Sermons

In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. In holy communion God forgives the sins of all the saints. In worship today we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labors rest.” In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hear and lean into the wholeness of the […]

The theme in our texts for this week is don’t give up. Jacob wrestles with his broken relationship with his brother and ends up wrestling God. Jesus describes a parable where a widow wrestles with injustice and faces a grumpy judge. In faith we too are invited to be persistent, be honest, ask questions and […]

Today is a day of unexpected blessings, surprising signs of how God is active and alive and present in our world and in our lives in the most unlikely of places. Naaman, a commander and mighty warrior and enemy of Israel, suffers from leprosy and is offered healing through disappointing ordinary means. Also afflicted with […]

Life in a metropolitan area often lacks green space.  We do not have to travel far to see God’s creation.  We have parks, rivers, forests, zoos and animal rescues in the DC area and some just a short drive away.  An invitation this week is to take time out of our busy schedules to rest […]

The story of the rich man and Lazarus infamously and painfully reminds us of the uncomfortable truth that money will not earn us salvation and God deeply cares for the poor. In worship all are welcome, all are loved. As God continues to love all of who we are, we are invited to do the […]

Experiencing God’s love in a chaotic world may seem impossible. We are often reminded in scripture that God’s love never fails and God’s most precious gift was Jesus. Jesus invited everyone to the table without condition. As Jesus invites us to the table, let us open our tables to others without conditions. Accompanying Scripture:Amos 8:4-7, […]

Jesus finds us when we are lost. This week we hear the powerful reminder of the lost sheep and the lost coin and the party that follows. Each Sunday this party full of ‘sweet tunes’ is for us all. As we foster good party vibes, we humbly are reminded that we too were once lost and […]

There is nothing like finding a place where you feel like you are at home. A little kindness, someone making the extra effort for you- it all ends up feeling like a special gift. This is especially true at church- some extra touches and careful intention can make people feel welcomed and valued. For the […]

Invited and inviting—that is the nature of the church. By God’s grace we have a place at Christ’s banquet. Accompanying Scripture:Proverbs 25: 6-7a, Psalm 112, Luke 14: 1, 7-14  

How often do we miss the point and argue over the details. Today’s stories are a reminder to focus on what matters. Stop pointing the finger. Stop putting rules over people’s well being. As we let go of our grip, our gardens flourish and we become partners with God to repair the breach. Accompanying Scripture:Isaiah […]