When we talk about the signs of God's presence, as we do when we get into the Advent season, we tend to think about God coming to us in the person of Jesus. However, what most people see of God is how God is represent in us, the Church.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation and Prayer for Advent 1b – 3-December-23”
The Gospel reading for today tells us about recognizing signs of Jesus' coming, but let's turn our attention to signs that Jesus was already here. We stand before this table, which Jesus gave to us to remember him.… Read the rest “Table Meditation and Prayer for Advent 1b – 3-December-23”
There are so many things that this congregation does as a part of our lives of faith together. One of the most important of those is how we treat people in need. That's a bit part of the gospel story for today.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Reign of Christ A – 26-November-23”
The Psalm for today begins with saying, "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth." As we come to the table today, let's consider that we gather not only with the people who are physically together here and now, but with all people who have and will come to the table.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Psalm) for Reign of Christ A – 26-November-23”
Of all the things you can do for God, what do you think is the most important? [Wait for answers]
Those are all good answers, but I think the most important one is doing things to help others.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Reign of Christ A – 26-November-23”
We often think about giving back to God when it comes time to take up the offering, but we don't always think about what is to precede that. In the gospel reading for today, the master commends his servants for taking his money and making more of it before returning it to him.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 28a – 19-November-23”
What are some of the things God has given you? [Wait for answers]
Sure, there are things like our families, life itself, some of us have warm, safe places to live. When we start to think about all of them, God really has given us quite a bit.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 28a – 19-November-23”
As we hear the Parable of the Talents, we should think about how we are faithful in the little things that we are given. As we come to the Table, we are reminded that Jesus was faithful in giving it all, that we might have abundant life. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 28a – 19-November-23”
Have you ever had to wait for something. You know it's going to happen soon. You just don't know when. So you have to wait. It's not easy, is it? [Wait for answers]
Jesus said that waiting for Christ's rule to fully happen is like that.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 27a – 12-November-23”
There's a small phrase, from 1 Corinthians 11:26, at the end of the traditional words of institution at the Table that goes, "you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes again." Like those young women that were called to be ready for the bridegroom's coming, we're supposed to be ready to, no matter how long it takes. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 27A – 12-November-23”