Do Justice Podcast

Invitation to Listen: Wilderness Times

Rev. Bri-anne Swan — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 02:41:15 +0000

Hi Friends! The Do Justice podcast feed has been dormant for more than a year now. There will be no new episodes posted to this feed. However, I wanted to let you know about a new podcast project I’ve been working on called, Wilderness Times. The following is the trailer for the show. Simply search whatever service you are using to listen here right now and hit subscribe.

Wilderness Times website

Asian in Canada

Rev. Bri-anne Swan — Fri, 07 May 2021 14:49:05 +0000

May is Asian Heritage Month. In this week's episode, we hear from Tina Conlon, Minister for Davenport Perth Community Ministry, with her reflection titled, "Asian in Canada". We also hear a production from the United Church titled "Struggle and Grace".

RESOURCES

Shining Waters Regional Council - Asian Heritage Month
United Church of Canada Intercultural Ministries
Asian in Canada by Tina Conlon

MUSIC

Emorie and Mia & Jonah.

FULL SHOW NOTES CAN BE FOUND HERE: http://www.shiningwatersregionalcouncil.ca/justice

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He Breathed His Last: Crucifixion & Capital Punishment

Rev. Bri-anne Swan — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 07:02:45 +0000

Jesus is executed, just like so many men and women around the world. What does it mean to endorse the punishment used to kill Christ? What are the ways people with profound truths are scapegoated?

SCRIPTURE: Mark 15:21-41 The Death of Jesus

MUSIC: "Friday Morning" by Sydney Carter, "Underground" by Ainsley McNeaney, "Courage" by The Tragically Hip

REFERENCES IN THIS EPISODE:

Good Friday 2018: What if God Was One of Us? (90s Passion)

The Death Vote - Maclean's Magzine
March 17, 1987

Image of Gurney by Ken Piorkowski and used under license Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic

FULL SHOW NOTES CAN BE FOUND HERE: http://www.shiningwatersregionalcouncil.ca/justice

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Contagious Hope: Episode 6 (Pay it Forward)

Sara Hildebrand, Alexa Gilmour — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0100

Lenten reflection by the Rev. Alexa Gilmour from Toronto. On this sixth week of Lent, Rev. Alexa speaks with Sara Hildebrand of the Love My Neighbour Project - an interfaith partnership with UNICEF Canada to pay it forward. They are inviting every Canadian that gets a vaccine to buy one for someone in economically depressed countries. For approximately $10 each, every vaccinated person in Canada can help speed up the vaccine rollout for all global citizens (cost to be confirmed by UNICEF)

Contagious Hope was created with assistance from the McGeachey Senior Scholarship, administered by the United Church of Canada Foundation. The series is edited by Peter Restivo. For feedback, please email gilmouralexa@gmail.com

do justice. is an offering from Shining Waters Regional Council, part of the United Church of Canada.

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Contagious Hope: Episode 5 (Sanctuary)

Rev. Bri-anne Swan — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:55:48 -0100

Contagious Hope is a podcast series specially created for Lenten reflection by the Rev. Alexa Gilmour from Toronto. On this fifth week of Lent, Rev. Alexa speaks with Greg Cook and Lorraine Lam, outreach workers at Sanctuary Ministries of Toronto; a place in the heart of Toronto where you can go to be seen and celebrated, walked with and cared for. Guided by the Gospel, the heart and centre of this community are the very people who are often excluded in the mainstream; those experiencing poverty, lack of housing, addiction and mental health crisis. At Sanctuary, they can get meals, health clinic support, art programs, street outreach, Sunday services, and so much more.

do justice. is an offering from Shining Waters Regional Council, part of the United Church of Canada.

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Contagious Hope: Episode 4 (Front Line Health Care)

Rev. Bri-anne Swan — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 15:39:16 -0100

Episode Notes

Contagious Hope is a podcast series specially created for Lenten reflection by the Rev. Alexa Gilmour from Toronto. On this fourth week of Lent, Rev. Alexa speaks with Dr. Aathish Iyappa who works at the Nair Hospital in Mumbai (Bombay) India. He consulted on the first case of COVID19 to be diagnosed in Mumbai. His 1600 bed hospital was covered to an 1100 bed COVID hospital. Dr. Aathish speaks of the lack of drugs in the early days in the early days of the pandemic, the hospital filling up and having to turn patients away, as well as the losses and miracles of life he has witnessed throughout the pandemic.

do justice. is an offering from Shining Waters Regional Council, part of the United Church of Canada.

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Contagious Hope: Episode 3 (Safety from Intimate Partner Violence)

Hanan Baalbaki, Saima Mafat, Alexa Gilmour — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 18:20:42 -0100

Contagious Hope is a podcast series specially created for Lenten reflection by the Rev. Alexa Gilmour from Toronto. On this third week of Lent, Rev. Alexa speaks with Saima Mafat and Hanan Baalbaki from Nisa Homes. Saima and Hanan support Muslim women and children seeking safety from intimate partner violence across Canada.

do justice. is an offering from Shining Waters Regional Council, part of the United Church of Canada.

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Contagious Hope: Episode 2 (Long Term Care Crisis)

Alexa Gilmour, Clive Anderson — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 04:00:00 -0100

Contagious Hope is a podcast series specially created for Lenten reflection by the Rev. Alexa Gilmour from Toronto. On this second week of Lent, Rev. Alexa speaks with Clive Anderson, a trauma responder who has been present at violent catastrophes such as the 2018 van attack in Toronto. In the first months of the COVID 19 pandemic, Clive was called to no less than 20 long-term care facilities to offer assistance to staff and families.

do justice. is an offering from Shining Waters Regional Council, part of the United Chruch of Canada.

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Contagious Hope: Episode 1 (Five Oaks Centre)

Michael Shewburg, Alexa Gilmour — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 14:46:04 -0100

Contagious Hope is a podcast series specially created for Lenten reflection by the Rev. Alexa Gilmour from Toronto. On this first week of Lent, Rev. Alexa speaks with Michael Shewburg, Executive Director of the Five Oaks Centre in Paris, Ontario. Michael describes how, in the early days of the pandemic, Five Oaks pivoted from its normal retreat offerings to being a place where those newly arriving in Canada, often as migrant workers, could safely isolate and quarantine.

do justice. is an offering from Shining Waters Regional Council, part of the United Chruch of Canada.

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Ash Wednesday

Rev. Bri-anne Swan — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 04:00:00 -0100

A brief meditative service to begin the Lenten season.

Readings:

"On Death" from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
"From Dust" by Rev. M. Barclay (enfleshed.com)
Isaiah 58:1-12 (read by Rev. Oliver Dingwell)
Psalm 51

Music:

When We Are Living — Spanish Traditional
From Dust — B. Swan
Let Healing Swiftly Come — B. Swan
Come Healing — Leonard Cohen (performed by Bri-anne)

Come Out: Demons & Authority

Bri-anne — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 04:25:03 -0100

Reflection previously released February 2, 2019.

Jesus says, "Shut up and get out!" to an unclean spirit. Having authority vs. being an authority.

Music by Timber Choir and Sam Larkin.

Mark 1:21-28 read by Sherri Fowler from British Columbia.

Refugee King: Epiphany Episode

Alexa Gilmour, Michiko Bown-Kai, Jenn McIntyre, Bri-anne — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 05:50:30 -0100

Epiphany has come a week late. A follow-up conversation from last year's Epiphany episode with Rev. Michiko Bown-Kai, Rev. Alexa Gilmour and Executive Director of Ramiro House, Jennifer McIntyre. Listen as they reflect on what has emerge since last year's art installation, as well as how COVID has affected those seeking asylum in Canada. Music by Emorie and Liz Vice (www.lizvice.com)

FULL SHOW NOTES CAN BE FOUND HERE: http://www.shiningwatersregionalcouncil.ca/justice

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How We Tell the Story: A Christmas Eve Special

Rev. Bri-anne Swan — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 04:26:13 -0100

It's Christmas Eve and we have a fun, lofi, campy retelling of Luke's Nativity narrative with a brief time of reflection. Yes, perhaps the Christmas story isn't historically accurate, but the meaning we bring to the story and how we tell it is the beginning of our call towards how we are to be in God's world.

Music by Emorie, Dreamlamp and provisioning of Mary, Did You Know? by Jennifer Henry and performed by Bri-anne.

Reading of the Magnificat by Sarah Norris Andrews. Addition scripture reading by The Lockdown Brothers.

FULL SHOW NOTES CAN BE FOUND HERE: http://www.shiningwatersregionalcouncil.ca/justice

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Revolutionary Joy with Emelda De Coteau (Pray with Our Feet)

Emelda De Coteau, Bri-anne — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 05:18:34 -0100

Special guest Emelda De Coteau of Pray with Our Feet sits down with Bri-anne (across the Internet) to talk about the revolutionary power of joy and love.

SCRIPTURE

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, read by the Rev. Ryk Brown from the Bruce Trail in Hamilton, Ontario.

John 1:6-8, 19-28, read by the Rev. Ruth Noble from Monarch Park in Toronto, Ontario.

MUSIC

Beauty Bright by Drew Brown.

Raise a Voice (Hear it Echo) by Emorie.

WORDS

"The Wilderness is the Birthplace of Joy" by Sarah Are from A Sanctified Art.

FULL SHOW NOTES CAN BE FOUND HERE: http://www.shiningwatersregionalcouncil.ca/justice

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Human Rights Day: A Conversation with David Atwood

Bri-anne, David Atwood — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 04:00:00 -0100

A special bonus episode for Human Rights Day (December 10th). Bri-anne speaks with David Atwood, a retired oil company engineer who has spent more than 25 years working to abolish the death penalty in Texas. David is the founder of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.

Buy David's book, Detour to Death Row at Peace Centre Books.

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Preaching the Wilderness

Karen Orlandi — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 05:47:40 -0100

Special guest, the Rev. Karen Orlandi, joins me as we talk about Mark 1:1-8, John preaching in the wilderness. We'll hear about her unrelenting advocacy for street-involved persons in St. Catherines (Ontario), and her absolute obsession with pooping, and safe, hygeinic places to do it.

Words by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. Music by Emorie & Chris Tindal. A brief reflection on The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.

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Special Episode: Elizabeth Mohler and Alexa Gilmour speak about the Church & Disability

Bri-anne, Elizabeth Mohler, Alexa Gilmour — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 04:05:00 -0100

December 3, is International Day of People with Disabilities. The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly and aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

In honour of International Day of People with Disabilities, the Rev. Alexa Gilmour, minister at Windemere United Church in Toronto, spent some time in conversation with PhD candidate Elizabeth Mohler about disability, the church, the Advent story and the assumptions that are often brought forward when one listens to these familiar biblical texts. We are fortunate to be able to sit in on this conversation.

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Keep Awake: Hope as Resistance

Rev. Bri-anne Swan — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 06:28:37 -0100

Mark 13:24-27. Happy New Year! We're done with Matthew. Now we get to hang out with Mark. What's with all the talk of the end times? Hope as resistance. Music by Emorie, the Sun Harmonic and Bri-anne. Words by Death Row inmate Ramiro Gonzales and UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima speaking about World AIDS Day.

Music

To The Blue by The Sun Harmonic

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SEE THE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE

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Not Your Ordinary King

Jeffrey Dale, Bri-anne — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 04:47:30 -0100

It's Christ the King Sunday (soon). What does it mean to speak of Jesus as a "King" or a "Master"?

Special Guest Jeffrey Dale joins us to talk about his work advocating for safe consumption sites, the tension of using politically charged language to describe Jesus, and wondering what would it mean if we just took Matthew's words at face value.

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 25:31-46 read by Bri-anne from outside the Walls Unit in Huntsville, Texas.

READING

"Matthew on Jesus by a Prison Wall" from Jesus Son of Man by Kahlil Gibran.

MUSIC

"That's Who You Are" by Jesse Peters

Instagram
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link to lyric video

"Choose Love" by The Foxfires

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Brave Parade: There is Good Company in the Darkness

Rev. Bri-anne Swan — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:45:47 -0100

Our first full episode as *do justice. the podcast*! We're either getting acquainted or reacquainted...

Matthew 25:14-30. Jesus tells a parable about a master, some slaves...and about $9,000,000. Who is complicit? Who is vulnerable? What would it mean to believe those who are scapegoated?

MUSIC

"Nightingale" by Emorie

"Brave Parade" by Shawna Caspi (originally by Lynn Miles)
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And...We're Back!

Bri-anne — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 04:31:04 -0100

Welcome to *do justice.*, the podcast formerly known as Living Presence Podcast.

Bri-anne is now working with Shining Waters Regional Council as Minister for Social & Ecological Justice and Network Support. *inhale*. Want more details? Listen to the trailer!

We look forward to seeing you on Friday, November 13th.

Shining Waters Regional Council - Justice

Jesus Was a Refugee

Rev. Bri-anne Swan — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 08:22:44 -0100

SHOWNOTES

The Magi. The flight to Egypt. Baby Jesus in a cage and tragedy at the U.S./Mexico border. Reflections by Michiko Bown-Kai of East End United, Rev. Alexa Gilmour of Windemere United Church and Jenn McIntyre of Romero House. Music by The Nields.

FEATURED MUSICIANS

The Nields – “Jesus Was a Refugee” "Mary Had a Baby" "In the Bleak Midwinter" "Away in a Manger"

website
iTunes
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READING NO. 1

Matthew 2:1-12 The Visit of the Wise Men
Read by Rev. Anne Hoganson from Halifax, Nova Scotia

READING NO. 2

Matthew 2: 13-18 The Holy Family’s Flight to Egypt
Read by Rev. Alexa Gilmour from Toronto, Ontario

REFLECTION

Pilgrimage of delegates from the Canadian Sanctuary Network to an art installation at Eastminster United Church in Toronto, Ontario.

Links:

Canadian Sanctuary Network
East End United Regional Ministry
Romero House
Windemere United Church

With gratitude to:

Rev. Stephen Milton of Lawrence Park Community Church and Soul Table for capturing the interview audio for this segment.

Michiko Bown-Kai and Jane Sanden for creating such a stirring nativity scene.

Rev. Alexa Gilmour and Jenn McIntyre for sharing stories of witness and advocacy.

Full show notes at: http://livingpresenceministry.org/2020/01/08/jesus-was-a-refugee/

Do You Have What it Takes?

Rev. Bri-anne Swan — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 05:25:25 +0000

Jesus, his parents and siblings may need some family therapy. "Whoever does not hate father or mother...cannot follow me." People who read Koine Greek are awesome. There is a cost to following this Jesus guy. Music by Kirsten Jones and Of Sea and Stone. Reading by Denise Bourchier, Mary Miller and Sarah Miller in Toronto.

Luke 14:25-33
14:25 Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them,

14:26 "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.

14:27 Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it?

14:29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him,

14:30 saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'

14:31 Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand?

14:32 If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace.

14:33 So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.

Jesus Never Rode a School Bus

Rev. Bri-anne Swan — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 05:48:41 +0000

Bri-anne was never the cool kid in school. Jesus is the worst dinner guest ever and calls out the Pharisees with a lesson about humility. God does not value what the world values. You are loved and beloved. Music by Claire Schofield and LILI. Words by Kahlil Gibran.

Mini Episode: He Is Risen: Not an Idle Tale

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 03:13:22 +0000

A brief mini episode. Easter is here. The women discover Jesus has risen, but nobody believes them. Music by Dawn Landes.

Welcome, Brother: A Reflection on Dysfunctional Siblings

Rev. Bri-anne Swan — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 11:22:34 -0100

50 Worshippers killed in Christchurch and there is much to mourn. Abram asks for an heir, and he gets two...with two different destinies. The Pharisees are not the real enemy. Christians. Muslims. Jews. We are a very dysfunctional familiy. Music by Sami Yusuf and Bri-anne Swan. Words by Sarah Ayre (www.sanctifiedart.org) and Imam Muhammed Bemat.

Lessons in the Wilderness

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 02:58:00 -0100

Welcome to Lent. The SNC Lavelin affair is big news right now. Jesus is tempted by the devil in the wilderness. Earthly authority is not God's authority. Music by Sam Larkin and Good Harvest. Poetry by Rumi.

Gospel Reading:
strong text Luke 4:1-13 Jesus in the Wilderness

Second Reading:
The Agony & Ecstasy by Rumi

Featured Musicians:

Murmurings by Sam Larkin

Woodstock by Good Harvest (written by Joni Mitchell)

"Cultivating & Letting Go" theme created by A Sanctified Art.

024: The Blessings and the Woes

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 04:42:00 -0100

Jesus comes down from the mountain to talk. Teenage Bri-anne gets snarky with Jesus when he says poverty is, in any way, a blessing. Poverty is never the fault of the poor. Music by Sigrid Aase and Louis Puggaard-Müller.

023: Bird on a Wire: The Love Songs of Leonard Cohen

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 03:15:00 -0100

A live concert and service, recorded February 10, 2019 at Ravenshoe United Church in Georgina, Ontario. The music of Leonard Cohen paired with readings from "Son of Man" by Kahlil Gibran exploring different aspects and expressions of Love. A special pre-Valentine's Day special episode.

THE SONGS:

Tower of Song

Suzanne

Bird on the Wire

Famous Blue Raincoat

Hallelujah

If it Be Your Will

Come Healing

Show Me the Place

Anthem

Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye

Band Members:

Jessica Deutsch - violin, backing vocals

Drew Winters - keys

Naoko Tsujita - percussion

Bri-anne Swan - vocals and guitar

Readers:

Marilyn Butcher

Wayne Butcher

Kathy Anderson

Betty Ridge

020: In Defence of Abundance

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 05:29:00 -0100

Even Jesus has to listen to his mama. Sometimes the best thing I can do is hold my tongue because...the raging can wait. Living with a philosophy of abundance is radical, but it may just be the thing. Music by Ava Wild, the Constantines and Jackson Weatherbee. Words by Kahlil Gibran.

O Come: A Christmas Eve Special

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 04:33:00 -0100

An account of Jesus' birth according to the Gospel of Luke.

Music by COMPASS, Mercedes Valentine, Bri-anne Swan, Chris Tindal, The Crofts Family, The Many, Vashti Bunyan and Emorie.

Merry Christmas!

018: If Together is All That We've Got: Risk and Enmeshment

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 06:28:00 -0100

Risk and Enmeshment - Ruth clings to Naomi. Love your neighbour because you ARE your neighbour. There's an election coming up so if you're listening in the US, help the rest of us out. Music by Christa Couture and The Sun Harmonic.

Reading 1

Mar 12:28-34 Read by Bri-anne...on the street...in the cold.

Reading 2

Mar 12:28-34 Read by Jeffrey Dale, warm, in the sanctuary of Grace United Church, Barrie, Ontario.

Music

"Rivers Will Rise" by The Sun Harmonic

"Aux Oiseaux" by Christa Couture

017: God is Here (and so are we)

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 05:55:00 -0100

Xenophobia wins an East Gwillimbury election. Jesus tells us to go out into the World. Prayers for the friends, family and community of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburg. Music by Agency, Jessica Allossery and Carolyn McDade.

Reading 1

Mark 16:14-18

14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Reading 2

"Long Before the Night" by Carolyn McDade

Music

"Senses of Insecurity" by Agency (one of Bri-anne's FAVOURITES!)

"Landslide" by Stevie Nicks and performed by Jessica Allossery.

Citation: Rev. Doug Norris, Rosedale United Church, Toronto

Mini Episode: Wisdom Cries Out

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 06:28:00 +0000

Wisdom is crying out in the streets and she's pissed. Sound familiar? Bri-anne is pathetically sick. Music by Rod MacDonald and Jump Little Children. Proverbs 1:20-33

016: Find Somewhere to Go (because we grow where we are needed)

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 05:41:00 +0000

*****Jesus facepalms his way through Mark's gospel as the disciples keep missing the point. So does the Church. Who are we called to follow? How do we stay salty? Music by Raïssa Simone and The Sweet Maries. Words by Kahlil Gibran. *****

Reading 1

Mark 9:38-50

Another Exorcist
38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone[a] casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 Whoever is not against us is for us. 41 For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.

Temptations to Sin
42 “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me,[b] it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell,[c] to the unquenchable fire.[d] 45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell.[e][f] 47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell,[g] 48 where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.

49 “For everyone will be salted with fire.[h] 50 Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it?[i] Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Reading 2

"On Love" from The Propher by Kahlil GIbran

Music

"Dirt Road" by The Sweet Maries

"It's a Good Life if You Don't Weaken" written by The Tragically Hip and performed by Raïssa Simone

014: Born This Way: Risking the Waves & Calming the Storm

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 03:57:00 +0000

HAPPY PRIDE!! A short history of the harm churches have inflicted upon LGBT+ communities, and the hope that comes from mending relationships. An introduction to my father in law and the time I thought I was going to die on the Pacific Ocean. Jesus calms the storm. David finds comfort with Jonathan. Music by the brilliant choir of Eastminster United Church in Toronto.

Reading 1
1 Samuel 17:32-49, 17:57-18:4

Reading 2
Mark 4:35-41

Read by Sarah Miller, Michiko Bown-Kai and Jane Sanden of East End United, live from PRIDE Toronto.

Music
All music this episode was performed by the Eastminster United Church Choir. Here is their YouTube channel.
Born this Way by Lady Gaga
Brave by Sarah Bareillis
Rainbow Connection by Paul Williams, Kenneth Asche

Love For the World
Brought to you by Chelsea Skaynes & Sarah Jane Wetelainen live from PRIDE Toronto.
Also - the United Church of Christ, adapted from Alydia Smith, United Church of Canada

013: The Constant (awful) Gardener

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 00:32:00 +0000

Jeff Sessions and Sarah Sanders hurt Bri-anne's soul when they use scripture to justify horrific policy. Jesus makes a lousy farmer. How do we know our kids aren't going to end up sociopaths? You are enough. Music by Mia & Jonah.

Reading 1
Mark 4: 26-34

Read by Bri-anne in the "garden" of The Burrow - the container garden her husband has planted in old boots and wagons.

Music

Mia & Jonah
"Mustard Seed" and "Warm Wind"

When Babies are Sick: Strength in Vulnerability

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Sun, 27 May 2018 04:04:00 +0000

Son #2 has been in and out of the Emergency Room. Son #2 is sprawled across my lap in pain. The disciples keep asking the wrong questions. There is greatness in vulnerability.

A Mini Episode due to my children being constantly and painfully ill for the past 10 days.

Scripture: Luke 9:46-48

The disciples start fighting and ask Jesus who among them was the greatest. Jesus shows the a child. Not the answer they were looking for.

Music: "Closer" by Ainsley McNeaney

011: In the World and of the World: Badass Women of the World Unite

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Sun, 13 May 2018 22:43:00 +0000

Jesus offers a prayer for the protection of his friends. Mothers have been calling for the cessation of violence for, like, ever. Music by Bri-anne and Ava Wild. Words by Julia Ward Howe.

Shownotes

Featured Musicians

Bri-anne Swan

"This Land is Not My Home"
www.bri-anneswan.com
Facebook
iTunes
Spotify

Ava Wild

"To Change the World"
www.avawildmusic.com
Facebook
iTunes
Spotify

Reading No. 1

John 17:6-19

A prayer for Jesus' friends.

Reading No. 2

"An Appeal to Womanhood Throughout the World" by Julia Ward Howe (Selected Poems)

Love for the World

Part of each episode of the Living Presence Podcast will feature a section where we lift up people and places who can use our alliance, our attention and some hope. (If you are from a United Church, this would be similar to "Prayers of the People" or "Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession").

The idea and our hope are that listeners from all over can send in the people and places they would like to bring to our attention, and I would love it if YOU would consider sending something in to be aired. You can either a) record something with the voice recorder app on your phone and email it to hi@livingpresenceministry.org OR b) call 289-903-0019 and leave a voicemail OR c) Leave a written comment and I will read it on the air.

THIS WEEK WE LIFT UP:

The family and friends of 16 students who died in Kashmir3
Zabia Afzal, who is missing and last seen in Toronto
The family, friends and victims of Juan Costillo, who is set to be executed by the State of Texas on March 16
To everybody for whom Mother's Day is painful and complicated

010: Love is an Action

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Sun, 06 May 2018 17:44:00 +0000

Jesus is starting to sound like a broken record. LOVE ONE ANOTHER ALREADY! Music by Michigan Americana Duo Escaping Pavement. Poetry by Bengali writer Rabindranath Tagore.

Shownotes

Featured Musicians

Escaping Pavement

"Fuel the Fire"

www.escapingpavement.com
Facebook
iTunes
Spotify

Reading No. 1

John 15:9-17

LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

Reading No. 2

"Unending Love" by Rabindranath Tagore (Selected Poems)

Love for the World

THIS WEEK WE LIFT UP:

The victims, their families and friends, and first responders, from the van attach in Toronto on April 23
The victims of the flooding in the Fredericton area of New Brunswick
The family, friends and victims of Erick Davila who was executed by the State of Texas on April 25
The family, friends and victims of Juan Costillo, who is set to be executed by the State of Texas on March 16

008: Nowhere but Somewhere to Hide

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 05:25:00 +0000

Jesus shows up and starts breathing funny. Thomas misses the whole thing. How do we demonstrate the value we place on people's lives? Music by Two Roads Home, Fruit and ursidae.

READING
John 20:19-31 Jesus Appears to the Disciples

MUSIC

Fruit - Peace

Two Roads Home - Nowhere but Somewhere to Hide

ursidae - Winter Wanderer

Mini Episode: Death is Not the Last Word

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 04:00:00 +0000

April Fools! Guess what, Mary...he's not the gardener! Redemption can be found even in the darkest, the most broken, the most neglected and shattered of places. Love always finds a way to surface. Music by Ainsley McNeaney.

Mini Episode: It is finished.

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 03:32:00 +0000

Jesus is killed - violently and shamefully - on a cross. We now commence the mourning. Music by Ainsley McNeaney.

Reading: John 19:1-30

007: 90s Passion: What if God Was One of Us?

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 04:49:00 +0000

Episode 7 - March 25, 2018

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Shownotes

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves; and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. He was teaching and saying, “Is it not written,

‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’?
But you have made it a den of robbers.”

And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. And when evening came, Jesus and his disciples[a] went out of the city.

Mark 11:1-11, 15-19

One - performed by Rob Falsini

The Plot to Kill Jesus

It was two days before the Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him; for they said, “Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.”

Mark 14:1-2

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. When they heard it, they were greatly pleased, and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.

Mark 14:10-11

Losing My Religion - Performed by BeLLSaint

The Anointing at Bethany

While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”

Mark 14:3-9

I Will Remember You - Performed by Risa Kumon

The Passover with the Disciples

When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, “Surely, not I?” He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.”

The Institution of the Lord’s Supper

While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the[g] covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Mark 14:17-25

Black Boys on Mopeds - performed by Agency

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”

Mark 14:32-42

Under the Bridge - Performed by John Craigie Leave the Fire Behind (90s Tribute) by John Craigie

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the be...

006: Angry Jesus, Imperialism & Institutional Church

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 05:07:00 -0100

Jesus is super angry at the religious establishment. Lots of people are (rightly) super angry at the Church. Sometimes the lectionary sucks. Whose voices is the #metoo movement missing? Music by Ainsley McNeaney and Melanie Frade. Words by Kahlil Giban.

Reading No. 1
John 2:13-33 Jesus Clears out the Temple
Read by Stephen Milton in Toronto, Ontario.

"Reading" No. 2
"On the Money Changers" from Jesus by Kahlil Gibran

Featured Musicians

Ainsley McNeaney - "Intro Royale" & "Sleep Through the Night"
www.ainsleymcneaney.com

Melanie Frade - "I Wont' Speak"
*"I Won't Speak" has not been officially released yet.
www.melaniefrade.com

Love for the World
Part of each episode of the Living Presence Podcast will feature a section where we lift up people and places who can use our alliance, our attention and some hope. (If you are from a United Church, this would be similar to "Prayers of the People" or "Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession").

The idea and our hope are that listeners from all over can send in the people and places they would like to bring to our attention, and I would love it if YOU would consider sending something in to be aired. You can either a) record something with the voice recorder app on your phone and email it to hi@livingpresenceministry.org OR b) call 289-903-0019 and leave a voicemail OR c) Leave a written comment and I will read it on the air.

THIS WEEK WE LIFT UP:
The victims, their families and friends, of the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida
People who are grieving loss
Those affected by sexual violence, sexism, etc.
Those who are survivors of suicide
The people of East Gwillimbury
The Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nations
The athletes from North Korea
The families and communities of Colten Boushie and Tina Fontaine
Those who are fighting for their communities to access fresh drinking water
The Community of East Weymouth Congregational Church in Massachusetts who is fighting Enbridge right now

005: To Wear the Crown of Peace: We've All Been Told a Lie

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 00:00:00 -0100

Things had been going so well, but then Jesus starts calling Peter names. Exploring Walter Wink's idea about the myth (lie, really) of redemptive violence. Music and elements taken from a "Lent with Gordon Lightfoot" service at Sharon-Hope United Church. Additional music by Ainsley McNeaney.

READING NO. 1
Mark 8:31-38 Jesus Rebukes Peter
Read by Pearce Thomas in Newmarket, Ontario.

“READING” NO. 2
“Sit Down Young Stranger” by Gordon Lightfoot

FEATURED MUSICIANS
Ainsley McNeaney – “Only Time”
www.ainsleymcneaney.com

LOVE FOR THE WORLD
Part of each episode of the Living Presence Podcast will feature a section where we lift up people and places who can use our alliance, our attention and some hope. (If you are from a United Church, this would be similar to “Prayers of the People” or “Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession”).

THIS WEEK WE LIFT UP:

The victims, their families and friends, of the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida
People who are grieving loss Those affected by sexual violence, sexism, etc.
Those who are survivors of suicide
The people of East Gwillimbury
The Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nations
The athletes from North Korea
The families and communities of Colten Boushie and Tina Fontaine

004: Never Again: A Change of Many Hearts

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 04:52:00 -0100

God gets violent but then has a change of heart, Michael Coren thinks about Jesus and then has a change of heart, Bri-anne has a change of heart and climbs off her soap box (at least for a little while). Music by Jake Tavill and Ainsley McNeaney. Poetry by Kahlil Gibran.

Reading No. 1:
Genesis 9:8-17 God's Covenant with Noah
Read by Jason Meyers in the Oak Ridges Moraine

Reading No. 2:
from A Tear and a Smile by Kahlil Gibran

Featured Musicians:

Ainsley McNeaney

Jake Tavill

Reflection (excerpt):

"The flood, and the decimation of fleshly creation, was an incredibly
violent act. And I like to think...I like to think that this covenant
is God changing God’s mind. That perhaps, God eventually came to the
conclusion that killing everything and everybody off caused God too
much sorrow and heartbreak. That God’s own heart was softened enough
to consider that there must be another way."

Full Show Notes: http://livingpresenceministry.org/2018/02/17/never-god-change-mind/

The Living Presence Ministry is a community ministry of the United Church of Canada

003: It is Good For Us to Be Here

Living Presence Ministry, United Church of Canada — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 02:27:00 -0100

Things are crazy, LET'S BUILD SOMETHING! Bri-anne gives birth. The real work is in the grind. Featured Musicians = The Killer Queens and Wool & Howl. Poetry by Star Blossom Goddess.

Reading No. 1
Mark 9:2-9 Jesus Transfigures in front of his Disciples
Read by Norm Seli from Ajax, Ontario
Norm is the minister at Jubilee United Church in Toronto.

Reading No. 2
"I Whisper" from by poet Star Blossom Goddess

Star Blossom Goddess has an offer for listeners of the Living Presence Podcast. SBG is an angel card reader, and she is offering a reading to people for $35 (normally it is $95). If interested, you can be in touch with her through the HelloPoetry.com website.

Love for the World

THIS WEEK WE LIFT UP:

People who are grieving loss
Those affected by sexual violence, sexism, etc.
Those who are survivors of suicide
The people of East Gwillimbury
The family and friends of those in Toronto's Gay Village
Mark Guevarra who was fired by the Archdiocese of Edmonton last week

Reflection

"I love the honesty of the disciples response – particularly Peter’s.
They were terrified. Seems completely reasonable. And like other
people I know who have trouble with big feelings and uncertainty, the
only response Peter comes up with is to do something…or in this case,
to build something."

"My own strategy for dealing with chaos and uncertainty is to create
for myself the illusion of control. So I plan. And let me tell you,
I planned the crap out of my first labour. Homebirth. Midwives. I
knew what I wanted to eat. What I wanted to drink. Scented candles.
Two separate music playlists – calm ambient music for the first stage,
and then a playlist of superhero theme songs for when it was time to
push. It was my dream that Son #1 would enter the world accompanied
by the John Williams Superman theme."

The Living Presence Ministry is a community ministry of the United Church of Canada

002: What have you to do with us?: Demons and Authority

Living Presence Ministry — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 05:00:00 -0100

Jesus says says "Shut up and get out" to an "impure spirit". Having authority vs. being an authority. One year anniversary of a shooting at a Quebec City mosque. Music by Belle of the Fall and Arbirk. Prose by Kahlil Gibran.

Episode 2 - February 2, 2018

Shownotes

Featured Musicians
Belle of the Fall - "What's So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding?" (Nick Lowe Cover)

Arbirk - "Love is in Despair"

Reading No. 1
Mark 1:21-28 - Jesus Casts out an Impure Spirit
Read by Margaret Burkholder from Cochrane, Ontario

Reading No. 2
"On Laws" from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

Full show notes here.

The Living Presence Ministry is a community ministry of the United Church of Canada

001: Can Anything Good Come from that S#*!hole Nazareth?

Living Presence Ministry — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 04:42:00 -0100

A reflection on Dolores O'Riordan's death, John 1:43-51 with Nathanael asking "Does anything good come out of Nazareth?". Donald Trump is a jerk. Music by Civil Wray and Ramona Rox. Poetry by Joshua Graff.

Episode 1 - January 19, 2017

Shownotes
Note: This podcast actually says "s!@#hole" - as reported by the media last week.

Featured Musicians
Ramona Rox - "Linger" (Cranberries Cover)

iTunes Spotify Facebook

Civil Wray - "Crows"

www.civilwraymusic.com
iTunes Spotify Bandcamp

Reading No. 1
John 1:43:51 - Jesus Calls Phillip and Nathanael
Read by Karen Orlandi from Start Me Up Niagara Outreach Centre
Note: Philip was from BETHSAIDA, not Bethesda.

Reading No. 2
"Come See" by Joshua Graff

The Living Presence Ministry is a community ministry of the United Church of Canada