Sun. Sept. 20, 2009 (Sylvia Cleland)

We celebrated our 23rd anniversary by having Rev. Sylvia Cleland (West Point Grey Presbyterian Church) speak. Rosie had spoken at their 97th anniversary. Sylvia noted that people seldom say "You're welcome" in response to our "Thank you!" Instead, current lingo uses "No problem", which is far less truthful and less welcoming. In Mark 9:30-37, the word "welcome' is used four times. Jesus, tired of his disciples’ argument over their inheritance in his kingdom, took a powerless little child in his arms, and declared that whoever wants to be first must view himself as being the last and must be a servant to everyone else. He then added, "If you welcome even a child, you welcome me ... and the one who sent me." Today we are Christ's disciples, living in our "me first" society which honours sports figures (only if they obtain first place), politicians (but only those who win), and entrepreneurs (but only those who succeed). However, until the world truly welcomes all of its children and other powerless individuals, there cannot be peace in our society. Sylvia concluded by asking how PGIMF will be looking out for the children and the powerless in Vancouver, particularly while the world's most wealthy and powerful people come to play on our doorstep? [JEK] Listen to the sermon audio MP3 recording from Sunday, Sept. 20th, 2009 using your browser's preferred media player.