Travelling Light

Happy International Women’s Day…I think

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Pastor Rick Hill

Tuesday, March 8 was International Women’s Day – a day to celebrate the accomplishments and potential of women around the world. Unfortunately, not everyone in Winnipeg seemed to see things the same way.

On Monday March 7, I received a phone call from the producer of a documentary called HUSH which explores the health implications of abortion.Apparently, a scheduled screening of this movie at the University of Winnipeg had been cancelled by the office of the president. The promoters of the movie were seeking an alternate venue. After screening HUSH personally, I invited the promoters to use our facility.

Pray for Paris?

Posted on November 17, 2015 by Pastor Rick Hill

After the horrific attacks in Paris last week, social media lit up with messages urging us to “Pray for Paris”. And why not? It was shocking to think of the “City of Lights” under such a cloud of panic and terror. When we think of Paris, we think of art, sophistication, “joie de vivre” and especially romance. We can relate to people living in Paris because most of them are “like us”.

But why don’t we pray for Beirut (formerly known as the “Paris of the Middle East”) which experienced a similar suicide bombing? Read More

Democracy: Use It or Lose It!

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Pastor Rick Hill

Thanksgiving is just over. The fridge is full of leftovers (thankfully). Everyone is back to work (thankfully). It has not snowed yet (thankfully) and the Blue Bombers still have a faint hope for a playoff berth (thankfully). And the end of the longest federal election campaign in Canadian history is looming. How do we respond? Hopefully, with thanksgiving. Why? Read More

Meeting God at the Cinema

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Pastor Rick Hill

I didn’t grow up going to the movies. It wasn’t on our family’s list of officially sanctioned entertainment options. That’s changed for me, but I still like to be selective about what I watch.

Hollywood has not traditionally been “faith friendly” so in reaction to that, a number of Christian film makers have tried to provide healthy alternatives (with mixed results frankly). However, the quality of faith based films has been increasing, both in storylines and production quality. I’d like to point out some recent releases this fall for your consideration. Read More

In the Beginning

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Pastor Rick Hill

When does the story of the good news about Jesus begin? At his first public sermon in his home town of Nazareth? (Very popular…the congregation tried to kill him at the end of the service). At his birth in Bethlehem? (Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, etc.). Or maybe even further back with the many Old Testament prophecies that anticipated the Messiah’s arrival on our planet? Read More

God Keep Our Land

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Pastor Rick Hill

It’s the day after Canada Day. Last night’s fireworks in Assiniboine Park were the best ever. We took in a couple of fun street parties and hung the Maple Leaf with pride from the front of our home. During the finale of the pyrotechnics, it was inspiring to see an extended family of new immigrants stand up during the national anthem. As our daughter commented to a local politician yesterday, “Canada Day is just a fun holiday. You don’t get into trouble wishing someone a Happy Canada Day.”

But all is not well. Several months ago, Winnipeg experienced a boil water advisory. Our tap water was not deemed safe. It was a good reminder not to take clean drinking water for granted.

Two days of boiling water was a mild inconvenience. Can you imagine boiling your water, not for weeks or months, but for YEARS? That’s the calamity faced by Shoal Lake First Nation. This is the source of Winnipeg’s water. They do without while we prosper.

I am angry and embarrassed by our collective inaction on this issue. That’s why I have signed the attached petition.

http://community.sumofus.org/petitions/road-to-reconciliation-provide-access-to-clean-drinking-water-for-the-people-of-shoal-lake Read More

Welcome to the Family

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Pastor Rick Hill

I love a good story, no matter what media is used. My favourite type of story is hearing the first hand experiences of individuals and how God found them.

I also love baptisms. I love the powerful imagery of death and rebirth, of the old being transformed by the new. I never get bored with baptisms because I love a good story…and believe it or not, everyone has an interesting story. Of course, all of our details will vary of course, but there is one common theme…how our loving Creator reaches out and draws seeking people to Himself and adopts them into his family. Read More

Restricted Access

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Pastor Rick Hill

Have you ever been shut out of a gathering, party, or event that you really wanted to be a part of? Feels awful doesn’t it? That feeling that you just don’t have what it takes, or aren’t good enough…

Years ago, in the small Ontario town where we lived, a team of former NHL stars showed up for a charity event. It was the highlight of the winter for the hockey fans in our house. My oldest son (age 10) rooted through my old hockey card collection anticipating some sweet autographs. Read More

Intergenerational Worship

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Pastor Rick Hill

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

This past Sunday, our Family Worship service saw all the members of our tribe celebrating together. We randomly divided into groups and went on a brief “tour” of the stained glass windows in our sanctuary. Read More

Out of The Mouths of Babes

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Pastor Rick Hill

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Some of us grew up with the adage “Children should be seen and not heard”. This old saying does not apply to the story we studied this week at Elim Chapel. Jesus as a twelve year old boy amazes the temple teachers while discussing spiritual issues with them. On the cusp of manhood, and anticipating his bar mitzvah when he could fully participate in worship as an adult male, Jesus was full of questions and insights. He wanted to connect with his Papa.