In the Alleys

25 09 2012

Reflection on Romans 1:16-25
Wine Before Breakfast
September 25, 2012

by Andrew Stephens-Rennie

I’ve always thought Paul was a little off.

This used car salesman of an apostle going at it, time and again, over and over, with just one more audacious pitch, one more bill of goods to sell, and the naïve expectation that maybe this time he’ll seal the deal.

I can sort of imagine him, cowboy hat and bolo tie, with one sweet bargain and prices slashed again and again and again.

But on my better days, I’m not sure I buy it.

He’s a delusional fool if he thinks he can sell anyone on that. Not here. We’re not in some backwards town anymore. This is Rome. This is the Capital. And – here at least – this story doesn’t even compete. Read the rest of this entry »





If It’s Not Love We Can’t Take It When We Go (Pt II)

10 02 2009

by Andrew Stephens-Rennie

[Note: This post is the second in a two-part series. You can read the first part here.]

A strange way, a strange way indeed. What a strange way to start a revolution.

The last time Martyn Joseph passed through the Ottawa region was not in fact Ottawa, but Smiths Falls, Ontario back in the winter of 2008. Before that were a couple of stints at the Black Sheep Inn. I honestly don’t know why the Black Sheep hasn’t picked him up since, but really, it was great to be able to host Martyn at Ecclesiax, right in the heart of the Glebe.

From the opening chord to the closing note, the performance was captivating. Taking us on a journey of heartbreak and redemption, Martyn and his guitars opened a portal to the pain and suffering of our world, allowed us to participate in that, to feel it, to truly feel the power of lament (laments have a purpose and laments have a cost, a requiem playing to gather the lost), and the relief and release that come with such weeping, such confession, and inevitable resistance. Read the rest of this entry »





If It’s Not Love We Can’t Take It When We Go (Pt I)

9 02 2009

by Andrew Stephens-Rennie

You know? It’s always a little nerve-wracking when you throw your hat back in the ring.

After growing up in a musical void for much of my life, I discovered more music while away at school than I knew how to handle. Continually catching up on the music that should have been the soundtrack to my childhood, and listening to the new stuff popping up around me, I was hooked. It was a late discovery, but when I finally discovered the music that was out there, it changed my life.

From the sounds of U2, to G’n'R, Ben Harper, Dave Matthews, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Sigur Ros, discovering bands like Anberlin, Further Seems Forever, and Big Wreck who awoke me to the diversity of musical expression. Suddenly my world was way bigger than the CBC. Read the rest of this entry »





Jon Brooks in Ottawa

23 09 2008

Those of you who were at the Jesus for President event in Toronto at the Church of the Redeemer will remember Jon Brooks. Jon is the incredible singer-songwriter who performed as a part JFP, sharing songs from Ours and the Shepherds as well as his forthcoming album, Moth nor Rust.

Well Jon’s agreed to do a longer, more intimate show at the BoX Gallery at Ecclesiax in Ottawa on Friday October 3, 2008.

The show will start at 7.30pm. Admission is $10. And to top it off, if you come, you’ll be part of a live recording. We’re working with the Gallery Studios in Ottawa to record this show live. For further info, email admin@ecclesiax.com

For a recent review of Jon’s music, click here. To tell us you’re coming, say yes to facebook.





JFP Thank-Yous

1 07 2008

by Andrew Stephens-Rennie

We had a great time with Shane, Chris the Psalters and Jon Brooks on the only Canadian stop of the Jesus for Prime Minister tour, just one day before Canada Day.

Again, we can’t thank our friends and partners enough for helping to make this event happen: PWRDF, The Meeting House, Church of the Redeemer and Freedomize Toronto. Thank-you all for all your contributions to the event’s success.

Despite some delays at the Border, some questions as to whether the bus was really powered by veggie oil (and was not, instead, a travelling meth lab), the JFP Crew made it for an incredible, packed evening at Church of the Redeemer in the heart of downtown Toronto.

“What are 400 people doing,” more than a few passers-by asked, “crowded on the front steps of a church in the heart of Yorkville?” It was quite the scene, to be sure! But why were we there?

Getting fired up...

Getting fired up...

We were there to listen to stories. We were there to listen to the story of the scriptures, and stories of living those stories out in 21st Century North America. We were there not only to listen, but to be inspired.

The spirit’s breath was with us, as we were challenged to think of Christians’ role in effecting change in this world. Faith means nothing without faithful living, and we were challenged to respond faithfully to the story of the scriptures, and God’s call on our lives to seek others’ welfare before we seek our own.

Monday evening featured three local groups – Sanctuary, The Gateway, and Sketch – we were invited to come alongside, and put faith into action. These are only three examples in the GTA, but they’re good ones – and so we’d encourage you again to call them up and get involved.

We’re reprinting the backs of programs below for those who weren’t able to attend, and for those who forgot their programs at the church:

The GatewaySanctuary Ministries





Jesus for President – Toronto

20 05 2008

Details for the Toronto stop of the Jesus for President tour with Chris Haw, Shane Claiborne and special musical guest Jon Brooks are now published. You can connect with others attending the event through our facebook group and event page.





Let Me Suffer Too :: Jon Brooks’ “Ours and the Shepherds”

29 02 2008

by Tyrone Warner

History has been ravaged by the destructive force of war, and those who left their footmarks on scattered battlefields are anonymous whispers of dust.

But through discovered newspaper clippings, hysterical round-the-clock television sound-bites, and one-on-one meetings with their living lineage, Jon Brooks gives voice to Canadian soldiers and their experiences abroad.

“Ours and the Shepherds,” named for a passage spoken by Dorothy Day (founder of the Catholic Worker Movement) is a peaceful collection of folk compositions with a heart that weeps for the pain and loss that war leaves in its tragic wake. Read the rest of this entry »








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