Hope is often defined as “positive thinking” or optimism. But viewed through the lens of the cross, hope becomes an agent of empowering transformation. It does not deny suffering. Hope acknowledges that the present conditions are desperate, and it depends on God, with whom nothing is impossible. Hope is both honest about suffering and urgent […]
We often define justice as people getting what they deserve, but as king, Jesus shows us a kind of justice that is more interested in what is necessary and loving than in what is fair. Jesus’ justice is ridiculously unbalanced: the Human One takes all of the hits, and humanity gets all of the benefits. […]
“Just have a little faith!” Our culture often frames faith as something we can force into existence by sheer willpower. On the other hand, the words of a much-loved hymn point to God’s faith: “Great is thy faithfulness!” God shows up for us in baptismal waters, in bread and cup, in the word proclaimed, and […]
Care is often conflated with love. But care is characterized by devotion, consistency, attention to detail, and some sense of obligation. It may require specialized skills, or it may just require time. Either way, care requires consistent investment—attention provided over the long haul. Scripture is full of examples of God’s care for us, especially in […]
Grace, love, and warm fuzzies. Wait…what’s wrong with that? Today for Reformation Sunday we celebrate God’s amazing grace, but we also remember that God will not be controlled by our whims, desires or emotions. Christ is not waiting on the sidelines to step in as our backup. Even when life reminds us (painfully) that we […]
Love God. Love your neighbor. Love yourself. It’s not rocket science. But what is it? Jesus teaches why these commandments are inseparable, and why together they consolidate and sum up the entirety of the law. Together they reveal the mystery of divine love. This worship service includes Communion as an extension of the table at […]
How do you know when you’ve made it in life? When you have all the best things? When you do good deeds for other people? When you earn the most “points” possible? In the words of a well-known improv show, “the points don’t matter.” God gives life, eternal life, as a pure unearned gift. No […]
In much of life we are spectators, but in worship we are called to be full participants at whatever level we are able. Today we celebrate “Try It” Sunday, when we take time in the midst of worship to learn about worship, and how the different roles people fulfill each contribute something unique and important. […]
As a mirror for the earth below, the skies surround this planet with every emotion, from awe to joy to sorrow to terror. We see the skies weep over violence and bloodshed, and rejoice with the beauty and glory of God’s power. The skies remind us that “we are never alone. We just need to […]
To rule or to serve? Humanity’s relationship with creation is complicated and messy. Sometimes we use it and discard it; sometimes we do our best to care for it; often we make mistakes. Jesus calls us to a life of service, listening not only to our fellow human beings, but to creation as well. It’s […]