• Preacher

Yes You

Date: February 5, 2017
Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16
Preacher: Rev. Beth Neel

About once a week I make scones for breakfast. It’s the easiest recipe in the world – some dry ingredients and a cup of heavy cream. Everyone is happy. But occasionally I mess up the recipe. I use baking soda instead of baking powder or forget the chocolate chips. There was one morning, though, when … read

Justice, Kindness, Humility: These Three

Date: January 29, 2017
Scripture: Michah 6:6-8, Matthew 5:1-12
Preacher: Rev. Beth Neel

If you’ve ever had a guest in your home who stayed for a while, you know what a challenge that can be. In the summer of 2015, a friend of mine from high school – with whom I’d not been in touch since high school – stayed with us for ten days. She was moving … read

Following Jesus

Date: January 22, 2017
Scripture: Matthew 4:12-23
Preacher: Rev. Beth Neel

As bona fide soccer parents, Gregg and I have finally figured out what “off sides” means. It has been a conundrum for a while, since the Sabin Bees have morphed from an amoeba pack of little girls running together, maybe or maybe not after a ball, to a well-structured team that understands offense, defense, corner … read

New Things

Date: January 15, 2017
Scripture: Isaiah 42:5-9
Preacher: Rev. Laurie Newman

Several years ago, the United Church of Christ came up with a slogan that expressed the heart of their outreach. It was in ads and on signs. It read, simply, “God is still speaking.” God is still speaking. Do we believe that? In some ways, I imagine that for the long-ago magi of scripture, the … read

Turning Around

Date: January 1, 2017
Scripture: Isaiah 63:7-14
Preacher: Rev. Beth Neel

When I was cleaning up my desk at home after Christmas, I found a scratch pad on which I had written our family’s predictions for 2016. I had predicted Ted Wheeler would be elected mayor. Gregg predicted Hillary Clinton would be elected president. Sarah predicted her school would remain a K-8. We were half right … read

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