10 Pentecost C—8/18/19 Jer. 23:23-24,29; Psalm 82; Heb. 11:29-12:2; Luke 12:49-56 Pr. Scott Kramer Does anyone here this morning know what the weather forecast is for this afternoon? Many of us do have an idea. But, how do we know? Well, of course it’s because we’ve watched the news, or read the newspaper, or, most likely, checked our phone app! What would we do modern folk do without these things? Can you imagine forecasting the weather yourself? June 18th, 1974, started out … [Read more...]
Born Again
2 Lent A—3/12/17 Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5,13-17; John 3:1-17 Pr. Scott Kramer The Lord said to Abram, “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing…and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” God had big plans for Abram. But what was required of Abram in return was a big move. Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you, God commands. Abram … [Read more...]
Deep Waters
16 Pentecost C (Season of Creation: Ocean Sunday)—9/4/16 Job 38:1-18; Psalm 104; Ephesians 1:3-10; Luke 5:1-11 Pr. Scott Kramer This past week’s Seattle Times reported that life on earth may have begun far earlier than we thought. Scientists in Greenland found a fossil that they believe is 3.7 billion years old, which is more than 200 million years older than the previous fossil evidence suggests. Our readings for this first Sunday in the Season of Creation (Oceans) speak of ancient things. … [Read more...]
Ultralight Backpackin’ Tips
Summer is short in our part of the world but for me one of the joys of the season is climbing and hiking our local mountain ranges. Over the years I’ve summited all five of Washington’s volcanoes but another long-time goal I’ve had is to hike from Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass. Weeks ago, finally, that goal was realized. This route is only a small portion of the 2600-mile border-to-border Pacific Crest Trail. Also known as Washington Section J, this spectacular 71-mile stretch gains a … [Read more...]
Border Crossings
5 Pentecost C—6/19/16 Isaiah 65:1-9; Psalm 22:19-28; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39 Pr. Scott Kramer On this Father’s Day, I’d like to share with you a story about one father in particular, shared with me by a pastor friend of mine. Over the past year, and again with the Orlando shooting last week, there have been threats against Muslims, even by Christians, so one Muslim father’s daughter was afraid. Last Sunday this father did an amazing thing: he brought her to my friend’s church because … [Read more...]
Faith and Doubt
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...]
Remembering
3 Lent B—3/8/15 Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22 Pr. Scott Kramer Well, what would have been your response if you were one of Jesus’ disciples? There he is, apparently having lost his mind, chasing animals, turning over tables, scattering money everywhere—in church! What would have been going through your mind? Surprisingly, on this occasion, Jesus’ disciples keep it together. Mark writes that His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your … [Read more...]
New Year’s Eve
New Year's Eve Maren Tirabassi "May God send you help from the sanctuary, and give you support from Zion." - Psalm 20 Where are you on New Year's Eve? I'm in an AA meeting, one of God's strong sanctuaries, even though they are often located in church basements. Some of you will be there, too, later today – it's the kind of holiday that is hard to take "one day at a time." Others of you will be in Watch Night services, Weight Watcher meetings, airplanes headed back to college, Alzheimer's … [Read more...]
Hail Mary Full of Grace
Advent, Week 4 Luke 1:26-38 By Melody Kroeger In the late 15th century, the gifted Italian Renaissance master Sandro Bottecelli, commissioned by the Church, painted the Annunciation scene. His painting, hanging in the main gallery in the Uffizi in Florence, is so powerful and beautiful that, 600 years later, people still travel across the world to see it. Bottecelli’s painting is unique because it captures, at least for me, that moment of hesitation - between Gabriel’s announcement and Mary’s … [Read more...]
Rules of the Game
23 Pentecost A—11/16/14 Zephaniah 1:7,12-18; Ps. 90:1-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matt. 25:14-30 American Idol. The X Factor. The Voice. Top Chef. America’s Next Top Model. And, America’s Got Talent! Growing up, I thought of talent shows as something you’d find at summer camp, or church events. Today on television they’re big business! "The kingdom of heaven is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to … [Read more...]