As we head into the summer months, the familiar question, “Are we there yet?” will be a frequent refrain. This question will be repeatedly asked on car trips with family, heading to camp with students and by anyone with a long, unfamiliar road ahead of them. Doing justice in our communities can [...]Read More
The Word of Reconciliation
Friends, we are gathered here this morning to reflect on a text that stands at the heart of the church’s mission: 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2, the great text in which Paul speaks of New Creation and the ministry of reconciliation. I suspect this Scripture is likewise, for many of you, close to the heart [...]Read More
On Advent and a Season of Giving: Love
John 13:34-35 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. The God of creation enters into our midst in the personhood of Jesus. It is a profound act of love. It is out [...]Read More
On Advent and a Season of Giving: Joy
This week we’re featuring a song by Urban Doxology, “The Earth Shall Know,” as a part of our Advent reflection. Click here, enter your name and email to download. Isaiah 65:17-18 See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come [...]Read More
On Advent and a Season of Giving: Peace
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Although scripture foretold the coming of the messiah in the form of a child, the people of Israel were expecting a powerful king who would come [...]Read More
On Advent & A Season of Giving: Hope
Isaiah 9:2 (the Message) The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows-- light! sunbursts of light! Advent is a season recognized throughout church traditions to anticipate and await the arrival of Jesus. The Word that had been hoped for [...]Read More
Let Us Give Thanks
Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God’s Message, from the day you heard it right [...]Read More
“Rest a while”
New Year reflections for ministry leaders "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." (Mark 6:31, NRSV) When Jesus spoke those words of reward and guidance to his apostles, they had just reported back to him about their most ambitious training venture to date. He [...]Read More