We realized, in a way, that the difficulty of conflicting grading standards isn’t a newfound condition. Paul began by “bragging” that he had everything then came to realize that all he had was worse than trash when compared to real life in Jesus. Sometimes we do forget the promise made by God in relationship with […]
Paul continues to challenge us through the letter to the Philippians. We are told the good news, especially as Paul sees it, and the examples of God’s presence: love, compassion, community out of disunity, and sharing the burdens of life. But we also know that the good news is not sterile or something that exists […]
Blessings to you on the last Sunday of September. I will admit that this morning saw the most unique thing on the altar at the offertory – a jar with about 73 ounces of Chinese Chestnuts. We gathered the chestnuts from the tree in front of the Parish House to help reforest Virginia’s forests. The […]
In worship we heard stories of the flood, Paul’s direction to love and welcome without judgement, and Jesus’ command to “forgive 77 (or 70 x 7) times. We considered how our default relationship is one of love and not judgment, no matter how hard that would be for us. We were reminded of the simple […]
The “coincidence” of our scripture today is the story of the inauguration of the Passover in Hebrew scripture coupled with Paul’s directive to be obligated to no one except to show God’s love. We are continually reminded, by God and by practice, that God has been with us and protecting us since before time and […]
A lot of threads going on today: sometimes it is easy to be distracted by the busyness in the readings. Yet, our reading from Exodus came to light in a new way today. As Moses comes into God’s presence on the mountain at the burning bush, what would the impact be if God’s invitation was […]
Amazing times to be living in. As we gathered for worship, we heard and realized from the stories that humanity really hasn’t changed from the beginning of the bible. Pharaoh despised the Jews because they were different, as such he oppressed them to keep them in their place. Yet God provided a means to change […]
Reconciliation and building bridges were key principles and themes in our readings today. We heard about the awesome feeling we have being in relationship to others and with God. Yet there are tough questions present, in scripture and our lives, does God really plan to sell Joseph into slavery in Egypt to provide for a […]
May God’s mercy be upon you today, after a harrowing week. We offer prayers for light in the midst of darkness; for the fate of the state, the nation, and the world; and for the blessings that arise in times of trial. God reminds us to give thanks for the blessings: health, recovery, and new […]
The Feast of the Transfiguration gave us a second opportunity this year (the first being the Last Sunday of Epiphany) to consider our relationship with the revealed God in Christ. The stories from scripture told an esoteric story of the Transfiguration, Peter’s recounting of the day, and the image of Moses’ shining face. The revelation […]