In many a church you will find a sign that says, “All are welcome here!” But how often do we forget what it means to welcome each other fully into our worship and community? Jesus makes it clear that when we welcome him, we also welcome the one who sent him, just as when we […]

God does not promise that the path of the disciple will be easy. Jeremiah feels the pain of rejection from those who do not want to hear what he has to say. Jesus declares that his words may bring stark division. Even so, we need not be afraid for God accounts for each hair on […]

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus speaks of the church’s mission with images drawn from daily life. The harvest is already plentiful, he says, but laborers are needed for work in the fields of daily life. What are we to do? We are to do that to which our worship invites us: Let our conversation be […]

The weeks of summer coincide with the beginning of the Pentecost season. Summer brings sunny warmth, growing crops, and the promise of harvest: images of the Holy Spirit’s presence and activity in our lives, the church, and the world. Hosea speaks of God’s presence as the dawn, as a gentle shower, as light. In our […]

Peter’s words say that our youth shall see visons and our elders shall dream dreams (Acts 2:17)  It is easy to see ways that generations are at odds: in the workplace, community, or schools. They see the world from different vantage points. But the call of Pentecost is toward shared visions and dreams rooted in […]

In today’s service we explore Psalm 23 in spoken and sung versions.  The psalm imagines an abundant life as promised to those who follow Jesus.  An abundant life is one lived in God’s presence, in the Lord’s company.  Whether it is in green pastures or the darkest valley, there is nothing to want because God […]

This is the day the Lord has made! Christ is risen, and through him all creation is made new! Indeed, “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34): Christ’s resurrection truly brings life to everyone. We sing hymns of praise, gather around sacred words, and proclaim God’s faithfulness, power, and love in the feast of holy communion. […]

Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as […]

In today’s gospel Jesus reveals his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. The prophet Ezekiel prophesies God breathing new life into dry bones. To those in exile or living in the shadows of death, these stories proclaim God’s promise of resurrection. In baptism we die with Christ that we might also be […]

Baptism is sometimes called enlightenment. The gospel for this Sunday is the story of the man born blind healed by Christ. “I was blind, now I see,” declares the man. In baptism God opens our eyes to see the truth of who we are: God’s beloved children. As David was anointed king of Israel, in […]