Several years ago I came across a question from Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her ministry among the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, India. Mother Teresa asked her question in response to the complaints of one of her fellow sisters. The sister had missed a train and […]
This Sunday is Pentecost. Pentecost began as a Jewish festival 50 days after Passover. It commemorates the giving of Torah to the Hebrews as they journeyed through the wilderness after slavery in Egypt. For Christians, Pentecost comes 50 days after Easter. It recalls when God sent the Holy Spirit upon the 1st disciples in Jerusalem. […]
On Sunday we will recognize and bless seniors graduating from High School, vocations school, and college. On top of the normal experiences of education, they have endured the joys of school during a pandemic. Some will continue their education. Some will get jobs. Some don’t know what comes next. Transitions in life can be […]
Over the last month, Pastor Laura and I have been preaching a sermon series: “Easter People in a Good Friday World.” As Christians, we are Easter people – people who proclaim the Good News that God’s Love is stronger than the powers of Sin and Death. Yet we live in a Good Friday world […]
This Sunday, nine teenagers will “confirm” their faith. The word “confirm” means “with firmness.” Each of these young people have been baptized and participated in confirmation class in 2020. Due first to COVID-19 and then to the February 2021 snowstorm, we delayed the confirmation worship service for almost a year. Despite the delays, these youth […]
This Sunday’s scripture occurs soon after the Easter resurrection of Jesus. The disciples have left the fear-ridden walls where they hid from the possibility of Roman capture and punishment. They’ve since scattered, to deal with the realities of life without Jesus. But the disciple Peter soon discovers that Jesus isn’t finished with them yet. The […]
Message Two weeks ago, we gathered on Easter Sunday. Some gathered in-person by the Children’s building. Others gathered online. We proclaimed the Easter message: Christ is Risen! Though Jesus was crucified and died on Good Friday, Death did not have the final word, for nothing is stronger than God’s Love and Life in Christ […]
Sometimes I read a scripture passage and wonder, “What does that have to do with life today?” Other times, a story speaks directly to my life and our human condition. The passage for this week (John 20:19-26) falls into the latter category. It’s often referred to as the story of “Doubting Thomas”. What struck me […]
How do I grow in my spiritual journey, my life following Christ? That is the question we have explored during this season called “Lent” – the 40-days leading to Easter. Each week we have reflected on a Spiritual Tool (a Spiritual Practice) that opens our lives to God – prayer, generosity, sabbath, study. The final […]