These Lives are Precious – July 4, 2021

Scripture:  Psalm 72  “God delivers the needy when they call.” (72:12)

As we celebrate  Independence Day on this Sunday in 2021, we recognize, of course,  that we do not live in a land ruled by Kings, as the hearers of our first Psalm of this series did. Nevertheless, the petitions of the psalmist for justice, deliverance, defense of the poor and oppressed, and peace for all peoples is an undergirding theme of our faith. We are reminded that a just society is one that proclaims “these lives are precious” and worthy of protection. God, indeed, is holding our lives… and wants “liberty and justice for all.”

Aladdin: A Diamond in the Rough – June 27, 2021

Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-33

The final week in our summer series At the Movies concludes with Disney’s live-action box-office hit, Aladdin. Aladdin helps us understand what the Bible says on where and how we should find our significance.

The Greatest Showman: I Am Who I’m Meant to Be – June 20, 2021

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

The “bearded lady,” sings: “I am brave. I am bruised. I am who I’m meant to be. This is me. Look out ’cause here I come, And I’m marching on to the beat I drum. I’m not scared to be seen, I make no apologies, this is me.” Jesus’ “circus” of followers, including the women Luke named, upset “proper” men in his day. The apostle Paul, who had hunted Christians, said, “I don’t deserve to be called an apostle.” But he didn’t hide in shame—he said, “I am what I am by God’s grace, and God’s grace hasn’t been for nothing.” To the Corinthtians, Paul said: “In return–I speak as to children–open wide your hearts also.”

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood – June 13, 2021

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:32-49

The simple faith of a young shepherd boy who had faith that he was enough in God’s hands is replicated in the life and teachings of Mister Rogers.

 

 Game ON!: Jumanji – June 6, 2021

Scripture: Joshua 1.9-18; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, NRSV

In Jumanji, Dr. Bravestone (school nerd Spencer’s game character) said, “This is a video game, which means we all have special skills. We can help each other.” Too often, we have a “one size fits all” idea of what it means to serve. In fact, there are as many unique forms of service as there are people. The apostle Peter’s letter called Christians to “use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” The call is to be yourself, as long as “being yourself” includes being a servant to God and others.

Wonder: What Do You See? – May 30, 2021

Scripture: Mark 3:1-6, (NRSV); Galatians 5: 22-23

Mr. Tushman, the wise school principal in the film Wonder, urged staff and students to be “Kinder than is necessary. Because it’s not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.” When the apostle Paul listed some of the key qualities God offers to grow in us, he put kindness squarely at the center of the list. Jesus looked at the hard-hearted people around him, and healed the man with the withered hand. All Christ-followers, not just the naturally kind ones, can receive the fruit of kindness when the Holy Spirit infuses and directs all parts of our life.

Amazing Grace: Now I See – May 23, 2021

Scripture: John 3: 1-17

John reminds us that the spirit moves as it will…we now know that it’s truly the amazing grace of God that allows us to be reborn, to start anew, to build a life of grace empowered by the Holy Spirit. This Pentecost, we celebrate once more the power of the grace of God.

Learning to Sing God’s Praise Again – May 16, 2021

Scripture: Ezra 1: 1-7;  5: 19-22

The end of the Babylonian Captivity was a restart button for the people of Israel, who by decree of Cyrus, King of Persia, were allowed to return home to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. They needed to learn to sing God’s praise again in their home land.   Their celebration of the first passover after the exile was a time of joy and celebration and aided them in their work of rebuilding.  We, too, can learn to sing God’s praise again because of the thousands of years of history that undergirds who we are as people of God and followers of Jesus. We can rebuilt this church at this time!

Moving to a Life of Joy and Peace – May 9 2021

Scripture: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22

 When Esther finally reveals to the king the plot of the wicket Haaman, her people are able to take the steps necessary to preserve their nation. As we move through Lent, we also take the steps necessary to uncover those things in our lives that seek to destroy us, recognizing that through God’s grace, we can take risks that will make the world better…just like so many women have done in the past, present and will do in the future.

God’s Word My Hope Secures – May 2, 2021

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

The reading of the Torah brought tears as the people recognized the ways they had not lived up to their covenant with God. But Nehemiah sends them home to reflect, and to trust in God’s grace, and to celebrate the hope secured by the reading of God’s word. How we understand God’s word continues to evolve even today, and opening our hearts to hearing it  in new ways brings us hope as well.