Prince of Peace

Today's gospel finds Jesus reading from the book of Isaiah in the synagogue. The passage he read describes one who was "sent to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free." Pastor Jonathan explains that many of the prophets foretold the coming of a just world. Jesus came to show us that no one thing we do makes us deserving of salvation, but t...

In this sermon, Pastor Michelle discusses Jesus's first miracle at the wedding in Cana. She discusses how in the prophetic tradition of transforming the ordinary, Jesus is continually working in our lives to make the ordinary holy.

Today, as we celebrate the baptism of our Lord, Pastor Michelle explains how baptism, like the beginning of a calendar year, can mark new beginnings. For Jesus, it was the beginning of his ministry on earth; for us, it marks the beginning of our redemption with God.

Today's gospel tells us the story of the 3 wise men finding Jesus after his birth. Pastor Jonathan tells us this morning that the Magi, as they were known, were really astrologers - people not really well respected in Jewish traditions. Yet, the astrologers were the ones to follow the light if the star to find Jesus, born in a town outside of Jerusalem. This was the first sign of God bringing the...

In today's gospel, we learn Mary's song of gratitude to God for blessing her, and that he has 'brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly'. Pastor Michelle tells us that Advent is indeed a time to celebrate the coming of a Savior who comes not to raise the powerful, but to bring low those who use power to oppress others, and to raise up the downtrodden.

In this sermon Pastor Jonathon shares how Advent calls us to lift our gaze to the power of hope and love in the world. Advent teaches us to live a life of anticipation because the Lord is near.

In this second week of Advent, we hear the how John the Baptist began his ministry. Pastor Hannah brings John's preaching into today's world, showing us ways that we can prepare the way of the Lord by helping others to see God's work in the world.

Pastor Michelle takes this morning's message from the Old Testament lesson in Jeremiah, in which we learn the prophesy of the coming of Jesus. We know there is upheaval in the world, and we don't have to look hard to find reasons to be anxious, or ways to feed that anxiety. Pastor Michelle tells us this morning that the prophesy we read in Jeremiah is a reason for hope, and the reason we need to n...

In this sermon Pastor Michelle discusses Jesus's prediction about the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. This warning tells us how that when times are difficult it important to no let others lead us astray. When times are difficult we are reminded that these are the birth pangs of God's renewal of the world. We are encouraged to join in God's work of recreating.

Today's gospel lesson is the story I knew as a child as 'The Widow's Mite' - the story of how Jesus watched many give to the Temple treasury out of their abundance to make themselves look good, but he was most taken with the widow who contributed all she had, a few pennies. Pastor Hannah explains that giving of yourself, without expectation of honor, is the kind of giving that that makes the world...

On this All Saints Sunday, we not only celebrate baptisms, but we remember the saints among us who have joined God's eternal church. In Pastor Jonathan's reflection this morning, he talks about the people that have had the most positive effect on us: those who live 'in the now' but spread the joy that is the the coming Kingdom of God.

In this sermon Pastor Hannah invites us to reflect on discipleship and the disciples of Christ who have gone before us. We are reminded of the importance of staying in the Word. Discipleship is a constant living and adapting thing that must be grounded in the foundation of Christ.

In today's gospel, We find James and John requesting positions of honor from Jesus, which angers the rest of the disciples. Pastor Michelle tells us that Jesus explains to his disciples that it is not wrong to seek power and fame, but the real power and honor is afforded to those who serve others. Jesus came not to rule, but to show power made perfect in weakness, by submitting to death on the cro...

In today's gospel, Jesus advises a man who was seeking eternal life to "sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow me." Pastor Jonathan explains what Jesus is telling us - what we possess can be useful to help others, but it is not the key to our happiness. God calls us to be more than the sum of our things.

This morning, Pastor Hannah show us how we can relate to each of the characters in the story of The Prodigal Son. Sometimes, we are the younger son, in need of grace and forgiveness, and we are surprised at the outpouring of generosity from God and each other. Sometimes, unfortunately, we can be the older son, indignant at the blessings give to those who seemingly don't deserve it. And sometimes,...

Circumstances have a way of changing unexpectedly. For example, the Israelites left Egypt in a hurry, Mary was not expecting to be expecting. More recently, the pandemic caught everyone off guard. But while the world is constantly changing around us, God leads us through the changes, and shows us not only how to adapt, but to help other thrive as well.

In this sermon Pastor Jonathan shares how God's reign is breaking into this world. We can have hope, joy, and peace even in the midst of the challenges we see in the world around us. We can be a witness to the world that fear will never have the final word and that love and life will win.

This morning, Pastor Hannah explains that imagery was once very important to tell the stories of the Bible because literacy rates were so low. Mary was often depicted in blue, Jesus often had a crown of thorns and the tell-tale holes in his hands and feet. It was a way for artists to help people see Jesus. Fortunately, we don't need to visit the art museum to see Jesus, she concludes. Jesus is vis...

This morning, Pastor Michelle reminds us that every journey of faith is different, but we have some things in common. We learn through Jesus actions that mercy triumphs over justice, and one of the ways that happens is through our actions. In the book of James we read "What good is it... if you say you have faith but do not have works?" This is where the idea of "God's Work, Our Hands" comes from...

This morning, Pastor Jonathan laments the fact that, as a society, people are using words to establish superiority. Today's gospel lesson tells us that the same thing has been happening for a long time, as the Pharisees tried to point out that the disciples were not following the rules of cleanliness. Jesus then points out that it's not the cleanliness that matters as much as what is in the discip...

Today's gospel lesson begins with Jesus telling his followers "those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them." The disciples tall him that this teaching is difficult, but Pastor Michelle explain to us what Jesus really means. With these word Jesus is really explaining that he is willingly giving of himself to help others. Living and loving like Jesus means that we should giv...

In this sermon, Pastor Hannah describes how through the Holy Spirit we are able to come to Christ who is the reflection of the Father. The Holy Spirit is the Wisdom of God that allows us to walk a path that is different than the world expects.

This morning, as we celebrate the Ordination of our Pastor of Youth and Family Ministries, MacKenzie Evans shares with us the lessons and memories of the youth gathering in New Orleans.

After feeding the 5,000 last week, Jesus went to Capernaum, and the crowd followed him. Like people today, The people of Jesus time were constantly seeking to be fed, in more ways than one. We are constantly chasing goals like a better job, more money, and other things. But, as Pastor Michelle reminds us, it's easy to overlook the things that give us true happiness in God: coffee with a friend, th...

Today's gospel recounts the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. Pastor Hannah brings the familiar bible story into modern times by sharing three stories heard by those who attended the youth gathering two weeks ago. In each case, God not only provides what is needed, but provides much more than what is needed.