What happens on the mountains when Jesus is transfigured isn’t something that’s easily described. The disciples see Jesus face-to-face in a new way after he’s told them what’s ahead for him. The call is to listen to all that Jesus says and does – and follow him. We have “a-ha!” moments when we experience Jesus […]
The good news that Jesus shared was good, but only until he challenged our notions of who can receive the good news. When he pushes us beyond our comfort zones and tells us that even those we want to leave out are a part of his ministry, then we get angry and don’t want to […]
When Jesus reads from the prophet Isaiah and says that the words from long ago are true right now, it’s good news! His message to the people than and to us now is that we are called to be a part of this good news – both as recipients and as active participants in the […]
To claim that “miracles happen” is sometimes viewed suspiciously, but miracles were a part of Jesus’ ministry. Signs and wonders were a way by which people came to know that God’s power was real and for all people. How can we reclaim God’s power to do what we don’t think can be done, bring hope […]
When Jesus is baptized, it represents his call to ministry. He is called a beloved son of God, and the Holy Spirit comes upon him. Baptism is one of our “a-ha!” moments, too, when we’re called to ministry – named and claimed by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Pastor Mary first message in […]
The wise men were people who came from far away seeking truth. In contrast to the shepherds who were poor and humble, the wise men had resources. Again, we see that the message of God’s salvation is for all people. It is likely that their journey to Jesus lasted two years by the time they […]
How do we listen to God? How do we discern God’s voice? Whether it’s in our personal decision-making or seeking to follow God’s will as the church, we have to pay attention. In the Gospel of John, we read that “the Word became flesh and lived among us.” Jesus is the Word of God, but […]
The appearance of the angels to the shepherds is a great contrast – heavenly beings coming to some of those who were considered the most humble and outcast in society. The message of God’s salvation is for all people. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we remember what God saves us from and what […]
Simeon and Anna encounter Jesus for the first time when Mary and Joseph take him to the temple for dedication. How do their responses to Jesus and their words of prophecy shape our understanding of what it means to seek Jesus? What can we learn about waiting? Today’s service was based on Luke 2: 22-40. […]
The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was long and arduous, and Mary and Joseph were forced to go to register because of Joseph’s connection to Bethlehem. All the while, Mary and Joseph trusted in the promise of “Emmanuel” – God with us. How do we trust in that promise even when there are detours, stalls, […]