAYS.” “God Blesses our actions when we do it for God’s Mission and Meets our Needs; as long as we our actions and words meet the purpose of God.” So, today – Do not be afraid… Speak the Truth, allow the Word to become flesh again with your life and carry on the Grace of God…

April 24, 2017 – 102 Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide

Hundred and two years today, the Armenians are still demanding the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, by the government, the Turks, who carried out such atrocities and also by other countries. In 2015, the Canadian Parliament passed Motion M-587 and declared the month of April as Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month and marked April 24 as Armenian Genocide Memorial Day. This morning, as I prepare to go to Ottawa and walk with the Armenian People, my People. I praise God for the Perseverance, and the Power that God granted to our ancestors to live through and most of all, I thank … Read more