My understanding of the meaning and purpose of baptism has changed over my lifetime. What brought that to my attention was Junha Kim’s upcoming examination by the presbytery in preparation for his installation at Westminster. I was reminded of my ordination examination, during which one of my friends questioned my statement on baptism. “Is baptism … read
Will you pray with me? Indescribable God, as we follow traditions, and words, from those who came before us (and this prayer from Claire McKeever-Burgett) help us to: “Declare the God of Mary and Elizabeth everywhere—in birthing rooms and… on death beds and at riversides. Families of all kinds, rest in God’s gentleness and strength; … read
Today’s message is divided into three sections, each about a unique facet about hope. And we begin this Advent season with the message of hope that comes much after the birth of Jesus and some time later deep into his ministry. And Jesus’ message to his community has three distinct points: There will be signs … read
It has been a week, so let’s just acknowledge that most of us have experienced a lot of emotions: fear, anger, disappointment, grief, disgust, disbelief, horror, self-pity. Two weeks ago, when I needed to choose a preaching text for today so that the rest of the folks involved in worship planning could do their work, … read
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts help us to know the words of Saint Paul, that “as we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” —1 Corinthians 15:49 Amen. And as we have borne the image of the earth(l)y, … read
This Esther story has all the elements of a Hollywood blockbuster—palace intrigue, feisty women, steamy sex, political shenanigans, gruesome violence. Its only drawback is that it is also filled with so many names, relationships, and convoluted plot twists, it takes half an hour just to set up the situation. Not only that, but God doesn’t … read