Media: Sermons – Harmony United Church

Sermons

"What are your identity markers?"
(based on Matthew 23:1-12)

We all have 'markers' which help to define who we are. In this sermon, Rev. Jim delves into this topic helping us to look past those which label us according to vocation, social status, etc. to include what defines us as followers of Christ.

November 1, 2026

"The Greatest Commandment"
(based on Matthew 22:34-46)

One of Jesus' most quoted sayings focuses on loving God, yourself and your neighbour. Although at first glance this statement looks straightforward, however, Rev. Jim unpacks a much deeper meaning which can affect our lives.

October 25, 2026

"Give unto Caesar"
(based on Matthew 22:15-22)

What did Jesus mean by "give unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar"? Rev. Jim looks into the mystery surrounding this common phrase attributed to Jesus during the last days of his ministry.

October 18, 2026

Thanksgiving Sunday | "The Secret to Happiness?"
(based on 2 Corinthians 9:6-15)

On Thanksgiving Sunday we are encouraged to keep in mind those things for which we are truly thankful. Rev. Jim takes a step further by encouraging us to strive to think of the needs of others which can lead to future happiness.

October 11, 2026

" 'Earn' your daily bread"
(based on Matthew 20:1-16)

Our society is facing an uncertain future. AI, as well as the direction our governments are heading, are forcing us to re-evaluate our priorities. What does it mean to be a child of God in the midst of it all? Rev. Jim encourages to examine our lives, our futures and to take action.

Sept. 27, 2026

"Life isn't fair ...or is it?"
(based on Matthew 20:1-16)

Another title for this sermon is "Blessed are the last chosen".

Jesus tells an interesting parable which has left many bewildered as to its meaning. Rev. Jim helps to unravel the hidden themes of this passage and encourages us to look at life with meaning and purpose, even when it seems hopeless.

Sept. 20, 2026

"Making sense of a difficult passage"
(based on Exodus 14:19-31)

There are many passages in the Bible which pose difficult explanations, especially relating to a God who is described as violent. Rev. Jim helps us understand this story of the deliverance of the Hebrew slaves from Egypt relates to us today as we face uncertainty in difficult times.

Sept. 13, 2026

"The significance of the Word"
(based on John 1:1-5)

Certain words have great significance in how they are used. Rev. Jim explores how the reference to God as being the living Word is used in the gospel of John.

(Due to technical difficulties only the audio is available)

Sept. 6, 2026

"Whom Do You Say that I Am?"
(based on Matthew 16:13-20)

Jim guides us through various depictions of Jesus as a backdrop to his question which he asked his disciples, "Whom do you say that I am?"

August 23, 2026

"Learning from Jesus' mistake"
(based on Matthew 15:10-28)

Rev. Jim examines Jesus' interaction with the woman from Tyre and Sidon and points out what appears to be a mistake that he makes which leads to an example of how forgiveness impacts our lives.

August 16, 2026

"How to get your feet wet in 3 easy steps" (Jesus walks on the water)
(based on Matthew 14:22-33)

The familiar account of Jesus walking on the water and the unique response of Peter's faith. Rev. Jim reveals some simple yet profound truths that can be found in this story, pointing out that a 'little faith' is all we need.

August 9, 2026

"Race between Two Brothers" (Jacob and Esau)
(based on Genesis 32:22-31)

These two brothers were involved in a race - the goal was to receive the final blessing from their father. The result was to set the course of history.

August 2, 2026

God's Promises to Hagar (Worship leader: Bryan Tudor)
(based on Genesis 16)

Many individuals have been used by God to reveal truths about God's nature. Many of these would be called 'minor' characters but when God decides to act these supposedly insignificant characters have influenced the course of history. One such individual was a slave called Hagar. Bryan reveals God's enduring promise to Hagar and to us today.

June 28, 2026

Unpacking the Lord's Prayer

Although one of the most common passages found in the Bible and recited by millions in almost every language around the globe, the essence of the Lord's Prayer is probably misunderstood by many. Rev. Jim delves into the background to this prayer and why it is significant for us today.

June 14, 2026

Being Pursued
(based on Psalm 23)

Rev. Jim unpacks a hidden meaning in this well-known psalm, looking at how God works in our midst wanting to help us recognize the love and acceptance we can experience.

April 26, 2026

Finding Christ in Our Midst
(based on Luke 24)

Exploring the story of Christ appearing to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Finding Christ in others as we practice hospitality.

April 19, 2026

Fear Not... (Based on Psalm 16)

Guest speaker: Mark Pitman

The story of David sparing King Saul's life (1 Samuel 24) is revisited comparing David's sense of trusting God and Saul's confidence in his own authority. Can we experience peace through faith in God in a world being ripped apart by war and greed?

April 12, 2026

Easter Sunday: Faith Leads to Extraordinary Events

The story of Easter is a common one and the scriptures connected to this story have been read for centuries, however, Matthew's account is a bit different, denoting some dramatic events and situations which the women who went to the tomb encountered. Their courage and faith underpin the beginnings of the early church.

April 5, 2026

Reflection and Resistance

This reflection for Palm Sunday explores the intersection of spiritual peace, the historical context of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and the ongoing call to justice. The speaker frames breathing as both an act of self-care and a form of resistance against systems of oppression.

March 29, 2026

Its the End of the World as We Know It (and I feel fine)

People have always tried to see current events as the fulfillment of some kind of prophecy. Are we living through some kind of “end times?”

Rev. Jim unpacks the myths around various interpretations of the 'end times' according to the Bible. In the midst of uncertainty and turmoil in our world there is hope as we approach Easter.

March 22, 2026

Public | Intentional | Explicit

Rev. Jim explores the unique nighttime meeting between Nicodemus and Jesus. He reveals how this is an example of living a life based on PIE (Public, Intentional, Explicit) which is what we all should strive for.

March 15, 2026

What Do You Believe?

Rev. Jim explains how there are gods all around us. Which one(s) do we worship? When asked what needed to be done to inherit eternal life, Jesus challenged the rich young ruler to give up his most prized possessions.

March 8, 2026