Harrowing Of Hell

Category: Hope & Resurrection

Good Friday 2014

Sermon | April 18, 2014

April 18, 2014, The Rev. Kate Wesch preaching

When we chase away the darkness, we miss out on opportunities to experience God and God’s creation in a myriad of ways. Our streetlights rob us of seeing the stars. Our screens keep us from engaging one another. Our constant stream of lights trailing before and behind us, inhibit us from even noticing God in the dark places of our lives. Tonight is a night for darkness. In these hours between now and Easter, I invite you to step into the darkness. Let it surround and envelop you. And while you are there, pray; listen and pray.

Coming Out of the Cave of Competition

Sermon | April 6, 2014

April 6, 2014, The Rev. Doyt Conn preaching

Now caves don’t always look like caves. More likely they look like our “go to” defense mechanism when we feel threatened or exposed. That is the cave we occupy, and we don’t have to; even when we are afraid; so maybe today is the day to consider coming out of that cave. There is a man out here who is calling your name. He is the same man who is calling my name, and the same man who called to Lazarus “come out!” “Lazarus, come out of that cave!” His name is Jesus, and when we’re with him it is impossible to be afraid.

Rituals and Change

Sermon | December 24, 2013

December 24, 2013, The Rev. Doyt Conn preaching

My family doesn’t listen to Amahl and the Night Visitors. It is not a tradition I have maintained and that makes me a little sad. But rituals change. They come to life for a time to bring constancy against which we can be changed. That is the power of ritual. It stays the same so we can become more and more the person God created us to be. The rituals change as relationships ebb and flow, save one, the one we celebrate tonight.

Abraham Pleads with God

Sermon | July 28, 2013

July 28, 2013, Charissa Bradstreet, MDiv preaching

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is a story that makes many of us uncomfortable, in no small part because the large scale act of judgment captures our attention. God eliminates two cities with rains of sulfur and fire. It seems another example of what many refer to as “the angry God of the Old Testament.” We are also uncomfortable because of a horrible and dangerous misreading of the text which has led to an association of Sodom with homosexuality. For those who believe homosexuality is a sin, this has become one of the texts used to justify their claims that God hates homosexuality.

Day 8 – The Great Vigil of Easter

Sermon | March 30, 2013

March 30, 2013, The Rev Doyt Conn preaching

The journey from the tomb to Resurrection is one that invites us to move from darkness to light. The Resurrection happened once, but it also happens over and over again as we match the rhythms of our life with the permanence of the Resurrection.

Spiritual Friendship

Sermon | March 17, 2013

March 17, 2013, The Rev Conn preaching

What we believe as Christians is that we are beloved and we are eternal, and so is everyone else. But just knowing this is not enough to unveil the deep joy that God has in mind for us. Which is why we are Christians. Which is why we advocate for Christianity. Christianity’s purpose is to bring joy into being in fellowship with those who walk this journey of belovedness and eternity with us.