Harrowing Of Hell

Category: God’s Nature & Mercy

Tell Your God Story

Sermon | September 4, 2016

September 4, 2016, The Rev. Kate Wesch preaching

Early in the book, The Fault in Our Stars, Augustus says to Hazel, “Tell me your story.” She begins to tell him of her stage IV cancer diagnosis at 13, treatments, etc. Augustus interrupts her and says, “No, that’s your cancer story. I don’t want to hear that. I want to hear your story. Who are you, Hazel Grace?”

We Ask Too Small

Sermon | July 17, 2016

July 17, 2016, The Rev. Todd Foster preaching

Are you ever, like me, slow to hear Jesus’ “no?” Are you, like me, reluctant to experience the dissonance and pain of leaving behind the familiar? Are we able to live by faith rather than by sight? Can you and I relax our compulsive need to control everything and trust that letting go, living into our blindness, rather than bringing disaster, will create more space for God to do something even better in our lives? It takes immense courage.

Moving From Fear to Awe

Sermon | June 19, 2016

June 19, 2016, Charissa Bradstreet preaching

Awe changes us, awe helps us see the world more clearly, to see the world with the eyes of God. When you reflect on your own story, where have you encountered God in ways that have provoked awe and wonder in you? With whom do you share those stories? The gospels urge us to tell these stories because the world needs them.

Maundy Thursday 2016: How to Love

Sermon | March 24, 2016

March 24, 2016, The Rev. Kate Wesch preaching

Jesus had an incredible way of truly seeing people, never with contempt or disdain. We see it this night, when Jesus meets the disciples’ fear with love, when he confronts Judas’ betrayal, with love. We must never forget that the opposite of love is not anger or hostility but indifference or fear. The opposite of fear is love.

St. Mary the Prophet

Sermon | August 16, 2015

August 16, 2015, The Rev. Kate Wesch preaching

At first glance, this is a story about pregnant cousins happy to see one another or perhaps an older family member looking out for a teen mom who is being hidden away for a time. But when you start peeling back the layers and really examining the women, the nuance, this scene within the context of a much larger narrative, you get a strikingly different story. You see two strong women who greet one another in blessing and joy. You see two powerful prophets who will change the world. You see boldness and courage in their actions, not the shame and disgrace that so typically distort this passage.