Faith United Church Springfield, MA

Do you have a “Know-It-All” in your life? Someone who always seems to have the answers — even if they’re the wrong answers? It seems that humans are often uncomfortable with the unknown, yet so much of this life and what lies beyond it is a Holy Mystery. On the Second Sunday of Lent, we’ll hear the story of “Know-it-All Nicodemus” as he gets schooled by Jesus (John 3:1-7).

Christians have a variety of beliefs about what happened in the Garden of Eden and how that led to “Original Sin” (Genesis 2 & 3). What is the nature of the “sin” from that story, and what does “sin” mean, anyways? On this First Sunday of Lent, we will begin our sermon series “A Way in the Wilderness,” considering how God brings us through the “wildernesses” of the human experience. The story of Adam and Eve and the origin of sin invites us to journey through the “Wilderness of Disconnection.” (Image: An unfinished metal bridge spans part way across a river.)

Jesus ascended a mountain and was “transfigured” before his Disciples, joined by Elijah and Moses. Peter wanted to make dwelling places for the three, but such holiness cannot be contained. From God lodging in the hearts of believers, to the Israelites in exile, to the Son of Man “having nowhere to lay his head,” we come to understand that the Divine seems to prefer living in a “Mobile Home.” (Matthew 17:1-8 and I Corinthians 3:5-11).

Jesus admonished his listeners: “Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’…” It seems simple enough, but sometimes we are uncertain, or we can't speak our truth, and we can only respond with "maybe?" or "sure?" (Matthew 5:21-26, 33-37) Experiencing uncertainty and leaving matters unresolved often leaves us feeling insecure and vulnerable. How might we find it within ourselves to endure uncertainty and be direct and honest when things are unresolved?

We might get uncomfortable talking about race and the racism of the past, but we cannot ignore it because its impact and legacy are still alive and harmful today. On this “Racial Justice Sunday,” we will consider the role of racism in our own church and how our theology, liturgy, and worship might even perpetuate racism. The past is not the past, and “We Need to Talk About This.” (I Corinthians 12:14-26).

Paul reminds the Corinthians that they have a choice to make: Continue to follow the so-called "Wisdom of the World," or follow the "Wisdom of God" revealed through Christ. (I Corinthians 1:18-31). The Wisdom of God seems like foolishness to those who follow the Wisdom of the World, but it is God who will expose the true foolishness. While the world praises power, exploitation, and violence, the Wisdom of God calls for justice and righteousness.  So, what about us? Do we follow the Wisdom of the World, or the Wisdom of God?

We don't usually turn to the Bible for medical advice, but you sure can find plenty of it in there! Jesus's healing miracles (Luke 5:12-16) and the healing rituals of ancient Israel sought to heal not only the body, but the soul. On this "Health and Human Service Sunday," we consider what it meant for Jesus to heal those who were suffering and outcast. 

The Psalmist praises God for hearing their cries, and, in turn empowering them to cry out God's glory and justice (Psalm 40:1-11).On this day when we remember the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, we listen for the voices that are heirs to King's dream. Who is carrying on and carrying out the work of transformative and restorative justice today?

On this Baptism of Christ Sunday, we hear about Jesus's baptism by John (Matthew 3:13-17). Humans seem hardwired to seek belonging and community. Baptism is one ritual through which we are brought into a community and given a sense of belonging. How might our baptismal vows draw us deeper into community?

The wise ones who visited baby Jesus trekked for countless miles navigating twists and turns and going through risk and uncertainty -- but they were led by hope and faith. (Matthew 2:1-12) Having taken time in Advent to reflect on and honor the past 125 years of Faith (United) Church, we now face forward and consider the journey ahead.

Drawing on our Service of 9 Lessons and Carols, Pastor Chris asks "What is Christmas" for those who are hurting and suffering, and "What is Christmas" for all of us in the midst of anxiety and uncertainty? Spoiler Alert: Christmas is Good News for all!

An angel appeared to Joseph to tell him of Mary's divine pregnancy. Joseph had a choice to make: Quietly dismiss Mary to save face, or stay with her to support her and help fulfill their mission together -- but the angel could sense that Joseph was afraid. (Matthew 1:18-25)It takes love to overcome fear.

Paul encouraged the Romans to turn to scripture as source of hope in times if suffering and uncertainty. More importantly, Paul reminded the believers that this Spirit of Hope was not simply for their personal prosperity, but was meant to widen their hearts so that they might invite, welcome, and include others. (Romans 15:4-13)

Fear plays a complicated role in our lives -- and in the lives of some more than others. Fear can both motivate us toward courageous action and prevent us from taking action. What would our lives as disciples look like if we lived and served without fear? (Luke 1:68-79)

Writing under the Apostle Paul's name, an evangelist both admonishes and encourages believers not to be "idle" -- going as far as to say that believers should not associate with people who are idle, and idle people shouldn't get to eat! (2 Thess 3:6-13)Like so many passages, this one has been used to criticize social safety nets -- but that's not at all the topic! But what do we make of these words, and what does it mean to be idle? Are faithful disciples supposed to be perfectionists and over-workers? How do we know when we've done enough?

When the Sadducees try to trip up Jesus and make him look foolish by asking him about marriage in the new life of the resurrection, Jesus proclaims that God is not God of the dead, but of the living (Luke 20:27-38). Perhaps there are some similarities between the Sadducees' logic and 20th century "Death of God" theology -- both of which call us to seek out and serve a "Living God."

Each one of us carries traits from our ancestors: Perhaps the way we walk, our voice, the color of our eyes, the texture of our hair. But sometimes we inherit traits that would've been better left in the past. It's true for individuals, and it's true for communities.On All Saints Sunday (11/3 at 10a), we will take time to honor the Saints in our lives who make the Great Cloud of Witnesses, and we'll consider the traits we've inherited -- for better or worse -- and what we want to pass forward. (Romans 6:1-11 and Hebrews 12:1-2).

Scripture tells us that God would often speak to prophets and ordinary people in dreams and visions -- and would refuse to enter dreams when the people strayed or rebelled! What is the difference between a dream and a vision? Can we experience dream or vision visits from God that could help guide us on our way? (Joel 2:23, 26-29; Daniel 7:1-16)

Widows were among the most vulnerable people in society in ancient times. Jesus tells the story of one particularly "Persistent Widow" who did not give up until she was granted Justice. (Luke 18:1-8)Perhaps this widow's persistence is a model for us as we seek to be heard and have others heard.

The Prophet Jeremiah spoke the word of God to the people in exile: God said, "Take up residence, make a home for yourself, prosper, and grow!" But this land was not a home -- it was hostile territory, far removed from the holy homeland. How could the people live out God's word in a foreign land?Jeremiah speaks a word to us as well: Make your way where you are, and use where you are to work toward the Kin-dom of God. (Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7)

Jesus rebukes the Disciples for asking that their faith be increased, and follows with challenging parable about the responsibility of a slave to their master (Luke 17:5-10). What is the kind of "faith" that the Disciples asked for, what do we seek, and what does Jesus teach us about the kind of faith we need?

Lazarus languished for years outside the home of a rich man, but it was only after both men died and faced their fate that the Rich Man acknowledged Lazarus in any way (Luke 16:19-31).

From prison, Paul writes to the wealthy church leader Philemon petitioning for the well being of Onesimus -- a fellow Christian whom is enslaved by Philemon. But what is Paul's motivation? We might want Paul to decry slavery, but it's much more complicated than that.As we mark 400 years since enslaved people were brought to this continent, we look at slavery in the ancient world, and take this opportunity to make certain that we "Do the Right Thing."

Moses reminds the newly liberated People of Israel that God has given them the choice between the "way of life" and "the way of death." Following God meant life. Serving other gods meant death. (Deuteronomy 30:15-20)What is this "way of life" and "way of death" for us today? How can we make this "way of life" our own way of life?"

Jesus commissioned 70 willing and eager followers to go ahead of him to share the Good News, saying, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." (Luke 10:1-11) They went without money, provisions, or even extra clothes, and Jesus cautioned them about the risks they might encounter. Through this, Jesus commissions all who seek to follow him, giving each of us the responsibility to spread the Gospel. 

In the Trinitarian tradition, we proclaim that we believe that God is one, yet is expressed in three ways: Creator/Father, Redeemer/Son/Jesus, and Sustainer/Holy Spirit. Perhaps we can understand the three-fold nature of God a bit more if we consider the multiple facets and relationships in our lives. 

When the Holy Spirit arrived, the Disciples each began fervently, passionately speaking a foreign language (Acts 2:1-17) -- many onlookers wondered what this sign meant, while others sneered and dismissed it as drunken nonsense. But the truth was that the Holy Spirit had set the hearts and tongues of the Disciples on fire with a passion to witness to the Good News!  What sets us "on fire" for the Good News? When is something just kind of a showy, temporary flame? And when do we experience a fire deep within our bones?

The Book of Acts opens with the Ascension -- Jesus's post-resurrection departure to heaven (Acts 1:1-11). The hopeful Disciples soon become bewildered: Why didn't Jesus take them with him? But he is clear: They are left behind to carry on and carry out his work and witness in the world.  We, ourselves, might want to escape sometimes, but our charge and commission is the same: We are left behind for a reason. 

In the Book of Acts, we meet Lydia -- an independent businesswoman who is possibly the first European Christian convert (Acts 16:9-15). Part of what makes Lydia unique is that scripture records her name -- unlike 90-95% of the women mentioned in the Bible. What does it mean for someone's name or identity to be erased, both in scripture and in the world today? 

Sometimes (often, really) God calls us to make a "Course Correction" in our lives that is not always expected, welcome, or easy -- yet God is with us as we chart a new path. Guest Preacher Rev. Jill Olds shares her sermon ("Course Correction") from Acts 11:1-18. 

We often have questions about our faith that we do not get to ask, or that are not addressed in the sermon that the pastor chooses to preach. On "Instant Sermon Sunday," the congregation is given a chance to write down a question for the pastor to respond to, creating a custom message for the day. Topics range from images of God, to the nature of evil, and the question of "why bother going to church?"

Thomas's mix of devotion and doubt gives us a model for faithfully asking questions as we seek to understand the incomprehensible mystery of Christ. (John 20:19-31).

Sometimes there are no words for the bewildering evil and despair that seems to surround us. That is when we must rely on the Holy Spirit to intercede with "sighs too deep for words" as we attend to creation's groaning. (Romans 8:18-27)

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen, indeed! Easter reminds us that we do not know the whole story: Despair, fear, even death do not have the final word. Easter invites us to sow seeds of hope so that we might proclaim the resurrection in a hurting and hurtful word, living out the Good News of God's liberating love!

When religion becomes co-opted, corrupted, and controlled by the empire, the outcome is deadly. How often do we confuse Caesar with Christ? (Luke 19:29-40). 

Through the Prophet Isaiah, God comforts the exiled People of Israel, proclaiming that God is doing a new thing among them, with them, and through them -- but first they must let go of the "good old days" (Isaiah 43:16-21). Our ability to perceive and receive God's newness also depends upon our ability to break from our pasts and make room for God. 

On this Trans Day of Visibility, The Rev. Louis Mitchell invites and challenges us to meditate on those with whom we disagree, praying for the freedom from anger and resentment. Drawing on Psalm 32 and 2 Corinthians 5, Rev. Mitchell encourages us to "clear our own garbage" so we can "love those who despise us." Rev. Louis Mitchell is the Executive Director of Transfaith (transfaithonline.org), a practical and spiritual resource center for trans folx of faith and faith leaders in general across a number of faith traditions. 

After hearing the news of some terrible deaths, some people ask Jesus if those who perished were somehow "greater sinners" because of the manner of their demise. Jesus dismisses this idea, but reminds his listeners that they must not delay in turning their lives around (repentance) and must always be prepared for the in-breaking of the kin-dom of God (Luke 13:1-9). 

During Lent, we often think of fasting as giving up some kind of creature comfort or luxury -- chocolate or candy, meat, alcohol. But what is the purpose of our fasting? Through the prophet Isaiah, God commands a fast that brings about justice and righteousness that looks a lot different than how we might think of Lenten fasting (Isaiah 58:3-12). 

When Peter witnessed Jesus's Transfiguration, his human mind could not comprehend the mystery before him. He responded with an understandably human impulse, wanting to freeze and contain this holy moment, offering to build three dwelling places (Luke 9:28-36). We, too, might incarcerate ourselves, others, or even God in a dwelling place!

A lot of churches have a "Bring A Friend Sunday" where folks are encouraged to invite someone to worship. What if we had "Bring An Enemy Sunday?" What if we already do that? What if we carry our enemies with us wherever we go? (Luke 6:27-36)

Sometimes those things in our lives that we think of as "blessings" are really just privileges -- and our privileges can keep us from recognizing and validating the suffering of others. In his "Sermon on the Plain," Jesus reframes just who is blessed, and warns those who might wield their perceived "blessings" as judgment against others. (Luke 6:17-26)

Jesus wandered the lakeshores teaching and seeking out potential Disciples. When he saw a few guys unsuccessfully fishing, he told them to cast their nets yet again. When they did, the bounty nearly tore the nets, and the fishermen left all they had to follow this amazing prophet. (Luke 5:1-11)

The early Christian community in Corinth was squabbling again. They had started to set up a hierarchy of spiritual gifts that pressured many to conform and devalued many others. The Apostle Paul wrote to the community to remind them of the God-given gift of unity: That they were all parts of one body, and that each part had a unique and vital role to play. It is just as true for us today. (I Corinthians 12:12-31)

So often it seems that the words and witness of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are removed from the context of his deep faith. In this message, we present three excerpts from Rev. Dr. King paired with scriptural reflection: "The Most Durable Power" (Romans 12:9-21); "Letter From Birmingham Jail" (I Corinthians 12:12-26); and "Our God is Marching On!" (Romans 8:18-25). Texts for these quotes come from "A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings of Martin Luther King, Jr." edited by James M. Washington. 

When Jesus was baptized by John, a voice broke through from the heavens: "This is my beloved child in whom I am well pleased." Each one of us is invited to remember that we are also beloved children of God. Every time we touch water, we can remember the promises of our baptism: to grow in faith, to witness to God's love and justice, and to welcome others. (Luke 3:15-22)

Once the Magi met the Christ Child, they were transformed -- they knew nothing would be the same, and that they could not return home the same way they came (Matthew 2:1-12). Each one of us has or will have transformative encounters in our lives after which we are not the same person, and we are led off in a new direction. 

While the popular Christmas song asks the question, "Mary, Did You Know?" scripture is very clear that Mary did know all about her role in birthing salvation for the world! Mary was far more than a container for the Messiah: she was a holy vessel that magnified God's greatness and power. (Luke 1:39-45 + 1:46-55)

John the Baptist proclaimed a message of repentance: Prepare for the Lord! His harsh rebukes and stark warnings do not sound exactly like "Good News" to our ears, but they are Good News for sure. John reminds us that celebrating the birth of Christ is risky, challenging, and transformative. Are we prepared? (Luke 3:7-18)

Much like his cousin, John the Baptist came from a miraculous birth and was named in the womb through the angel Gabriel. His name witnessed to his purpose: to prepare the way for the Messiah. Each one of us is named for a purpose as well. (Luke 1:68-79)

On the final Sunday of the church year, we consider what it means when we say "Jesus is Lord and Savior." This bold profession of faith was a risky and often lethal phrase for early Christians -- a rejection of the empire and a call for liberation. What power can it hold for us today? (Revelation 1:4-8)