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”
The economics of Jesus are very different from the economics we encounter in the world around us. In the Church, our economics have one foot in the Realm of God and the other in our world. We have to pay in order to keep the lights on and the water flowing but we also use our resources to help people see God's love in action and catch a glimpse of what our world could be if we all loved as God loves us.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation 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”
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 – 17-September-23”
Jesus says we're supposed to forgive wrongs done seventy-times-seven times. In other words, too many times to keep count, so just don't keep count. When we're living up to that standard, the Table, where we gather with those we've forgiven, being forgiven countless times ourselves, can be a place of joy and peace as we celebrate that nothing separates us. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 19a – 17-September-23”
The scripture for today is one of those that show us how the Church is supposed to be run differently than any of the other institutions we come into contact with. Our whole "business" is built around the concept of building community and as highlighted in the scripture, treating others with love and forgiveness.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 19a – 17-September-23”
Jesus speaks to us about restoring broken relationships. That's actually not a bad description of what Church is about. We work on our relationship with God, both individually and as a community. We work on our relationships with each other, so that we can become the beloved community that Jesus began.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 18a – 10-September-23”