TEMC Blog

Friends I’m really proud of the work our music director, Elaine Choi, and our music ministry and sanctuary choir did this past Sunday with Considering Matthew Sheppard. Now, granted, they had some 60 extra voices they brought in as support. I’m not sure when I’ve heard such beautiful sound in our sanctuary—and that’s saying a lot. But our choir leads were still the heartbeat of the performance.

“What is the New Cathedral Project’?”

We were in a meeting envisioning our capital campaign next fall. The New Cathedral Project was on a list of things we want to fund, so it’s a reasonable question. But I found myself fumbling with how to explain it.

Lots of you have noticed that we are gathering feedback on pastor Dayle K. Barrett’s ministry among us. And we’ve done so thoroughly. There were inserts in the Easter order of service. Emails have gone out. A ballot box is in the narthex to receive these feedback forms (it has also received Loonies and Toonies 😊).

What took you to Germany recently?

I was there by invitation from AMIS, the Association for Music in International Schools. I was invited to be the guest conductor for the European high school honor choir (they spell it the American way) last March in Poland. I wasn’t yet cleared to travel internationally, so they postponed and held it this year in Germany.

In recent years, people in the West have felt confused and have had to rethink the role of Christianity and the church in society. We have seen ultra-right movements (such as those observed in our southern neighbors) that represent themselves as Christian while performing very questionable actions. As a reaction, others conclude that these actions are what Christianity is and are ready to blame the faith for all that is wrong.

Dr. Olga Sobkovych Curatorial Statement

Thank you to everyone who has made this exhibition possible. And thank you especially to Payman Doddress, my ESL teacher here at the church. He is the editor of everything written, even this speech! So, any mistake I make in English is his fault!

I’m delighted to tell you about an upcoming art exhibit at our church. “The Passion of Christ in Times of Adversity” won’t just hang on our walls. It will adorn our worship space during holy week. “Art for art’s sake” has its place, but this is art for worship’s sake.

What should we call our two worship services?

By Pastor Jason Byassee and Lisa Brisebois 

I often use this blog to reflect on the challenges and opportunities we face as a church—and sometimes to share exciting news. Today, I hope to do both. I want to offer a few reflections and extend a heartfelt invitation to an important interfaith event taking place in the Flora McCrae Auditorium on March 1 (2-5 pm).

Friends, I often use this space to let you know about travel I have upcoming. This summer I plan a different kind of travel.