Yokes and Burdens

Yokes and Burdens (7/9/17)

Matthew11:16-19, 25-30

El Greco, Saint John the Baptist 

On Sunday, July 9th, our Gospel reading included two sections from the Gospel of Matthew. The first part of this passage is a little bit cryptic; when we read it out of context, its meaning isn’t clear. And then the Lectionary skips over a few verses and the lesson concludes with a very comforting thought: Jesus says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” We like this Jesus; he’s not so confusing.

Into the Life AND the Work

Into the Life And the Work (6/25/17)

Genesis 21:1-7; Romans6:1b-11

This is Aubrey Jean Couch, and her parents, Jessica and Zach.

On Sunday, June 25th, we celebrated the sacrament of baptism and we introduced Aubrey Jean Couch to her new family at Rehoboth Presbyterian Church. Follow the link to read the text of the sermon. As a bonus, you'll get to see more pictures of this sweet baby girl.

The Laborers Are Few

The Laborers Are Few (6/18/17)

Genesis 18:1-15; Matthew 9:35-10:23

 Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Sara laughing, detail from "Angel Appears to Sarah"

On Sunday, we wrestled with Christ's call to reach out to the lost sheep. Even though we're tired, we are still called to do the work.

A Witness to the Resurrection for Ron Banks

A Witness to the Resurrection for Ron Banks

Ronnie, Josie, Mattie, and Julie Banks

On Monday, June 12, we gathered to say goodbye to our dear friend, Ronnie Banks. Ron played in the Macdonald Pipe Band with my dad for many years. I've known him so long, I don't even remember meeting him. This was the first time I officiated a funeral for someone I've known well and for a very long time.

And God Saw That It Was Good

And God Saw That It Was Good. (6/11/17)

Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Matthew 28:16-20

"St. Patrick's Bad Analogies" by Hans Fiene

This past Sunday was Trinity Sunday. It's important for any pastor to avoid committing accidental heresies in explaining the Trinity. (See the video above; it's really funny!) This means that you have to be really careful when you write your sermon and stay on the script. But I forgot to upload my script and I had to wing it. As I told my congregation, ministry forces you to confront your fears. On Sunday, I confronted my fear of working without a script; my congregation confronted their fear of a 45-minute sermon. Read on if you're curious about the sermon as it was written.

Can You Hear Me Now?

Can You Hear Me Now? (6/4/17)

Numbers 11:24-30; Acts2:1-21

Happy Pentecost!

Altarpiece, Church of the Holy Spirit, Singapore

On Sunday, June 4, we celebrated Pentecost, the birthday of the Church! We considered the ways in which our expectations shape our understandings of Scripture and the world around us—and how the Holy Spirit can disrupt those expectations! 

No Longer in the World

No Longer in the World (5/28/17)

Acts 1:6-14; John17:1-11

Ascension

(mural of Christ ascending to Heaven, from a graffiti wall in Bristol, England)

On Sunday, May 28, we considered the distinction between being and doing. We considered this in light of Jesus' prayer in John 17:1-11, in which Jesus asks God to remain in relationship with the disciples, to abide with the disciples.