2 Epiphany B—1/17/21 1 Samuel 3:1-20; John 1:43-51 Pr. Scott Kramer When I was young one of the early games we played was “Follow the Leader”: Someone is the designated leader and I do whatever they do. It’s a simple game that could at the same time summarize the story of our lives. Everyone without exception plays this game. All of us, every day of our lives, choose whom we will follow, even if it’s just ourselves. 43One day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip … [Read more...]
Outside the Banquet Hall
23 Pentecost A—11/8/20 Matthew 25:1-13 Pr. Scott Kramer Well, what do you make of this story? It all seems pretty straightforward. “Then the kin-dom of heaven will be like this,” Jesus says, and he tells the tale of ten bridesmaids who are waiting for the arrival of the bridegroom. Five are wise, five are foolish, and the foolish ones are shut out of the wedding banquet. Near the end of the church year we can expect to hear stories about the end times, and this is one of … [Read more...]
Question Authority
17 Pentecost A—9/27/20 Ezekiel 18:1-4,25-32; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32 Pr. Scott Kramer The religious “influencers” were outraged. Jesus had just disrupted the business of the church—or, the temple in this case—by turning upside down the tables of the moneychangers, and so they confront him: By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority? Just who do you think you are, Jesus of Nazareth? Well, in the eyes of the religious power … [Read more...]
All You Need
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...]
Keys to Hope
7 Pentecost A—7/19/20 Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19; Romans 8:18-25; Pr. Scott Kramer One week ago I joined seven teammates on the Pacific Crest Trail. This is the fifth year in a row that we’ve chosen a section of the trail, with the goal of completing all 500 miles in the State of Washington. This year’s plan was to hike the 99 miles between White Pass and Snoqualmie Pass. We usually leave in early August, which has been practically ideal for weather and trail conditions. … [Read more...]
Head of the Parade
3 Pentecost A—6/28/20 Matthew 10:40-42 Pr. Scott Kramer Back in March our worlds were turned upside down by a virus. Back then, who knew that a virus was only the beginning? Not only do we continue to adjust our lives to the challenges of COVID-19. We also have experienced headline news that has demanded everyone’s attention: Ahmaud Arbery, Brionna Taylor, George Floyd, to mention a few of the most prominent names. The ancient voice of God's prophets persists in our … [Read more...]
A Road Map for Our Time
T-shirt seen at recent Othello-Rainier march 2 Pentecost A—6/14/20 Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35--10:8 [9-23] Pr. Scott Kramer One of my friends told me this past week about an acquaintance who has been in anguish over the past weeks. This person has been agonizing not only about the death of George Floyd, but also about larger questions of racism in this country. She said, “I want to fight racism. I wish people of color would just tell me what to do!” It’s hard to fault … [Read more...]
Three
Holy Trinity Sunday—6/7/20 Genesis 1:1--2:4a; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Pr. Scott Kramer Finally, brothers and sisters…Put things in order,…agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. My wife and I were enjoying a hike this past week when we came across a sign. This trail sign … [Read more...]
I Can Breathe
7 Easter A—5/31/20 Acts 2:1-21 Pr. Scott Kramer This past Friday, I returned from a two-night camping trip with friends. Backcountry camping is finally allowed—thanks be to God! One of the great joys of the trip was breathing fresh mountain air. That’s always a joy for me, but now more than ever! Part of wearing a mask in public these past three months has meant breathing stale air. I’m happy to do that for the sake of other people’s health and well-being but it does get old. … [Read more...]
Eyes On the Prize
7 Easter A--5/24/20 Acts 1:6-14; John 17:1-11 Pr. Scott Kramer During ordinary times, many thousands of souls around the world every day say good-bye for the last time to close friends and family. People die, their loved ones grieve. Over the past three months many thousands more have experienced not only grief but trauma. The COVID-19 virus has suddenly and unexpectedly separated many who are living with the virus from their loved ones. Today’s story from Acts is the story of … [Read more...]
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