22 Pentecost A—11/09/14 Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13 Of all the things you could have done this morning you came to worship. There are any number of reasons for showing up on Sunday morning but whatever our personal motivation, weekly Christian worship is a response to a very ancient Jewish teaching. It’s the Eighth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy. The Eighth Commandment is a response to an even more basic teaching. In the … [Read more...]
“Maybe”
Following Tuesday's election, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky vowed that the new Republican majority is "going to pass legislation." While the prospect of an end to Congressional gridlock sounds hopeful, McConnell's statement begs the question: "What KIND of legislation?" Will the new majority set as their priority Biblical values such as economic justice for the poor and careful stewardship of God's good earth? Or, will its priorities represent a headlong rush to preserve and add to power, … [Read more...]
Children of God
All Saints Sunday—11/2/14 Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12 (Take a minute to count your blessings. Be specific in naming anything in your life that you would call a blessing.) So--What was it like to name your blessings? What did you list? Health? Wealth? Family? Freedom? If you haven’t already, take your list and compare it to Jesus’ list in Matthew 5. Did any of your blessings show up on Jesus’ list of blessings? Probably not, because: Who wants to be … [Read more...]
Fall Back on Sunday…
...but don't fall back to sleep! Adjust your clocks on Saturday, then plan to join us for Bible study at 9:00, worship at 10:00! … [Read more...]
All Saints
I made a pastoral visit today and found this photo bedside. One of those pictured has died, one is in rehab following a stroke, and one has moved out of state. And yet, as we approach All Saints Sunday I'm reminded that none of these circumstances--or any others--need be barriers to love. … [Read more...]
Manhattan or Mayberry?
Reformation Sunday 14—10/26/14 Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36 If you don’t commute to work every day you may not know it but traffic has gotten worse in recent years. In his Seattle Times column this past week, Danny Westneat wrote that “Seattle’s got the traffic of a big-time city, but the spirit of a small town when it comes to doing anything about it.” In another article he says we’re like Manhattan, but when it comes to traffic we act like Mayberry. “We’re … [Read more...]
My Fred Meyer Rewards Card
19 Pentecost A—10/19/14 Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 96:1-13; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22 [A little background to today’s reading from Matthew: The Herodians believe in big government and paying taxes. The Pharisees are for small or no government and opposed to the tax. This morning, Jesus has a conversation with the Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives. Listen to his message for each group Read Matthew 22:15-22.] I stopped in at Fred Meyer a couple of times this … [Read more...]
Steve the Troubadour
I continue to be amazed by the commitment of many regular folks to compassion for many who might otherwise feel forgotten. This is Steve the Troubadour. Steve visits Kline-Galland Home in the Seward Park neighborhood to serenade its many residents. He's been doing this every other week. For 20 years. Thanks, Steve! … [Read more...]
An All-Inclusive Feast
18 Pentecost A—9/12/14 Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14 Have you gotten any dinner invitations lately? I have. Over the past month Lutheran Community Services, REACH, Faith Action Network, Communities In Schools in Renton, Open Door Ministries, and the Church of Steadfast Love have invited me to dinner—fundraising dinners! In today’s reading from Matthew Jesus tells a story about an invitation to a banquet. The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king … [Read more...]
Love and Transformation
16 Pentecost A—9/28/14 Ezekiel 18:1-4,25-32; Psalm 25:1-9; Philippians 2:1-13; Matt. 21:23-32 One of the best TV series I’ve seen this year is The Roosevelts. Ken Burns recently did a week-long PBS series on Teddy, Eleanor and Franklin. They were no saints. Like the rest of us they were sinners. Their lives included chapters of disappointment, self-interest and betrayal. But what I remember most from the Roosevelt story is the power of love to shape who these leaders became. … [Read more...]
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