Sunday Teachings - Sanctuary Community Church

1/11/26 Adey looks at the story of Samuel and how it resonates with life today, especially as we seek to hear from God.

1/4/26 Tom extends the Christmas season by looking at Mary's song after the announcement of Jesus' birth. Her confidence and certainty of God's work leads to hope and joy.

12/21/25 Adey looks at the angel's visit to Mary and the meaningful interaction between Mary and Elizabeth that follows.

12/14/25 David compares Christmas joy to a hidden track on a 90s CD.

12/7/25 Tom reflects on the pattern of annunciation narratives in the Bible and the invitation to non-competetive blessing and flourishing.

11/30/25 Adey kicks off Advent with a message of hope, centered on where God has anointed us and empowered us to bring good news.

11/23/25 David borrows from the new book Reading the Bible on Turtle Island by Sanctuary member Chris Hoklotubbe. David looks at how the book invites an openness to the gifts and spiritual practices of indigenous traditions because many reflect the Bible's portrayal of spiritual experiences. For example, in the Transfiguration story, Jesus experiences the presence of his ancestors (Moses and Elija...

11/16/25 Tom explores some of the origins of the Hebrew language and its implications for the Bible and our interpretations today.

11/9/25 James Tutson preaches on how we can use our imagination to connect with God. James invites us to ask, "What if God is more generous than that?"

11/2/25 Adey asks how flexible and changeable our image of God is.

10/26/25 David celebrates Halloween by reading Ghosts in the House! by Kazuno Kohara and then diving into a Cain's genealogy from Genesis 4. Shout out to Internal Family Systems.

10/19/25 Tom offers a bold alternate interpretation to the parable of the prodigal son.

10/12/25 This Sunday we spotlight HANDS ON FAITH, and Adey looks at how each person has something unique and specific to contribute to the cause of justice.

10/5/25 David dispels some Bible interpretation errors related to the second coming of Jesus and then examines the diverse and contradictory images in the Bible regarding the afterlife.

9/28/25 Tom wades through the surprising parables of Luke 15.

9/21/25 Adey reflects on the story of Jesus talking to a woman at a well in John 4.

9/14/25 Tom reinterprets Jesus' list of blessings.

9/7/25 David looks at Psalm 104 and its theme of God as God of all creatures. The book An Immense World by Ed Yong provided some inspiration for this message.

8/31/25 Tom examines Jesus' surprising statement, "Whoever is not against me is for me."

8/24/25 Adey looks at the cost of not being ourselves.

8/17/25 David explores a powerful moment of Jesus' compassion, an example of attunement.

8/10/25 Tom reflects on the difference between Jesus' mission and the usual goals of religion.

8/3/25 Adey explores one of the primary lessons of Ecclesiastes: live in the present and enjoy the now.

7/27/25 David looks to the story of King Solomon and the building of the Temple for inspiration on navigating the tricky tensions concerning money and wealth.

7/20/25 Tom looks at the distinction between "sin" and "scandal" and its implications for today.