Rev Shirley Murphy
The thoughts, reflections, faith stories and meanderings of an 
Anglican Priest

St. John’s version of the Christmas story is quite different from the one we normally hear on Christmas Eve (John 1:1-14). St. John takes...

I am generally wary of people who seem too certain in their faith. Some might say I am equivocal or unwilling to make a commitment....

Have you ever wondered what it was like for those early explorers as they set out on their journeys to explore and discover the uncharted...

This is my last write up of 2020. A year that has made history. A year that many wished did not exist. A year that was ‘unacceptable’ in...

This song, loved and sung around the world, is thought to be partially composed by an unknown Scottish bard in days, as its most famous...

What comes to mind when you think about the work of Christmas? For most of us, I suspect, it’s things like shopping, wrapping presents,...

Today I wanted to look at the horrible story of King Herod’s massacre of the baby boys of Bethlehem, the reading from Matthew’s Gospel...

Today the 28th of December we celebrate the Feast of The Holy Innocents. They are the Patron Saints of Babies. The day commemorates the...

St. John, Apostle and Evangelist's feast day is celebrated on December 27 and he is the Patron Saint of Turkey. St. John the Apostle, the...

Today, as you know very well, is December 26th but what you may not know is today is St. Stephen’s Day. Today is named after the first...

Most commentaries about the parable of the unjust steward, either begin with or quickly make the point that is it just a strange and...

This Christmas night bestowed peace on the whole world; So let no one threaten; This is the night of the Most Gentle One – Let no one be...

I’m sure most of us have wondered at some time what it was like to be a member of Mary and Joseph’s family. Maybe you have wondered what...

There is a cartoon depicting a preacher right before a worship service. The preacher is standing in the vestry wearing a black robe, and...

A little boy was asked what part he had in the Christmas play. He shrugged his shoulders and said that he didn’t really have much to do....

Bret Harte wrote a book entitled The Luck of Roaring Camp. Roaring Camp was supposed to be, according to the story, the meanest, toughest...

When have you recently experienced beauty? What are some of your most beautiful experiences? Before you answer let me explain what I am...

Watch TV and you will hear the promise that a particular washing powder washes cleaner and brighter than any other. Talk to a car dealer...

"I want to make a confession." That was the first thing Sally said to me after we introduced ourselves. Sally was in her mid 20's. The...

In the days leading up to Christmas a lot of thought and preparation go into making Christmas Day the best day of the year. Christmas...