Progressive Christian voice from a conservative area. Most of the sermons are from Rev Jim CastroLang, Pastor of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Colville, WA.
God says in Isaiah that "I am about to do a new thing." Problem is that our attitude often blocks us from seeing this "new thing" and accepting it. Example: Judas has his own attitude and expectations which makes him critical of Mary's anointing of Jesus in John's Gospel. We may not go on to betray Jesus, like Judas but often we are critical and rejecting of ways that we are not used to. The Lenten journey means a new attitude ready for a new thing to happen in our midst. Sacred Text: Isaiah 43:16-21 John 12:1-8 (audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/03eq7i75fqpfzn8/19-0407%20Isaiah%2043%2016-21%20Luke%2012%201-8%20Mike.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+43%3A16-21%2C+John+12%3A1-8&version=NRSV
We continue on the 40 day Lenten Journey for follower of Jesus. In the nitty gritty of life, we wonder what we or someone else has done to deserve such suffering. In the wake of two Parkland survivor suicides, we know the grim truth of what serious games go on inside of us. As Jesus is confronted with this in Luke's Gospel today, we see him pivot to the image of the Fig Tree and the gardener to give us another perspective and help us on the journey. Sacred Text: Luke 13:1-9 (audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/96ange7rlnkwkas/19-0324%20Luke%2013%201-9%20Liz.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+13%3A1-9&version=NRSV
Jesus reminds us of the of the great 40 year journey of the People of Israel to the Promised Land by beginning his public ministry with a 40 day retreat in the wilderness. This retreats, deep meditations, into ourselves are hard and take courage. As we begin Lent, we are invited into this type of retreat throughout the 40 days any way we can. It may take courage but it will also be a transforming experience. Sacred Text: Luke 4:1-13 (audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/wudrn1c2k34mpve/19-0310%20Luke%204%201-13%20Ginny.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+4%3A1-13&version=NRSV
It makes sense that Transfiguration Sunday comes on the eve of the Lenten Season. That trip to the mountain with Jesus for Peter, James, and John is a reminder that God is calling us to continue on the journey. The Law (Moses) & Prophets (Elijah)have been relied on for a long time but now Jesus will lead us on a journey into something new. This Lenten season invites us to be open to the change that might happen on the spiritual journey. Sacred Text: Luke 9:28-43 (Audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/wix4yv8jrihukqp/19-0303%20Luke%209%2028-43%20Karen.mp3?dl=0 (Text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+9%3A28-43&version=NRSV
"Love Your Enemies" - great ideal in a perfect world. Yet it is seemly not practical. For most real situations in our lives, this just will not work to solve any problems. Clearly it is foolishness on the international stage. Imagine how week the U.S. will look if we try to love our enemies. This is how we act even when we say we believe Jesus. This sermon tries to lead us to see this solution of Jesus as the only one with a chance of success. Sacred Text: Luke 6:27-38 (audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/6irnwr0qo2hks29/19-0224%20Luke%206%2027-38.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A27-38&version=NRSV
A key goal of our lives is to build our spiritual strength. This can not be done alone. There are skills to learn and we must practice like anything else to achieve excellence. Our community of faith, our church is place to be nurtured in our spiritual skill development and the community holds us accountable. Join the conversation and let's build our spiritual strength. Sacred Text: Jeremiah 17:5-10 (audio)https://www.dropbox.com/s/bhtg35s4exica5x/19-0217%20Jeremiah%2017%205-10%20Cassandra.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+17%3A5-10&version=NRSV
Today is Science and Technology Sunday in the United Church of Christ. Too much religion pits science against faith. In this sermon you hear a discussion about the essential role of science in faith. In an age of social media, technology is often criticized for being central to our problems. Instead here you hear the connection between God and the tools of technology we create. A grounding in science and technology will even open up the scriptures in new ways. At first glance, today's sacred texts don't seem to connect to the subject at hand. Listen to how they do. Sacred Texts: Isaiah 6:1-13 & Luke 5:1-11 (audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/pwjra1nwolvk2fr/19-0210%20Isaiah%206%20%60-%603%20Luke%205%201-11%20Ginny.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+6%3A1-13%3B+Luke+5%3A1-11&version=NRSV
The Lectionary readings for this Sunday all pointed me to the same thing -- Identity! How does any of us know who we are? We see how fragile our identity is when others doubt us or try to define us. Our faith calls us back to our core identity rooted in our Love Creation in God. These is what we discuss in this sermon. Sacred Texts: Jeremiah 1:4-10 Luke 4:21-30 (audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/gjozpzs8i1znz6w/19-0203%20Jeremiah%201%204-10%20Luke%204%2021-30%20Lisa.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+1%3A4-10%2C+Luke+4%3A21-30&version=NRSV
St Paul lays it out with an analogy in I Corinthians 12 - what many call the vision of who we are as a Community in the Body of Christ. This connection extends to all Creation. Yet, we discover it is not so much a vision to be achieved but the reality of our Creation that we have forgotten. Let's commit to living the reality of community and our interdependent connection to humanity and all Creation. Sacred Text: I Corinthians 12:12-31 (audio)https://www.dropbox.com/s/p4ofgsnyxl18jr0/19-0127%20I%20Corinthians%2012%2012-31.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+12%3A12-31&version=NRSV
On this Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr weekend, we hear his sacred words again. Along with our scripture texts, worshippers read a variety of quotes from MLK talking about the Beloved Community. This is the dream that is rooted in the messages of Jesus. It is the message of non-violence that seeks to fight injustice while making friends of our opponents. It is the only way out of our spiraling cycle of violence and hatred. Besides the links to the reading below, find the link to an article published this week in the Colville paper, that I wrote, about Community. Sacred Texts: Acts 11:1-18, MLK Quotes (audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/b42g1zee7ozdr71/19-0120%20Acts%2011%201-18%20MLK%20Quotes%20Beloved%20Community.mp3?dl=0 (text of Acts)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+11%3A1-18&version=NRSV (text MLK Quotes) https://www.dropbox.com/s/8w3m1vu5x9m1v3b/19-0120%20MLK%20Quotes%20on%20Beloved%20Community.docx?dl=0 My newspaper article on Community as Spiritual Practice https://www.dropbox.com/s/5la99gqdab9ojok/19-0109%20Community%20as%20Spiritual%20Thing.docx?dl=0
This Sunday was the celebration of the Baptism of Jesus. Everyone was sitting around in a circle so this was a sermon and discussion. In the inclusive, non-doctrinal, little rules, and informal ritual UCC - we sometimes lose track of the value of Baptism. This sermon discussion explores how baptism points us to a deeper understanding of our identity, meaning, and ritual expressions. Sacred Texts: Isaiah 43:1-7 & Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (audio)https://www.dropbox.com/s/knmck9sbrbds5w7/19-0113%20Isaiah%2043%201-7%20Luke%203%2015-17%2021-22%20Cassandra.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+43%3A1-7%3B+Luke+3%3A15-17%2C+21-22&version=NRSV
On this 12th day of Christmas, on this Epiphany day - we tracked the Wise Men as they traveled from way out East through Jerusalem and on to Bethlehem. What did they see and tell? A star and a dream contributed to what the Wise Men knew and how they knew it. As Progressive Christians who are not big on dogmas and doctrines or litmus tests, we still can't avoid the question. As we hear the call to "Go Tell it on the Mountain" - what shall we share about the birth of Jesus? Why is it important? Sacred Text: Matthew 2:1-12 (audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/sretq4bdkhm7i29/19-0106%20Matthew%202%201-12%20Mike.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+2%3A1-12&version=NRSV
The story of Jesus at 12 years old in the Temple - Yes it is about how special Jesus is but also it is a story about family. Mother Mary, Father Joseph, and Child Jesus -- what can we learn from this family. This sermon explores some dimensions of family. Some Christians think that the "Traditional Family" is the only Godly family. This family is a myth and shows limited thinking. Jesus calls us into an evolving expanded view of family. Let's take a look. Sacred Text: Luke 2:41-52 (audio)https://www.dropbox.com/s/xh34chhcgpkc7jk/18-1230%20Luke%202%2041-52%20Annie.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A41-52&version=NRSV
This audio begins with a dialogue with Isaiah 9:2-7 written by Pastor Jim. After each verse is read Pastor Jim shares a response to what is heard. Then Pastor Jim offers his Christmas reflection - "Light." Merry Christmas and enjoy. Sacred Texts used in the entire Christmas Eve celebration: Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-20; Titus 2:11-14; and Titus 3:4-7
The sacred texts today give us some hints of the meaning of Jesus birth. Affirmation of the body, the human body is important to this understanding. You might say that divine love finds visible embodiment in the birth of Jesus. But, this is really not new. It was the intention in the first moments of Creation. The hope - maybe in Jesus we will find get it. Sometimes we have but too often not. Sacred Texts: Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45 (audio)https://www.dropbox.com/s/zhhysqasq5yphqe/18-1223%20Hebrews%2010%205-10%20Luke%201%2039-45.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+10%3A5-10%3B+Luke+1%3A39-45&version=NRSV
Sometimes it seems like a big deal, nearly impossible to get from our current situation to joy and rejoicing. It could be that in this season of joy, that process can be especially difficult. This message for the 3rd Sunday of Advent speaks to this and offers encouragement. Sacred Text: Philippians 4:4-7 , Isaiah 12:2-6 (audio)https://www.dropbox.com/s/25cqvms5vjao27l/18-1216%20Philippians%204%204-7%20Isaiah%2012%202-6%20Mike.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A4-7+%2C+Isaiah+12%3A2-6&version=NRSV
The Sacred Texts from the 2nd Sunday of Advent - two passages from the Gospel of Luke are clear invitations to transformation. Unless you eliminate the Gospel of Luke - we must face that this Jesus about to be born will challenge the conventional power of this world. They are all about "power over" and Jesus invites us into "power with" relationships. If you are one of privilege or whose ambition has put you in a position of power -- this Jesus might threaten you. Sacred Text Luke 1:68-79 3:1-6 (Audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/ndcdapjm7mht2dl/18-1209%20Luke%201%2068-79%203%201-6%20Mike.mp3?dl=0 (Text) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1%3A68-79+%2C+Luke+3%3A1-6&version=NRSV
This Gospel passage in Mark is a classic. The disciples so often miss the point as they do here. The disciples don't get the bigger picture and meaning. There are so innocently childlike as they are awestruck by the impressive Temple building Jesus lets them have their moment before teaching them about the path to what is really impressive in the long run. In the process, something as impressive as this Temple building will need to crumble first. Over and over again Jesus teaches us that the path to long term life means we must let go of or die to something that has "Wowed Us." Sacred Text Mark 13:1-8: (audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/xgaw23kvdbvacub/18-1118%20Mark%2013%201-8%20Roger.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+13%3A1-8&version=NRSV
Every culture in history has developed its own honoring systems. On this Veterans Day in the U.S. we explored the idea of "Honor." We honor God but have you thought about how God honors us. We honor our Veterans but who else/what else do we honor. As we explored our scriptures for today -- it is clear that God wants to stretch the boundaries of our honoring and being a follower of Jesus makes this clear. Sacred Texts: Ruth 2:1-5, 4:13-17; Mark 12:38-44 (Audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/f1orfvmvjas8l9h/18-1111%20Ruth%202%201-5%204%2013-27%20Mark%2012%2038-44%20Mike.mp3?dl=0 (Text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth2%3A1-5%2C4%3A13-17%3B+Mark12%3A38-44&version=NRSV
This is why I follow Jesus. He shows me how to live into hope and life even in the face of despair and death. Pastor Jim looks beyond the miracle aspect to this story of Lazarus coming back from the dead. Instead he looks at the process steps of Jesus that can encourage us to even lean into a big stench and apparent death. He teaches us how to call out life. Sacred Text: Psalm 24 and John 11:32-44 (Audio)https://www.dropbox.com/s/qgcbir79jlrsb7r/18-1104%20Psalm%2024%20John%2011%2032-44%20Liz.mp3?dl=0 (Text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+24%3B+John+11%3A32-44&version=NRSV
This year we decided to have a little church fun. With Halloween in our sights we had a dress up and costume Sunday. Since how we dress is an expression of our identity - that is what the sermon focused upon. Lots of biblical imagery using the connection of clothes to our identity. The Galatians reading encourages us to "clothe ourselves in Christ." Listen to the fun and meaningful messages. Sacred Text - Galatians 3:23-29: (Audio)https://www.dropbox.com/s/cdi7e8molglwlgu/18-1028%20Galatians%203%2023-29%20Lynda.mp3?dl=0 (Text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3%3A23-29&version=NRSV
Being a follower of Jesus is not a spectator sport. Seems simple enough yet we often fall into the same trap that the disciples James and John do in this story in Mark. We want jesus to comfort us, take care of us, and we want a safe position of prominence so we don't have to fight in the trenches. Today, we consider what it means to follow Jesus by "drinking of the same cup" as he is willing to do. Sacred Text: Mark 10:35-45 (Audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/b0u0i17it4lv4tr/18-1021%20Mark%2010%2035-45%20Annie.mp3?dl=0 (Read Text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+10%3A35-45&version=NRSV
Often considered a dangerous topic for a Pastor - at least in my tradition -- to talk directly in a sermon about money. The Rich Young Man story in Mark was the push but also since our Church is the only progressive spiritual community in our town -- the financial thriving of our Church is not just about us. There are people in this town who support us because of our voice, because we are an inclusive ally. Jesus calls us to deal with our attitudes about money and possessions. Is our church worth supporting financially - if yes, we must ask for that support whether those who value us are here Sunday morning or not. Sacred Text: Mark 10:17-31 (audio) https://www.dropbox.com/s/78tccgf83q61ba6/18-1014%20Mark%2010%2017-31%20Liz.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+10%3A17-31&version=NRSV
On this World Communion Sunday, we looked at the problem of a divided world, divided Christianity, and divided culture. The vision of World Communion Sunday is not being realized so what do we do. How do we bridge the divide/ I suggest it requires an understanding of the difference between the old Binary thinking to the much more nuanced Spectrum approach. It is not male and female, God created them. It is male to female. Listen as I explore this and more. Sacred Text: Genesis 2:18-24, Mark 10:2-16 (auto of sacred text) https://www.dropbox.com/s/8uigdowl0w584v2/18-1007%20Genesis%202%2018-24%20Mark%2010%202-16%20Sandi.mp3?dl=0 (read the text) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2%3A18-24%3B+Mark+10%3A2-16&version=NRSV
The story from the book of Numbers takes a sliver of the experience of the 40 year journey out of Egypt into the Promised Land. It seems complaining to God through Moses regularly happened on this journey. How ungrateful the people were or were they? This sermon is a dialogue with the Congregation about how Complaining fits it the spiritual process and can lead us to understand the bigger vision God has. The dialogue portion of this sermon is stunning in its authenticity and insight. Sacred Text: Numbers 11:4-29 (audio)https://www.dropbox.com/s/xqhztyufisdqs02/18-0930%20Numbers%2011%204-29%20Lisa.mp3?dl=0 (text)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers+11%3A4-29&version=NRSV
Do you think God is playful? Were we created to be playful? Should we take the quality of our play serious? You could argue that the book of the Bible that is most playful -- it has to be the Song of Solomon, Text of Song of Solomon 2:8-12: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song+of+Solomon+2%3A8-12&version=NRSV Audio of the Text: https://www.dropbox.com/s/j2jk42rtqsqabz0/18-0923%20Song%20of%20Solomon%202%208-12%20-%20Mike.mp3?dl=0
Two Churches - Chewelah & Colville UCC worship together in the park. Two Pastors - Steve Lucas & Jim CastroLang - talking about God's new covenant and what our two churches only 20 minutes away on the highway might do to strengthen our covenant. Today was a new beginning. May the Spirit move through us calling us together to know, to trust, to love, to worship, and to serve. Love to hear about other churches who have successfully strengthened their covenant relationship. Sacred Texts: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:14-23 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+31%3A31-34%3B+Luke+22%3A14-23&version=NRSV (Audio of texts read) https://www.dropbox.com/s/qhn4bqv1phi8ldl/18-0916%20Jer%2031%2031-34%20Luke%2022%2014-23%20Annie.mp3?dl=0
Do you think there is a lot bad behavior in our culture today? Some might suggest that this is a crisis. How did we get here? In the UCC, we focus on fixing the bad behavior that leads to great injustices like separating families at the border. We are not as good at focusing on the issues of personal bad behavior in the Progressive Christian Church. Today we focus on it. Especially, we don't like lists like presented in Mark's Gospel.
The rescuing aspect of God is explored in this sermon. Does God rescue? If yes, how does this work? What do you need to rescue from? What do we wish we could rescue the world from? I use a personal story to frame the question. To put my sermon in perspective, I begin by explaining my approach to preaching. Sacred Texts: Psalm 34:15-22, Ephesians 6;10-20 (audio of texts) https://www.dropbox.com/s/26fpbuysj904gyr/18-0826%20Psalm%2034%2015-22%20Ephesians%206%2010-20%20Lisa.mp3?dl=0 (read the texts)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34%3A15-22%2C+Ephesians+6%3A10-20&version=NRSV
Where is the Wisdom in the World today? This was one of our Pairing and Sharing questions today. This was a sermon about what blocks us from having more wisdom in our world. Upset by the betrayal of trust in the Catholic Church with the massive abuse scandal in Pennsylvania caused this to take a different twist in looking at wisdom. Let me know what you think. Sacred Texts: Proverbs 9:1-6 * Ephesians 5:15:20 (audio of readings) https://www.dropbox.com/s/zx5xx1p2kqqmlxb/18-0819%20Proverbs%209%20Ephesians%205%20Liz.mp3?dl=0 (text of readings)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs9:1-6;Ephesians5:15-20&version=NRSV
This was my "un-sermon_ of the year! If followers of Jesus can work on the guidelines from Paul to the Church in Ephesus, we can be a model for the world. Usually we are as reluctant as most people to do the heard work on ourselves with support from the community. There is nothing flashy here - which makes for a better sermon -- yet maybe nothing more important that committing ourselves for this model of attitude and behavior. In this, we can transform the world. Sacred text: Ephesians 4:25-5:2 audio - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ap36j21ejhtammx/Ephesians%204%2025-5%202%20Ginny.mp3?dl=0 text - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%204:25-5:2&version=NRSV via @biblegateway
As I looked at the sacred texts this week, all I could think about was that Franklin Graham is in the Pacific Northwest and coming to nearby Spokane in a few days. I am usually polite and in the UCC we a taught to be tolerant of difference but I am sorry -- the Franklin Graham Christianity is doing damage and in my mind is fantasy religion. In a culture that is more and more blurring the boundaries of reality and fantasy, it is time to speak out. The Bible does not support this and the sacred text today - Ephesians 4:1-16 (audio https://www.dropbox.com/s/ghw3hy10bfjp0hg/18-0805%20Ephesians%204%201-16%20Annie.mp3?dl=0) guides us back to reality. Also, take a look at Exodus 16 and John 6:24-35 referenced in the sermon
Rita Stoess was the long time Organist (1972-1996)among other things for the Colville UCC. Since moving away she has remained close to the Church. Visiting today, Rita shared her great musical skills on our Organ. Here are some excerpts. Prelude: This is My Father's World, M Burkhardt Offering: Allegretto, H Purcell Postlude: They'll Know We are Christians By Our Love, arr W Held
Five Loaves and Two Fish and 5,000 people. An impossible situation it would seem. Unless you adopt and Jesus Follower Attitude. Our pairing and sharing time was conversation about which type of person you are - glass half full or half empty. This self understanding is important as we explorer our journey in having a Jesus Follower Attitude. Sacred Text: John 6:1-21 or audio https://www.dropbox.com/s/hd4kui69iffsjdn/18-0729%20John%206%201-21%20%20Lisa.mp3?dl=0
Church Leader Liz Gill led the sermon reflection time. She begins with a wonderful reflection about spiders. Yes, spiders! You have to hear it. This leads into our Church pairing and sharing time with great questions for reflection. Engage these questions as you hear them wherever you are. My favorite: What are your spiders? The sermon reflection time concludes with some words from Pastor Jim. Sacred Texts: Psalm 23 and Jeremiah 23:1-6
A great day in Church as we had one baptism and 3 new members to the Church. It got me to thinking about "Belonging>" We belong to God and God belongs to us in our Church Community. What is the purpose of the Church other than a place to belong - to celebrate our belonging. This is what I spoke to on this day Sacred Texts: Amos 7:7-15, Ephesians 1:3-14
There is some basic logic in this message. Being a follower of Jesus leads to the invitation to Change. First, we must make changes. Second, we must be part of changing the world in ways of God's imagining at Creation. Yet, I don't like change and I am not alone. On this podcast, we hear from Mark 6:1-13. Then you will hear the Pairing and Sharing time. If you have someone with you - pause the audio and discuss these questions. Or write in your journal. 1) Tell a story of a big change you made in your life, and 2) Reflect on some change you will like to make. Then listen to my thoughts on this Gospel and the importance of Change.
Today''s focus was Healing as we looked at some healing stories of Jesus. How does physical healing happen? During our paring and sharing we were invited to address two things: *Tell a healing of the body story? *What would a community health care system look like that was consistent with the ways of Jesus? Listening to this might give you some insight into the spiritual nature of physical healing. Sacred Texts: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43
On June 24, 2018, the Colville UCC renewed its 6 year covenant as an Open and Affirming Church in the United Church of Christ. We did the in conjunction with ONA Sunday in the UCC. The renewal ceremony includes the reading of our 2012 Statement that was voted on by the Congregation.
Listen in and first you will hear the two Sacred Texts for today: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 and Mark 4:35-43. Then comes the introduction to our "Pairing & Sharing" time with the question - What are some of the obstacles you confront in seeking to live a peaceful life?" It is tied together with Pastor Jim's reflections on "No Obstacles" - an effort that is central to the identity of the United Church of Christ. All this as we celebrated Open and Affirming Sunday & the 61st Birthday of the UCC.
There are three parts to this audio: 1) Sacred Texts read in worship - I Samuel 15:34-16:13 and Mark 4:26-34; 2) Pairing and Sharing Time in Church - a new feature in our worship of breaking into pairs to share on a question for the day - today's question: If you were God what are the first three things you would do; and 3) Pastor Jim sermon related to the sacred texts and the question.
Rev. Mike Denton is not our boss as Conference Minister in the Pacific Northwest Conference of the UCC. Instead he is our mutual partner in ministry working relationship to deepen our relationships of mutuality across our Church and within our churches. Today, he helps build an understanding of this using the Micah 6:6-8 text. As part of this, we had some relational time together as we paired up to discuss "Ways we have experienced being included, being held in our Church life and our community life?" All of this is an antidote to loneliness - the #1 health crisis of our times.
Rev. Judith Rinehart-Nelson discusses the need to be aware of the spiritual tools we use to help us thrive in life situations. Sometimes we learn these tools from others. The spiritual toolkit comes in handy when we learn to manage mental health challenges. These spiritual tools can help us be born again as Jesus discusses in John 3:1-17 with Nicodemus.
For each sacred text, we 1) read it, 2) had an invitation to dialogue, 3) paired up for an encounter with invited questions, 4) came back together and shared connections we made. Note that on this audio you don't get to hear #3 and I hope you hear the sharings in #4. Sacred Texts: Valley of the Dry Bones Ezekiel 37:1-14, and Filled with the Holy Spirit (Pentecost) Acts 2:1-21.
The sacred texts today cause us to want more. Jesus knows he will be leaving the disciples soon and so he prays for their protection and understanding. Jesus shows us how much he cares almost like a parent for this small group he has been with everyday. We also see the disciples coming together after Jesus is gone choosing a new disciple. Makes me wonder about all the interpersonal relationships they have developed -- now reconfigured without Jesus there everyday. The People We Know and the Stories We Tell -- I want the details to this story of the disciples. And what about our stories. Sacred Texts: John 17:11-13; Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; John 17:14-19
In some ways this was a very personal sermon. I suppose a sermon about Love is personal by nature. We were a small group today sitting in a circle around the Communion Table which supported the intimacy. I was not thinking about this going out on the podcast as I spoke. Oh well, here it is. I hope it is of benefit to others. In these times, making the hard choices to advance the cause of Love is our best way to navigate through and actually succeed. I really believe that. Think Jesus agrees and the writer of the Gospel of John. Sacred Text: John 15:9-17
This appearance of Jesus in Luke's Gospel (24:36-48)bridges the binary distinction between heaven and earth, between the body and spirit, between human and divine. The resurrected Jesus can be touched, can eat food, and the wounds on the hand and feet are still there. I find this such a hopeful vision that offers sacredness of our body, our touch, and even our wounds. Listen here and see how this relates to Jesus words "Peace by with You." Also read Psalm 4
What is the evidence of the Resurrection? The common reading for this Sunday is the "doubting Thomas" story. Jesus invites Thomas to overcome his doubts by touching his wounds. Yet, the best evidence of the Resurrection is the way the early Christianity Community is acting. This passage (Acts 4:32-35)shows these Resurrection Results. Can we emulate this in today's churches and faith communities?
The Resurrection Story from Mark is first written. Later Mark readers felt compelled to clarify or add to the story. Today we look at the Resurrection story where it first ended at 16:8 and then the extended version and the more embellished Matthew, Luke, and John. In this we are encouraged to tell our own story of life and death understandings and our own answer to what the resurrection is and what it means. In this process the Joy comes not from the right answer but a broader and deeper sense of the Big Story of Creation in and beyond time. Sacred Text: Mark 16:1-8 and 9-20
Jesus enters Jerusalem to a crowd laying palms and cloaks before him. He heads right to the Temple to check things out and Mark tells us, he "looks around at everything." In this sermon, I consider what that means for Jesus and for us s we enter this holiest week of the Christian year.
So much of the Lenten story comes through in today's sacred texts from Jeremiah 31:31-34 - God renews the covenant and it is adjusted to what we need at the time and place in history and John 12:20-33 where the core purpose for Jesus culminating in this significant holy week. In this Jesus shows us the difficult but fruitful path we must walk for all of life to be fulfilled. Then, there will be so much to celebrate at Easter.
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