Sermons on Lent and Easter (Page 4)
To Come Back as a Flower
SCRIPTURE: Shining Light Tells the Good Story (Luke) 12:54-56, 13:1-9, First Nations Version 54 Creator Sets Free (Jesus) then said to the crowd, “When a cloud rises in the west, you say, ‘It will rain soon,’ and so it does. 55 The wind blows from the south and you say, ‘It will be a hot day,’ and so it is.” Then he spoke to the spiritual leaders, 56 “You who wear false faces! You understand what the earth, wind, and…
Which Wing?
SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:51 and 13:31-35, Complete Jewish Bible 9:51 As the time approached for him to be taken up into heaven, Jesus made his decision – to set out for Yerushalayim. In various translations Jesus started off strong with resolve intently turned toward decided resolved made up his mind steadfastly/stedfastly set his face toward settled it in his mind fixed his face was determined set His face resolutely set his sights on settled himself fully… he gathered up his courage…
Another Day, Another Mountain
?? SCRIPTURE: Luke 4:1-13, Complete Jewish Bible 4 Then Yeshua, filled with the Ruach HaKodesh, [the Holy Spirit,] returned from the Yarden [the banks of the Jordan River] and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days of testing by the Adversary. During that time he ate nothing, and afterwards he was hungry. 3 The Adversary said to him, “If you are the Son of God, order this stone to become bread.” 4 Yeshua answered, “The…
Christ is Risen In Deed
SCRIPTURE: Mark 16:1-8 NIV 16:1 When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 16:2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 16:3 They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 16:4 When they looked up, they saw…
Speaking of Peace: Leading with Love
Ann is the Care Services Coordinator for the ALS Association, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota chapter, a position she has held since 2008. Her seminary degree is from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities; she also holds degrees in Palliative Care from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and in International Studies from Earlham College. She is Quaker, and yet has consented to “preach”! Welcome, Anne!! SCRIPTURE: John 15:13, Ephesians 4:1-6 John 15:13 CEB13 No one has greater love than…
Imagination
Speaking, Rev. Emily Meyer, Executive Director of the Ministry Lab; Painting, Kinzie Weinhandl, age 14 The Ministry Lab cultivates vibrant church leaders and congregations by pooling wisdom and resources of the Minnesota Annual Conference United Methodist Church, Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ, Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area, The Synod of Lakes and Prairies (PCUSA), and United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 23, King James Version; Isaiah 41:10 Psalm 23, King James Version23 The Lord is…
What is God’s Mission in Your Life?
Rev. Choi has recently been approved for commissioning as an elder by the Board of Ordained Ministry of the UMC. It has been wonderful to have your voice among us for a time, Rev. Blessings on your continued calling! SCRIPTURE: Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38, NRSV Romans 4:13-2513 The promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 If it is the adherents of…
We Are One in the Spirit
Sunday is the first Sunday of Lent, a season of lengthening light and preparation. We begin by reflecting on the baptism of Jesus by John in the Jordan. Indeed, this is a season of “repentance” or “returning” to center. What will we lay down and leave behind? What transformation lies ahead, just out of sight? Let’s be mindful, and consider these things in our hearts, minds and bodies. We are bundled into our homes in these dangerously cold weeks, still, the Base Camp of our church community is warm. Let’s gather and keep the gift of Sabbath. We’ll sing and pray; reflect, refuel, and refresh our sense of reverence.
Risus Paschalis (the Easter Laugh) and the Sorrow Jar
For centuries in Eastern Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant countries, the week following Easter Sunday, culminated in “Bright Sunday” (the 2nd Sunday of the Easter season). It was observed by the faithful as “days of joy and laughter” with parties and picnics to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. The custom was rooted in the musings of early church theologians (like Augustine, Gregory of Nyssa, and John Chrysostom) that God played a practical joke on the devil by raising Jesus from the dead. Early theologians called it “Risus paschalis – the Easter laugh.” Lately we call it Holy Humor or Holy Hilarity Sunday.
Empty Isn’t Really
Easter unplugged. Those are the words that have been running through my heart. Easter in small rooms. Easter confined. I’ve mentioned that this year Easter feels like peering inside one of those sugar eggs that contain tiny dioramas, each one a household. AND – That is exactly what we intend to do Sunday morning.