Harrowing Of Hell

Pentecost: Content vs Context

May 15, 2016, The Rev. Doyt. L. Conn, Jr. preaching

I don’t know much about the Holy Sprit, but I know this: that she is dynamically involved in that space between my life and God’s love, and between my life and your life, and between your life and God’s love. And there is not one person in the entire world not included in this pattern. Each person in the network of humanity has an deep, rich, significant story in every case.

Peace Be With You

April 3, 2016, Diana Bender preaching

Change usually causes some pain. Sometimes it’s straightforward loss when a beloved dies or a grand plan is completely dashed, or a more bittersweet transition like sending a beloved child to college. But, Peace be with you! The breath of God is with us in these times of pain. If we can be present to the pain and open ourselves to the comfort of Jesus’ peace, the presence of the Holy Spirit we can get to the next step on the path.

Evening Prayer: You Are Marked

March 9, 2016, Tamara Lamb preaching

Each year, I ponder this ultimate love and sacrifice, and it touches me in deep and profound ways. I could not only see, but felt, the ripple effect surround me, like when a drop hits still water. In that moment I felt so connected, and so loved.

Evening Prayer: Pilgrimage as Spiritual Discipline

March 2, 2016, Diana Bender preaching

Whenever I start to think I know better, practicing the spiritual disciplines pulls me back, whether it’s praying Hour by Hour, worshipping every Sunday or going on pilgrimage. Together the spiritual disciplines reorient me to a deeper reality. They open me up to grace and to the action of the Holy Spirit in a way that is often powerful and helpful, and sometimes (like with the pilgrimage) even transformational.

Love and Judgment

February 28, 2016, The Rev. Doyt L. Conn, Jr. preaching

Jesus came to give us the kingdom of God, and in the kingdom of God, love and judgment are partners. As the Psalmist writes: “I will sing of your love and judgment, O Lord” (Psalm 101:1). In a world organized by squishy love without judgment people turn into spoiled brats. Love alone is not enough. God’s love is unlimited. Ours is limited. God’s judgment is equitable. Ours is mostly uninformed.