'From Furnace to Fire-Rekindling Place, Purpose and People'
Description
From Furnace to Fire: Rekindling Place, Purpose, and People is a reflection on loss, transformation, and the surprising ways the Spirit moves through disruption. Rooted in the lived story of Knox Presbyterian Church Sixteen and the emergence of The Crossing, this sermon explores how a literal furnace failure and the resulting damage became a metaphor for spiritual renewal. Through imagery of wildfire, Pentecost, and the lowly blueberry bush, it invites us to see fire not only as destruction, but as holy disruption — clearing space for reconciliation, radical hospitality, and a deeper call to become Church for this time and this place. This is a story of sparks already burning before the flames appeared, and of a community learning to listen, welcome, and be transformed.
This message was led by the Reverend Patrick Gushue at Trafalgar Presbyterian Church in Oakville, Ontario, Canada on Sunday August 3, 2025.
Associated Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-4; Leviticus 19:1-4;33-34
United States
