The Homeless – July 7, 2019

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Scripture: Luke 9:51-62

“And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’” (Luke 9:58)

There are homeless people all around us, some are without a physical home and others without a spiritual home. This passage reminds us that even Jesus was homeless. Even Jesus was cast out and turned away. Whether we are welcoming those without a physical home or confronting our own need to find a spiritual home in Christ, this week we claim the reality of a new home as followers of Jesus. To claim our home in the Kingdom requires us to let go of our former home and look toward our home with God.

The Tormented – June 30, 2019

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“As he stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs…. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.” (Luke 8:26-39)

The scripture story describes a man whose demons forced him to live on the outside of community. The story is not only an ancient tale. So many struggle with demons that hold our spirits captive. The stigma of this torment keeps us separated, holding life at arm’s length. Transformation and healing is possible but it may need to start with the work of compassion and truth-telling. How can we stay in conversation, not running and hiding from the reality and pain of mental illness in our communities and be the healing salve of Jesus’ presence?

The Humble – June 23, 2019

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“‘…You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.’ Then he said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’” (Luke 7: 36-8:30)

So often, we find ourselves judging the sinners among us, forgetting our own sin and failures. The woman who comes to Jesus in today’s passage presents herself humbly at his feet, perhaps the most vulnerable position possible. Her love and humility open the door to a relationship with Jesus, one of forgiveness and grace. No matter our sins, no matter the sins of others, Jesus forgives those who come with humility and love, removing their outsider identity.

The Lonely – June 16, 2019

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Rev. Ed Bonneau

“As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, rise!” (Luke 7:11-17)

Have you ever felt utterly alone? Even for just a moment? Imagine the widow who has lost both husband and son. The pain must be almost unbearable and yet, Jesus says “do not weep.” Loneliness happens for many reasons and can create feelings of isolation, even in the midst of a crowd. Jesus knows this pain and raises us up to be comfort for one another. How are we called to rise up and comfort the lonely?

The Worthy – June 9, 2019

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“And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed…. When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that  followed him, he said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” (Luke 7:1-10)

Who is worthy of the love—of the grace—of God? Too often people in or out of the church live with the belief, “I am not worthy.” They may be referring to their absence of faith, their life choices, or have even started to believe what “society” has declared about their identity. This week Jesus proclaims that what makes us worthy is not whether we are “in” or “out.” 

The Spirit Says, “Come” – June 2, 2019

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The one who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)

We have come full circle. God flaked with Adam and Eve in the garden; now the creation of an all-inclusive community of loving persons with God at the very center of this community as its prime Sustainer and most glorious inhabitant is completed. The vision is laid before us of the New Jerusalem, the place where God dwells. And the invitation is waiting…”Come.”

The End of the Age – May 26, 2019

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And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. (Revelation 21: 23)

The end of the age is not a final revenge on God’s behalf, as so many interpretations intimate in Revelation. Rather, it is the fullness of God brought to earth.

A New Heaven and a New Earth – May 19, 2019 (Youth Sunday)

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Paige McDowell

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his people and God himself will be with them. (Revelation 21:3)

All creation, material and spiritual, is renewed by God. The deepest hunger of the human heart is satisfied when actually dwelling with God…and this is the way shown by Christ.

Wiping Away Every Tear – May 12, 2019

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They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the those will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the date of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:16-17)

God’s multicultural choir outstrips our own feeble attempts at inclusiveness…and the hope for the future is that no one will suffer the indignity or torment of not being included.

Blessing and Honor and Glory and Might – May 5, 2019

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Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing. “To the one seated!” (Revelation 5:.12)

How does your spirit react to the possibility of serving and worshipping God for eternity and reigning with Jesus Christ forever and ever? Are you indifferent? Happy? Rebellious? Complacent? Anxious? What is the hope in this part of John’s vision?