We’re going to start with a simple question this morning. Why did Jesus come to earth? On second thought, not so simple a question! To answer the question, “Why did Jesus come?” has involved forests’ worth of paper, oceans’ worth of ink, countless hours in study and debate, and a few million theologians, Biblical scholars, … read
In her novel Father Melancholy’s Daughter, Gail Godwin writes these words, spoken by Margaret, a young woman considering the ministry as she musters a prayer to God. “Oh, You. Who are You? What do You want of me? What will I be doing on this day next year? Don’t tell me. (You wouldn’t anyway, would … read
What a dreary, drippy week it’s been. I can only imagine what it’s been like for those who had trees fall on their houses, or who lost power for days on end, or who had no shelter but a tent. So I am grateful that we are able to livestream today, and I hope that … read
I’ve thought a lot more about time since becoming a parent. There’s never enough time or there’s always too much time and not enough something else. Time has felt swift and short, and time has felt so long, especially right before bedtime. The years that sort of blended together don’t blend as well now. There … read
Well, by now, most of the poinsettias have found a new home, and presents have been unwrapped and the Christmas feasts are either gone or finding new life as leftovers. The radio has stopped the Christmas music, and I for one will be happy not to happen upon “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” … read
Thank you all so much for being here this evening, for leaving a cozy home, for arriving with a full stomach and the sleepiness that follows a big meal and a glass of wine, making your way through one of our dark and rainy Portland nights, to come to church, of all places, on Christmas … read