The Parish

Our world seems to thrive on narratives of winners and losers, good guys and bad guys, us and them. But what if there is no us and them, what if there is only us?

We live in a violent and polarized world. Are Jesus' teachings about non-violence out-dated or are they more needed than ever?

What if prayer wasn't about reminding God of his obligations, but instead it was about inspiring us of ours.

Prayer changes things... most importantly the person who is doing the praying!

What if prayer wasn't something we just did but something we experienced.

It's not about how close you are to Jesus that influences your faith, it is what direction you are facing regardless of how distant you feel.

Michael VanDerHerberg is the Housing Director at OneCity Peterborough and shares from his own journey some powerful truths of Belonging.  For more information on the work Michael Does you can visit www.onecityptbo.ca

At its best, church is full of diversity and, because of that, can only flourish where love is genuine.

Belonging is meant to be part of our spiritual practice, and not by merely experiencing it....but by extending it.

We are wired up to need connection and belonging but what do we do when past experiences and present circumstances make us reluctant to even try?

Being surrounded by other human beings doesn’t create a sense of belonging but sharing something far more divine does.

“Most people treat the present moment as if it were an obstacle that they need to overcome.  Since the present moment is life itself, this is an insane way to live.” ~Eckhart Tolle

Happiness that rests on comparison and competition is never lasting. But, as usual, Jesus has a better way!

The foundation for each and every spiritual journey is humbly asking ourselves, “Can I join God in seeing who God sees me to be when God sees me?”  

Some say that there are two times we can experience God's presence-in the present moment, and upon reflection.

If our desire to help others in their suffering is motivated from being inconvenienced, then we are the ones who are stuck.

A prescribed faith that fits into a neat little box with no loose bit may provide comfort and security. But what if God is up to something far bigger?

It is amazing how cocky we get when life is good.  But often when we experience a little adversity, a little pain- it can actually turn us into decent people.