Well, friends, it’s always true that when I choose a sermon title a few days or a week or so before writing the sermon that things shift in the world and a new title emerges as I write the sermon. Hearing the scripture now, I’ve changed the title of this sermon to “Open and Shut.” … read
The Peace of Christ be with you all. There are six of us here in the sanctuary at Westminster, bringing you the live-stream service, but we share peace through the gift of the Internet. On this somber day in Oregon, it may seem odd for me to begin the sermon with humor. But when I … read
When l was a student, I had the opportunity to spend a semester in Sweden. It began in the dark, cold month of January and ended in late May, with melted snow and long, beautiful, spring days. But at the end of my trip, I contracted a virus that went into bronchitis. This was extremely … read
In a book published in 1962, Rabbi Abraham Heschel made this comment: “Why are so few voices raised in the ancient world in protest against the recklessness of man? Why are human beings so ready to kill and ready to die at the call of rulers…? Perhaps it is easy because they worship might, venerate … read
When have we used our power in a way that honors and cares for others? And when have we been at our worst? Let me hear what you will speak when I turn to You in my heart. . . (Let us hear. . .) In 2010, I had the gift of a sabbatical grant … read
Which part of today’s story grabs you? The angry and envious brothers? Joseph’s bereft father? The broken family? Joseph, in his exile from his family? Not every exile is physical. Exile can be felt in the ending of a relationship, in the changing of a job or retirement. It can be felt as alienation from … read