Prince of Peace

Today's gospel finds Jesus praying for unity, not only for his disciples, but for all who follow the Word. Pastor Jonathan explains what the challenge is. The world spends so much effort creating divisions among people: political, religious, gender, regional... the list could go on and on. It takes a basic commitment to love your neighbor to be able to move past the divisions and achieve the unity that makes the world better for everyone. As followers of Jesus, we are called to choose that love.

In this morning's gospel lesson, Jesus says this to his disciples, as he is preparing for his ascension. Earlier in the passage, Jesus refers to the Advocate, and Hannah explains that Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit. She also shares that a sense of peace is the way you know that the Holy Spirit is guiding what you do, as it has been guiding her. This does not mean that the road is easy, but it does mean that the path is filled with grace and forgiveness.

In this sermon Pastor Michelle explains Christ's command to love all, always, with the same love Jesus has for us. Dinette Miller from the Haitian Timun Foundation then shares one way we can show Christ's love to our vulnerable brothers and sisters.

On this Mother's Day, Pastor Hannah recounts her experiences knowing several sheep farmers during her youth. Sheep, she tells us, are easy to frighten, susceptible to predators of all types, and need a guardian. Sheep, however, do learn to recognize the voice of their shepherd as the voice of comfort and safety. We humans are like sheep, and we are fortunate to have Jesus as our shepherd. We just need to listen for his voice.

In this sermon Pastor Jonathan reflects on the restoration of Saul and the disciples. The disciples experienced the power of the resurrection to restore. We are reminded that we can help to see the world restored when we live and love like Jesus.

In this sermon Pastor Michelle reminds us of how Christ reaches out to each of us. Jesus invites us to experience the reality of the resurrection. We are also reminded how we need to bring our faith to others and to invite them to experience Christ's love through our actions.

On this Easter morning, Pastor Jonathan reminds us that the store of the resurrection is not jsut an idle tale we dust off once or twice a year. It's the story of how God's love triumphs over the evils of this world. If we try, even we can turn stories of death and destruction into stories of love and renewal.

In this sermon on Maundy Thursday, Pastor Jonathon reminds us of Jesus' commitment to love and to serve. Jesus did not come to be put on a pedestal but is instead seen in every loving act of human kindness. Therefore he commands us to love and serve one another.

This morning, Pastor Hannah tells us that sharing God's love is easy, but it may take practice. The bible is full of stories of God's compassionate love for his children, including the gospel lesson for today, 'The Prodigal Son'. Compassionate Love for others si choosing to feel love for those you may fear or dislike, hoping and praying for the best for them in the face of fear and distrust. Even spiders.

We see throughout the gospels that Jesus was an advocate for the downtrodden and marginalized people in society. In today's gospel lesson, Jesus is openly defiant toward the authorities that sought to silence his ministry. Pastor Jonathan explains that not only this courage, but integrity, are needed today to fulfill God's vision of justice for everyone. What path can each of us follow toward courageous justice?

In today's first lesson, God makes Jonah visit Nineveh, and then uses Nineveh to teach Jonah a lesson. In the Gospel story, Jesus tells the story of 'The Good Samaritan.' Pastor Michelle explains that these two stories show us that God can do good work even through people that we don't agree with, or don't even like.

In this sermon Pastor Michelle discusses how we can sometimes find our selves in the midst of suffering but that we still have hope. We can find hope in Jesus and those around us. Likewise, we can serve as a source of hope for others around us when our hope is abundant.

As the season of Lent begins, Pastor Jonathan explains that our traditional view of Lent is not what Lent should be about. Our normal view of Lent is that it is a time to immerse ourselves in misery and shame - we give up something we cherish, and spend time thinking about our sinful nature. Instead, Pastor Jonathan advises that we need to strip away any sense we have of self-importance and righteousness, and replace it with prayer, communal conversation, and service to others.

On this Transfiguration Sunday, Pastor Michelle wraps up the "Prophet's Path" sermon series by talking about what the prophets were all about. As we've learned, the prophets, and then Jesus himself, tell us about the coming of the kingdom of God. They taught us to live as if that kingdom were already present, loving our neighbor and extending a helping hand to each other. At times, it seems a little idealistic, given the state of the world today. But isn't that what faith is all about? "..the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

In today's gospel, Jesus is telling his followers to "love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you..." Pastor Hannah reminds us how much that counters what we feel. It's too easy for us to trash-talk rival sports teams, spread scandal about celebrities, and even worse. Jesus teaches us to not only 'turn the other cheek', but to actively forgive those who wrong us. It's no an easy thing to do, but it makes sense when we remember that even those we don't like are children of God, just like we are.

In this sermon Pastor Michelle discusses Jesus's Sermon on the Plain. Jesus speaks to the people in this passage giving them words of hope in their suffering. This reminds us that God is present even in those low places. Likewise Jesus reminds us that even in the good times we must not put our hope in those circumstances but instead should keep it in God. At all times we are reminded of the importance of placing our trust in the Lord.

The current world view is that we should love and care for those close to us first, before we spread the love to other. Pastor Jonathan shares that Jesus teaches that there is enough love in the world for all, if only we share it. Then he reads a story that shows how just one little act of love can make a big difference.

In today's Gospel, Jesus boldly points out to the leaders of the synagogue that those who go against the established 'rules' are always rejected. Pastor Hannah uses her recent trip to Japan, where Christianity is a minority faith, as a prime example of how Jesus wants us to challenge our own 'cultural bubbles' (comfort zones) to share the good news and encourage others to escape their own cultural bubbles.

Today's gospel finds Jesus reading from the book of Isaiah in the synagogue. The passage he read describes one who was "sent to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free." Pastor Jonathan explains that many of the prophets foretold the coming of a just world. Jesus came to show us that no one thing we do makes us deserving of salvation, but that we are to use the gifts we have to that justice and mercy are extended to all people.

In this sermon, Pastor Michelle discusses Jesus's first miracle at the wedding in Cana. She discusses how in the prophetic tradition of transforming the ordinary, Jesus is continually working in our lives to make the ordinary holy.

Today, as we celebrate the baptism of our Lord, Pastor Michelle explains how baptism, like the beginning of a calendar year, can mark new beginnings. For Jesus, it was the beginning of his ministry on earth; for us, it marks the beginning of our redemption with God.

Today's gospel tells us the story of the 3 wise men finding Jesus after his birth. Pastor Jonathan tells us this morning that the Magi, as they were known, were really astrologers - people not really well respected in Jewish traditions. Yet, the astrologers were the ones to follow the light if the star to find Jesus, born in a town outside of Jerusalem. This was the first sign of God bringing the light of salvation to "outsiders". It's no wonder, then, that to have an epiphany is to "see the light."

In today's gospel, we learn Mary's song of gratitude to God for blessing her, and that he has 'brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly'. Pastor Michelle tells us that Advent is indeed a time to celebrate the coming of a Savior who comes not to raise the powerful, but to bring low those who use power to oppress others, and to raise up the downtrodden.

In this sermon Pastor Jonathon shares how Advent calls us to lift our gaze to the power of hope and love in the world. Advent teaches us to live a life of anticipation because the Lord is near.

In this second week of Advent, we hear the how John the Baptist began his ministry. Pastor Hannah brings John's preaching into today's world, showing us ways that we can prepare the way of the Lord by helping others to see God's work in the world.

Pastor Michelle takes this morning's message from the Old Testament lesson in Jeremiah, in which we learn the prophesy of the coming of Jesus. We know there is upheaval in the world, and we don't have to look hard to find reasons to be anxious, or ways to feed that anxiety. Pastor Michelle tells us this morning that the prophesy we read in Jeremiah is a reason for hope, and the reason we need to not only look ahead to the redemption of the world, but to help others see that the redemption is coming.

In this sermon Pastor Michelle discusses Jesus's prediction about the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. This warning tells us how that when times are difficult it important to no let others lead us astray. When times are difficult we are reminded that these are the birth pangs of God's renewal of the world. We are encouraged to join in God's work of recreating.

Today's gospel lesson is the story I knew as a child as 'The Widow's Mite' - the story of how Jesus watched many give to the Temple treasury out of their abundance to make themselves look good, but he was most taken with the widow who contributed all she had, a few pennies. Pastor Hannah explains that giving of yourself, without expectation of honor, is the kind of giving that that makes the world a better place.

On this All Saints Sunday, we not only celebrate baptisms, but we remember the saints among us who have joined God's eternal church. In Pastor Jonathan's reflection this morning, he talks about the people that have had the most positive effect on us: those who live 'in the now' but spread the joy that is the the coming Kingdom of God.

In this sermon Pastor Hannah invites us to reflect on discipleship and the disciples of Christ who have gone before us. We are reminded of the importance of staying in the Word. Discipleship is a constant living and adapting thing that must be grounded in the foundation of Christ.

In today's gospel, We find James and John requesting positions of honor from Jesus, which angers the rest of the disciples. Pastor Michelle tells us that Jesus explains to his disciples that it is not wrong to seek power and fame, but the real power and honor is afforded to those who serve others. Jesus came not to rule, but to show power made perfect in weakness, by submitting to death on the cross.

In today's gospel, Jesus advises a man who was seeking eternal life to "sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow me." Pastor Jonathan explains what Jesus is telling us - what we possess can be useful to help others, but it is not the key to our happiness. God calls us to be more than the sum of our things.

This morning, Pastor Hannah show us how we can relate to each of the characters in the story of The Prodigal Son. Sometimes, we are the younger son, in need of grace and forgiveness, and we are surprised at the outpouring of generosity from God and each other. Sometimes, unfortunately, we can be the older son, indignant at the blessings give to those who seemingly don't deserve it. And sometimes, we can be the father, joyfully sharing what we have.

Circumstances have a way of changing unexpectedly. For example, the Israelites left Egypt in a hurry, Mary was not expecting to be expecting. More recently, the pandemic caught everyone off guard. But while the world is constantly changing around us, God leads us through the changes, and shows us not only how to adapt, but to help other thrive as well.

In this sermon Pastor Jonathan shares how God's reign is breaking into this world. We can have hope, joy, and peace even in the midst of the challenges we see in the world around us. We can be a witness to the world that fear will never have the final word and that love and life will win.

This morning, Pastor Hannah explains that imagery was once very important to tell the stories of the Bible because literacy rates were so low. Mary was often depicted in blue, Jesus often had a crown of thorns and the tell-tale holes in his hands and feet. It was a way for artists to help people see Jesus. Fortunately, we don't need to visit the art museum to see Jesus, she concludes. Jesus is visible not only in the bread and wine, but in the servant hearts we see in action all around us, doing the work of Jesus.

This morning, Pastor Michelle reminds us that every journey of faith is different, but we have some things in common. We learn through Jesus actions that mercy triumphs over justice, and one of the ways that happens is through our actions. In the book of James we read "What good is it... if you say you have faith but do not have works?" This is where the idea of "God's Work, Our Hands" comes from - showing mercy to others through helping.

This morning, Pastor Jonathan laments the fact that, as a society, people are using words to establish superiority. Today's gospel lesson tells us that the same thing has been happening for a long time, as the Pharisees tried to point out that the disciples were not following the rules of cleanliness. Jesus then points out that it's not the cleanliness that matters as much as what is in the disciples' hearts. Pastor Jonathan brings that into today's world, explaining that if we may disagree with each other about how to make others' lives better, if we agree that it needs to be done we can do it together.

Today's gospel lesson begins with Jesus telling his followers "those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them." The disciples tall him that this teaching is difficult, but Pastor Michelle explain to us what Jesus really means. With these word Jesus is really explaining that he is willingly giving of himself to help others. Living and loving like Jesus means that we should give of ourselves to make the lives of those around us better.

In this sermon, Pastor Hannah describes how through the Holy Spirit we are able to come to Christ who is the reflection of the Father. The Holy Spirit is the Wisdom of God that allows us to walk a path that is different than the world expects.

This morning, as we celebrate the Ordination of our Pastor of Youth and Family Ministries, MacKenzie Evans shares with us the lessons and memories of the youth gathering in New Orleans.

After feeding the 5,000 last week, Jesus went to Capernaum, and the crowd followed him. Like people today, The people of Jesus time were constantly seeking to be fed, in more ways than one. We are constantly chasing goals like a better job, more money, and other things. But, as Pastor Michelle reminds us, it's easy to overlook the things that give us true happiness in God: coffee with a friend, the chance to reconcile differences, the small moments that can give us true joy. Jesus shows us the way to have the True Bread that satisfies.

Today's gospel recounts the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. Pastor Hannah brings the familiar bible story into modern times by sharing three stories heard by those who attended the youth gathering two weeks ago. In each case, God not only provides what is needed, but provides much more than what is needed.

In this sermon, Pastor Jonathan shares interviews with several youth who returned from the National Youth Conference. They share the insights they found through that time.

Today's lessons tell the stories of Amos and John the Baptist. Amos was exiled from his home country because he dared speak God's word to the people. John the Baptist was imprisoned and later beheaded because he was spreading the word of God's redemption. In modern times, we don't face quite as dire consequences for spreading God's truth and desire for his people to live in peace, but it can be daunting. We need to remember that Jesus is with us and helping us speak every word of peace.

In today's gospel, Jesus sends his disciples forth in pairs to spread the good news. However, in doing so, he instructs them to take nothing but a walking stick with them, leaving totally vulnerable to the whims of the people they meet on their way. We don't enjoy being vulnerable, not having the answers and knowing what is to come. But as Paul later writes to the Corinthians, "... whenever I am weak, then I am strong." Jesus encourages us to share the good news, no knowing how it will be received, but knowing he is there with use as we do.

Today's gospel includes the story of Jesus raising Jairus' daughter. Pastor Jonathan's message this morning focuses on what Jesus said after, when he instructed them to tell no one what had happened. Jesus ministry often focused on quietly and humbly serving the people around him. While the world around us is has one idea of what power looks like, we see through Jesus acts that humble acts of service is where power truly lies.

In this week's gospel, Jesus is traveling in a boat with his disciples when a storm rolls in, but Jesus calms the storm with a few words. Pastor Hannah shares with us this morning that if we are bad weather or another kind of storm, Jesus is present. Through prayer, he will calm the storms within us

In this sermon Pastor Jonathan describes how while the kingdom of God is in God's hands, our role is to plant tiny seeds to point the way. We must own the vision and plant the tiny seeds of love in the midst of our community as signs of hope along the way to God's end goal.

In the second installment of our Summer Sermon Series, Pastor Michelle explores the the idea of needing others. Our society has conditioned us to believe that being able to 'handle things ourselves' is what makes us strong. God, however, teaches us to think differently. There is more strength in community, in helping each other, indeed on relying on each other.

In today's gospel, Jesus schools the Pharisees that "the sabbath was made for humankind, not humankind for the sabbath." Pastor Michelle further explains that there is a power in taking rest, despite the world's pressures. Indeed, the world view is that the busier we are, the better we are. But even the natural world has seasons, time for rejuvenation, and God's lesson for us is that we should take time each week to rest in Him.