Sermons on growing in faith (Page 14)
First Sunday of Christmas
Linda’s message on this First Sunday of Christmas is rooted in the story known as the “slaughter of the innocents” from Matthew 2:13-23. Soon after the birth of Jesus, Herod, wanting to preserve his own power, called for the murder of all boys under the age of 2. How might this ancient story speak as we seek to hold God’s promise of hope with the suffering that is carried out by those who hold power today?
When a Dream Re-Ordered the World
Linda’s message on this fourth Sunday in Advent is rooted in the story of Joseph from Matthew 1.18-25. God speaks to Joseph in a dream; calling him to defy social & religious conventions in the name of love. How might we be open to God’s voice speaking to us this day?
Drip. Drip. Drip.
Matt’s message on this third Sunday in Advent is rooted in Matthew 11.2-11. Barbara Brown Taylor writes, “The Messiah has decided to come for now—not all at once but steadily, drop by drop, for millennia.” How are we experiencing the steady drip of God’s mercy in our lives this Advent season?
God’s Doberman
Linda’s message on this second Sunday in Advent is rooted in Matthew 3.1-12. How might God be calling us to repent of despair as we move toward the hope of Emmanuel?
Growing in Faith
Matt’s message is rooted in the story of Jacob wrestling with the divine (Genesis 32) and Jesus’ parable on praying always and not losing heart (Luke 18.1-8). How might we be called to wrestle with God in our Deep Commitments to God and our community of faith?
Intercultural Church
Rev. Dr. Safwat Marzouk was our special guest preacher. Safwat’s message is rooted in the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50) and invites reflection on how reading this story from through lens of migration might embolden the church to become an intercultural community.
Sabbath
Matt’s message this Labor Day weekend invites reflection on how we might be called to renew our commitments to keeping a weekly day of Sabbath.
Know Justice, Know Peace
Matt’s message is rooted in Luke 12:49-56 in which Jesus stridently calls the crowd “hypocrites” and announces he’s come to bring division instead of peace. On the surface, this doesn’t seem to be the Prince of Peace we’ve been called to follow. How might Jesus be calling you to stand for justice and peace in our deeply divided world? What might God need to burn away in your life and in the world as you root yourself in the way…
In God We Trust
Linda’s message is rooted in Luke 12.13-21. The parable of the rich fool digs deep, right to the heart. It tells the story of money’s ability to impoverish your soul. The invitation is to consider our priorities and to wonder what it looks like to have our life demanded of us. Where is God in our list of priorities?
Seriously?
Linda’s message is rooted in Genesis 18: 1-10a. Abraham & Sarah offer hospitality to God echoing the radical hospitality that God offers to all. This story reminds all of us that we too have the freedom to receive and share in God’s hospitality in ways that transform the world as well.
The Last Black Man in San Francisco
Alexander Carpenter’s message invites reflection on “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” and Luke 9.51-62.
Mary Poppins Returns
Linda’s message is rooted in Galatians 3:23-29 & the film Mary Poppins Returns.