October 2, 2016

In our reading for Sunday, Jesus shares some teachings that have parallels in other gospels.  But I am particularly interested in Jesus saying:  “Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from ploughing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here at once and take your place at the table?’  Would you not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink?’”  So, how is it that we are supposed to set the table?  What is it we are commanded to do?  And how do we muster the faith to do it?

September 25, 2016

In our reading for Sunday, Jesus tells a couple of parables about seeking and loving what is lost:  the shepherd and the lost sheep; the woman and the lost coin.  We will consider the questions: how are we loving the lost?  How are we extending care?  How are we leaving people behind?  And who is the sinner who needs to repent?

September 18, 2016

This week, we welcome Anna Eng, lead organizer for Common Ground, as our preacher.  And we return to the book of Luke.  In our reading for Sunday, Jesus tells the Parable of the Unjust Steward.  What does this story teach us about living out our faith in the contemporary political climate?  How does it relate to us the importance of community organizing and working toward the common good?

September 11, 2016

This Sunday is going to be a special 9/11 anniversary service of Peace and Reconciliation.  This week, we take a break from Luke’s gospel and take our scripture reading from Isaiah.  In our reading for Sunday, Isaiah describes God’s glorious city on a hill that welcomes all people in peace.  Our focus for this entire service is peace and reconciliation in the face of violence, hatred, and misunderstanding.