St. Columba Anglican Church
24 Sandridge Road K1K 0A8 Ottawa, ON, Canada

Karen’s Sermon Reflections of Psalm 23 The Lord is My Shepherd Shepherds in the Middle East of the first century used the expression, to set the table when referring to the act of preparing the fields for their grazing sheep. Such activities included uprooting poisonous weeds and thorns and clearing the area of those who would do harm to the herd. Creatures such as snakes, scorpions and wolves.... In the evening, as the sheep were being corralled, the shepherd would evaluate each member of the flock for illness and injury; those in need would be separated from the others and treated with oil. A curative drink made of fermented herbs and sweetened with honey would settle a fever and assist in fighting an infection. The shepherd would know the unique characteristics of each member of the flock, calling each by name, anticipating their every need. The sheep had every confidence in the loving care the shepherd provides, placing their lives in the hands of the One who cares for them deeply. It is unlikely that any of us will ever be in contact with sheep anytime soon and yet this ancient Psalm, attributed to the fair haired shepherd boy, David, who would become the king of Israel, is one which allows our imaginations to soar. It doesn’t take long before we yearn to be brought into the loving care of the shepherd, feeling the safety which only he can provide. This Psalm expresses our confidence in God and what he has done for us. Our God is a skillful, compassionate shepherd who cares for his sheep. As we experience the ups and downs of our isolated lives these days, I wonder what might happen if we took time each day to pray Psalm 23. Picture the shepherd leaning down to scoop you away from your troubles and bring you under his loving care. 23 1 The Lord is my shepherd; * I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures * and leads me beside still waters. 3 He revives my soul * and guides me along right pathways for his name’s sake. 4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; * for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; * you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over. 6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, * and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Glory to you, Jesus Christ, our good shepherd. In the waters of baptism you give us new birth, at your table you nourish us with heavenly food, and in your goodness and mercy, you guide us beyond the terrors of evil and death to your Father’s home to dwell in eternal light. Glory to you for ever.

THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT I am the light of the world, says the Lord; those who follow me will have the light of life. A Service of Light : Meditation of the Word....Continue reading

Warmest greetings to the St. Columba family. As you all know, our Church services have been temporarily suspended and we hope to be able to return for Palm Sunday. If that should change, we will keep you updated....Continue reading

Who ever drinks of the water that I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life. The woman said to him, Sir give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water. John 4: 14-15 It is day five of many days yet to come, as we ll to refrain from attending our places of worship. The health authorities tell us that social distancing and indeed for some, outright qua...Continue reading

THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT Lord, you are indeed the Saviour of the world. Give us living water, that we may not thirst. A READING FROM THE BOOK OF EXODUS...Continue reading

Warmest greetings to the St. Columba family. As you all know, our Church services have been temporarily suspended and we hope to be able to return for Palm Sunday. If that should change, we will keep you updated....Continue reading

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Pancakes!! Pancakes!!! Yay!