At the end of Paul's comments in Philippians 4 for today, he says, "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Epistle) for Proper 23a – 15-October-23”
What would you do if you were able to have a big party for your birthday, you invited all your friends, and every one of them came up with some excuse for not coming. How would that make you feel?… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 23a – 15-October-23”
In the story for today, Jesus talks about people who selfishly try to keep the blessings and love of God to themselves. That's the one thing we can't afford to do as the church.
There are a lot of things going on in the church, but all of them have one thing in common: They're all ways that we demonstrate the love of God, freely given to all people.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 22a – 8-October-23”
Suppose you had a friend who you got something just perfect for their birthday. You watched them open the present. You watch them jump up and down and you saw a smile that covered their entire face. But then something really odd happened.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 22a – 08-October-23”
In the parable, Jesus reminds us that there are people who will reject his message of God's love. The thing is, that we all do that, at various times and in various ways. We're all sinners here at this table, make no mistake. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 22a – 8-October-23”
How does it feel when you get asked a hard question? [Wait for answers]
Have you ever been asked a question when you knew the person wasn't really interested in your answer and just wanted to catch you saying something wrong?… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 21a – 1-October-23”
As has been said, the problem with the Pharisees was not that they weren't trying to do good. It was that they were also limiting who was seen to be worthy of the good works they did and who was welcome in worship and the life of their faith community.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 21 – 1-October-23”
In the gospel story for today, the problem with those particular Pharisees was not their righteousness, but their focus on acting as door-keepers to the realm of God. For them, it was all about who was in and who was out. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 21 – 1-October-23”
Have you ever had to stand in line for something? Maybe it was a ride or an ice cream cone or some other treat. It's no fun to wait, is it? [Wait for answers]
Wouldn't it be nice if you could just go to the front of the line?… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 20a – 24-September-23”
In his parable, Jesus tells us that all workers in the vineyard would be given an equal measure. Some of the workers were disappointed that they didn't receive a greater measure. As we gather around this Table, let it not be so with us. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 20a – 24-September-23”