(I'm slow this week getting a sermon out because I'm researching the career of Samuel. His entire career is speaking truth to power. What does this say to those of us who feel called to preach? I'm sharing some opening thoughts this morning and finishing up on Saturday.) Any time I don’t like my … Continue reading “Here I Am, Lord.” – 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20]
Category: sermons
Baptism, Mystery and Creativity
Epiphany is a time to celebrate Baptism and the creative Spirit of God, the Spirit that moved in creation in Genesis, who spoke to Jesus in baptism, and we hope moves in our lives. Do we believe in a Spirit that creates and moves in the world? How does it work? Let’s think about … Continue reading Baptism, Mystery and Creativity
Epiphany Preaching
By the time you read this article, we will probably be somewhere between the eight maids a milking and the twelve drummers drumming in the days of Christmas. New Year’s revelry will be over and the credit card hangover begins for those who over-indulged in Christmas spirit. For many churches, this is the season of … Continue reading Epiphany Preaching
David Rakoff’s ‘Half Empty’ Full Of Humor, Guilt : NPR
RAKOFF: Because - writer Melissa Bank said it best: The only proper answer to why me is, well, why not you? You know, the universe is anarchic and doesn't care about us and unfortunately, it - there's no greater rhyme or reason as to why it would be me. And since there is no actual … Continue reading David Rakoff’s ‘Half Empty’ Full Of Humor, Guilt : NPR
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Good Soil
Every Thursday morning I interveiw 4 homeless people to see if they are good candidates for our 2-year Transitional Housing Program at Hillcrest. We are a clean and sober house for 58 people and we are doing a very imperfect job of helping people sort out their lives and find some stability and hope for … Continue reading Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Good Soil
Matthew 11:16-30 “Are You Paying Attention, Capernaum?”
(This is my rough draft for Sunday, but I am going to stick to my self-imposed deadline of posting by Wednesday morning. I'm trying to work towards a conclusion that integrates the "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." I am also setting up the next three weeks to talk about the parables … Continue reading Matthew 11:16-30 “Are You Paying Attention, Capernaum?”
Parables of Hope – July Sermon themes
As I open the newspaper this morning, the Greeks are demonstrating and the European Union is under threat of collapse, Congress is debating lifting the debt ceiling to a number higher than the miles to Alpha Centauri, the Russians won’t buy vegetables in Europe due to an E. coli outbreak, and the Supreme Court struck … Continue reading Parables of Hope – July Sermon themes
Easter 2011 – Falling out of the Sky
To truly live our lives, we must face the reality of death. This may sound strange, contradictory, foolish or even harsh to you. You can disagree, and that’s Ok, but I still feel in the marrow of my bones that it is true. To truly live, we must face death. I wish it were not … Continue reading Easter 2011 – Falling out of the Sky
Psalm 51 – (Ash Wednesday) “Saying the Hard Things”
Click here to see this on Youtube. I am not happy to be here tonight, but please do not take that personally. My discomfort is because it is Ash Wednesday. Lent has begun and my charge, as I read the texts for tonight, is to warn you sinners to get right with God. Now I’m … Continue reading Psalm 51 – (Ash Wednesday) “Saying the Hard Things”
Matthew 17:1-9 “Now I can See”
This Sunday our church is celebrating Transfiguration with a "Mardi Gras" service, complete with beaded necklasses and Gospel music. We are reminding ourselves before Lent that the purpose of a penitentional season is to cleanse our sight to see the glory of God, most fully revealed on Easter morning. Click here to see the whole … Continue reading Matthew 17:1-9 “Now I can See”
With all my soul 