Jesus’ crucifixion isn’t the end of the story, and his saving work doesn’t end at the cross. We don’t just sit in awe at resurrection either. The joy of salvation is lived out when we go and tell (and show) others about it. The reality of resurrection isn’t something to keep to ourselves, but something […]
Remembering God’s saving work from the Exodus until the Last Supper invites us to experience God’s grace and respond in loving service. Jesus’ relationship with his disciples was intimate as they ate together and served together, but the image of Jesus washing their feet is possible they most powerful example of servanthood other than the […]
Jesus was welcomed with shouts of “Hosanna!” as he entered Jerusalem – an appeal for salvation. Holy Week leads us to remember that our praise can quickly turn into ridicule if we don’t remember who Jesus is – not the One who will give us exactly what we want, but the Messiah we need and […]
This week’s baptismal vow: “According to the grace given to you, will you remain faithful member of Christ’s holy Church and serve as Christ’s representatives in the world?” Today’s story takes great pains to show us that Lazarus was really and truly dead. And, as Martha reminds us, there is already a stench around the […]
This week’s baptismal vow: “Will you nurture these persons in Christ’s holy church, that by your teaching and example they may be guided to accept God’s grace for themselves, to profess their faith openly, and to lead a Christian life? Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life, and include these persons […]
This week’s baptismal vow: “Do confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the Church which Christ has opened to all people (people of all ages, nations, and races)?” Like the Samaritan woman whom encounters Jesus at the well, […]
This week’s baptismal vow: “Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?” Nicodemus asks Jesus what it means to be “born again,” and we might have similar questions about our faith. “Born again” has become almost “code language” rather than an […]
This is the first week in our Lenten/Easter series, “Living Our Baptismal Calling.” Pastor Mary’s messages will focus on one baptismal vow and readings from the Gospels of John and Matthew. This week’s baptismal vow: “Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?” […]
All-Church Worship Brainstorming “Living Our Baptismal Calling” A lectionary-based (Year A) Lenten series February 22 – April 9, 2023 (Ash Wednesday, 5 weeks of Lent, Holy Week, Easter) Mon., Feb. 6, 2023 at Ed and Sue Baranowski’s home The primary purpose of Lent from the earliest church, was to prepare candidates for baptism at Easter. […]