There is more to being a Christian and following Jesus than following the rules. Our faith calls us to consider grace and justice – not as opposites – but often indistinguishable. This is the second week in the Lent and Easter series, “The Grace of Les Misérables.” Today’s focus is on Javert. Pastor Mary’s message […]
Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables” is a truly epic story. Whether you’ve tackled the 1, 400- page 19th century novel, witnessed the Broadway musical (and memorized its soundtrack), or seen the several screen adaptations of it, you already know the power of its story. We’ll ponder the themes of grace, justice, poverty, revolution, freedom, hope, and […]
We stand with Peter, James, and John in open-mouthed wonder when Jesus is transfigured on the mountaintop. He is fully human and fully divine – and more than we can totally comprehend. So we stand in awe and praise and seek to stay close to him, listen to him, and follow his way of love […]
Service is a part of our faith life – and our faith commitment. We celebrate service – not as a call to take on more ourselves, but to be aware of and grateful for those who serve us every day. This is the fifth week in the series, “Good News for a New Year.” Pastor […]
We know the presence of evil is real, and there are times when we feel helpless against it in our lives, for our loved ones, and in the world. But we can claim good news that we’re not left on our own to fight against it. We worship a power and a presence greater than […]
Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables is a truly epic story. Whether you’ve tackled the 1,400-page 19th century novel, witnessed the Broadway musical (and memorized its soundtrack), or seen the several screen adaptations of it, you already know the power of its story. During Lent, we’ll ponder the themes of grace, justice, poverty, revolution, freedom, hope, and […]
Following Jesus is not simply about a state of being, but a call to doing. We need Christian education and spiritual formation as we continue to grow in faith, but we maintain an outward focus – always looking for ways to connect with others and widen the net. This is the third week in the […]
“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” We hear the sarcasm – and perhaps even a hint of prejudice in Nathaniel’s question. Perhaps we even hear ourselves. Facing our personal prejudices and being honest about our struggles is vital to growing as disciples of Jesus who understand that every human being is created in God’s […]
Worship is a celebration; this is the beginning of a new year. We survived 2020, and while there might still be some lingering effects, it is time to embrace a new possibility and a new hope. The heavens have been torn open – not as a threat, but as the promise of something new and […]
Elizabeth is the first person to call Jesus, “Lord,” and the magi (wise men) are the first Gentiles to worship Jesus as Lord. Though we many not use that title much in our everyday lives, how do we profess it and express it in our words and actions? This is the final message in the […]