• Preacher

Trial for the Ages

Date: November 21, 2021
Scripture: John 18:28-38
Preacher: Rev. Chris Dela Cruz

A corrupt trial where a known violent criminal is let free. An innocent man from a colonized community killed by the state. The state and religion in a toxic power relationship. Mass fear causing the mob to lose sight of truth and be swept up by violence. This is where we find ourselves in the … read

Seeing What Is

Date: November 14, 2021
Scripture: Mark 13:1-8
Preacher: Rev. Beth Neel

In writing this sermon, I am indebted to Debie Thomas of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palo Alto, CA, for her article “Not One Stone” which can be found at https://www.journeywithjesus.net/essays/2010-not-one-stone In 2016, American social justice activist and author Adrienne Maree Brown wrote this about the emerging Black Lives Matter movement and the increasing awareness … read

God and Loss

Date: November 7, 2021
Scripture: John 11:32-44
Preacher: Rev. Beth Neel

“If God had been there, then…” As people of faith, at some point or another, we are going to say those words. We lose something – the pandemic hits and we lose a graduation, a Christmas Eve, a long-planned trip. We lose someone – cancer strikes, or the virus, or our beloved just doesn’t wake … read

What It Means to Belong

Date: October 17, 2021
Scripture: Mark 10:35-45
Preacher: Rev. Beth Neel

Last week a post on Facebook caught my eye.  Written by Sharad Yadav, a guy in Portland whom I’ve never met, he lists his reason for why people should consider joining a church.  As I read it, I remembered that I was preaching on this story about James’ and John’s outrageous request, and that today … read

Inheritance and Belonging

Date: October 10, 2021
Scripture: Mark 10:17-31
Preacher: Rev. Laurie Newman

A friend of mine has a new grandson who just turned six weeks old. Being around this child and his loving, attentive parents is a reminder of how vulnerable we are all in the beginning, as human babies, born into this world. The infant relies upon parents for food, diaper-changing, safety, mobility, and most importantly: love. Think of it. All of … read

This Is My Body

Date: October 3, 2021
Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46
Preacher: Rev. Chris Dela Cruz

On the night in which he was betrayed, Jesus took the bread, and broke it, giving it to his disciples saying, “Take and eat. This is my body.” When I was a kid in Confirmation, I remember the Catholic priest explaining to us how Christ was present in Communion. And I remember thinking, “See, we … read

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