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 – 04-October-26”
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 – 4-October-26”
Jesus' issue with those particular Pharisees was that they were good at doing certain forms of righteousness, but they failed to see the bigger picture, that of God's Realm coming into being because of acts of mercy and kindness.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 21 – 27-September-26”
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 – 27-September-26”
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 – 27-September-26”
In the story of the workers in the vineyard, everyone it taken care of. It's not an equitable system. It's a system that makes sure each one has enough. It's a story to show how the grace of God works.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 20a – 20-September-26”
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 – 20-September-26”
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 – 20-September-26”
Loving others can be a bit difficult. Sure, it's easy to say that loving others is wanting what is best for them but figuring out how that works out in each one's life can be difficult and most human beings aren't that good at foreseeing all the consequences.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 19a – 13-September-26”
Remember last week when we talked about what you would do if someone did something that hurt you badly? Today I want to talk to you about forgiving them. Do you think you could do that? [Wait for answers]
Yes, I think it would be quite hard to do that.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 19a – 13-September-26”