When Jesus drove the moneychangers from the Temple, he was honoring the first commandment, “You shall have no other gods before me.” Jesus was defending the worship of God alone, rejecting the profit-making idols that can become our gods. Paul also witnesses to the power of God in the cross of Jesus, which continues to […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Second Lent Midweek Prayer
This year’s midweek series theme is “Holy Lament: God’s Presence in Times of Distress,” remembering that in our laments of grief, regret and mourning, Jesus Christ strengthens us in our weakness. We live in a world that is not only divided and at war, increasingly humanity lives without a sense of optimism and hope for […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Second Sunday in Lent
God promised to make Abraham and Sarah the ancestors of many, and Paul says this promise comes to all who share Abraham’s faith in God who brings life into being where there was no life. As Abraham and Sarah received new names as a sign of the covenant, we too receive new identities in baptism […]
View the Sermon (PDF)First Lent Midweek Prayer
This year’s midweek series theme is “Holy Lament: God’s Presence in Times of Distress,” remembering that in our laments of grief, regret and mourning, Jesus Christ strengthens us in our weakness. We live in a world that is not only divided and at war, increasingly humanity lives without a sense of optimism and hope for […]
View the Sermon (PDF)First Sunday in Lent
On Ash Wednesday the church, which is the body of Christ, began its forty day journey in the wilderness, led by the Holy Spirit and strengthened by baptism into the death and resurrection of Christ. Peter connects Christ’s suffering for all to our being saved through water, which was prefigured by Noah and his family […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Ash Wednesday
On Ash Wednesday, we begin a forty-day journey toward Easter with Christians around the world. Today is a day of fasting, repentance, and the imposition of ashes, reminding us that we will all die and return to the earth. As a fitting repentance, Joel reminds us, “rend your hearts, and not your garments.” We are […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Transfiguration of Our Lord
In today’s gospel, Jesus is transfigured revealing him as the very image and light of God. Jesus Christ is the image of God whose light shines in the darkness of the world. The disciples, Peter, James and John, also hear the words, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” When we open our […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
In Jesus’ healing work we see the hand of the creator God, lifting up the sick to health and service. Like Simon’s mother-in-law, we are lifted up and healed to serve. Following Jesus, we strengthen the powerless; like Jesus we seek to renew our own strength in quiet times of prayer.
View the Sermon (PDF)Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
In Deuteronomy God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses, who will speak for God, and the Psalmist writes that God’s righteousness endures forever. In Jesus’ actions and words people sensed the enduring righteousness and love of God that continues to release humanity from the unclean spirits of our own age, freeing us to […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Third Sunday after Epiphany
As we continue through the time after Epiphany, stories of Jesus’ call to discipleship show us the implications of our baptism and response, following Christ on our journey in this world. In Mark’s gospel, Jesus begins his ministry proclaiming the good news and calling people to repentance immediately after John the Baptist has been arrested […]
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