This book is about preaching in The United Church of Canada. Gathering together two or three sermons from each decade in the first century of the United Church’s life, authors HyeRan Kim-Cragg and Don Schweitzer share the perspectives of diverse United Church preachers facing events from the formation of the United Church to the challenge of online ministry during a pandemic. Each sermon is accompanied by historical context, an analysis of homiletical techniques, and the influence of each sermon and preacher.

From the opening chapters of Moments in Time, readers will be transported across the last century to survey the landscape and legacy of this beloved institution that has played such an influential role in Canadian religious history and society.

HyeRan Kim-Cragg is the 14th Principal and Timothy Eaton Memorial Church Professor of Preaching at Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto. She has written 15 books including Postcolonial Preaching and numerous articles such as “Earth-Bound Preaching,” in the journal Religions.

HyeRan Kim-Cragg's profile page

Don Schweitzer was ordained in The United Church of Canada in 1982 and settled at Turtle River Larger Parish in Saskatchewan Conference northwest of North Battleford, Saskatchewan. In 1987 he left to pursue doctoral studies in theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. In 1991 he was settled along with Leslie Schweitzer (née Goodwin) at Wesley United Church in Prince Albert. He and Leslie have two sons, Simon and Ian. Since 2000 he has taught theology at St. Andrew’s College in Saskatoon. Don Schweitzer is a past president of the Canadian Theological Society. He is co-editor with Derek Simon of Intersecting Voices: Critical Theologies in a Land of Diversity (2004) and the author of Contemporary Christologies (2010).

Don Schweitzer's profile page

The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne was elected Moderator of the United Church of Canada in July 2022, the first Indigenous woman in that position. Born in Alert Bay, BC, and a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation, she has a history degree from University of Victoria and both Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees from Vancouver School of Theology (VST). In 2016, she earned her PhD from Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Before her election as moderator, Dr. Lansdowne directed the First United Church Community Ministry Society in Vancouver. In 2025 she will take up the position of position of Assistant Professor of United Church Studies at Emmanuel College, University of Toronto.

Carmen Lansdowne's profile page

As a preacher, this collection of sermons inspired me, opened my perspective on scripture, educated me, and set before me a standard of excellence to which to aspire. These messages remind me of the sacred calling of preaching and that preaching changes lives. After reading these empowering messages, I feel encouraged to commit again to Christ’s call to love and justice. This is a powerful sample of the legacy of The United Church of Canada.

—Rev. Dr. Kristin Philipson, Rosedale United Church, Toronto

Every sermon and the analyses that accompany them in Moments in Time is testimony that the intercultural diversity and inclusivity of the ecumenical movement would be made manifest in The United Church of Canada. For a church called to practice deep spirituality, bold discipleship, and daring justice, this book captures the wondrous diversity, challenge, and strength of this United Church of ours.

—The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, 44th Moderator

Through the words of those called and commissioned to share the eternal story, Moments in Time gives a keen glimpse into important snapshots of a particular people wrestling with the call to discipleship in their own time.

—Rev. Dr. Ross Bartlett, Adjunct Professor, Atlantic School of Theology

This unique recapping of the United Church’s past brings together history and homiletics to demonstrate the enduring importance of preaching in shaping a faith as daring in the past as it hopes to be in the future.

—Dr. Phyllis Airhart, Professor Emerita, Emmanuel College