The social distancing measures that have been prescribed in the attempt to “flatten the curve” of the Coronavirus pandemic, have resulted in the unprecedented (in our lifetime) necessity of celebrating the events of Holy Week and the season of Easter in relative isolation in our homes.
In the attempt to encourage the faithful, and also recognizing that many people now have additional time on their hands, I will be aiming to make available some audio and video of previously recorded sermons and lectures.
Last summer, one of my Good Friday sermons, “The Death of an Extremist” appeared in the journal Theodidaktos published by the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. I was able to track down an audio recording of the service in which the sermon was preached at Good Shepherd Community Church in Scarborough, ON in 2009.
Thanks Rob, It was lovely to hear your voice preaching. It will be interesting to see how many extremists are being cultivated and brought forward in sleeper cells on zoom, FaceTime, GoToMeeting, Blogs etc. Having been forced there by the pandemic. Stay well and be safe.
Hi Jane. It’s wonderful to hear from you. It is during Advent-Christmas and Holy Week that I especially miss our time at Good Shepherd. It will be interesting to see what kind of church emerges from these days. Will the separation be cultivating a deeper desire for genuine community or will people be satisfied with the convenience of virtual services and further retreat into isolated individualism?
Hi Rob,
Thank you for sharing. I like the Irenaean connection in relation to the work of the three fold office of Jesus Christ. I pray that God will use this sermon to help be extreme lovers in following the extreme example of love.
Blessed Easter!
Hi Rob. Good eye on the Irenaeus connection! A blessed Easter to you and your family. Hopefully I will see you in the near future when things settle down.
Thank you, Rob. Thoughtful, encouraging and affirming of the calling we share together. The word “extremist” has a whole new meaning for me now. Blessings to you, your family and your ministry! Don
Thank you, Rob. It was nice to hear your voice. I found your message to be thoughtful, encouraging and meaningful. It gives new meaning to the word “extremist”! Blessings to you and your family on this Easter weekend. Don
Thanks Don. I imagine you have preached many Good Friday and Easter sermons over the years. Easter blessings to you and Helen!
Dear Rob, it was such a blessing and joy to hear you preach again. The message was deeply profound and powerful and thought-provoking. It was also lovely to hear your voice again! It brought back many precious memories for me. You are deeply missed! Thank you for sharing this with us. May the Lord bless you abundantly during this Easter season.