From the Sunday morning sermons at Sanctuary. Focused on justice, compassion, and practical wisdom, rooted in humanity's profound connection with God
Sanctuary Community Church (Iowa City)
10/12/25 This Sunday we spotlight HANDS ON FAITH, and Adey looks at how each person has something unique and specific to contribute to the cause of justice.
10/5/25 David dispels some Bible interpretation errors related to the second coming of Jesus and then examines the diverse and contradictory images in the Bible regarding the afterlife.
9/28/25 Tom wades through the surprising parables of Luke 15.
9/21/25 Adey reflects on the story of Jesus talking to a woman at a well in John 4.
9/7/25 David looks at Psalm 104 and its theme of God as God of all creatures. The book An Immense World by Ed Yong provided some inspiration for this message.
8/31/25 Tom examines Jesus' surprising statement, "Whoever is not against me is for me."
8/24/25 Adey looks at the cost of not being ourselves.
8/17/25 David explores a powerful moment of Jesus' compassion, an example of attunement.
8/10/25 Tom reflects on the difference between Jesus' mission and the usual goals of religion.
8/3/25 Adey explores one of the primary lessons of Ecclesiastes: live in the present and enjoy the now.
7/27/25 David looks to the story of King Solomon and the building of the Temple for inspiration on navigating the tricky tensions concerning money and wealth.
7/20/25 Tom looks at the distinction between "sin" and "scandal" and its implications for today.
7/13/25 Adey looks at Jesus' model of resting and the vital spiritual practices that cultivate rest.
7/6/25 Amy Kraber preaches on one of Jesus' parables during our all-ages service, utilizing some common teaching techniques from the kids wing.
6/29/25 David considers how spiritual practices can help increase distress tolerance.
6/22/25 Adey explores how Jesus encourages us to be our full, authentic selves.
6/15/25 Tom deconstructs sin and looks at how Jesus approaches the whole notion of sin and forgiveness.
6/9/25 David celebrates Pentecost by looking at how the promise of God's Holy Spirit applies to life at its worst.
6/1/25 Adey deconstructs how the Bible writers describe women (and men), and she offers a compelling alternative.
5/25/25 David considers how a health unity might be achieved, a unity that embraces diversity and equity and does not engage in scapegoating.
5/18/25 Tom looks at the role revelation - seeing - plays in personal and societal transformation.
5/11/25 Adey looks to Job to gain wisdom on facing suffering + Athena Eilers reads "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou.
5/4/25 David invites Jen Brown to read Wendell Berry's poem "Do Not Be Ashamed" (June, 1967) and follows it with a story where Jesus channels clarity and courage. We're invited to do likewise.
4/27/25 Tom looks at the post-resurrection stories of Jesus and the timeless feeling of peace that accompanies them.
4/20/25 Adey celebrates Easter with a look at Jesus' resurrection story and the joy that comes after mourning.
4/13/25 David wraps our Lent teaching series with a look at collective action in the New Testament and in the Montgomery bus boycott of 1956.
4/6/25 Tom reflects on Jesus' expectation of death as a model for us today.
3/30/25 Adey continues our Lent series on "Collective Soul Care" by looking at how Jesus brings us together and calls us to care for one another.
3/23/25 Tom looks at Jesus' ethic of celebration as an act of collective protest.
3/16/25 Amy Kraber continues our Collective Soul Care teaching series by looking at how God uses nature to nurture and provide for us.
3/9/25 David kicks off our Lent teaching series on "Collective Soul Care" with a story from Kings that reminds us to not overlook small acts of redemption.
3/2/25 Adey looks at the story of Jacob wrestling with God and its implications for us today.
2/23/25 Tom looks at Jesus' lack of claim to any kingship and its implications for today.
2/16/25 David looks at how Jesus avoids being used as a mascot and the implications for us today.
2/9/25 Adey leans into life-affirming spiritual practices, trusting and hoping in the God of all comfort.
2/2/25 Tom challenges the classic interpretation of Elijah slaying the prophets of Baal and the politics of retribution. The text - along with Jesus - points to an alternative way.
1/26/25 Guest Chris McMillan offers guidance on navigating these troubled times by looking at the letter to the Ephesians and the instruction to "put on the full armor of God."
1/19/25 David looks at a story where Jesus subverts the causal relationship between sin and affliction, bringing freedom from blame.
1/12/25 Adey looks at Daniel for inspiration and modeling on how to resist oppressive laws and policies.
1/5/24 Tom invites us to find our true selves as Jesus finds his true self, located in the divine.
12/22/24 Adey looks at the story of the angels' announcement to the shepherds and shares some stories that resonate.
12/15/24 Guest preacher Chris Hoklotubbe reflects on themes of finding joy in darkness in the Christmas story.
12/8/24 David reflects on the 2nd Sunday of Advent theme of peace, looking at the story of the magi bringing their gifts to Jesus. Clara Reynen also shares about re-purposing propaganda posters for new paper.
12/1/24 Tom kicks off Advent looking at the Bible story of Anna and Simeon, two elderly people who could perceive God's presence.
11/24/24 Adey reflects on the story of Jesus and Nicodemus, and the invitation to be "born again," to live in the light.
11/17/24 Tom looks at Psalm 23 as a model for finding God in these tumultuous times.
11/10/24 Post-election Sunday. Adey opens and closes with some reflections as well as room for prayer. Onyx Angus shares a poem. David leads an exercise in writing a Lament. Tom draws parallels to the book of Ecclesiastes.
11/3/24 Reflecting on Jeremiah, David names some aspects of prophetic imagination worth imitating as we consider hopes and fears related to the election.
10/27/24 Adey reflects on a healing story from the Bible and then shares reflections from a few Sanctuary members about their experiences of disability, pain, or chronic illness.
10/20/24 David looks at Jesus' response to a family squabble and how it provides a model for God's stance towards human conflict.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
