2 Easter B—4/12/15 Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1:1-2:2, John 20:19-31 Pr. Scott Kramer Before we gathered here for worship last Sunday many of us gathered around a fire by the lake before dawn and as we worshiped the sky grew brighter and the sun eventually rose above the horizon. Light and darkness are Easter themes and the author of our gospel and epistle readings this morning loves the language of light and dark. For example, in today’s second reading John assures us that God is … [Read more...]
Right Under Our Noses
EasterB15—4/5/15 Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2,14-24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Mark 16:1-8 Pr. Scott Kramer And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Some wise guy once said that this verse is the Lutheran approach to evangelism! Let us pray… *** But seriously, what do you think? Silence and fear. The Easter story we just read has no empty tomb, no angels, and no happy ending. What kind of an Easter story is that? Welcome to Mark's gospel! These women at the tomb … [Read more...]
Promise Amidst Temptations
The promise amidst the temptations in the wilderness By Melody Kroeger There is a lot of action packed into the readings this first Sunday of Lent. We began today with Noah and the “everlasting covenant between God and Noah and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9:8-17) A covenant not just for Noah and his sons and their son’s generations but for ALL future generations – that God remember God’s promise and never again send flood waters to destroy the earth … [Read more...]
Game On
5 Epiphany B—2/8/15 Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39 Pr. Scott Kramer So, how are you doing today, Seahawks fans? Sorry to bring that up!—but I’m guessing you’re feeling a little better than when you woke up last Monday! The headline in Monday’s Seattle Times read, “DEFLATED.” Football fans recognize that as a reference to the underinflated football scandal leading up to the Super Bowl, but it was also an accurate description of how Seahawks fans … [Read more...]
From Distraction to Focus
4 Epiphany B—2/1/15 Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28 Pr. Scott Kramer Kick-off for the Super Bowl is just a few hours away. It’s been a wild ride getting to this point, hasn’t it! Early in the season it was looking like the Seahawks wouldn’t even make the playoffs, but here they are, back in the Super Bowl! What’s the difference in the team between now and last September? As the coach and players tell it, individuals were getting into arguments with … [Read more...]
Longest Night
I've often said that December 21st--winter solstice--is one of my favorite days of the year. On the face of things that may seem odd since it's the shortest day and longest night of the year. But that's just the point. Beginning this coming Sunday the days begin to grow longer! That mixture of "darkest night" and "brightest hope" is a more helpful reflection of the season than the "tinsel and glitter" cultural expression of Christmas. The Advent and Christmas seasons are indeed full of … [Read more...]
Christmas Truce
As we approach Christmas Eve I find myself preoccupied with “amazing grace.” Specifically, I’m thinking of the Christmas Truce of WWI in which enemies put down their arms and granted the world a glimpse of Isaiah’s vision of turning “swords into plowshares”—or, in this case, soccer balls. This Christmas Eve marks the 100th anniversary of this stupendous moment in history. Tragically—predictably—it was short-lived. Even so, it remains a symbol of hope in a world that seems to have learned little … [Read more...]
Have You Seen the Rainbows?
3 Advent B—12/14/14 Isaiah 61:1-4,8-11; Psalm 126; 1 Thess. 5:16-24; John 1:6-8,19-28 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Well, what do you think? Do these seem like realistic expectations? And yet, St. Paul is clear in his letter to the Thessalonians that this is what Christian faith looks like. To be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to allow these high standards to guide our … [Read more...]
The Seasons of Poverty
Advent tries to tell the truth about the need of the world. As the world grows darker--at least in the northern hemisphere--the readings and the hymnody of the Christian assembly, its simplicity, and the slowly growing light of its wreath of candles all speak of waiting and hoping. The point is not a pretended waiting, as if Jesus were not yet born and we were waiting for his coming. That use of Advent inevitably short-circuits its elemental power. Rather, Advent helps the church tell the … [Read more...]
Ready?
Mark 13:24-37 by Melody Kroeger Well, are you ready? Not for the bell ringing, or the frenzy at the mall, not for decking the halls, or bowl games or the annual visit to Santa. Are you ready for Advent? Advent, that season that kicks off every liturgical church year by setting a tone of preparation and attentive waiting. The common thread linking today’s readings is waiting for God’s return. All 3 readings speak of people in the midst of suffering – waiting to be brought from darkness … [Read more...]