Today’s gospel opens with further reflection on Jesus’ baptism. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come and worship…
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…
From the beginning, through baptism, we are called Christian. We are “Christ-ened” at the font. Bearing Christ’s name, we share the same Father and are invited to address this parent intimately: Abba! Jesus bears our sins in humble obedience to the will of God. Today we pray that the mind of Christ, whose name we…
As on the first day of creation, on this Christmas Day the Word illumines the world, shining forth to bring all things into being. Today we celebrate the incarnate Word, God becoming flesh to live among us in the person of Jesus Christ then and now. Emboldened by the good news of Christ’s birth, along…
“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…
As we approach the final week of Advent, we sense the light of God’s hope shining in our lives, and the call to prepare the way of the Lord brings meaning in deep and powerful ways amid all life’s challenges! Excitement is growing for our big Live Outdoor Nativity, Saturday and Sunday night at 7.…
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…
Generosity Intent Sunday On this 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, we hear Jesus’ words about ominous things that occur in the world – and yet, he reminds us to not be afraid, because he is with us to provide what we need to be faithful in our witness. Paul reminds us not to be idle in…