Aug 2007
Sabbath Blessing
08/26/07
Pentecost 13
Isaiah 58:9b-14, Luke 13:10-17
Dear friends in Christ,
When was the last time you had a day to do nothing? A day where there was no work to be done, a day where there were no errands to run, a day where the schedule was “unscheduled” and you were free to “just be” in the present moment? Maybe that’s happened for you this summer, as you’ve had the chance to get away and just “be.” And there may be a few of you who are in that life stage where such days are possible, perhaps a retiree, but most retirees I know say they are busier now than ever. In both the lesson from Isaiah and the gospel from Luke, the Sabbath is the focus. And what comes forth from both lessons is that Sabbath, a day of rest, is to be understood as a great blessing for us, and not a burden. It’s a time for joy and renewal, not criticism and obligation. And so this morning I want to focus on this, the blessing of Sabbath, in hopes that we can all come to a renewed sense of appreciation for the joy of Sabbath rest. Read More...
Isaiah 58:9b-14, Luke 13:10-17
Dear friends in Christ,
When was the last time you had a day to do nothing? A day where there was no work to be done, a day where there were no errands to run, a day where the schedule was “unscheduled” and you were free to “just be” in the present moment? Maybe that’s happened for you this summer, as you’ve had the chance to get away and just “be.” And there may be a few of you who are in that life stage where such days are possible, perhaps a retiree, but most retirees I know say they are busier now than ever. In both the lesson from Isaiah and the gospel from Luke, the Sabbath is the focus. And what comes forth from both lessons is that Sabbath, a day of rest, is to be understood as a great blessing for us, and not a burden. It’s a time for joy and renewal, not criticism and obligation. And so this morning I want to focus on this, the blessing of Sabbath, in hopes that we can all come to a renewed sense of appreciation for the joy of Sabbath rest. Read More...
Jesus: Divider and Unifier
08/19/07
Pentecost 12
Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Dear friends in Christ,
In the church office there hangs a wonderful picture of Jesus cradling in his arms a little lamb. For many of us, this is the image of Jesus we think of first. This is Jesus the good shepherd, who watches over us and cradles us in his loving arms in our times of deepest need. In our narthex there is a beautiful wood sculpture of Jesus reaching out to Peter, lifting him up as he tries to walk on the water, but sinks because of fear and lack of faith. This is another image of welcome, compassion and forgiveness. But these comforting images are not the only way Jesus is presented in scripture. We are attracted to them because they make us feel good, but they do not give the complete picture of Jesus. One reason it is important to read the whole Bible, and not just our favorite selected passages, is to receive the whole picture of Jesus, and God, and the church, and many other important dimensions of our faith. Read More...
Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Dear friends in Christ,
In the church office there hangs a wonderful picture of Jesus cradling in his arms a little lamb. For many of us, this is the image of Jesus we think of first. This is Jesus the good shepherd, who watches over us and cradles us in his loving arms in our times of deepest need. In our narthex there is a beautiful wood sculpture of Jesus reaching out to Peter, lifting him up as he tries to walk on the water, but sinks because of fear and lack of faith. This is another image of welcome, compassion and forgiveness. But these comforting images are not the only way Jesus is presented in scripture. We are attracted to them because they make us feel good, but they do not give the complete picture of Jesus. One reason it is important to read the whole Bible, and not just our favorite selected passages, is to receive the whole picture of Jesus, and God, and the church, and many other important dimensions of our faith. Read More...