John the Baptist calls out, “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.”But how do we prepare for the Christ? Don’t cheat. Don’t harass others. Share what you have. Don’t rely upon the ancestors to cover up your…
Blog Archives
Following the One in Whom God Delights
Posted in Call to Worship, Isaiah, Isaiah 42, Isaiah 42:1, Luke, Luke 3, Luke 3:1-22, narrative lectionary, New Testament, Old Testament
What if?
Though the earth is ravaged by pandemic and climate change…What if there is still reason to hope? Though the earth is ravaged by a people bent upon polarization and war…What if there is still a chance for peace? Though the…
According to God’s Menu
At the Passover, the people gathered around the table with symbols of their liberation. The blood on the doorpost reminds them that God heard their cries and acted as protector and liberator. The unleavened bread marks the flight out of bondage.…
Posted in Exodus, Exodus 12, Exodus 12:1-13, Exodus 13, Exodus 13:1-8, narrative lectionary, Old Testament
Sibling Rivalry (Joseph)
Sibling rivalry.“Dad loves me the most!” Rivalry exacerbated.“Dad gave me this long robe!” Siblings responding.“We hate him.” Rivalry turns to plotting.“Throw him in the pit! Sell him into slavery.” Story turns. Released from slavery.“I have power in Egypt.” Sibling rivals…
Sprouting Hope
In his despair, Job envies a tree.For when a tree is cut down, new sprouts mean resurrection and hope. Job yearns to be hidden away in a place where devastation cannot touch him.Hidden from harshness, Job anticipates vindication. Before God…
Posted in Call to Worship, Job, Job 14, Job 14:7-15, Job 19, Job 19:23-27, narrative lectionary, Old Testament
Lead Us and Give Us Patience
Come, Holy Spirit. Empower us. Show us the way. Lead us out of this time of uncertainty, anxiety, and fear. Be with us as we worship. Move us to patience. Move us forward in our sense of call as followers…
Waiting to Be Empowered
After the drama, we wait.We wait in a time of uncertainty. Is this the time when the vaccination for the coronavirus will come?Wait, the scientists are working. When is the time when we can get back to normal?Wait, it will…
Hope. Injustice. Compassion. The Promise Remains.
L: Their hope rose to a crescendo on that day.1: The people waved branches and cheered as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt.2: May we always place our hope in the One who is worthy of our trust. L:…
Posted in Call to Worship, Mark, Mark 11, Mark 11:1-11, Mark 11:1-21, Mark 14, Mark 14:3-9, narrative lectionary, New Testament
Quakes & Tornadoes, Virus & Famine, and Sunshine & Storms
Across the waters,the restless breath blew.And God began to create. Beneath the stars,the earth was filled with quakes & tornadoes, virus & famine, and sunshine & storms.And the people struggled to survive. God loved the ones, created from the dust and God’s…
We Hear Your Words
We hear your words.And twist them around. We hear your words.And sometimes use them to justify deviousness, to manipulate, to promote our own self-interest, and to harm others. We hear your words.Help us to hear and understand your words. Remind…
Posted in Call to Worship, Invocation, Mark, Mark 12, Mark 12:1-17, narrative lectionary, New Testament
