Genesis 9:8-17 It has always fascinated me that the story of Noah and the Ark is such a fixture in children’s toys and books and Sunday School lessons. There are at least four Noah’s Ark ornaments on our tree every year from Ben’s childhood, and I have served in multiple churches with the scenes ofContinue reading “An Unarmed God”
Category Archives: lent
Remains
The propers for Ash Wednesday are the same every year and can be found here. Every year on Ash Wednesday, I have the beautiful and terrible honor of imposing ashes on the foreheads of the people I love and serve. I will remind you that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. IContinue reading “Remains”
Can These Bones Live?
Ezekiel 37:1-14 & John 11:1-45 Mortal, can these bones live? O Lord God, you know. The hand of the Lord brought the prophet Ezekiel into the valley of the shadow of death. The valley full of bones, dry and still and long dead, a sight which makes our haunted houses and metaphorical closets look likeContinue reading “Can These Bones Live?”
Healing, Not Curing.
John 9:1-41 I am deeply indebted in this sermon and in my reading of the healing ministry of Jesus to Amy Kenny, author of My Body is Not a Prayer Request. If you only purchase or check out one book this year, I hope you’ll try Amy Kenny’s. I am also indebted always to TheContinue reading “Healing, Not Curing.”
The Unnamed Evangelist
John 4:5-42 Last Sunday we heard a story of a man who came to Jesus in the dark of night, a seeker who was not yet ready to risk aligning himself publicly with Jesus’s controversial ministry. Jesus met him where he was, there in the dark and the early moments of conversion, walking with himContinue reading “The Unnamed Evangelist”
Be Human.
Matthew 4:1-11 “Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was famished.” It is interesting that we meet Jesus at the beginning of our forty day fast as he reaches the end of his. Only a few days ago many of us received the sign of the cross in ashes upon our foreheadsContinue reading “Be Human.”
Costly Love
John 12:1-8 In the final week of his life and earthly ministry, Jesus returned to a familiar place and a beloved family. The three siblings, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus feature prominently throughout the Gospels. Mary, the dedicated pupil and bold worshipper of Jesus, known for sitting at his feet and anointing his body with fragrantContinue reading “Costly Love”
Choosing Another Way
Luke 4:1-13 As those of you who joined us for the Bible study this past Thursday night will already know, this passage from the Gospel according to Luke is more than meets the eye. This scene is relatively short, but it is rich with images and action and quick dialogue. On the movie screen ofContinue reading “Choosing Another Way”
Remember & Return
Ash Wednesday 2022 Something that I’ve heard time and time again in conversations with members of this community is that we’ve lost our sense of time. The traditions and activities that once helped us to mark time have been dislodged or altered or suspended. Life’s transitional moments seem to happen off stage, even when they’reContinue reading “Remember & Return”
Lent, Continued.
John 12:20-33 Although the flower-laden celebration of Easter is still two weeks away, the first buds are appearing on the trees, the first blooms are bursting forth, and spring is officially upon us. Fresh fruits and vegetables are becoming more numerous in the markets and patio seating is a little more comfortable than it hasContinue reading “Lent, Continued.”
Mother A Writes 