We headed into the 3rd Sunday of Easter with the story shifting to the reminder that Easter isn’t just about the resurrection; Jesus’ life and resurrection is part and parcel to our ability to stand redeemed from our sinful self to being in God’s presence. The reading from Psalms reminds us that God hears us, […]
In worship today we heard stories that are a bit odd this early in Eastertide. In Acts we heard a sermon from Peter that told those who were assembled that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were not just a happenstance, they were part of God’s plan – to reinforce the relationship that was founded by […]
Worship was tempered with the events from Friday in Virginia Beach, and the emotion of the violence perpetrated found its way into our worship. While it would be easy to rail at gun violence our scripture helps shine a light on the underlying condition which leads to violence and mistrust. Paul, in the Acts of […]
In worship we heard lessons that provided visions of God and God’s greater glory. On the one hand, we had the fantastic and other-worldly vision of the Revelation to John, and on the other we heard of Paul’s vision that led to Lydia’s conversion and ordination as a missionary for the risen Lord. We are […]
Our worship was punctuated by the ideas about God’s invitation to love, not because we want something in return or out of pity, but because that is the “simple” commandment invoked by Jesus at the end of his earthly ministry. The love we have for others is the sign of God’s presence inside us; the […]
In worship today, we celebrated the Good shepherd Sunday. We heard Jesus talk about those who were his sheep would know him and follow him in love and devotion. Even when we look for something direct Jesus and God are working in the background of our lives. We heard about the diversity of the entire […]
In worship, we celebrated by hearing the stories of witness. Each of the readings today, including the Psalm, were focused on the commission of witness to the world. The Psalmist assures us that there is nothing that brings joy than to witness. The Acts of the Apostles also reinforces the need to witness to the […]
Today we recognize our community and the place we inhabit in the life and faith of Suffolk, Virginia, and the world. Part of our life together today was filled with the definition of “imago dei” – the meaning of the phrase “made in the image of God.” In our worship today we heard lessons about […]
We begin to wind down our Easter journey with Jesus’ disciples and community following his resurrection before his ascension. God simply asks us to abide with God and Jesus by following their example. Our forebears weren’t ashamed to ask questions for clarification – look at Peter today “what prevents us from baptizing the members of […]
Scripture talked to us about abiding, loving, and being present for the bidding of God in community. We were reminded that God’s love doesn’t see boundaries nor does it fit our paradigm. We heard about God’s love being active, expansive, relational, and faithful; all of these, even when we don’t feel faithful, relational, expansive, or […]