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

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

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

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

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…

When I was young, I used to think that the Maundy Thursday evening church services were boring and useless, during Holy week. Maybe it was because my mother always said, “Before we participate in Communion, we must forgive each other and ask those who we have issues with to forgive us”. Of course this was a hard pill to swallow. At Elgin-Portland Pastoral Charge, where I have been serving since February 1, 2013, we started doing short Maundy Thursday services at 6:30 p.m. so that even the choir members can join, as choirs meet at 7:30 every Thursday. That is … Read more