Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Jesus’ words in our Gospel reading for this morning make up what is known by most as the “Parable of the Sower”, or as it is known within German tradition, the “Parable of the Four Types of Ground”. Simply by these titles alone, we can see, as parables do, that today’s reading … More Soil for the Kingdom
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Lectionary 14) 9 July 2017 (Zechariah 9:9-12 Psalm 145 Romans 7:15-25 Matthew 11:16-19; 25-30) “The Unforced Rhythms of Grace!” The other day I was talking with a family who was getting ready to leave for vacation this weekend and they were saying how much work it is just to get ready … More “The Unforced Rhythms of Grace!”
Matthew 10:40-42 Our Gospel reading for this morning consists of the final three verses of Matthew chapter ten, tying onto the end of our reading from last week, where if you remember, Jesus spoke to the twelve disciples of what it means to follow him… total and utter commitment… even if it means separation from … More Christian Freedom
Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11 As you could probably guess, the past few weeks have been a time of increased emotions for me as I have reflected on life and death, and God’s presence in it all, in a more personal way than I have before as a result of the death of my wife, Olivia. … More A Family of Faith
Second Sunday after Pentecost 18 June 2017 (Exodus 19:2-8 Psalm 100 Romans 5:1-8 Matthew 9:35-10:23) “Compassionate Discipleship!” Jesus obviously knew something quite crucial about people and about disciples that we see in today’s Gospel text from Matthew. What Jesus knew in sending us out to be disciples is that we need to learn compassion. That’s … More “Compassionate Discipleship!”
The Holy Trinity 11 June 2017 (Genesis 1:1-2:4 Psalm 8 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Matthew 28:16-20) “Let the Dance Begin!” Chloe O’Brien. Chloe was a red-haired nine-year-old girl at camp the year I worked as a counselor. Chloe was a cute kid, but she could also be a pain. She’d ask endless questions! Her favorite question … More “Let the Dance begin!”
Pentecost Sunday 4 June 2017 (Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 John 20:19-23) “Community Enlivened by the Breath of the Spirit!” If we believe that the church is a live organism—St. Paul says we are a living body; therefore, I also believe we are alive in feeling emotions. Both individually and as a congregation, … More “Community Enlivened by the Breath of the Spirit!”
