Sermons on reaching in love (Page 15)
Embracing Diversity in Gender & Sexuality
Matt’s message holds the story of the Ethiopian eunuch from Acts 8. 26-40 in conversation with Lady Bird’s representation of gender & sexuality. What might scripture have to teach us about embracing diversity in gender and sexuality today?
Embracing/Rejecting the Name
Linda’s message is rooted in Acts 4:5-12. The name of Jesus was initially rejected, but would become the cornerstone. Lady Bird’s given name is “Christine” yet she rejects this name and gives herself a new name. Linda’s message invites reflection on what it means to claim the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Wrong Side of the Tracks
Matt’s message is rooted in Acts 4.32-35 & the 2017 Academy nominated film “Lady Bird.” Making real the promises of God’s resurrection power will require us to honestly confront who we are. No myths. No fables. Evil sent the Prince of Peace to his tomb on Friday, but the Risen One got up and kept fighting. May the church, as God’s community that is set apart, be called to do the same.
The Politics of Palm Sunday
Pastor Chris shared a Palm Sunday message rooted in Mark 11.1-11 at The Table this morning. What might the political implications of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem have to say about our day today in Sacramento?
Promise
Matt’s message is rooted in Jeremiah 31.31-34 & this week’s national student walkout (#enough). The people of God were in the midst of devastating conquest and exile when God spoke a word of promise to Jeremiah. Into their wilderness experience, God promised to make a new covenant by writing the law/teaching on the hearts of the people. What promise might God be writing on our hearts today? What is God saying #enough to in our world today? The day is…
Becoming Evangelical
Linda’s message reflects on her journey toward embracing what it means to be evangelical. From an initial encounter with a televangelist to heart-felt conversations with faithful evangelical people in our community, she wonders who God is calling her to empathize with for the sake of the Gospel. Linda’s message is rooted in 1 Corinthians 9.16-23. Paul writes, “I have become all things to all people, so that I might by any means save some. I do it all for the…
#MeToo?
After experiencing the power of women’s voices in the #metoo movement, this week’s message in the first chapter of Mark where Jesus is baptized by John and the heavens declare that he is loved by God. This love is for all of us. How might we reflect that love for all God’s children?
Entangled
Pastor Matt’s 11pm Candlelight Christmas Eve message is rooted in John 1. 1-14.
Give Us Back Baby Jesus!
Pastor Linda’s 5pm Candlelight Christmas Eve message is rooted in Luke 2. 1-14.
Hey You!
Matt’s message invites reflection on Ruth 4. Mieke Bal writes, “The point of Ruth is not hesed, the typical female virtue, but hutzpah — willingness to challenge, or better, stretch inadequate social/legal norms in the direction of greater justice and more voice to the deprived. The highest virtue is high-minded transgressive action designed to further growth not to undermine the system.” How might the hutzpah of Naomi & Ruth, and the subversive masculine strength of Boaz inspire & challenge us today?
PG-13?
Biblical scholar Phyllis Trible writes, “One female has chosen another female in a world where life depends upon men. There is no more radical decision in all the memories of Israel.” Linda’s message on Chapter 3 of Ruth invites reflection on the layers of meaning and the sexual innuendos deployed by the authors of this often neglected chapter from the Hebrew bible. How might God be calling us to risk in our daily lives?
Legacy
Matt’s message is rooted in Matthew 22.15-22. Celebrating seven years at The Table, Matt brings us to wonder what legacies we will leave for next generations to come?
