After that suffering... the hope of co-creation
A sermon on Mark 13:24-37 [for an audio recording on this sermon, click here; photo by Rosie Kerr on Unsplash] I often mention in my sermons and Bible studies that we must pay attention to the context from which the biblical writings arise, in order to thoughtfully interpret them. It is equally true that we need to pay attention to our own context, in order to hear how these ancient writings speak into our lives. It is that second kind of context that drew my attention to thr
Which, Who, or Why?
A sermon on Matthew 25:31-46 [photo by Emily Morter on Unsplash; for an audio recording of this sermon, click here] This week I learned that Christ the King Sunday, was first established in 1925 by, Pope Pius XI. He established the celebration to ground the church in our true allegiance: not to the various systems of power vying for control on the world stage, but to the ultimate king who will replace all nationalism, secularism, and consumerism with a very different world or
Well done, Good and Anxious Servant
A sermon on Matt. 25:14-30 and Judges 4:1-10. [For an audio recording of this sermon, click here. Photo by Ian on Unsplash] I have to start out by confessing that I struggled with my sermon this week. I could blame it on a busy schedule, with an extra dose of decision-making and responsibilities piled onto an already very full plate. Or, I could blame it on yet another confusing and apparently dire parable that does not seem to offer much in the way of hope to a hurting world
Service of Unity
On Wednesday, Nov. 4, our community gathered on zoom to share a time of reading, reflection, and prayer in the wake of a tense and challenging election season. The service followed a structure borrowed from the Psalms: Naming God Naming our Needs Petitioning God for Help Expressing our Hope Our prayer and healing is grounded in first remembering who God is. We can name the pains that we feel and witness, and petition God for hope, because of who God is. And once we have sough
The Blessing of Wanting
A Sermon on Matthew 5: 1-12 [for an audio version of this sermon, click here. Photo by Tina Witherspoon on Unsplash] “Blessed are the poor in spirit… and those who are persecuted and defamed… and those who mourn…” Sometimes I have to wonder at the lectionary committees who pick the scripture readings for a day like All Saints Day… the day when we remember those whom we have lost, some before their time, or at least before we are ready to say goodbye. Is this really the best c
