Archive for category: Sermons

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Scripture: Nehemiah 6: 1-9

On January 20th 2021, we all listened mesmerized and energized by the words of youth poet laureate Amanda Gorman as she read her inaugural poem ‘The Hill We Climb’. The first line of her poem reads “When day comes we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade?” Shrouded in grief and tragedy, the shade of a global pandemic, disproportionately impacting communities of color and exacerbated by the pre-existing condition that is environmental racism, still looms over us in this moment. Our communities both local and global are suffering, with millions rendered unemployed, homeless, food insecure and vulnerable health wise. Where indeed can we find light in this never-ending shade? As Nehemiah and the returning exiles rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem, the experienced many dangers, toils and snares from those around them, a never-ending shade of torment from which they needed to creatively respond. “But now, O Lord, strengthen my hands”, Nehemiah’s prayer, can be for all of us as we rebuild our world today.