Snowmageddon

Snowmageddon

Snowmageddon? Is that even a word? In Vancouver this week, it was a reality. The first snow of the year produced total mayhem on the roads, with a promise of more to come. I am not talking about a few flakes that slowed things down, but a total upheaval of the travel...
A Pastor, A Picnic Table and a Cheesecake

A Pastor, A Picnic Table and a Cheesecake

Five years ago, I was inspired by Kristin Schell’s little film The Turquoise Table. The premise is that during her prayer time she would often ask God to help her connect with neighbours. Eventually, she had the idea of moving her picnic table out to the front yard,...
Advent Devotional 2022

Advent Devotional 2022

The first week of Advent traditionally focuses on HOPE. We hold onto hope even as we live in a time of unsettling ambiguity. Our day to day lives have been significantly “disrupted” over the past two and a half years; so, have our churches.  Systemic racial...
Advent in the Neighbourhood

Advent in the Neighbourhood

Many of your neighbours may have no idea what Advent is, but most of them likely get into the holiday spirit and are eager to give, gather and share some holiday cheer! All of this makes it a wonderful opportunity for followers of Jesus to discover and join Spirit on...
A Different Way to Gather

A Different Way to Gather

I am blessed. I get front row seats to watch God at work in an increasing number of churches as we seek to join with what God is doing in our neighbourhoods. Years ago, I remember Stuart Murray Williams suggesting that we need multi-voice churches in this...
Why Evangelism is Often, a “Waste” of Time.

Why Evangelism is Often, a “Waste” of Time.

The other day I was walking home from work for lunch, (a practice I began during COVID and have kept up on fair weather days) and a neighbour about 5 blocks down from where I live greeted me saying, “Are you the pastor guy?” Although I had seen this man before and had...
Joining In or Bringing In?

Joining In or Bringing In?

In a recent online gathering, we had an inspiring and challenging conversation prompted by one participant’s reflections on some recent events in her neighbourhood.  There had been a big community Festival in their neighbourhood (of primarily high-rises) hosted...

Unexpected Gifts

Dear Friend of Forge, What gift are you asking for this Christmas? My kids have hounded me for a list, but I have already had an incredibly rich season in receiving 4 gifts from the Lord. Gift #1 was an amazing week away, being led to numbers of old friends. Reminded...
Come Lord Jesus

Come Lord Jesus

This year Advent has a different feel for me, perhaps it does for you as well. Fears of another covid Christmas, the ongoing pain and grief of loss, the weight of so many things wrong in the world–climate change, racism, gender violence, military coups– to...
Struck by Beauty

Struck by Beauty

It’s early on a Sunday morning. While out for a walk to process, pray and clear my head, I came upon these trees in one of the parks near my home. I was struck by their frosty beauty and in an instant, filled with a sense of hope, excitement and calm. While at that...