Friends Church Calgary Weekly Message Friends Church

Speaker: Jeff Jarvis

Throughout history, religious beliefs have been a double-edged sword, offering solace and guidance while also igniting conflicts and division. They’ve inspired acts of compassion, charity, and unity, yet have also fueled wars, persecution, and discrimination.

In this final week of our current series, “What Ends Wars”, we’re going to explore two ways of approaching one’s faith/beliefs.  The difference seems so subtle but the outcomes are often radically different.

Invite a friend or two and join us this Sunday in the Spiritual Gym.



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Speaker: Vince Klassen

In recent weeks, we’ve delved into various scenarios shedding light on the What Ends Wars. From realizing that peace seldom emerges solely from victory to grappling with the internal battles we face.

This week, we’re steering toward a slightly unconventional path. We’re set to scrutinize a deeply ingrained belief prevalent in our culture today, one that likely ignited more conflicts than we can fathom – be it in personal relationships, among colleagues and neighbours, or even on the grand stage of national wars.

Join us as we explore a specific facet of humility that appears to be notably scarce in our society, potentially serving as a catalyst for countless unnecessary conflicts.



To donate to this podcast and support the making of more of these please visit www.friendschurch.ca/donate

Speaker: Jeff Jarvis

Watching the innocent casualties of war is hard. People being forced to flee with very few belongings, often grieving the loss of loved ones. The suffering is hard to imagine. It’s always comforting to see countries and organizations willing to help step in and offer support in times of crisis. There’s something that feels so right about those initiatives. The same applies to our everyday lives. We can see people who are struggling and then notice someone who stops and helps in a practical and caring way. It’s heart-warming, isn’t it, to see humans caring for others in need? Have you ever struggled to figure out whether you should be the one who responds and helps in some way?



To donate to this podcast and support the making of more of these please visit www.friendschurch.ca/donate

Speaker: Jeff Jarvis & Vince Klassen

If you think about the foes you’ll wage war against in your lifetime, none of them will likely be as powerful and potentially as immobilizing as the voice(s) within you. You’re likely well acquainted with this voice. Sometimes we refer to it as our “Dark Passenger”. It can remind you of the ways you’ve screwed up, of your shortcomings, it can make you second-guess your next steps and keep you locked in a holding pattern.

This is likely why our spiritual ancestors engaged in an annual ritual to set them free of their past and, specifically, the voice of their “dark passenger”.

We invite you to join us this Sunday for some beautiful music and the opportunity to engage in this ritual and to be reminded once again of the freedom that is within reach.



To donate to this podcast and support the making of more of these please visit www.friendschurch.ca/donate

Speaker: Vince Klassen

After our discussion last week about how victory doesn’t necessarily lead to peace, we’ve been feeling somewhat disheartened.

So, how do we actually foster peace?

Our current cultural mindset heavily emphasizes victory – whether it’s a particular group, ideology, or even ourselves prevailing – as the path to peace. So, it’s clear that culture isn’t providing a satisfactory answer to that question.

This week, we’re delving into the wisdom of one of our spiritual ancestors who offered an alternative to the failure of victory in bringing about peace. It’s an insight applicable to every aspect of our lives, from global politics to our closest relationships.

So, layer up, put on your snow boots, and make your way to the Spiritual Gym. Let’s explore this idea together.



To donate to this podcast and support the making of more of these please visit www.friendschurch.ca/donate

Speaker: Jeff Jarvis

Cathy and I have been married for over 33 years. You would think by now that we would never argue. Lol.

There seems to be this subconscious moment, in the midst of our arguments, when I begin to imagine what it will feel like when I “win” the argument. When I hit that sweet spot and prove my point. Do you do this?

I think to myself, “Maybe, Cathy will admit that she was wrong and I was right all along – perhaps she’ll thank me for pointing out what she did and ask me to forgive her”.

This kind of hopeful thinking seems almost instinctual it’s so common. Not only is history loaded with examples of it, if you look at many of the conflicts taking place in our world right now, you can see it. People engaging in wars believing that if they can just get the win – peace lies on the other side. But does it work?

This Sunday we begin a new series that will explore the complexity of human conflict and what it takes to truly bring peace. From global wars to the conflict within our homes and everything in between.

Invite a friend and join us for a compelling 6-week conversation beginning this Sunday that is designed to bring peace.



To donate to this podcast and support the making of more of these please visit www.friendschurch.ca/donate