The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at his baptism, “This is my son in whom I am delighted.” After this, Jesus went into the wilderness where he was tempted by power, by earthly pleasures, and by the Devil. Returning…
Blog Archives
Following the One in Whom God Delights
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…
Posted in Call to Worship, Isaiah, Isaiah 42, Isaiah 42:1, Luke, Luke 3, Luke 3:1-22, narrative lectionary, New Testament, Old Testament
Grow & Follow, Follow & Grow
Jesus was actively engaged in Temple life. He asked questions, challenging ideas, and listened to the rabbis.He wanted to learn and grow. Faith is about questions and doubts. It is about listening to those who have studied and experienced beyond…
Pondering, Wondering; God is Moving Closer
Gabriel appears to Mary. A practical woman, she asks for more details. “How can this be?”And she ponders. God is moving closer. Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth for counsel. Elizabeth’s child leaps for joy in her womb.And we wonder. God…
Gabriel’s Assurance
Prayer of Confession We confess we focus on the noise and fail to hear you. We are visited by angels and still don’t get it. Forgive us. As we pause in the silence may we once again hear Gabriel’s words…
Gabriel Answers
We’ve been through the exile. We’ve returned home to Jerusalem. The Temple has been rebuilt. The faith has been rebuilt. Then why? Why are we still repeating the same mistakes? Why do we grieve the human condition so? We crave…
Sharing the Alighted Flame
Confession of Sin When we receive the flames of love and fail to share it. God, have mercy. When we share our gifts with those like us forgetting the poor and oppressed and imprisoned. God, have mercy. When we let…
The Fast We Have Chosen
Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house… (Acts 2:2 CEB) A flame…
Posted in Acts, Acts 2, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 2:42-44, 47a, Call to Worship, Isaiah, Isaiah 58, Isaiah 58:6, Luke, Luke 10, Luke 10, Luke 10:37, New Testament, Old Testament
Why church? What’s the point?
Why church? What’s the point?We come to connect with one another. Why church? What’s the point?We come to find healing and hope in a world of hurt, hate, and disregard. Why church? What’s the point?We come to confess and repent…
Posted in Call to Worship, Luke, Luke 4:14-19, Mark, Mark 16, Mark 16:12-15, Micah, Micah 6, Micah 6:8, New Testament, Old Testament
We Confess Our Part in the World’s Fragmentation
Confession of Sin Holy One, you know our hearts, our acts, and our hurts. We confess we’ve failed to love our neighbor as ourselves. Not only have we done less than we know we can, we have too often convinced…
