SERMONS
Annoying
I have not come to call the righteous, is Jesus’ response. This is a clinic. If you’re well, if you’re together, I’ve got nothing for you. But just maybe you have something to learn about genuine wholeness. If just being good and just being pious is more important than mercy for others, you may actually be the sick one, in need of help.
God: The Original They/Them
We are created in the image of God, and God is, well…they are relational. They are always in a co-equal relationship with each other, they are in a constant love relationship with us. They love us beyond measure. They love us unconditionally. They have named us and claimed us in baptism as their very own beloved child and they send us out from this place ready to be in relationship with their creation to the end of the age.
Windy City
Violent winds can be destructive. Think cyclones, hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, dust storms. What is the violent wind that ushers in the Holy Spirit?
Look Up. Look Out.
For the reign of God is here, now. Not up there. Not up in the sky, not some other time and place in the future. But right now the spirit of Christ is among us, empowering us to open our hearts in joy and our hands in service. We are not called to crank our heads up toward the sky looking for Jesus to return, but we are called to joyfully bless God in our service to others who are among us now.
The Ache that Binds Us
Surprisingly, one of the greats aches of our times is loneliness. Who would have thought after the explosion of social media over a decade ago, we feel more alienated and disconnected to each other.
If These Walls Could Speak
We are now living stones built into a spiritual house. Not to dwell—to live— within these holy walls but sent out with a mission: to declare the mighty acts of God. To share our faith in word and deed. To work for justice and peace in all the earth.
The Joy of Abundant Life
Holy Trinity (in this time of transition, as you continue your call process of finding a new pastor for this congregation) as you continue to grow and reimagine what the future holds for you and God’s mission here in this community and space, know that the Good Shepherd will help guide you there….will lead you to abundant life.
A Brush with Fame
You wouldn’t expect to see the Queen of England hiking on the same foothills as other travelers. It’s highly unlikely that anyone would come that close to royalty without being vetted and invited to stand in her presence. No wonder they didn’t recognize her.
Beyond Belief
Certainly, God treasures and loves us. Christ is risen, indeed. This is the good news that even in doubt and despair, new life springs forth. This is the faith into which we are baptized. This is the hope gives meaning and purpose to our days.
Chatbot Easter
Mary leaves the garden and proclaims, “I have seen the Lord!” and through her witness we too are empowered to look death in the eye, to peer into the open tomb, to gather at scenes of tragedy and loss, and give witness to the promise of the resurrection. Resurrection of Jesus and new life for us.
Where are you from?
Holy God, holy and beautiful,
you are despised, rejected,
scorned, you hold us fast,
and we behold your beauty.
Holy God, holy and living one,
you show your love by dying for your friends,
and we behold you living.
Take Off Your Shoes
And then: have your shoes on, ready to walk to liberation, as the Israelites were told to do as they awaited their deliverance from slavery. For freedom is coming. New life is coming. Easter is coming!
Why Have You Abandoned Me?
On this Sunday of the Passion, we behold a crucified God.
Hanging on the gallows.
Sharing our suffering.
Bearing our wounds.
God-with-us in our godforsaken moments.
God-with-us when there are no words.
God-with-us when there are no answers.
God-with-us when we wonder if we can make it through the night.
God-with-us when we question whether life is worth living or has any meaning.
God-with-us when we doubt the very existence of God.
The Colors of a Resurrected Life
We serve a God who calls us to live an abundant, unbound life. Our journey is not to the grave, but through it. The Lord who weeps is also the One who resurrects. So we grieve in hope; opening ourselves to all the colors of a resurrected life.
You Can't Depend On Your Eyes
You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus. As we will sing in a few moments, “Let the inner eye discern / how much more there is to learn.”
Are You Wooed?
Jesus woos her. But more than that: Jesus woos Samaritans. The gift of God is now for everyone. In that time: women, Samaritans, Gentiles, outcasts. Today? Minorities. People of other faiths or no faith. Those on the margins. Those with strange, questionable backgrounds.
In the Middle of the Night
The light that will not fall under the shadow of our biggest doubts and fears, or be blown out by despair, but will shine even when we least expect it.
GPS For Lent
We, of course, went in a big circle. And our procession, more or less, ended up where we started. Reminds me of words by T.S. Eliot: “We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring. Will be to arrive where we started. And know the place for the first time.
Journeys Begun and Ended
We continue our baptismal journey, led on by the saints before us, led on by the life and witness of Mark Bangert.