Pentecost 5 C

Posted on Sun 19 June 2016 in misc

Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39

Most weeks it might feel strange to stand up here and preach on a Gospel text that talks about demons.

But after the horrific event in Orlando last Sunday, and the week of media coverage…after imagining the pain inflicted on so many families …

Continue reading

Pentecost 4 C

Posted on Sun 12 June 2016 in misc

2 Samuel 11:26-12:10, 13-15; Psalm 32; Galatians 2:15-21; Luke 7:36-8:3

“Nathan said to David, “You are the man!” (2Samuel 12.7 NRSV)

This ‘Jerry Springer’-style reveal is from our first reading today.

…[Summary of 2 Sam drama]…

David himself says what he deserves for …

Continue reading

Pentecost 3 C

Posted on Sun 05 June 2016 in misc

1 Kings 17:17-24; Psalm 30; Galatians 1:11-24; Luke 7:11-17

I have to confess that my first reaction to these two ‘raised from the dead’ stories is somewhere between unease and skepticism.

I’ve been to a lot of funerals, and I’ve never had anyone climb out …

Continue reading

Pentecost C

Posted on Sun 15 May 2016 in misc

Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-35; Romans 8:14-17; John 14:8-17, 25-27

This may be hard to imagine if you grew up in the church, but many folks in our lives don’t have a Christian background at all. So, let’s try to imagine for a moment. Some …

Continue reading

Easter 7 C

Posted on Sun 08 May 2016 in misc

Acts 16:16-34; Psalm 97; Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21; John 17:20-26

Jesus has one final prayer before he is betrayed and taken into custody. His disciples heard it, and remembered it after the resurrection.

  • entire 17th chapter
  • different from Gethsemane prayers in synoptic Gospel
  • prays for his followers …
Continue reading

Easter 6 C

Posted on Sun 01 May 2016 in misc

Acts 16:9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5; John 14:23-2

Even Jesus had to make plans for the future.

Are you a planner? Do you like to plan things out in advance?

… living with a 3 month window for two years … not terribly easy, especially with a …

Continue reading

Easter 5 C

Posted on Sun 24 April 2016 in misc

The first version of this sermon was going to be about revolutionary love…

But:

“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19.18 NRSV)

The majority of the ten commandments …

Continue reading

Easter 4 C

Posted on Sun 17 April 2016 in misc

Psalm 23; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30

“How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” (John 10.24 NRSV)

  • Jesus is asked this, but universal desire
  • Who hasn’t, at some point, asked, “God…if you are my God…why don …
Continue reading

Easter 3 C

Posted on Sun 10 April 2016 in misc

Acts 9:1-6; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19

This is a story about what the disciples were doing after the Resurrection.

Post Easter Sunday / Post Resurrection

Setting for third appearance

  • have the disciples run away?
  • or just living real life.
  • what’s different?
  • the world? Not that …
Continue reading

Easter 2 C

Posted on Sun 03 April 2016 in misc

Acts 5:27-32; Psalm 118:14-29; Revelation 1:4-8; John 20:19-31

  • Far Side carton with scientist prank-bombing other scientist

I wonder if the disciples felt a little like this when Jesus appears … and of all things announces peace. Peace! Peace in the midst of danger.

They are certainly in …

Continue reading