Podcast Episodes

Jonah, the Reluctant Peacemaker — Mary Anne Isaak

This Peace Sunday, Mary Anne examined the cliff-hanger ending of the book of Jonah (Jonah 4:1-11), alongside the Joseph Campbell's 'Hero's Journey.' How can we as peacemakers release our anger in a h…

Published on 1 year, 1 month ago

Who is a Saint? — Mary Anne Isaak

This All Saints Sunday (November 3), Mary Anne offered reflections on 1 Kings 17:1-24, exploring sainthood as "someone who is growing in discernment about God's voice, and as a result, is being trans…

Published on 1 year, 1 month ago

Immanence, Transcendence, Question Mark — Aaron Thiessen

On October 27, 2024, Aaron combined the prog rock album "Question Mark," the lectionary passage (1 Kings 5:1-5, 8:27-30, 41-43), and reflections on the paradox of God immanence and transcendence.

Note…

Published on 1 year, 1 month ago

(From the Archives) Through the Eyes of God — Edgar French

Occassionally, River East doesn't have a traditional sermon to record on a given Sunday; maybe we had a potluck, storytelling, or just a service of singing. In those instances, we'll upload a sermon …

Published on 1 year, 1 month ago

The World is About to Turn — Mary Anne Isaak

On October 13, Mary Anne explored Hannah's song in 1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20, 2:1-10. On the way, we learned how the British National Anthem evolved over time, and concluded with some singing ourselves!

Published on 1 year, 2 months ago

Chariots, Elephants, and the Golden Calf — Aaron Thiessen

On October 6, Aaron tackled the story of the Golden Calf in Exodus 32:1-14, sprinkling in some insights from Plato, Jonathan Haidt, and a strange prayer from the Babylonian Talmud.

Published on 1 year, 2 months ago

Reconciliation: New Meanings in Things I Thought I Understood — Tobi Jolly

On September 29—the Sunday before the Nataional Day of Truth and Reconcilliation—guest preacher Tobi Jolly reflected on current Indigenous realities while also exploring texts regarding the Passover …

Published on 1 year, 2 months ago

From Loss, Renewal — Mary Anne Isaak

On September 22, 2024, Mary Anne highlighted a pattern of exile and exultation found throughout the story of Joseph: Genesis 37:3-8 17b-22, 26-34; 50:15-21.

Published on 1 year, 2 months ago

Shield of Faith, Shield of Doubt — Aaron Thiessen

On September 15, Aaron used Genesis 15:1-6 and the story of Abram under the stars to reflect on prayer .

Note: this is actually re-recording, as the mic dropped out a few times on the original Sunday.

Published on 1 year, 2 months ago

Blessing and Call — Mary Anne Isaak

On September 8, 2024, Mary Anne kicked off our year with the narrative lectionary, offering this sermon on Genesis 2:4-7, 15-17; 3:1-8.

Published on 1 year, 3 months ago