HELLO!

I have sad news to share. Ralph Higgins and Shawn McCormick have died. Please keep Norma, Glenda and their children in your prayers. Obviously, I have no information on any dates for funerals. This is fresh news and the rawness of grief, and the exhaustion of care will need time to be processed before decisions are made. I had the privilege of knowing both men, visiting both in their homes and in hospital. Both families are aware I am available when they need me. I do my best to respond to pastoral needs as quickly as possible. I truly appreciate those of you who make me aware of these needs. I am not a mind reader, so your ears are my ears.

I dedicate myself to making these Celebrations of Life as meaningful, as personal, but also are Resurrection-based as possible. The early church found their strength and confidence in know death is not the end, that love lives on. I share that same assertion in our funeral services. I don’t like “paint by numbers” funerals, nor do I like sentimental funerals that make everyone sound like the same sweet gentle soul. Sameness is not a concept that appeals to me, I want every funeral to reflect the diversity of Creation God intended. None of us were made the same, except with the purpose to love and be loved, to work for justice, not just us.

Tonight, we held a Worship meeting via ZOOM. We discussed the business decisions that arise in any church that offers weekly worship services. There is a budget to plan for in 2026, there are reports from the Choir, the Ministers, Sunday School, Youth, and Faith Formation. What matters to you in a worship service? What makes that service meaningful? I am interested. As I repeat so often, I am keen to know what speaks to you, but always conscious that what speak to one, may not speak to others. That’s why comments like “that was your best sermon”, prompt my reply, “in your opinion”. Your opinion matters and I am keen to receive feedback. But always know, your opinion may not be the same as the one who sits in front of you, or behind you. Same goes for hymns, prayers, etc…I once served a church where the same people who complained the announcements were too many and too long, would in their next breath ask, “please promote our next gathering…” The inconsistency of these two statements seemed lost on their folks. Perhaps I am being too subtle.

My style of leading worship is unique to me, but I do adjust and evolve as time passes in the specific churches I serve. I am watching you, listening to you, seeing how you respond to various parts of our services. I am trained in the theology and practice of Christian liturgy. I know what the theory is, and why. But I am always keenly aware of what works in specific settings, like here. Finding that flow, those words, that spirit, is what makes a worship service meaningful. Your help is always welcome.

Peace, Kevin

PS I know the number critique of services I lead. They are too long because the announcements I share are too long, my sermons are too long. If you think I don’t this, you are mistaken. But as Popeye once said, “I am what I am” and it is likely these flaws are not likely to change. On the positive side, I am usually skilled at getting people to respond to the announcements with their participation and my sermons are usually heard, not ignored or slept through. My goal is to connect with you.