Sunday Teachings - Sanctuary Community Church

11/30/25 Adey kicks off Advent with a message of hope, centered on where God has anointed us and empowered us to bring good news.

11/23/25 David borrows from the new book Reading the Bible on Turtle Island by Sanctuary member Chris Hoklotubbe. David looks at how the book invites an openness to the gifts and spiritual practices of indigenous traditions because many reflect the Bible's portrayal of spiritual experiences. For example, in the Transfiguration story, Jesus experiences the presence of his ancestors (Moses and Elijah) at a crossroads moment in his ministry.

11/16/25 Tom explores some of the origins of the Hebrew language and its implications for the Bible and our interpretations today.

11/9/25 James Tutson preaches on how we can use our imagination to connect with God. James invites us to ask, "What if God is more generous than that?"

11/2/25 Adey asks how flexible and changeable our image of God is.

10/26/25 David celebrates Halloween by reading Ghosts in the House! by Kazuno Kohara and then diving into a Cain's genealogy from Genesis 4. Shout out to Internal Family Systems.

10/19/25 Tom offers a bold alternate interpretation to the parable of the prodigal son.

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.

9/14/25 Tom reinterprets Jesus' list of blessings.

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.