a webspace devoted to sermons, thoughts and ramblings from the ministerial journey
"Martha, Martha, Martha" (July 21, 2019) This perpetually challenging text features two sisters-- one who is doing all the work, and one who is just sitting there! You'll never guess which one Jesus praises. But why exactly does he critique Martha, when she is doing the work and service to which she has been called?… Continue reading Sermon: Martha, Martha, Martha
"As Yourself" (July 14, 2019) Jesus tells us, “Love your neighbor as yourself”—but what if you don’t love yourself? How do we begin with compassion for ourselves, and love ourselves as we love our neighbors? (As we read Luke 10:25-37, I invited people to imagine themselves in the role of the person in need of compassion)
"Free to Be" (July 7, 2019) What does it mean that “Jesus sets us free?” From what are we set free? What if we don't feel that we are free from the sorrow or pain or despair? (Galatians 5:1, 13-25)
"Look Up" (June 30, 2019) What happens when God asks the impossible? In this ever-challenging text, God asks Abraham to be prepared to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Our reaction to this is so visceral, so horrified, that this alone should tell us something about God and about ourselves. (Genesis 22:1-14)
"Careful What You Wish For!" (June 23, 2019) The people demand—and God grants—a king, even though God knows this is not what is best for them. Why do we always seem to want things that are not good for us? Why does God let us do them? (1 Samuel 8)
"Holy Trickery" (June 16, 2019) Does the End Justify the Means? Why does God call and lift up people who break the rules, act in unholy ways, and otherwise set lousy examples? (Genesis 25:24-28; 27:1-26)
Challenging Texts & Topics For this summer, members of the congregation were invited to submit their questions and challenges. Is there a story in the Bible or a saying of Jesus that confuses or unsettles you? Something you don't like , don't understand, or wish you could hear explored in a message? Sermons in this… Continue reading Series: Challenging Texts and Topics
Sacred earth, Sacred work What if we lived life truly connected to the origins of Creation and the Creator? In the beginning God created all things and called them “good.” Beginning just after Earth Day, our spring worship series, “Sacred Earth, Sacred Work,” invites us into the reverence and care for all of God’s creation.… Continue reading Series: Sacred Earth, Sacred Work
I'm taking weeklong seminar at the Kellogg School of Management (which I love) called "Constructive Collaboration," and a big portion of yesterday and today focused on negotiating team decisions or conflicts within an organization. I had several brain-exploding moments thinking about The UMC, which prompted me to exclaim "church: we are doing this all wrong!"… Continue reading The UMC and Multi-Party Negotiation
Listen. Have you ever misplaced your phone–which is on vibrate of course–and then asked someone to call it? We get really still and really quiet. Our ears perk up in all directions in order to be ready to hear that little buzz. It is a quieting down and high alert all at the same time.… Continue reading Series: Listen.
We Your People, Ours the Journey 