Sermons on Luke
Do the good that is yours to do
The Gospel of Luke introduces John the Baptist as not just a primary character in Jesus’ birth story, but also a key player in his ministry. He is not the Messiah, but he paves the way for the One who will baptize with water and spirit. He does the good that is his to do. John harshly denounces the perpetrators of economic disparities, but he also provides them paths for redemption—for even they have good that is theirs to do.…
Piecing Advent Blessings
Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year begins. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving; and yet, the world as we know it spins madly on. When we ourselves navigate seasons filled with endings and beginnings, we need reminders. We need words that can feel like steady ground, like a path for our feet to find as we step forward into the unknown.…
Kindness
This week we welcome Rev. Jorge Domingues to the Table. Worship online with thetable.live. CCLI #805699 / CCLI Streaming #094804
Respect
We welcome guest Rev. Mike Harrell to worship this morning. Worship online with thetable.live. CCLI #805699 / CCLI Streaming #094804
Humility
The root of the word “human” is the same as the word “humility.” It all means literally “on the ground.” From dust we came, and to dust we shall return. When we hear each other’s fears, anxieties, and pain, we can return to the ground of hope… that we are all experiencing the pains of being human. This week, we remember to look first at our neighbor as a person, not a position. Beginning conversations this way may help us…
Compassion
In this worship series we are examining the news we take in and share. We are looking for the “really good news” that can sustain us in the long haul. Together, we find ways to tell deeply good news for all people by filtering our interactions through the lens of compassion. Today’s scripture gives us what feels like an impossible vision: those who are enemies existing peacefully together. It is said that if we can envision something, we can work…
We trust our belovedness
Worship online with thetable.live. CCLI #805699 / CCLI Streaming #094804
We root ourselves in ritual
This Christmas we acknowledge the weariness, grief, rage, and hopelessness we carry—and we also affirm that we root ourselves in regular rituals which are life giving for community. Worship online with thetable.live. CCLI #805699 / CCLI Streaming #094804
We make room
Luke’s Gospel tells us that when Mary gives birth to Jesus, she lays him in a manger, for there was no place for them in the guest room. Scholars argue about where, exactly, the birth occurs—and why. Was it in a stable or the living room of a simple peasant home? Was Bethlehem teeming with visitors who were also there to be counted in the census? Was Joseph’s family inhospitable because they disapproved of his marital situation? Regardless of where…
We make room
Luke’s Gospel tells us that when Mary gives birth to Jesus, she lays him in a manger, for there was no place for them in the guest room. Scholars argue about where, exactly, the birth occurs—and why. Was it in a stable or the living room of a simple peasant home? Was Bethlehem teeming with visitors who were also there to be counted in the census? Was Joseph’s family inhospitable because they disapproved of his marital situation? Regardless of where…
We Sing Stories of Hope
In Luke 1 as soon as Zechariah’s voice returns, his first words are gratitude and blessing. He sings a story of hope. After Elizabeth proclaims blessings upon Mary, Mary sings: “My soul magnifies God; my spirit rejoices in God.” Mary sings about a God of liberation who pulls the powerful from their thrones and lifts up the lowly. Mary sings a story of hope, one in which justice and joy are interwoven. As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, may…
We allow ourselves to be amazed
After Elizabeth gives birth, her neighbors and family celebrate with her. When it comes time to name the child, Zechariah affirms the name given by the angel and by Elizabeth. In that moment of affirming the promise, Zechariah’s speech is restored. Everyone is filled with awe. How often do you allow yourself to be amazed? Wonder is all around us—can we recognize it? As we learn how to rejoice in a weary world, can we live in a way that…