Category Archives: Uncategorized

Scripture holds so many precious passages, and more than a few of them I regret never having preached. So indulge me while a turn back the church calendar to Holy Saturday with a scene from the Gospel of Matthew. It feels apropos for our moment. Which is always the case when you’re listening for theContinue reading “Life on the Edge”

For 21 months of the 1970s, the American Freedom Train was a traveling museum that toured 48 of these United States to celebrate the nation’s bicentennial. I was 14 years old when it rolled through town, and my parents took me down to the train depot to check it out. The train featured 10 railcarsContinue reading “A psalm for America at 250”

Next time you settle into your seat at our city park’s amphitheater, make note of the thriving mountain ash trees that ring the venue. Then rejoice and be glad, because the First Presbyterians planted them there. Here’s how it came to be – thanks to the powerful, motivating presence of the Holy Spirit. The projectContinue reading “Our Worshipful Work”

The apostle Paul once was known as “Saul.” Bearing that name, he was a ruthless persecutor of Christians – until the Risen Christ appeared to him. Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus changed him into a great teacher of faith – a prolific writer of letters that for centuries have composed aContinue reading “Paul and the Ascension”

I am reading to you from the Gospel of Matthew. By the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, listen for God’s Good News – But the angel said to the women, [Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, who together had gone] to see the tomb, “Do not be afraid; I know that you areContinue reading “Vision of Angels, Disciples at the Tomb”

I’m reading to you from the Gospel of Matthew. Listen for the Word of the Lord to you this day. After the [first] sabbath [following Jesus’s crucifixion], as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; forContinue reading “An Earthquake, An Empty Tomb”

This morning’s Lenten Good News from the Gospel of Luke fundamentally connects the loving of God and the loving of neighbor: You simply can’t have one without the other. The Word that God has spoken begins with a member of the self-righteous religious elite inviting Jesus over for supper. Customarily, such a host would greetContinue reading “Great Forgiveness, Great Love”

“Coming soon!” The phrase, though timeworn, feels timeless in generating excitement. “See, I am coming soon,” begins this morning’s Scripture lesson. “Let everyone who is thirsty come,” echoes from its ending. Come, Lord Jesus! “Surely I am coming soon. Amen!” That’s a haunting truth to consider – maybe not so much because you doubt thatContinue reading “Coming Soon”

Psalm 88
Psalm 89
Psalm 88 sermon
Psalm 89 sermon
988 Day
9-8-8 mental health hotline

Mary L. VanderVelden, a child of our congregation now serving as director of children, youth and community at Heartland Presbyterian Church in Clive, IA, shared this message during worship with us on Sunday, July 13, 2025. She reflects on her recent mission immersion in El Salvador, where Heartland has a sister parish. Mary earned bachelor’sContinue reading “Postcards from El Salvador”