U-turns Permitted

On this Easter Sunday, this is the question we ask. What did Jesus' resurrection do for the disciples? and what could it mean to us if we really believed it? We read the story from John 20.

On this Maundy Thursday we contemplate the horrific individual and corporate sin that caused the death of Jesus. We confess our complicity in it and come to His table for forgiveness and renewal.

Today we read the story of the "Triumphal Entry" from John 12. "Hosanna!", the crowd shouted. Typically that is understood as an acclamation of praise, but it is not. It means "Save us!". THe crowd in Jerusalem, embroiled in political, sociological and economic tension, needed saving. So do we, in our time and place.

In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind. He is silenced, abandoned and rejected by those around him. But not by Jesus. Do we shepherd the marginalized?

Today we read the story of the woman caught in adultery from John 8:1-11. This is a story of radical grace and a radical invitation.

Today we look at John 7, and ask ourselves what the response to Jesus was among the people and leaders of the Jewish community in and around Jerusalem at the time of the Feats of Tabernacles. And what is our response to Jesus?

Today we look at John 6, in which Jesus proclaims himself the "Bread of Life". What does he mean by the word "life"? What is he offering to the people of his time and people of all times?

Today we read Psalm 145, and try to understand how a Psalm of praise can help us in times of (dire) crisis. Such a Psalm is a foundation, a lens, and, perhaps, a destination.

Dr. Seteven Boyer of Eastern University preaches from Galatians 4:1-7 on the Trinity.

Dr. Steven Boyer from Eastern University preaches from John 5:19-30 on the Trinity.

Rev. Dr. Alfred Muli preaches from 1 Peter 1:22-25: "Love One Another".

Today Rev. Dr. Alfred Muli preaches from 1 Peter 1:1-9, entitled "Focus on Our Hope in Christ".

At the end of his second letter Timothy, Paul writes to his protege: "The Lord be with your spirit; grace be with you." With this blessing we enter 2023, in our questions and difficulties and in our joys and accomplishments.

For Christmas this year we observe the story of Mary and Joseph from two vantage points: on the ground and from above. What did their story look like without the Divine perspective? and what did that Divine perspective add to the story?

Today we read the famous passage Isaiah 9:6-7 and think together about what it means that Jesus is called the "Prince of Peace", the one who establishes a kingdom of peace forever.

Today we read Isaiah 61, written after the Jews had returned from exile, while things were still broken. We learn from Fleming Rutledge that Advent is not darkness: Advent is Light in darkness. And therein lies the possibility of joy.

Today we read Zephaniah 3:17: God proclaims His love over and for us. But the background is no sentimental Christmas scene - it is judgment and exile. Only with that background can we understand God's love for us and move out in love to our world.

On this first Sunday of Advent we explore the theme of "Hope", from Isaiah 40, written while Israel was in exile, captivity and despair in Babylon. 

Today we look at two healings done by Jesus: the son of an official and a man who had been lame for 38 years. The Age of Life breaks into the Age of Death and healing happens. That is the good news. 

Jesus speaks with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman. He speaks to both of them of "eternal life". What did he mean to convey to them, and what did they understand? Most likely it was not about "how to get to heaven when you die". Listen to find out what it might have been.