When I was child relatives would come into town as guests in our home, usually around holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Like many families mine is a mix of church-going and non-church-going people. If these folks were in town overnight and their stay included a Sunday, my parents would say, “We’re going to worship tomorrow at 8:30. We hope you’ll join us. If not, you know where to find breakfast.” I continue to be grateful for my parents’ example. It stands in stark contrast to the … [Read more...]

A few weeks ago I was in conversation with a man who had recently lost a spouse. He told me that, in his experience, grief can lead a person to think less clearly than they otherwise would. He gave an example: One day he was on his computer, he said, when all of a sudden a message popped up that said his computer was locked and he wouldn’t be able to use it. The message said that he needed to send in $300 in order to get it unlocked. If he didn’t, the message warned, he might be arrested and put … [Read more...]

Well, you’ve probably been up for a few hours already this morning. What do you remember from when you were asleep? What did you dream of last night? I don’t remember most of my dreams and maybe you don’t either. But all of us have dreams, and I’m not just talking about the ones we have when we’re asleep! What are your dreams? It may seem like a question for young people. Certainly, especially for those who have their whole life ahead of them, if you ask “What are your dreams?” they might … [Read more...]

Let’s start with a survey: How many of us here this morning would describe ourselves as greedy? I don’t mean once in a while, on an off-day. I mean, would you say that, generally speaking, you are a greedy person? When I hear the word “greed” I’m inclined to think of those who make the news: Donald Trump, Rupert Murdoch. When I think of greed I think of corporate CEOs, like an article this past week about the McDonald’s Corporation. Did you hear this one? Like other fast-food chains … [Read more...]

Yesterday marked the 60th anniversary of the armistice that brought field combat to an end in Korea. But the end of combat, as we know, doesn’t mean the end of war. The armistice was a truce. Officially, the Korean War is still being waged. For the Korean people, and for the rest of us, life has moved on. South Korea has become prosperous and relatively open. North Korea remains poor and very closed. And yet, one thing remains the same: both sides are waiting for the other side to change. … [Read more...]

Last Sunday some of you met my sister Sue, visiting from Houston. In the children’s sermon we talked about brothers and sisters and how all of us are children of God. All of us are brothers and sisters in Christ. But just because we are children of God—just because we are brothers and sisters in Christ—doesn’t mean we always like each other or get along. The Bible is not naïve. In the very beginning of our faith story, Cain became jealous of his brother Abel. His jealousy turned to anger. … [Read more...]

At the end of your life, how would you like our life as a congregation to be summed up? Can you think of one phrase or sentence that, in a nutshell, would describe our priorities, our focus, and our relationship with God? No doubt there are many good answers to that question. As I studied especially today’s readings from Galatians and Luke here’s a catchy phrase that popped into my mind that I hope describes us as a Christian community: We Repent. He Sent. We Went. You remember in last … [Read more...]

On this Sunday before Independence Day our second reading from Galatians is timely. It’s a celebration of freedom! The freedoms we enjoy are not to be taken for granted. On the other hand, Independence Day is an exclusive celebration. On Thursday the picnics and parades and fireworks we will enjoy are all about us: our country, our history, our people. For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. For Christians, the freedoms we … [Read more...]

Have you been wondering about the picture on your bulletin cover? Many of you know Ron Oyer. He was one of the many who helped clean up our building and grounds a week ago. As you can see, after four hours Ron was a mess, from head to toe. Thanks, Ron! But Ron the power-washer is squeaky clean compared to what we find in today’s gospel reading! You see, Jews had a certain way of doing things. Some things—some actions, some people--were considered clean, or acceptable. Others were considered … [Read more...]

Yesterday a number of you were here at the church for a spring cleaning work party. Today our church looks like a million bucks, inside and out. Some of those who participated are pictured on your bulletin cover. Some of you might recognize Alan Compaan on the left. Others might recognize Pr. Alvaro from the City of Refuge church on the right. In the middle is Ezwin, who is responsible for almost all the outdoor trim work that was done. This photo, for me, represents the message and power of … [Read more...]