Baptism is sometimes called enlightenment. The gospel for this Sunday is the story of the man born blind healed by Christ. “I was blind, now I see,” declares the man. In baptism God opens our eyes to see the truth of who we are: God’s beloved children. As David was anointed king of Israel, in…
Today’s gospel tells of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. His forty-day fast becomes the basis of our Lenten pilgrimage. In the early church Lent was a time of intense preparation for those to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. This catechetical focus on the meaning of faith is at the heart of our Lenten journey…
On Ash Wednesday we begin our forty-day journey toward Easter with a day of fasting and repentance. Marking our foreheads with dust, we acknowledge that we die and return to the earth. At the same time, the dust traces the life-giving cross indelibly marked on our foreheads at baptism. While we journey through Lent to…
In today’s reading from Deuteronomy we are called to choose life by loving and obeying God. Much of today’s gospel reading echoes portions of the Ten Commandments. Jesus’ instructions to the crowd reveal a pattern of behavior that honors both God and the neighbor, resulting in life and health for the whole community. We too…
Who are the blessed ones of God? For Micah, they are those who do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. For Paul, they are the ones who find wisdom in the weakness of the cross. For Jesus, they are the poor, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who…
In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God. Through this great epiphany, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomes the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light to the nations. In the waters of baptism we too are washed by the Word, anointed by…
“For unto us a Son is Born! Unto us a Child is Given! And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God … Prince of Peace!” As we come to this holy Christmas weekend, the words of the ancient prophet Isaiah fill our hearts – and the joyful song of Bethlehem angels echo in…
Rejoice! Prepare the way of the Lord! In these Advent days, Christ truly comes to us in powerful ways, to bring a deep joy & hope in our lives. Sunday, we have our big congregation Emotional-Mental Health & Wellness Gathering in the fellowship hall, starting at 9:20. We encourage everyone to be there, as we…
At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth.…
This week is Christ the King Sunday, the final Sunday of our Christian year. We have special choir music, plus a beautiful handbell trio of “How Great Thou Art!” Worship concludes with the shred-planting of last year’s discipleship intents – which have been such a witness, hanging on the HOPE Lighthouse Beacon in the sanctuary…