Sermons from the East End

In this episode of Sermons from the East End, Rev. Bri-anne delves into the transformative power of mercy. Reflecting on the story of Jesus and Bartimaeus, along with her experiences as a spiritual advisor and friend to death row inmate Ramiro Gonzales, we explore the question: who deserves mercy? Join us as we consider the complexities of justice, compassion, and the radical call to mercy in a world that often seems more focused on retribution.Scripture: Mark 10:46-52 Christ heals blind Bartimaeus"When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!'Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!'"Music: Lovely Needy People by The Many PURCHASE THEIR MUSIC★ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST & THE MINISTRY OF EAST END UNITED★https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/72635?v2=trueEast End United Regional Ministry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.Let's Get SocialFacebookInstagramWebsiteSermons from the East End is a sermon podcast brought to you by the people of East End United Regional Ministry, part of our online ministry serving those both within and beyond the East End of Toronto, Canada.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Join Rev. Bri-anne as she explored the legend of the ivory-billed woodpecker, a symbol of resilience and hope amidst destruction. Isn't it funny how nature (and God?) refuses to give up despite us silly humans?Scripture: Job 12:7-10Look to the animals, and they’ll show you the way; listen to the birds, and they’ll tell you their wisdom. Ask the earth, and it will teach you; the fish in the sea have their own lessons to share. Every living thing knows that the hand of God is behind it all. The life of every creature and the breath of all humanity are held in God's hands.Music: Lord God Bird by Sufjan Stevens and performed by the East End United Regional Ministry choir.★ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST & THE MINISTRY OF EAST END UNITED★https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/72635?v2=trueEast End United Regional Ministry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.Let's Get SocialFacebookInstagramWebsiteSermons from the East End is a sermon podcast brought to you by the people of East End United Regional Ministry, part of our online ministry serving those both within and beyond the East End of Toronto, Canada.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Through reflections on Genesis, Mary Oliver’s poetry, and the hidden wisdom of trees, we contemplate our place within the divine ecosystem and how interconnectedness sustains life. With insights from ecologist Suzanne Simard’s groundbreaking work on trees and fungi, we uncover profound lessons about God’s nurturing presence in creation. Join us as we listen to nature’s whisper: “I did everything for you.”Scripture: "When I am Among the Trees" by Mary OliverMusic: For the Widows in Paradise by Sufjan Stevens and performed by Choir! Choir! Choir!★ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ★https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/72635?v2=trueEast End United Regional Ministry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.Let's Get SocialFacebookInstagramWebsiteSermons from the East End is a sermon podcast brought to you by the people of East End United Regional Ministry, part of our online ministry serving those both within and beyond the East End of Toronto, Canada.  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Sermons from the East End, Rev. Bri-anne invites us into the layered beauty of the two Creation stories in Genesis, exploring how they shape our understanding of humanity’s relationship with the world. Through music, scripture, and reflection, we consider how creation is not a one-time event, but an ongoing journey of harmony, intimacy, and connection. Join us as we weave together ancient stories, Sufjan Stevens' music, and the rhythm of the Mystery of Love that continues to recreate and reshape us all.  All things go. All things grow.Scripture: Genesis 1 - 2God creates the universe and humanity.Music: Chicago by Sufjan Stevens and performed by the East End United Regional Ministry choir and guests.★ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ★https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/72635?v2=trueEast End United Regional Ministry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.Let's Get SocialFacebookInstagramWebsiteSermons from the East End is a sermon podcast brought to you by the people of East End United Regional Ministry, part of our online ministry serving those both within and beyond the East End of Toronto, Canada.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Rev. Bri-anne reflects on the theme of Holy Mystery, exploring ancient creation stories, awe, and our invitation to embrace wonder, love, and the sacred beauty of the universe during the Season of Creation.Scripture: Genesis 1:1-25God creates the universe.Music: Mystery of Love by Sufjan Stevens and performed by Glasshouse.★ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ★https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/72635?v2=trueEast End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.Let's Get SocialFacebookInstagramWebsite ★ Support this podcast ★

Rev. Bri-anne is confronted with Good Friday all the time. She needs Easter so that has the strength to keep going...and dancing. God is a great dance partner.Scripture: John 20:1-18Mary finds the tomb EmptyRead by A Sanctified ArtMusic: Lord of the Dance by Sydney Carter and performed by Reflection (in 1968)Related Links:John 20:1-18 from A Sanctified Art★ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ★https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/72635?v2=trueEast End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.Let's Get SocialFacebookInstagramWebsite ★ Support this podcast ★

The first warm day of spring brings with it the promise of ice cream and the park. Yet, it was on such a day that a simple outing with Rev. Bri-anne and her children transformed into an unexpected lesson on life, loss, and how sometimes, not even Mama can make things better.Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11Jesus Enters JerusalemFrom "The Lockdown Brothers"Scripture: Matthew 26:1-5The Plot to Kill JesusMusic: Kiss it Better by Bri-anne SwanRelated Links:"Once Upon a Time, There Was a Dead Raccoon"★ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ★https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/72635?v2=trueEast End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.Let's Get SocialFacebookInstagramWebsite ★ Support this podcast ★

Mary anoints Jesus and wipes away the costly perfume with her hair. Judas is scandalized. Scandal seems to follow Jesus everywhere. We explore the very human (dare we say sensual?) aspect of the incarnate God who came to live among us.Scripture: John 12:1-8Mary Anoints JesusMusic: These Bodies by The ManyRelated Links:"The Elephant in the Waiting Room" by Greenshield CanadaBecky's dead daughter (because YOU wanted a massage!)★ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ★https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/72635?v2=trueEast End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.Let's Get SocialFacebookInstagramWebsite ★ Support this podcast ★

Jesus enters the outer courts of the temple and has a temper tantrum, turning over the tables and driving out the animals.  Clearly this means Jesus doesn't think commerce and a place of worship can coexist in the same space, right? We explore one more story of Jesus upending the status quo, and perhaps what it could mean if we lean into adjectives instead of identity.Scripture: John 2:13-22 Jesus in the TempleMusic: The Brilliance - Turning Over TablesBonus: "On the Money Changers" from Jesus: Song of Man by Kahlil GibranRelated Links:Dot & Bea Vintage ★ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ★https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/72635?v2=trueEast End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.Let's Get SocialFacebookInstagramWebsite ★ Support this podcast ★

Jesus asks, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter gets it right. Jesus says he needs to die. Peter says don't do that. Jesus calls Peter Satan and invites his followers to take up their cross.  It's a bit much. What is this cross Jesus is moving towards? What does it mean to take up our cross? Is violence every the answer? (spoiler alert: no) Can humanity be redeemed through violence? (also, no).Scripture: Mark 8:31-38 Peter declares Jesus the Messiah, Jesus invites his followers to take up their cross.Music: The Brilliance - Will We Ever Rise?★ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ★https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/72635?v2=trueEast End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.Let's Get SocialFacebookInstagramWebsite ★ Support this podcast ★

Join Rev. Bri-anne as she talks about God changing their mind, Rev. Bri-anne changing her own mind, and the change of mind and heart of a certain media pundit.Scripture: Genesis 9:8-17 God Covenants with Noah and all of creation after the flood.Music: Proteus - AtonementRelated Links: Epiphany: A Christian's Change of Heart & Mind over Same-Sex Marriage by Michael CorenThree Year Old Rev. Bri-anne loving her rainbows★ Support this podcast ★https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/72635?v2=trueEast End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.Let's Get SocialFacebookInstagramWebsite ★ Support this podcast ★

Join Rev. Bri-anne as she talks about not knowing what to say or how to feel about the conflict unfolding in Israel and Palestine.  Lament is important. Sitting with hard things is important. Being angry is sometimes important too.Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22 The Question About Paying Taxes Music: Love > Fear by The Many Relevant Links:United Church of Canada Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Israel and PalestineEast End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.Let's Get SocialFacebookInstagramWebsite ★ Support this podcast ★

Join Rev. Bri-anne as she talks about growing up where the food...also grows up. We also hear about East End United's food security programs, as Rev. Bri-anne wonders about how we are inwardly changed when we say "yes".Scripture: John 6:1-14 Jesus Feeds the 5000Music: Let Us Break Break Together by the Free as a Bird (I know, I know, I saw "Free Bird" in the show. Ugh. Sorry.)Video: Engagement and Hospitality within the ChurchEast End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.Let's Get SocialFacebookInstagramWebsiteWorld Food Sunday, 2023PROPER 23 (28)Twentieth  20th Sunday after Pentecost ★ Support this podcast ★

Join Rev. Bri-anne as she describes one night this week when East End United offered shelter to nearly 100 asylum seekers — something Black Churches have been doing all day, every day, since the summer.  How does "yes" beget "yes"?Scripture: John 6:1-14 Jesus Feeds the 5000Music: Wade in the Water by the Antioch Mass Choir About Toronto's Refugee CrisisThese Black churches came to the rescue amid Toronto’s African refugee crisis. Now they say governments abandoned themAugust 25, 2023 — The Toronto StarHundreds of asylum seekers, refugees forced to leave Toronto church for other shelterSeptember 1, 2023 — CBC NewsAsylum seekers are sleeping on Toronto streets again. How did we end up here?October 6, 2023 — CBC NewsEast End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.Let's Get SocialFacebookInstagramWebsiteThanksgiving Sunday, 2023 ★ Support this podcast ★

Join Rev. Bri-anne as we explore Earth Sunday, part of the Season of Creation. In the lead up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we consider the settler church's role in healing past wrongs...with all the hope that we can muster.  We also celebrate the work of Noval Morriseau in building bridges between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous peoples. Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16Reading: An Oracle Concerning Canada by Rev. Bri-anne SwanO Canada, your myth is built upon an illusion of peace,   yet your temples rest upon graveyards,   where tombstones are etched by lies.Remember with anguish the landing of your ancestors,   claiming territory not of their birthright,   seeing only emptiness where they had not yet disturbed.With ink to paper, and finger to nose,   promises were made to your maltreated hosts,   and accepted under duress and false pretense.Yet, still you despised your covenants;   stitching with threads of contempt,   tailoring treaties to suit your body alone.Listen! Tears of despair flood the night!  Young ones bawling for their mothers.  Women keening for their babies.You snatch children like chattel,  Until entire villages mourn,  Silence the reminder youth no longer lives among them.Yet generation piled on generation you sit, nodding your head in silent accord,  Convinced as you are by the false prophets,  Unaware of the violence hanging contemptuously from your tongue.You claim the Lord’s will, though it is not known to you.  You judge craving and sloth, though it is of your own making.The Lord is mighty and strong, and you will deny justice no more.  Like fires engulfing the dry Northern lands,  The wrath of the Lord will ultimately consume.And you will cry and cry and cry*, the pain too much for your malnourished bones,  Repentance can only lead to hearts breaking open.  What begins in the heart ultimately engulfs the soul’s entirety.*“Reconciliation” by Rebekah Tabobondung, Muskrat Magazine, March 4, 2013Music: Oh, Earth & Gravity of Love by The Brilliance About Norval Morriseau Androgyny (1983)Official WebsiteThere are No Fakes - documentary about art forgery ringAbout Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First NationCHRA 2020 - Bingwi Neyaashi AnishinaabekBingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation Website About the development of Provincial and National ParksDifficult Terrain by Leisha Grebinski and Candice LipskiAugust 7, 2023, CBC.caEast End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.Let's Get SocialFacebookInstagramWebsitePROPER 20(25)Seventeenth Sunday after PentecostYear APentecost 17A ★ Support this podcast ★

Ron McKay & Judith Ramsay lead a discussion about the effects of climate change. Ron starts us of with a reading from Psalm 13.This talk was originally given at the Eastminster Campus of East End United Regional Ministry as part of worship on Sunday, September 17th, 2023.Music: Raise a Voice (Hear it Echo) by Emorie.East End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.FacebookInstagram ★ Support this podcast ★

Join Rev. Bri-anne for her first Sunday as we enter the Season of Creation, explore Jesus' instructions on how to deal with conflict, and find out about her fascination with bees (even if they kill her).This reflection was originally offered on September 10, 2023 at the Eastminster Campus of EEURM.Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20Music: For the Beauty of the Earth performed by Free as a Bird (licensed from Audiio.com)East End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.FacebookInstagramPROPER 18 (23)Fifteenth Sunday after PentecostYear APentecost 15A ★ Support this podcast ★