News
Hands
By Rev. Canon Stewart Murray, Incumbent at St. Barnabas, Ottawa
(This article appears in the September 2017 edition of 'Crosstalk', the newspaper of the Diocese of Ottawa.)
The Value of Time
By Rev. Canon Stewart Murray, Incumbent at St. Barnabas, Ottawa
(This article appears in the June edition of Crosstalk, the newspaper of the Diocese of Ottawa.)
Summertime is fast approaching, and I remember very vividly the excitement of the last day of school and the preparations for heading off to the cottage. Summer was a time of freedom from school and routines, and a time for adventure and fun at the beach. As a child, the days of summer seemed endless; there was never quite enough time to fit in everything we imagined we wanted to do.
Growing into Christ
By Rev. Canon Stewart Murray (published in the May 2017 Crosstalk, the newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa)
Stony Ground
by Rev. Canon Stewart Murray
This article appears in the April issue of Crosstalk, the newspaper of the Diocese of Ottawa
On the surface the parables of Jesus are simple stories often drawn from the popular stories or everyday events of 1st-century Israel. They have the potential, however, to draw you into a conversation with the theme of the parable that can open up a deeper encounter with Jesus. I have been engaged in such a conversation with the parable of the Sower from the Gospels of St. Matthew 13:1-23 and Luke 8:1-15. I have always had an affinity with this story, perhaps because I am a gardener and have been a keen seed saver at times. I know some of the challenges of working to save seed from one season to the next and of the importance of soil preparation in a successful garden.
Parish concert event: Dark Nights, Radiant Light: Meditations in Eastertide through Song, Image, Word, and Silence
Centred on the themes of Mercy, Grace, Faith, and Love, this program offers four meditations on the journey of faith through the darkness of our hearts to the Light of New Life in Christ. Featuring songs written and performed by soprano Catherine Schwartz in collaboration with cellist Greg Weeks and harpist Susan Sweeney Hermon, paintings by Annegret Hunter, and readings by Lucy-Ann Kubina from the works of Underhill, Julian of Norwich, L'Engle, Donne, and Herbert, the program also includes opportunities for silent reflection. Reception to follow.
Darkness and Light
by Rev. Canon Stewart Murray
This article appears in the March issue of Crosstalk, the newspaper of the Diocese of Ottawa
Holy Week, especially Good Friday, and Easter are an invitation that God gives us to reflect on the challenges and difficulties we all face. They are also times that speak to me of the possibilities of change and renewal.
Evensong and Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
Here is a complete recording of the service of Evensong and Solemn Benediction held February 19.
Invitation to become more engaged, deepen relationship
By Rev. Canon Stewart Murray
This article appears in the February edition of Crosstalk, the monthly newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa
Parish to host blanket exercise to re-enact the effects of colonization on aboriginal peoples -- and to promote empathy
On Sunday, February 26, the Parish will host an event designed to promote greater understanding of the plight of aboriginal peoples through centuries of colonization. The KAIROS Blanket Exercise is an interactive learning experience that teaches the history of Indigenous rights that we’re rarely taught.
Joy
By Rev. Canon Stewart Murray
This article appears in the January edition of Crosstalk, the newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa
Throughout the Christmas season the words and the themes that seemed to be everywhere were joy and wonder. They were present not only in the wonderful carols, but in the scripture readings and in the liturgies that were offered. This theme of joy and wonder continues into the Epiphany season that leads us to the season of Lent.