This Lenten season, there are two ways we can talk, think, and pray about restoration. The first is thinking about restoration with the belief that there is a moment, period, or idea of a time in the past that people in the present should restore to—to make Christianity great again. The second is thinking about … read
January can be hard. It helps to say it, so we know we aren’t alone in struggling to write 2025 instead of ’24. There’s a needed recovery from the holidays that is burdened by the business of a new year, while many of us have winter viruses. And I don’t think we feel how hard … read
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