The Gift of the Open Door by Jeannine Lewis and Hannah Mills

Belonging is a powerful human need. It is the quiet assurance that we are known, welcomed, and not alone. Yet even in busy lives and crowded rooms, many of us quietly carry a sense of isolation.

My daughter, Hannah Mills, is a gifted writer, and in her story she invites us to remember a simpler time — when homes and hearts were open, and hospitality was a way of life. She shows us that belonging can begin with small, intentional acts: a door opened, a table set, and the courage to invite others in.

Learning Music Takes a Village by Emma Ghazarian

Many of us in the church love music. We value it. It plays a major role in our gatherings and worship. Yet many of our congregations and ministries are currently feeling a shortage of musicians. Fewer pianists. Fewer guitarists. Fewer people are confident enough to lead, accompany, or even try. (What would we do without the Beyond the Walls choir?)

This has made me wonder whether it is less a problem of willingness, or a shortage of people, and more a question of who had access to learn. Recently, I’ve found myself asking:

How many of us received some form of formal music education?

Walking in the Light by Bill Gillard

During the month of January this year, the Daily Bread meditation messages were encouraging us to consider the importance of light in our lives. The messages were challenging us to give thought to how we experience light, physically and spiritually, how we sense it through the Holy Spirit, how we might radiate light into the lives of others, and how Jesus is the Light of the world and what that means to each of us as we think on His teachings and ministry…

Sprinkling the Dust of Heaven by Bill Gillard

I do not think there is anything more beautiful and peaceful than to watch snowflakes start to fall on Christmas morning.  Unfortunately, I have not been on the other side of the world to watch this scene first-hand.  However, I have witnessed this spectacular sight many times on my television screen.  As I thought about the imagery depicted by the snowflakes falling from heaven, I could see a similarity to the Holy Spirit falling upon us.

The Newcastle Craft Group - How We Gather Series

Shortly after our Newcastle congregation opened nearly 25 years ago, we formed a Craft Group as an outreach ministry. What began as a small class introducing and teaching needlework—smocking, candlewicking, silk and wool embroidery, patchwork, and more—quickly grew as participants developed their skills and discovered their favourite crafts. Before long, individuals were excelling in their chosen areas and producing some truly beautiful work…