The ECC Podcast

As it is National Indigenous Peoples Day, we are taking a pause from our Ecclesiastes series and will be hearing from Ray as he shares his reflections. Dr. Raymond Aldred is the director of the Indigenous Studies Program at the Vancouver School of Theology, where he partners with the Indigenous Church around theological education. Status Cree from Swan River Band, Treaty 8, he was born in Northern Alberta and now lives in Richmond, BC with his wife, Elaine. Ordained first with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and now with the Anglican Church of Canada, Ray has served as Assistant Professor of Theology at Ambrose Seminary and as a leader with Indigenous Pathways and the First Nations Alliance Churches of Canada. His passion is to help as many as possible hear the gospel in their heart language. 

What is the meaning of life? It is the oldest question humanity has ever asked, and one we are still wrestling with today.This spring, we are journeying through one of the Bible's most provocative and searching books: Ecclesiastes. Often described by scholars as "unsettling," Ecclesiastes refuses to offer easy answers. Instead, it confronts us with the raw, unfiltered questions we all quietly carry: Is life meaningless? Why do good people suffer? Why does satisfaction always seem just out of reach? How do we make sense of life when it simply does not make sense?Throughout this series, we are exploring whether the things we most often chase pleasure, wealth, success, justice, and even wisdom can truly deliver the meaning we long for. You may find that what Ecclesiastes exposes is not just a tension in the ancient world, but a tension alive in your own heart.Join  Ben continues our journey through Ecclesiastes 9.

After having discounted pleasures, riches, accomplishments and fame as pursuits that are all a "chasing after the wind" in the previous messages in this series, we now turn with Qoholeth to examine the pursuit of wisdom. While earthly wisdom offers advantages in living life and discerning the best approach to living life successfully, it ultimately is also a "chasing after the wind" if it is merely done under the sun. Wisdom is meaningful only when it is pursued under God, accepting that God's ways are good and that His plans are also good for us.

Ecclesiastes at first glance appears to be very negative and dark. A closer look reveals exactly the opposite, that it is intended to direct us to an incredibly positive perspective. Even in the midst of our broken world, God desires to give us the gift of joy, meaning, and contentment in the simple things in life. After an overview of these 2 perspectives, we will look at one specific issue in chapters 4-6, which highlights our need to accept God’s life-changing gift today no matter where we are in our life journey.

This message celebrates Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples in Jerusalem and the church was born.What happened fifty days after Easter wasn't just a historical moment, it marked a seismic shift: the Spirit who once rested on select prophets and kings was now given to every believer, permanently. That's still our story. We carry the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, and Sunday is our chance to remember, celebrate, and ask God to stir up fresh courage, gifts, and new beginnings in us as a church.

Sherah leads us in exploring Ecclesiastes 3's three themes of time, judgment, and death. In this message, we will see how the author shows us the human perspective vs. God’s perspective on these themes.

In celebration of Mother's day, we are taking a pause from our Ecclesiastes series to reflect on 2 Timothy 1:3–7. Through Paul’s encouragement to Timothy, we’ll explore how sincere faith is passed down through generations, strengthened through prayer, and stirred into action through the spiritual gifts God has given us. Together, let us discover how we can live out a bold and active faith today.

What is the meaning of life? It is the oldest question humanity has ever asked, and one we are still wrestling with today.This spring, we invite you to journey with us through one of the Bible's most provocative and searching books: Ecclesiastes. Often described by scholars as "unsettling," Ecclesiastes refuses to offer easy answers. Instead, it confronts us with the raw, unfiltered questions we all quietly carry: Is life meaningless? Why do good people suffer? Why does satisfaction always seem just out of reach? How do we make sense of life when it simply does not make sense?

We invite you to continue to journey with us as Ben speaks from Ecclesiastes 2. Over the course of this series, we will explore whether the things we most often chase (pleasure, wealth, success, justice, and even wisdom) can truly deliver the meaning we are longing for. You may find that some of what Ecclesiastes exposes is not just a tension in the ancient world, but a tension alive in our own hearts.

What is the meaning of life? It is the oldest question humanity has ever asked, and one we are still wrestling with today.This spring, we invite you to journey with us through one of the Bible's most provocative and searching books: Ecclesiastes. Often described by scholars as "unsettling," Ecclesiastes refuses to offer easy answers. Instead, it confronts us with the raw, unfiltered questions we all quietly carry: Is life meaningless? Why do good people suffer? Why does satisfaction always seem just out of reach? How do we make sense of life when it simply does not make sense?We invite you to join us in this message as we begin this new series.

Join Pastor Sherah as we look at how we can listen to God's purpose for our lives and work as families and individuals on our own happiness projects.

The small moment Jesus has with Zacchaeus as he is passing through Jericho has a huge impact on the Jewish society that observes it. Jesus challenges their social expectations and behaviors and shows them a new way to acknowledge those that society considers beneath it.

In this message, Dan will finish up our series on Small Moments, Big Impact as we consider Holy Interruptions in our lives, including the greatest Interruption of them all, the miracle of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Most of us have been taught that making a difference means going big, but what if Jesus measures impact differently than we do? This week, we look at one of the strangest episodes in Jesus' ministry, a cursed tree, an overturned table, and a kingdom that values faithfulness over flashiness. Things that looked impressive on the outside turned out to be dead on the inside, and the moments nobody noticed ended up changing everything. Could we be mistaking busyness for fruitfulness or religiosity as saving faith? Join us as we continue our series, Small Moments, Big Impact, by looking into the story found in Mark 11:12-25.

On his final journey to Jerusalem, Jesus heals a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. Jesus declares it was his faith that saved him. What marks of faith did Bartimaeus display? And what can we learn today from the faith of a blind beggar who encountered Jesus one day in Jericho 2,000 years ago? Join Mark as he explores Mark 10: 46-52.

Charlene explores the stories of two different people who desperately needed Jesus’ healing touch: First, Jairus who was wealthy and influential, and second, an unnamed woman who was poor and an outcast. This messages takes us back to this seemingly small moment when this woman who touches the edge of Jesus’ cloak experiences a powerful impact on her body, her faith, and her whole well-being. Jesus cares deeply for our pain. Charlene will also share her personal story of Jesus’ love and compassion during her time of illness.

Luke explores chapter 1 of the Book of Ruth and uncovers the powerful theme of sacrificial and steadfast love woven through a story of suffering and uncertainty.

In the first message of our new series Small Moments, Big Impact, we step into the powerful story of a woman who breaks open an alabaster jar and pours out perfume worth a year’s wages on Jesus. What looked wasteful and unnecessary to others, Jesus called “a beautiful thing.”In a world obsessed with big platforms and bigger results, this quiet, costly act of love reveals the heart of His upside-down kingdom. Together, we’ll explore how authentic worship isn’t about preference or comfort but about surrender and love compelled by the Gospel. What if the small, unseen moments of devotion in your life are the very seeds God uses for eternal impact? Come ready to be stirred and challenged.

What if the secret to the early church's explosive growth wasn't programs or strategies, but something far more radical? In Acts 2, after 3,000 people are added in a single day, Luke "pops the hood" to reveal the engine driving this movement: a community so marked by sacrificial love that the world couldn't help but ask, "What's going on over there?" In this message, we'll discover why you can't become like Jesus by yourself—and what it looks like when love gets real in community.

What does true biblical friendship look like? Can singleness be seen as a gift in the church? In this message, Sherah leads us as we explore these issues and learn how to be true friends to the single members of our congregation.

Rev. Dr. Raymond Aldred dives into the passage of Matthew 5:1-12 and discuss how Jesus redefines what it means to follow God's path in the context of neighborly love.

What motivates us to serve and share our faith with others? Are we duty-bound, or serving out of a feeling of guilt and obligation? Or have we found the wellspring of motivation that comes from true acquaintance with Christ-like love?This Sunday, we'll have the privilege of hearing from Gatlin from the Daybreak Point Bible Camp team who will be sharing about what motivates them to serve the Lord on Anvil Island.

Andreas Russell gives an update on his student ministry work with the Navigators of Canada. He'll share about the exciting growth he's witnessing and reflect on how God is making Himself known to students and to us.

Mary's example has much to teach us today about obedience and humility. In this message, Sherah will lead us as we continue to dig deeper into Mary's story and reflect on our own posture towards God.

We all have that picture of Mary in our heads — calm, glowing, wrapped in blue — but what if the real Mary was way more real and relatable than we think? Come explore her story with fresh eyes and see how God shows up in ordinary people and everyday moments… including yours.

You may not see it, but you’re in it — a battle that’s spiritual, relentless, and very real. The good news? God has already equipped you with everything you need to stand strong.In this message, Mark leads us in unpacking Paul’s final words in Ephesians 6: 10-20 — a stirring pep talk from the front lines of faith — and discover how to live ready, armed, and unshaken.

Gray discusses this passage in Ephesians where Paul sets forth a view of submission and family that is radically different from how the average person in the Ephesian church would have understood it. He turns our understanding of family on its head as he redefines submission in terms of the sacrificial life and death of Jesus rather than the patriarchal hierarchy based on power and control of the Roman world. It is as shocking and challenging today as it was in Paul’s day.

Ephesians calls us to walk worthy of the incredible call of God. The challenge is that we’re not there yet and so there is always a gap between who God calls us to be and how we actually live. Rather than being discouraged by this gap, Gray will lead us as we dive into this specific passage from Ephesians which shows us how to mind the gap. 

Join us as Dave Ward reflects on the topics of community, identity, and what we can learn from those brawling Ephesians! 

As we continue our fall series on the book of Ephesians, we come to the book's halfway point where Paul transitions from speaking of the abundant blessings given to believers to what practical difference our identity in Christ should make in our lives and relationships.How does a Christian live out and grow in their faith? Dwight will lead us as we look at Ephesians 4:1-16 where Paul speaks about the importance of the church body and how working out our differences leads to true maturity.

Jeanette Amundson leads us through Ephesians 3 and explores this statement and question: We are heirs to the boundless salvation of God, so how does that even work?

In this message, we will reflect on the tragic experiences of many Indigenous peoples in Canada and also ponder on this question: What does God call me to know and to do?We will briefly look at both the truth of Canada’s historical treatment of Indigenous peoples and thoughts about God’s call to us to work out practically in our day His heart for reconciliation.

By grace alone, we've been raised to new life – a spiritual life with God's purposes prepared for us. In this message, Fred will lead us as we look into the passage of Ephesians 1:15 - 2:10 and we'll dive deeper into God's calling and explore what this life together in Christ could look like.

What does it mean to be spiritual in a world focused on material success and personal fulfillment? In this message, Dan will start off this series on "life together" from the book of Ephesians. We’ll explore what does it mean to be "spiritual" in the real world and how this relates to our lives together.

Aaron Leggo shares his love of cinema by exploring the creative connection between God and movies.

This Sunday will be our last time to hear from Ken.  But, there’s a twist: it won’t just be Ken.  In true ECC fashion, there will be a few others teaching during the service and you’ll not want to miss out on their wisdom. Ken will close with a challenge to have the faith OF Jesus.

We are all being shaped by something—our culture, our habits, our priorities. But Jesus invites us to be shaped by His teaching—and then to help shape others in turn.This week, Mariel will lead us as we look at the Rich Young Ruler, the Great Commission, and what it means to let Jesus form us so we can live as disciple-makers in everyday life.

What comes to mind when you think of being a friend of Jesus? Does it feel comforting, or maybe a bit too casual? After all, He is the Creator of the universe. Perhaps it feels more fitting to only call Him King, Saviour, or Son of God instead? And yet, in John 15:12–15, Jesus does something radical: He calls His followers friends.In this message, Luke explores what it truly means to be called a friend of Jesus, how that reveals the depth of His love for us, and how He calls us to love others with that same sacrificial love.

Andrea Fruhling explores the story of Jesus calling the first disciple (Luke 5:1-11), discussing the power of walking alongside others with intention and responding to God’s invitation to go deeper. We are invited to notice, trust, and respond to God’s calling in our lives, learning to listen more deeply and see ourselves and others the way God sees us.

How can homemaking reflect God's character?In this message, Elaine will talk about metaphors in homemaking that help us see God in our daily chores. One of the main metaphors is the rich imagery of "washing", "cleansing", and "purifying." Our cleaning chores help us to see more deeply the spiritual reality that God too desires to cleanse us and bring us back to a restored and renewed self. Even in the mundane, God can be seen.

What if someone in your family does not follow God? Maybe it’s your child, your parent, your sibling, a niece or a nephew – perhaps even your spouse? What’s that like and what is God up to in those situations?In this message, Mark shares some of his own personal family experiences and explores how one can reflect God’s grace amid spiritual differences in our homes.

Probably the biggest source of metaphors for God is from the world of our life/work roles. This includes roles that are paid (e.g. jobs) and unpaid. No one life/work role encapsulates all that God is, so He points to a wide diversity of roles that bring forth His attributes.An understanding of this wide diversity of life/work roles that God chooses to call Himself will show God’s people that we are to see our life/work roles as ones that can reflect the living God. 

As we conclude our Habakkuk series we hope to pick up some ideas and suggestions from the man Habakkuk (our “traveling companion”).  He begins with being rather annoyed by what he sees around him and shares that annoyance with God in the form of a complaint. But he ends with a song of rejoicing. How does he move from complaining to rejoicing?

In this message, we will be focusing on the final verses in which Habakkuk proclaims that even if he loses everything, he will still rejoice in the Lord.    Is it really possible to be joyful in the midst of suffering and pain?  Can this be true for us? Dwight will dig deeper into Habakkuk 3 and will share some thoughts about what it was that may have moved Habakkuk from a posture of protest to a posture of praise.

I’m tired of waiting!!! Most of us struggle to wait, especially in the face of wrong. Join us as we continue in our series of Grappling with God, as we review chapter 2 of Habakkuk. Dan Russell will discuss the challenge of waiting for God in the midst of injustice and evil.

This week, we look at Habakkuk's response to God's plan to use the Babylonians to deal with the evil in Judah. We will see how Habakkuk questions God's plan. In using the Babylonians, does this not contradict everything that God stands for? Why is God using evil to rid evil? How can we make sense of this?In this message, we will see how Habakkuk's faith holds on in the midst of doubt, especially concerning God's integrity. When things don't make sense and when we question the very things we know about God, Habakkuk models for us the importance of crying out to God, continuing to "stand watch" and waiting for God's answer, be it one of reproof.

The book of Habakkuk is a must read in today’s broken world. Habakkuk shows us how we can look the hard things of life in the face and still find faith and joy. It shows us that we are called to a defiant faith and joy that keeps going no matter what we have to go through in life.

The first 4 verses of Habakkuk introduce us to his prayer…or maybe we should say his protest. He asks: Where is the God of Heaven? And why is He taking so long?” Maybe we’ve wondered that ourself even? There are several things to learn from Habakkuk as we are on our journey with Jesus. Ken will share 2 key things we can learn from Habakkuk from these first 4 verses.

With sinful leaders, injustice all around and an invading army, most Jewish prophets cry out to the people to repent and turn to God.  Not Habakkuk.  He complains to God. And he stands with his hands on hips waiting for God to reply.  And God does reply indeed. But he dislikes God’s reply and complains once again. And back and forth he goes with God.At some point, Habakkuk begins to see things differently...that maybe there’s more to what’s going on than he realizes.

Easter is one of those days that many of us know about, that some of us celebrate and some of us don’t quite understand it’s significance.  Why is it so important to so many people? It happened so long ago, does it really make any difference today in this century? Do I have to wear pastel colours on Easter? And, will I get a discount on a chocolate bunny on April 21?