July 10, 2016, The Rev. Doyt L. Conn, Jr. preaching
And I wondered if we, as a people, can so effectively focus on curing disease and saving lives within a body, why can’t we do the same to cure the Dis-ease that lives between bodies, between people, and neighbors, and communities, and around this nation? We know how to choose life for a body, can we do the same thing when it comes to the body that is our neighbor?
June 12, 2016, The Rev. Doyt L. Conn, Jr. preaching
Here is the assumption Luke is making: every soul deeply desires freedom from the expectations of their context, whether a hedge fund manager in Manhattan, or a grandmother in Seward Park, or a shepherd in the Sudan. We all have cultural expectations set upon us, and while much of this is good and healthy, some of this can be constricting and onerous and cause us to give away our lives in favor of someone else’s expectations. And that is not Good News. Jesus came to give us Good News. He came to set us free, to liberate us, which is why he introduces us to this woman. Because she is free.
April 10, 2016, The Rev. Kate Wesch preaching
For Peter, Jesus was his safety net, always there to catch him as he impetuously and impulsively flung himself off one trapeze after another. And Jesus patiently remained that net, never giving up, ever present to catch Peter in the net, to bear him up one more time. Jesus called him Peter “the rock” when things were going well and always “Simon, son of John” when he meant business, but Jesus was always there—Peter’s net that would not tear.
March 27, 2016, The Rev. Doyt L. Conn, Jr. preaching
God’s vision is universal and God’s vision is particular and that includes all people, one person at a time. And because you know one person (and I know you know at least one person) then you can be a person of hope in the world. You can ask the particular question: What can I do for you? Then listen, and then listen more deeply, And then respond with what God gave you.
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.
March 13, 2016, The Rev. Doyt L. Conn, Jr. preaching
This sermon is about Mary’s do-over. It is her story. But it could be my story or your story. Maybe there is a moment or an encounter or an event you’d like to do over. If so, this sermon is for you, but know this: it takes courage and humility. Those are the traits we see Mary employ.
November 4, 2015, Judy Naegeli preaching
In scripture today, Jesus is begging the question: “What is your highest priority? Are you willing to put your loyalty to me above it?”
November 1, 2015, The Rev. Kate Wesch preaching
You are never the same after a Lazarus moment. It is a conversion and a resurrection of the soul. To encounter this kind of love is to be changed.
May 10, 2015, The Rev. Kate Wesch preaching
When you look back on your life someday, what are the things that you will look back on with joy? Seek those things now. Do them more often.