U-turns Permitted

Today we read 2 Corinthians 5:13-20. Paul shows us the perspective he brings to bear on his troubles. It is a perspective that gives hope and sends us out with a purpose.

In the church, societal and personal crises of his time, Paul uses the term "jars of clay" to describe how weak and vulnerable he and his people were. But in those "jars of clay" is a treasure - the glory of Jesus Christ. "Death is at work in us, but life in you", he says in 2 Cor. 4.

There are very few of us who do not think we are in a time of crisis - whether that be personal, communal, national or global. In 2 Corinthians 1 Paul expresses his own distress and speaks of the comfort that comes from God.

Today Rev. Jane Filkin from the Campolo Ministry Center at Eastern University opens Luke 24 for us, the story of the two disciples on the way to Emmaus after Jesus' death. In their deepest grief Jesus walks with them, teaches them and transforms them.

Proverbs 31 contains the famous description of the "valorous woman", which has often been used throughout the centuries to think of and treat women in a way that is honoring to them or the God who made them. Today we will approach this passage as not so much a description of what a "valorous woman" should and shouldn't do, but as a description of what wisdom looks like, especially in a time of crisis.

The Book of Proverbs often speaks of the need for "integrity" as we conduct our daily lives, especially when dealing with crises. Listen as we explore what integrity is and looks like.

This is the audio of the complete service held at Trinity CRC in Broomall on July 30, 2023, in the aftermath of the news that a former pastor kidnapped, sexually abused and murdered an 8-year-old neighbor girl in August of 1975. Some of the songs we sang are not included in this recording because the sound was not good.

This week our community was shocked to hear that a former pastor of our congregation kidnapped, sexually assaulted and murdered an 8-year-old neighbor girl 48 years ago. He hid his crimes for decades until he confessed and was arrested just a few days ago. Click here for the story. In an effort to process these events a service of lament, reflection and renewal of hope was held. This is the sermon part of the service. You can find the whole service on video here, and audio here.

Today we begin our series on the book of Proverbs. Proverbs reflects Israel’s struggle to find its identity in a time of cultural crisis, when the monarchy and the priesthood were no longer sources of authority and stability. We're in a time of crisis today also, which should make Proverbs relevant for us.

Today we read John 21, the coda to the gospel, in which Jesus restores Peter and sends him on mission.

Jesus appears to the disciples and sends them out as He has been sent out by God. A week later, Jesus reveals himself to Thomas, who would believe only if certain conditions were met. Jesus shows Thomas Himself, and that is enough.

At the end of John 17 Jesus prays for His disciples, then turns His attention to the generations that follow. It is encouraging to make Jesus' prayer as personal to us as possible.

Today we read John 17:3, in which Jesus prays that knowing Him is the way to "eternal life". God has given us the Bible, the Church and the Christian religion as means to help us know Jesus. They are not Jesus - they lead us to Him.

Today is Pentecost Sunday. Corey Brown guides us through Jesus' promise that "when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide us into all the truth". (John 16:13)

Today we read from John 15, Jesus' famous statement about "abiding in Him". What does that mean, and especially, is He just referring to individual piety? We will look at the Old Testament roots of this image to help us find out.

Jesus gives his disciples peace, which doesn't mean they will have no problems in life. After all, the next day they would experience the worst day in the history of humankind. So how can we experience peace regardless of our circumstances?

Today we read the famous story of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, including Judas, who was to betray him. Today we don't wash each other's feet. So how can we follow Jesus' example as He calls us to do?

Today we read from John 12:44-50, the last words he spoke to a public crowd. These words contained a challenge for those listeners, and they contain a challenge for us today.

Today we read John 11, the famous story of the raising of Lazarus. Jesus stands in solidarity with the people he loves before the closed tomb of Lazarus. But then he moves forward, opens the tomb, and, as the rest of John tells us, moves toward his own closed tomb.

Today Dr. Kyuboem Lee preaches from John 13:36-14:7 entitled "The Way Home".