In this poetic reflection, Rev. Bri-anne dreams of rain that falls on everyone, and a Spirit that floods every forgotten corner. From soup kitchens to shelter lines, from food banks to border crossings, a vision of mercy poured out...until even the dry things say yes.
📖 Scripture: Joel 2:23-32 I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten...
🎶 Music: Healing Rain by Peter Verity, performed by Bri-anne Swan.
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⛪️ East End United Regional Ministry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
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★ Support this podcast ★Rev. Bri-anne weaves together a love story, a community’s fight to protect the water, and Psalm 42’s cry of longing. A reflection on rivers, resistance, and the ways water keeps calling us home.
📖 Scripture: Genesis 1:26-31 God creates humans in their image. Then there was evening, and there was morning. The sixth day.
🎶 Music: River by Joni Mitchell, performed by the East End United Choir.
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⛪️ East End United Regional Ministry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
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★ Support this podcast ★Rev. Bri-anne Swan invites us back to the first liturgy of Genesis 1—when creation sang “let there be” before we paved paradise and called it progress. A reflection on covenant, kinship, and the Earth still singing.
📖 Scripture: Genesis 1:1-19 and there was evening, and morning, the first day...
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⛪️ East End United Regional Ministry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
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★ Support this podcast ★On this Cosmic Sunday, we turn our gaze to clouds, golden hour light, and Holy Mystery. Through Joni Mitchell’s lyrics, John’s gospel, and A Song of Faith, we explore Creation as relationship—both intimate and cosmic. Even when the sky feels heavy, or when we confess “I really don’t know life at all,” still the light shines.
📖 Scripture: John 1:1-18 In the beginning was the word... (From the First Nations Version)
📖 Reading: Opening stanzas from A Song of Faith (2006)
🎶 Music: Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell, performed by the East End United Choir.
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⛪️ East End United Regional Ministry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
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★ Support this podcast ★Before Jesus even speaks, there is a woman quietly falling apart in the kitchen...
In this episode, Rev. Bri-anne reflects on the story of Mary and Martha—not as a rivalry between contemplation and action, but as a sacred dance of discernment.
Come and sit, if only for a moment. There’s a place for you here...whether your hands are calloused from service, or your heart is tired from trying to keep up.
📖 Scripture: Luke 10:38-42 Choosing the Better Part
🎶 Music: Everybody Sometimes by Emorie
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⛪️ East End United Regional Ministry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
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★ Support this podcast ★What does it mean to share good news in a world overwhelmed by bad news? In this episode, Rev. Bri-anne explores Luke 10 and the radical vulnerability of discipleship. Drawing on themes of evangelism and spiritual community this sermon speaks directly to the congregation at East End, but offers wisdom for anyone seeking meaning, connection, and hope in uncertain times.
Whether you're part of a faith community or spiritually curious, hear how God breathes life into dust—and sends it out with purpose.
📖 Scripture: Luke 10:1-11 The Seventy Are Sent Out
🎶 Music: Dust in the Wind by Kansas
Sung by Bri-anne. Guitar by Raymond at Acoustic Lounge (thank you).
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⛪️ East End United Regional Ministry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
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Sermons from the East End is a sermon podcast brought to you by the people of East End United Regional Ministry, part of our online ministry serving those both within and beyond the East End of Toronto, Canada.
★ Support this podcast ★This Pride episode of Sermons from the East End is a lyrical reflection on the queerness of God, the holiness of queer bodies, and the love that refuses to be caged by doctrine or fear. Drawing from John 1 and Jeremiah 1, it is a blessing for those long silenced, a rally cry for sacred defiance, and a reminder: you were never a mistake. You were always part of the story.
📖 Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-10 God calls Jeremiah (read by Simon Meyers)
📖 Scripture: John 1:1-18 In the beginning was The Word (from the First Nations Version)
🎶 Music: All Belong Here by The Many
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East End United Regional Ministry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
Let's Get Social
Sermons from the East End is a sermon podcast brought to you by the people of East End United Regional Ministry, part of our online ministry serving those both within and beyond the East End of Toronto, Canada.
★ Support this podcast ★In this episode of Sermons from the East End, Rev. Bri-anne delves into the transformative power of mercy. Reflecting on the story of Jesus and Bartimaeus, along with her experiences as a spiritual advisor and friend to death row inmate Ramiro Gonzales, we explore the question: who deserves mercy?
Join us as we consider the complexities of justice, compassion, and the radical call to mercy in a world that often seems more focused on retribution.
Scripture: Mark 10:46-52 Christ heals blind Bartimaeus
"When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!'
Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!'"
Music: Lovely Needy People by The Many
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East End United Regional Ministry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
Let's Get Social
Sermons from the East End is a sermon podcast brought to you by the people of East End United Regional Ministry, part of our online ministry serving those both within and beyond the East End of Toronto, Canada.
★ Support this podcast ★Join Rev. Bri-anne as she explored the legend of the ivory-billed woodpecker, a symbol of resilience and hope amidst destruction. Isn't it funny how nature (and God?) refuses to give up despite us silly humans?
Scripture: Job 12:7-10
Look to the animals, and they’ll show you the way; listen to the birds, and they’ll tell you their wisdom. Ask the earth, and it will teach you; the fish in the sea have their own lessons to share. Every living thing knows that the hand of God is behind it all. The life of every creature and the breath of all humanity are held in God's hands.
Music: Lord God Bird by Sufjan Stevens and performed by the East End United Regional Ministry choir.
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East End United Regional Ministry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
Let's Get Social
Sermons from the East End is a sermon podcast brought to you by the people of East End United Regional Ministry, part of our online ministry serving those both within and beyond the East End of Toronto, Canada.
★ Support this podcast ★Through reflections on Genesis, Mary Oliver’s poetry, and the hidden wisdom of trees, we contemplate our place within the divine ecosystem and how interconnectedness sustains life. With insights from ecologist Suzanne Simard’s groundbreaking work on trees and fungi, we uncover profound lessons about God’s nurturing presence in creation. Join us as we listen to nature’s whisper: “I did everything for you.”
Scripture: "When I am Among the Trees" by Mary Oliver
Music: For the Widows in Paradise by Sufjan Stevens and performed by Choir! Choir! Choir!
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East End United Regional Ministry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
Let's Get Social
Sermons from the East End is a sermon podcast brought to you by the people of East End United Regional Ministry, part of our online ministry serving those both within and beyond the East End of Toronto, Canada.
★ Support this podcast ★In this episode of Sermons from the East End, Rev. Bri-anne invites us into the layered beauty of the two Creation stories in Genesis, exploring how they shape our understanding of humanity’s relationship with the world. Through music, scripture, and reflection, we consider how creation is not a one-time event, but an ongoing journey of harmony, intimacy, and connection. Join us as we weave together ancient stories, Sufjan Stevens' music, and the rhythm of the Mystery of Love that continues to recreate and reshape us all. All things go. All things grow.
Scripture: Genesis 1 - 2
God creates the universe and humanity.
Music: Chicago by Sufjan Stevens and performed by the East End United Regional Ministry choir and guests.
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East End United Regional Ministry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
Let's Get Social
Sermons from the East End is a sermon podcast brought to you by the people of East End United Regional Ministry, part of our online ministry serving those both within and beyond the East End of Toronto, Canada.
★ Support this podcast ★Rev. Bri-anne reflects on the theme of Holy Mystery, exploring ancient creation stories, awe, and our invitation to embrace wonder, love, and the sacred beauty of the universe during the Season of Creation.
Scripture: Genesis 1:1-25
God creates the universe.
Music: Mystery of Love by Sufjan Stevens and performed by Glasshouse.
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East End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
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★ Support this podcast ★Rev. Bri-anne is confronted with Good Friday all the time. She needs Easter so that has the strength to keep going...and dancing. God is a great dance partner.
Scripture: John 20:1-18
Mary finds the tomb Empty
Read by A Sanctified Art
Music: Lord of the Dance by Sydney Carter and performed by Reflection (in 1968)
Related Links:
John 20:1-18 from A Sanctified Art
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East End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
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★ Support this podcast ★The first warm day of spring brings with it the promise of ice cream and the park. Yet, it was on such a day that a simple outing with Rev. Bri-anne and her children transformed into an unexpected lesson on life, loss, and how sometimes, not even Mama can make things better.
Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11
Jesus Enters Jerusalem
From "The Lockdown Brothers"
Scripture: Matthew 26:1-5
The Plot to Kill Jesus
Music: Kiss it Better by Bri-anne Swan
Related Links:
"Once Upon a Time, There Was a Dead Raccoon"
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East End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
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★ Support this podcast ★Mary anoints Jesus and wipes away the costly perfume with her hair. Judas is scandalized. Scandal seems to follow Jesus everywhere. We explore the very human (dare we say sensual?) aspect of the incarnate God who came to live among us.
Scripture: John 12:1-8
Mary Anoints Jesus
Music: These Bodies by The Many
Related Links:
"The Elephant in the Waiting Room" by Greenshield Canada
Becky's dead daughter (because YOU wanted a massage!)
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East End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
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★ Support this podcast ★Jesus enters the outer courts of the temple and has a temper tantrum, turning over the tables and driving out the animals. Clearly this means Jesus doesn't think commerce and a place of worship can coexist in the same space, right? We explore one more story of Jesus upending the status quo, and perhaps what it could mean if we lean into adjectives instead of identity.
Scripture: John 2:13-22
Jesus in the Temple
Music: The Brilliance - Turning Over Tables
Bonus: "On the Money Changers" from Jesus: Song of Man by Kahlil Gibran
Related Links:
Dot & Bea Vintage
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East End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
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★ Support this podcast ★Jesus asks, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter gets it right. Jesus says he needs to die. Peter says don't do that. Jesus calls Peter Satan and invites his followers to take up their cross. It's a bit much. What is this cross Jesus is moving towards? What does it mean to take up our cross? Is violence every the answer? (spoiler alert: no) Can humanity be redeemed through violence? (also, no).
Scripture: Mark 8:31-38 Peter declares Jesus the Messiah, Jesus invites his followers to take up their cross.
Music: The Brilliance - Will We Ever Rise?
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East End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
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★ Support this podcast ★Join Rev. Bri-anne as she talks about God changing their mind, Rev. Bri-anne changing her own mind, and the change of mind and heart of a certain media pundit.
Scripture: Genesis 9:8-17 God Covenants with Noah and all of creation after the flood.
Music: Proteus - Atonement
Related Links:
Epiphany: A Christian's Change of Heart & Mind over Same-Sex Marriage by Michael Coren
Three Year Old Rev. Bri-anne loving her rainbows
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East End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
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★ Support this podcast ★Join Rev. Bri-anne as she talks about not knowing what to say or how to feel about the conflict unfolding in Israel and Palestine. Lament is important. Sitting with hard things is important. Being angry is sometimes important too.
Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22 The Question About Paying Taxes
Music: Love > Fear by The Many
Relevant Links:
United Church of Canada Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Israel and Palestine
East End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
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★ Support this podcast ★Join Rev. Bri-anne as she talks about growing up where the food...also grows up. We also hear about East End United's food security programs, as Rev. Bri-anne wonders about how we are inwardly changed when we say "yes".
Scripture: John 6:1-14 Jesus Feeds the 5000
Music: Let Us Break Break Together by the Free as a Bird (I know, I know, I saw "Free Bird" in the show. Ugh. Sorry.)
Video: Engagement and Hospitality within the Church
East End United Regional Minsitry is an Affirming (🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ positive) community of faith, part of the United Church of Canada in Toronto.
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World Food Sunday, 2023
PROPER 23 (28)
Twentieth 20th Sunday after Pentecost
