Scripture: Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NRSV) This week we are looking at one of the most famous passages in all of Scripture: “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for...

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17 (NRSV) In Jesus’ baptism we find so many surprising and life-giving lessons. One of them is when God sees us, he sees his Son, and he says to us, “You are my...

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV) Stargazing is one of the oldest human rituals. There are billions, likely trillions of solar systems. The next closest star to us after the sun is Alpha Centauri, which is 26...

Scripture: Titus 3:4-7 (NLT) In Titus we read these lovely words, “When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of...

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 (NRSV) The good news of Christmas is that God meets us in that baby in a manger. And encountering that baby in swaddling cloths, we encounter the true power of God. Not...

This week is our Advent Music and the Word service, where five short reflections are given, one before each of the five pieces sung by the Immanuel Choir. In the midst of all the challenges...

Scripture: Psalm 39:7 (NRSV) This is what sets our hope apart from other hopes out there: Hope believes that God can do surprising things. Anything is possible with the God of the impossible. And so,...

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7 (NRSV) We hear about peace with peace treaties and times of peace. We understand it as the absence of war or conflict. But the Scriptures teach that the Hebrew word shalom goes...

Scripture: John 14:4-7 (NRSV) This week we conclude our series entitled “I Am” from Jesus’ words in the Gospel according to John. One thing that jumps out about Jesus’ I AM statements is that they...

Scripture: – Psalm 23:1-6 (NRSV) – John 10:1-5, 11-18 (NRSV) Sermon by Shirin McArthur, MDiv, Guest Preacher* Shirin McArthur is a spiritual guide, retreat leader, writer, and editor who ponders the sacred through prayer, poetry,...

Scripture: John 11:17-27 (NRSV) Today we look at another one of Jesus’ I Am Statements: “I am the Resurrection and the Life.” Jesus again is giving a radical message in the face of death: I...

Scripture: John 10:7-10 (RSV) In the ancient Near East, the shepherd would build a sheepfold for the sheep—usually made of low stone walls. The walls would be topped with thorny branches, kind of a precursor...