What is the truth? Nobody seems to know any more. Whom can you trust? Jesus says he came to testify to the truth—the truth that we were created lovingly by God for a certain way of life, not the way of raw power and force that Pilate embodies. Although we exist in the kingdom of […]
Even Jesus had a good cry every once in a while. When his friend Lazarus died, Jesus joined the other mourners and wept at the tomb. Only after being present in grief with his friends did he bring Lazarus back to life. We hope in the resurrection, but just as importantly, we come together to […]
Today we remember the good news that set Martin Luther free and ignited the Reformation across western Europe five hundred years ago. This is the reassurance that we are given eternal life not by our own good works, but only by the grace of God which we receive through faith. This worship service includes the […]
The phrase “I feel seen” means “I feel recognized, acknowledged, respected. Someone else understands me.” On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus encounters a blind man who has been silenced and ignored by his whole town. Their conversation leads to everyone in this story finally being “seen.” This worship service includes Communion as an extension of […]
Ever said the wrong thing at the wrong time? Stuck your foot in your mouth? Realized too late that you just didn’t get it? You’re in good company—two of Jesus’ disciples say the wrong thing at the wrong time in today’s gospel reading. Jesus turns it around into a lesson on what following him is […]
What is life really about? Having all the right things? Doing good deeds for other people? Being the best you can be and getting the most points possible—no matter how you define that? In the words of a well-known improv show, “the points don’t matter.” God gives life, eternal life, as a gift. No points […]
God made us to need other human beings…but also with a great capacity to hurt each other. Jesus speaks about divorce in our gospel reading today, but really, his words apply to all human relationships. Instead of blaming, Jesus takes the side of the vulnerable one who lacks an advocate in these situations. The Bible […]
“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” John Muir, known as the patron saint of the American wilderness, penned these words. But mountains are more than a beautiful, wild, majestic trek in the wilderness. They convey the truth of our faith journey, that God’s future awaits. This worship service includes Communion as an extension […]
God is “up there.” Right? Human beings throughout history have looked to the skies for help, for divine providence, for inspiration. We have also viewed the skies as an inexhaustible dumping ground, or a harbinger of God’s wrath. What would it look like to reconcile, or indeed to unify, heaven and earth? This worship service […]
“It’s too peopley out there.” Phrases like this were popular before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but now they can mean a situation is too crowded for comfort, or that one’s faith in humanity is being shaken. In our readings today, God calls humanity to turn away from “peopley” things like domination and unbridled power and […]