8 Pentecost A—7/26/20 1 Kings 3:5-12; Romans 8:26-39 Pr. Scott Kramer The story of Aladdin is well-known by generations of young people and much loved across many cultures. The story of a “genie in a lamp or bottle” captures the imagination even of some grown-ups! What if it were possible to ask for whatever we want and have our “three wishes”—or even one wish—come true? In today’s reading from 1 Kings it’s not Aladdin but Solomon. It’s not a genie but none other than God’s … [Read more...]
Wisdom
13 Pentecost B—8/19/18 Proverbs 9:1-6; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58 Pr. Scott Kramer I was the slowest member of our team on the Pacific Crest Trail. Five of us set out on a hike from Stevens Pass on August 2nd, and finished at Holden Village some 98 miles later on August 9th. One of the reasons I was the slowest hiker is that I was also the oldest. I'm not 20 anymore! The next youngest on the team was a pastor friend of mine who is seven years younger. The other three are all around 22 or … [Read more...]
Spiritual Astronauts
6 Lent B—3/18/18 Psalm 119:9-16; John 12:20-33 Pr. Scott Kramer Two weeks ago I was introduced for the first time to one of my relatives. Emma is the six year-old daughter of one of my cousins whom I rarely see, but this cousin was also at my uncle’s funeral and so I got to meet her family. Emma is a delightful child and within a couple minutes of meeting her you might become her latest best friend. One morning several of us were taking a walk when Emma announced that when she grows up she … [Read more...]