Palm Sunday – Our Faith in Dark Days

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Palm Sunday – Our Faith in Dark Days

The legendary stories of Jesus’ birth and death serve as mirrored bookends to Jesus’ unique life. Jesus’ birth story challenges us to look for God’s presence in unexpected places and people. Jesus’ death story reminds us that we are imperfect creatures, prone to fear and putting our own safety and comfort first.

May we always be open to God’s presence, and may we develop a faith so bold that the stones don’t have to shout praises to God.

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Virtue #7 – Ask Questions & Love Skeptics – 8 Short Verses

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Virtue #7 – Ask Questions & Love Skeptics – 8 Short Verses

Curiosity and skepticism are closely related. God is fine with skepticism in the sense of genuine, sincere questioning.

Here’s the great news: God is fine with skepticism in the sense of genuine, sincere questioning. When Thomas doubted Jesus was really back from the dead, Jesus neither rejected nor berated Thomas. Instead, Jesus said intimately welcomed him, “Thomas, I understand why you have doubts. Put your hands in my wounds (wow!) so your experience with Me will transform your relationship with Me in a way that you can never doubt.” God welcomes our wonders and our worries and invites us into life-changing, faith-changing experiences.

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Virtue #4 – Reaching Out to Others – 4 Scripture Readings

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Virtue #4 – Reaching Out to Others – 4 Scripture Readings

The fourth virtue is that flourishing churches relentlessly work to connect with and welcome others into their church families. They do this, not to benefit themselves, but as an effort to love God by loving others. Flourishing churches have rediscovered what’s great about the Good News of God’s love. Their personal experiences of that Good News in their own lives drives them, compels them to share their faith, hope, and love with others and invite others to experience God’s love for themselves.

When we reach out to others with sympathy rather than lectures... with empathy rather than judgement... with compassion rather than referrals... that’s when hearts and conversational doors open, and we can most effectively share the joy of having a personal, loving relationship with God. When we share the Good News, the GREAT News of God’s love in such a compassionate, personal way, people will feel genuinely welcomed into the Kingdom of God, a place of rest, healing, growth, and peace... a place of shalom.

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Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 and Luke 2:1-20 – Christmas Eve: Peace

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Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 and Luke 2:1-20 – Christmas Eve: Peace

The story of Christmas, the message of Christmas IS the Good News that God loves us SO MUCH that God would make Himself into flesh so that God could walk and talk and eat and laugh and cry with us... that Christmas story and that Good News continues throughout the year when we allow God’s Spirit to fill us, to lead us, and to act through us.

Christmas has become a season obsessed with gift-giving. This year, I encourage you to look beyond the ribbons, and bows, and wrapping paper... celebrate the moments and spaces of peace in your life. And look for opportunities to share peace with your family and friends. When we do so, we will live into the beautiful lyrics, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”

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Called to Seek Justice – Isaiah 42:1-7

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Called to Seek Justice – Isaiah 42:1-7

Let us be inspired by the belief that God has called us to actively work to overcome the social injustices of our time and in our communities.
Let us take heart knowing that the work – our work – to overcome injustice is an ongoing work worthy of our time, our talents, and our treasures.
Why? Because everyone needs to hear, know, and believe that (repeat after me): God made me. God loves me. God has plans for me.

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