John the Baptist: the last of the Old Testament prophets, the first messenger of the New Testament’s Gospel, a pivotal figure without equal appearing in the wilderness at the hinge point of God’s relationship with all Creation. Clad in camelhair, surviving in the remote countryside on locusts and wild honey, John proclaims a baptism ofContinue reading “Loaves and Fishes”
Category Archives: Sermons
Funeral for Karen Milton
Throughout history, and across many very different religious traditions, there’s long been a curious connection between spirituality and food. Faith has dictated what to eat, how to prepare it, and when to eat it. So also yoked to belief are times and seasons of fasting and abstinence. But none of the world’s great religions hasContinue reading “Funeral for Karen Milton”
A Cross-Shaped Life
Whenever I hear the Pentecost story, as we did last Sunday, the word of the Lord always leaves me wondering: What happens next? After the flames disappear, after the smoke clears, after tongues return to their native languages, what happens then? Now that God’s Holy Spirit has swooped in to dwell fully with all God’sContinue reading “A Cross-Shaped Life”
Stepping into the Void
The Christian celebration of Christ’s Ascension really hasn’t “caught on” like some of the other feast days of the Church. Even inside the church, today’s Ascension Sunday doesn’t foster too much fond remembrance or spiritual reflection. Sure, Christmas and Easter are big deals. But maybe that’s because the set-up for those two holidays guarantees you’llContinue reading “Stepping into the Void”
Jesus Wept, Jesus Weeps
Please join me in a place of prayer as we seek illumination for the taking to heart of God’s spoken Word – Lord God, source of all bright reality for heaven and earth, by your Word both written and living you spread truth and light upon all Creation. So, as we re-discover sacred scripture inContinue reading “Jesus Wept, Jesus Weeps”
Skin in the Game
Three of the four gospels each includes a version of this morning’s Scripture lesson. When the Holy Spirit moves not one, not two, but three Gospel authors – Matthew, Mark and Luke – to add the exact-same scene to their narratives, that’s a reliable sign that the Spirit is putting divine emphasis on a particularContinue reading “Skin in the Game”
The Miracle Happens Again
My wife and I have this running argument. Well, argument might be too strong a word. It’s really more of an ongoing conversation. Four times a year, at the start of each new season, we compare notes about which one is our favorite. After debating the question for nearly 30 years now, the answer alwaysContinue reading “The Miracle Happens Again”
You Remember, Don’t You?
This sanctuary feels so full on Easter Sunday. The smell of fragrant lilies and the sound of alleluia choruses overwhelm the air. The faith community packs the pews, dressed in the spring hues of its “Sunday best,” and the familiar faces of visiting family and friends charge the atmosphere with good holiday energy. Easter SundayContinue reading “You Remember, Don’t You?”
Lost and Found: The Parable of the Lost Sheep
Herding sheep is a never-ending task. As soon as one lost sheep is found, another wanders off. Or so I’m told – and perhaps you have experienced: Our lives follow a similar ebb and flow of aimless meandering and blessed rescue. One minute you’re feeling like the world’s your oyster and you’ve found your way,Continue reading “Lost and Found: The Parable of the Lost Sheep”
Rest and Growth: The Parable of the Fig Tree
Master gardeners well understand that their plants, trees, and bushes need rest, nutrients, and time – and hungry growers also need their flora to produce fruit and vegetables. Both needs are true in the biology of horticulture – and so also in the discipleship of those who sow, tend, and water their faith. To flourishContinue reading “Rest and Growth: The Parable of the Fig Tree”