Sermons

August 14, 2016

Thirtenth Sunday after Pentecost

ItI want to invite you on my journey of learning to say no.  Seems like a simple concept: Just say no.  Luke 12:49 and Hebrews 12:1 are the scriptures for this week which caused me to meditate around the task of saying “no”.   I was somewhat embarrassed that saying no is such a superficial topic; but I was relieved to discover that this is but a part of a larger mission.  I decided to continue with the topic of “Saying No When There is a Greater Yes,” When placed in the context of a spirit-filled life, I concluded this is a respectable strategy for Godly living. In this sermon, I will suggest four phases of emotional and spiritual maturity and conclude with a suggestion for how we can provide mutual support in our individual journeys. 

August 7, 2016

Twelth Sunday after Pentecost

It is with great joy and low-level terror that I am here with you this morning. As I hope to make clear with my words, I am trying to embrace vulnerability as a way of experiencing God’s love in new ways. I am endlessly grateful for His grace and now, yours. I want to share with you how I almost missed the full experience of being known and loved by God.

The first words of today’s Gospel reading  caught my heart and mind quickly when I started preparing to speak here: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”  It jumped out at me for at least 2 reasons – I am often afraid and I love children.  I was blessed to grow up happily and comfortably in the middle of America, in a middle class family, and in the United Methodist Church. And while I didn’t always quite fit with my family or my small town, I fit really well with my Methodist church. I found support and friendship and growth there through youth group, church camp, Vacation Bible School and all the ways a young person hangs around and soaks up church teachings and community. The Methodist church also shaped and shared my vision for myself in the world – open and generous, accepting and celebrating all, seeking justice and serving the poor and vulnerable. I always knew that it was my responsibility to show God’s love through my work and how I interact with people. I felt like I really got it and sure acted like I did! I chose social work as a profession, I am friendly and caring with almost everyone I meet, and I am always hoping and praying for the world to find healing and goodness for the most vulnerable people.  So how does this relate to that first phrase – Do not be afraid?

July 31, 2016

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture       

Ecclesiates 1:2; 2:21-23   

Psalm 90:3-6, 12-7

Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11

 Luke 12:13-21

P-U-S-H is an acronym for Prayer Until Something Happens.  Sadly, that something was the death of my grandfather yesterday at the age of 100.  Through death, there is life, and today we will celebrate the upcoming birth of our friend Jackie’s child.  These things happen for a reason.  It is always God’s plan.  It reminds me that none of us; absolutely none of us; one more time: none of us; will leave this earth alive.  May he rest in peace, “Triple R’s,” Roland Raymond Rawlings, and welcome to Jackie’s little one.

The news this summer, of course, is full of sobering reminders too, that life in this world encompasses tragedy as well good times.

July 24, 2016

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Good morning.  I am back this morning to share with you what I didn’t have time to share during my May sermon about spiritual awakening, that is the importance of sharing our spiritual wealth with others.  My own spiritual awakening began as a result of following the suggestions of a 12 step program, but a large part of my spiritual growth has occurred as a result of participation in the life of the Seekers community; attending the classes at the School of Christian Living, going to silent retreats, and listening to the wisdom of men and women of God.  I cannot tell you how grateful I am to have been blessed by this community.  I am so grateful that I want to share with others the gifts I have received here.  I have compassion for those who do not have spiritual companions on their journey through life, who do not know how much a worship community can support their inner journey.  As I spoke of previously, I feel called to stand by the door and help those seeking God to find the door into His presence.  For me, finding the door of Seekers was part of that journey.

July 17, 2016

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

 Jesus and his disciples are traveling. They come to a village, and Martha welcomes them into her home. Martha’s sister, Mary, sits at Jesus’s feet, hanging on his every word.  Martha, meanwhile, is preparing the meal for the guests.  Now, Martha is good at fixing guest meals, but usually Mary helps her, and she starts resenting having to do it all herself.  She turns to Jesus to recruit an ally. “Jesus, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that I do all the work and my sister just sits here?   Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” Jesus replied, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better”.