Sermons

To whom do you belong? Do you believe, do you know, do you remember, that we belong to God? I’d like you to imagine this scene: Lawyers and decision makers gathered, with serious intent, questioning an individual, repeatedly. Some leaders are effusive and flattering, others are seeking a slip of tongue, searching for any visible … read

A friend of mine, a pastor in Chicago, gave me a wonderful gift when I was new in ministry. I frequently felt like I was carrying the burdens of the world on my shoulders. But she reminded me that the calling to ministry is not about curing the world’s ills. It is about being rooted … read

Who is your mirror? Who is in your mirror? The loved ones in our lives are often the best mirrors. I recall when my oldest son was young enough to be restricted to the car seat in the back. As I drove us around, he was like a sponge, taking in all my actions and … read

A fourth grader in our neighborhood, Elsa, has created her own small business making and distributing fabric face masks. It’s called “Fancy Faces.” She learned how to sew in March, watching her mother make face masks. Elsa and her younger sister deliver orders to Alameda neighbors. Creative, innovative, thoughtful—right? Now, for some undefined period, all … read

In the past 12 days, tens of thousands of people in the U.S. have been marching in a pent-up demand for racial justice. During this week, a few have said that they’ve been on the front lines rallying for this change for decades, and they are weary. And, I’ve heard younger people say, “Racism in … read

This week, on one of my daily walks, trudging through the dim mist, I went past the middle school that both of my sons attended. Though I’ve been by that school many times over the years, I noticed something for the very first time. Etched in stone above the side entrance was this quote, from … read