December 7, 2025: Peace
Our second reading for today might not seem all that related to this week’s theme of ‘peace,’ but don’t worry, we’ll get there. It comes from the gospel of Matthew, and it’s actually about John the Baptist’s ministry, preparing the way for Jesus. Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:‘Prepare the way of the Lord;make his paths straight.’ ” Now John wore clothing of...
Read MoreNovember 23, 2025: Full Circle
Today, we come full-circle. Over the past weeks and months, we’ve been following Jesus in the gospel of Luke as he makes his way to Jerusalem and the cross. Next week, we’ll begin the season of Advent, which is the start of our church year. In some ways, that makes today kind of like New Year’s Eve, where we remind ourselves where we’ve come from and where we’re going. As we look forward to the cute baby Jesus, swaddled tightly and lying peacefully on some hay, it’s important for us to remember who this adorable baby grows up to be – the King of Kings, crucified and risen. ...
Read MoreNovember 16, 2025: Anticipating the Kingdom
Today, we find Jesus once again in the gospel according to Luke. This story comes after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, but before Jesus’ final Passover celebration – which puts us in Holy Week territory. Jesus has been spending his days at the Temple, mostly, teaching and commenting. Just before this, Jesus had been observing the space where people come to give their financial offerings. He sees many wealthy people put large sums into the treasury, but notices it’s still an amount they won’t miss. Meanwhile, a widow comes up and empties her coin purse, putting in a fraction of a...
Read MoreNovember 9, 2025: Imagining The Kingdom
Before we hear from the gospel according to Luke, I want us to pause for a moment and do some imagining. I invite you to close your eyes, and I’m going to ask a series of questions. Don’t respond out loud, just imagine in your mind’s eye. How do you imagine heaven? Or the kingdom of God, or whatever language you’re most comfortable with? How do you imagine eternity will look and feel? Who will be there with you? What will you do there? Do you have some kind of picture for what you think eternity will look like? Scripture: Luke 20:27-40 27 Some Sadducees, those who say there is no...
Read MoreAll Saints Sunday: November 2, 2025
For the next few weeks, we’ll be bouncing around the gospel according to Luke, watching as Jesus confronts the harshest realities of the world he lived in. This week, we find Jesus toward the beginning of his ministry. He’s just appointed the twelve disciples who would be closest to him, and he takes them down the mountain they were on to stand on a level place. There, a crowd gathers – people from all over the countryside, coming to hear him speak and to be healed. The crowd begins to press in on him, reaching out to try touch him. When he is faced with an anxious crowd, full of...
Read MoreOctober 19, 2025: Stewardship Sunday – The Power of Generosity
Today, we wrap up our three-week exploration of generosity. We’ve spent time dwelling in God’s generosity, reflecting on how throughout Scripture, a rhythm repeats: God loves, so God gives. We’ve also taken a look at God’s invitation to us, to come and join the party, to participate in God’s generous giving. Today, we’re going to dive deep and think about generosity as a spiritual practice – not just an end unto itself, but an exercise that has tangible benefits for us: deepening our faith and strengthening our communities. Our second reading comes from the middle of 2...
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