It is too easy to pick on Thomas who forever has the word “doubting” attached to his name. I prefer to think of him as a skeptic, and there are many moments in church history the church could have used his questions and skepticism. I wish there had been a doubting Thomas around to say … Continue reading John 20:19-31 “Locked Away in Fear”
Author: toddweir1
I am a progressive pastor, writer and leadership coach in Northampton, MA. I blog at Bloomingcactus about spiritual and religious issues, I also enjoy cooking, gardening and biking.
John 20:1-18 “The Great Resurrection”
This is my 17th Easter Sermon, and I still find it tricky. We come to this moment each year with a crescendo of hope and excitement, but also with a great theological burden. What happened? Was the tomb of Jesus really empty? Was the resurrection a physical resuscitation of the body, or an apparition seen … Continue reading John 20:1-18 “The Great Resurrection”
John 13:34-35 “Maundy Thursday Meditation
Tonight we undertake the most universal act of being a Christian Church-we re-enact the Last Supper. We eat bread and drink from the cup, and we hear and remember the final moments Jesus had with his disciples. What happened on this night is at the heart of being Christian. We do not have to get … Continue reading John 13:34-35 “Maundy Thursday Meditation
If You Are the Son of God… Matthew 4:1-11
What are you giving up for Lent? Typical answers include our treats – chocolate, donuts, chocolate donuts, or if you are truly daring, sugar. Next come our habits – TV (sorry Stephen Colbert and Desperate Housewives), Ipad (no new apps for Lent), multi-tasking (hang on a second, I have a text) or swearing (O crap!). … Continue reading If You Are the Son of God… Matthew 4:1-11
Lent and The Color Purple
Celie would not wear purple. In Alice Walker's prize winning novel "The Color Purple," Celie did not view herself worthy of a color often associated with wealth, royalty and piety. Purple's legacy goes at least as far back as Moses, who sent for purple cloth to make the curtains of the Tabernacle. Tyrian purple was … Continue reading Lent and The Color Purple
Small Group Resources
Laity Empowerment Program Resources for cirriculum Cokesbury UCC Resources
More than Technicals for the Gold – Matthew 5:13-27
NBC Sports must have been playing with us when they decided to alternate showing the ice skating team competition and slope style snowboarding. It’s like channel surfing between Lawrence Welk and MTV. I watched at least 10 hours of ice skating in the last week (not because I was forced to do so – Jeanne … Continue reading More than Technicals for the Gold – Matthew 5:13-27
“Worth your Salt” Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus said we are to be the salt of the earth. Salt is one of the essential things for life that is often taken for granted and forgotten. You probably did not think much about salt this week, but consider how often you unknowingly use and need it. Salt is more than a condiment to … Continue reading “Worth your Salt” Matthew 5:13-16
“What is so Blessed about the Beatitudes?” Matthew 5:1-12
One of my favorite lines in Monty Python’s movie “Life with Brian” has a scene from the Sermon on the Mount among people in the back of the crowd struggling to hear. They are arguing and bickering with each other while Jesus is speaking and one man asks what Jesus is saying. “I think he … Continue reading “What is so Blessed about the Beatitudes?” Matthew 5:1-12
“Star of Wonder” Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6
The stars were brighter when I was a boy. I’m certain of it. I was out on a clear, cold night last week and Jeanne said, “Look there is Orion” and I remembered nights after the first moon landing, studying charts and memorizing constellations by day, and keeping a list of what I found. We … Continue reading “Star of Wonder” Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6
With all my soul 