As Aimee concludes her year of deacon training with us, she leaves us with a love letter.
Listen to Aimee’s sermon by clicking “Read More.”
The Power of God’s Grace, Mercy, and Love
Today’s Gospel is a big, rich, deep, multi-faceted, multi-layered story. If this story were a meal, it would be a multi-course feast with appetizers, a salad, entrée, dessert, a cheese plate, and beverages with each course. There is a lot going on in this Gospel.
I think if we take one step back from this story it gets a little easier. We realize there are four stories, not just one. Each of the stories is rich enough that each could have its own Sunday, each with its own sermon.
Listen to or read Bingham’s entire sermon by clicking “Read More.”
An Account of the Hope that is Within You
“Always be ready to give an account of the hope that is within you.” In my first year of Seminary on the first day of my first preaching class, the professor gave us an assignment to prepare a 5-minute speech, memorized, on the hope that is within you. And for that assignment, I told the story of Jonah.
Listen to or read Bingham’s entire sermon by clicking “Read More.”
Shine!
Here we are this Sunday where Jesus tells us to be salt and light. “You are the light of the world.” We too are light as we seek to follow Jesus, to receive, shine and share that divine light in our world. Jesus tells us and shows us how we are to be light, to shine and illuminate our world today. “Let you light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to God.”
Our world is FULL of darkness right now. We are living in a time where it is hard to find, or shine light.
Listen to or read Ryan’s entire sermon by clicking “Read More.”
Thread of Light
There is a thread through most of our lessons. Not in the Epistle, where there is a little insider stuff. The Epistle is rarely selected to match the other lessons, except on special days. Generally, we read through one of Paul’s Epistles, as we are working our way through 1st Corinthians now. The Epistle does not match the other lessons today, but the first reading, the Psalm, and the Gospel are selected to have at least one thread that connects them. There is a thread that is pretty clear in these readings today, and it is light.
As we heard in Isaiah, “the people who walked in deep darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined.” And in the Psalm we hear “The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom then shall I fear?” And in the Gospel we heard Matthew quote Isaiah in a slightly different translation, “the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned.” We see this thread of light.
Listen to read Bingham’s entire sermon by clicking “Read More.”
The Hope of Resurrection
We rarely talk about the resurrection or eternal life. But it seems quite appropriate this month when we celebrate All Saints and All Souls. As we look around the sanctuary and see the physical reminders, names and photos of loved ones who’ve died. This Great Cloud of Witnesses surrounds us, encourages us and shows us they way to life. And someday, we will be with them in everlasting joy, surrounded by the light and love of God’s presence within, all around and in between us. What an amazing vision!
Listen to or read Ryan’s entire sermon by clicking “Read More.”
And Who Is My Neighbor?
Jesus’ usage, indeed the biblical usage, of neighbor refers to everyone, with the emphasis seeming to be on neighbor as stranger. I presume that’s because it comes naturally to be kind to those with whom we already have loving relationships.
Listen to or read Sharon’s entire sermon by clicking “Read More.”
