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”
Isn't it amazing that, even in the midst of talking about what to do with difficult people, Jesus never loses sight of the open arms of God's welcome? His focus is not on how to punish someone who has wronged another, but on how to restore them. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 18a – 10-September-23”
What do you do when someone does something you don't like -- something that makes you feel bad? [Allow for answers]
Jesus said, that when someone does something that hurts you, that you should go and talk with them and tell them about it.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 18a – 10-September-23”
Jesus showed the truth of his own words, "those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." So, at the Table, as you meet our Host, who laid down his life that we might have life with God, let's recommit ourselves to laying down all that stands in the way of our life with God. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 17 – 3-September-23”
Jesus stated the paradox, "those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." There's another one very like it: "We gain a lot from giving away."… Read the rest “Offering Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 17 – 3-September-23”
I have a riddle for you today. What gets bigger when you take away from it? [Allow time for guesses]
The answer is a hole. Most riddles are like that. There's a kind of a trick to finding the answer.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 17a – 3-September-23”