• Preacher

Permission to Love

Date: October 29, 2023
Scripture: Matthew 22:34-46
Preacher: Rev. Chris Dela Cruz

Dear confirmands, You did it! You got through the confirmation process of going to the Neels’ cabin and learning the basics of our Christian and Presbyterian tradition. You learned that Dean really likes the “Bee Movie.” You stayed silent when the seven card hit Spicy Uno, and you survived epic games of Mafia narrated by … read

Knowing Who’s Who

Date: October 22, 2023
Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22
Preacher: Rev. Beth Neel

I thought I’d begin with a poem this morning because the world has been in a heavy, scary, grievous place and sometimes the poets have the most to say. This comes from Aurora Levins Morales and is part of a longer poem. It’s called “V’ahavta” which means “you shall love” in Hebrew. Say these words … read

A Perseverance of the Soul

Date: October 8, 2023
Scripture: Philippians 3:4b-14
Preacher: Rev. Beth Neel

On the social media site Tik Tok right now, there’s a burning question going around: how often do you think about the Roman Empire? Men are asked the question by their partners, who are amused to learn that their man thinks about the Roman Empire several times a week, if not every day. When I … read

Love Is… Complicated!

Date: October 1, 2023
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13-14:1
Guest Preacher: Elder Caroline Kurtz

Good morning, Westminster Presbyterian Church! Since I have the floor, I want to begin by thanking everyone for your support of the work I’ve been doing in a remote corner of Ethiopia where my parents went under the United Presbyterian Church when I was five years old. I went back five years ago and started … read

Grace Isn’t Fair (That’s What Makes It Grace)

Date: September 24, 2023
Scripture: Matthew 20:1-15
Preacher: Rev. Beth Neel

People really do not like this parable! It flies in the face of everything we think is fair; it negates our belief that hard work pays off; it convicts us with that last line “…are you envious because I am generous?” If Frederick Buechner and Lindsey are right, and parables are like jokes that Jesus … read

Another Problematic Parable: Do We Have to Forgive Jerks?

Date: September 17, 2023
Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35
Preacher: Rev. Lindsey Hubbard-Groves

Our text picks up where we left off last week, so I want to give you additional context for where we were in worship last week, too. You all did an excellent job welcoming me with a thoughtful litany, since my full-time contract started this month; thank you for that. However, if you were here … read

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