For the first Sunday in Lent, Pastor Melinda Giese reflects on the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness as found in the Gospel of Luke (4:1-13). In this time of prolonged pandemic, she notes that we have our own temptations, one being the desire to maintain control.
Sermon: Mountains and Valleys
This week, we travel along with Jesus’ disciples on a journey with an incredible high point followed by a real low (Luke 9:28-45). In her sermon, Pastor Cara Scriven reminds us that life is often like this, with wisdom found in knowing that life is rarely one thing.
Sermon: Listening to Heal
In this week's Gospel text (Luke 7:1-17) we encounter stories of Jesus' healing work, powerfully echoing the acts of earlier prophets. In her message, Pastor Cara Scriven helps us to notice the way Jesus listens, a model for us to follow.
Sermon: Changing Views
In this week's reading from Luke's Gospel (6:1-16), we encounter simmering conflict between Jesus and his disciples and some religious teachers holding a rigid interpretation of Jewish law. Pastor Melinda Giese helps us to understand the context for this conflict while challenging us to consider how our reluctance to change can get in the way of the good work God puts in front of us.
Sermon: Leaving It Behind
In her sermon this week, Pastor Cara Scriven reflects on the story of Jesus’ calling of the disciples (Luke 5:1-11). Like these fishermen of old, she asks us to consider ideas which may be holding us back, proverbial boats we should leave behind.
Sermon: Answering the Call
This week Rev. Lenny Duncan guest preaches. Rev. Duncan is the author of “United States of Grace” & “Dear Church”. Born on 62nd and Race in West Philly, he now lives in the Pacific Northwest. Rev. Duncan is a nationally recognized writer, speaker, preacher, thinker, and agitator who has centered most of his theological work in the task of dismantling White Supremacy in Christian community. Watch and listen to his reflection on our Scripture texts.
Sermon: Renouncing Evil
In her sermon, Pastor Cara Scriven helps us to consider the chaotic events of Wednesday through the lens of this week's scripture lesson, John the Baptist's call to repentance, and our shared baptismal vows.
Sermon: Gratitude and Gifts
This Sunday explore what the Wise men's gifts can teach us when we look at this story through the lens of gratitude.