Do you know what kinds of food are good for you and what kinds of food aren't as good?. [Let them talk about that for a little]
In Jesus' time people were also concerned about eating right.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 15a – 16-August-26”
When the storms of life rage around us, there is nothing quite like the assurance that God is with us in the storm.
But even as I say that I know that most of us would like some concrete help as we deal with the crises at hand.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 14a – 9-August-26”
There are times when I wish for big miracles, like walking on water and calming the storm. But, most of the time, I'm looking for "smaller miracles," like God calming the chaos in my life and in my mind or just walking through the next day. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 14a – 9-August-26”
How many of you know how to swim? [Wait for answers] How do you swim? What do you do when you're swimming? [wait again] So, you're mostly in the water and laying down, moving your arms and legs to stay above the surface, right?… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 14a – 9-August-26”
There are lots of ways to interpret the story of Jesus feeding 5000 men (plus women and children.) However you interpret the story, one thing is clear: When the people of God are gathered together, no one gets left out.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 13a – 2-Aug-26”
Have you ever been at a party for a whole lot of people? [Wait for answers] Maybe it was a wedding reception for someone in your family or maybe it was a family reunion. How many people were there?… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Proper 13a – 2-Aug-26”
When Jesus fed the 5000, it was the bread and fishes that were multiplied by God's abundant grace to meet the needs of the people who had gathered around. At the Table, God's abundant grace also fills us...… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 13a – 2-Aug-26”
Jesus talks a lot about hidden treasures in the passages for today, things of surprising value concealed so they aren't obvious. I think the spiritual practice of giving an offering is like that. On the surface, it's part of supporting the Church and the work of God in our world.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 12a – 26-July-26”
Parables, at least the way Jesus told them, are not fables. There isn't a moral to these stories. It goes far deeper than that. Jesus isn't simply telling us to be wheat and not tares; to be mustard seeds or leaven or hidden treasure. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 12a – 26-July-26”
Have you ever watched bread being made? [Wait for answers]
One of the neat things about making bread is when you add yeast to the dough, there is a reaction the spreads throughout the dough and it "rises," it grows.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Proper 12a – 26-Jul-26”