| Jesus tells a troubling story about two men on opposite ends of the rich-poor spectrum but their fortunes are reversed in the next life. Apparently, “love your neighbor” isn’t just about a sentiment: it’s about noticing and meeting others’ needs. Turns out, we get to do God’s work with our wallets, too! |
Accompanying Scripture:
Amos 6 1a: 4-7; Luke 16:19-31
| From the trivial (a grocery list, an old sock) to the devastating (a job, a loved one), we all know the frustration, embarrassment, sorrow, anxiety, etc., of loss. Those are all common to the human experience… and the divine, too. Listen as Pastor Craig explores how does God – and how can we – deal with losing? |
Accompanying Scripture:
Exodus 32: 7-14; Luke 15: 1-10
| We’re trained to calculate from early childhood on. We get very good analyzing costs. Jesus challenges us to spend some time and money considering values. What is a healthy relationship with God, partner, parent, child, friend worth to you in time or money? Listen as Pastor Craig explores the question, “What are the most important things in your life?” |
Accompanying Scripture:
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
| Sometimes two passages of scripture seem to argue with each other. While we’re tempted to resolve tensions like this, it’s often healthier – but harder – to let them both work in our heads and hearts. Listen as Interim Pastor Craig considers two readings from Galatians and 1 Timothy that address gender roles… and illustrate a centuries-long debate. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Galatians 3:23-29; 1 Timothy 2:8-15
| Our challenging text this week is the book of Job. In this book we see Job and his friends struggle with the question of why God permits evil in the world. Hint: It is not because God is mad at you. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Job 1:13-22
| The challenging scripture we are looking at this week is Ezra chapters 9 and 10. Returning from exile brings challenges for everyone and a difficult decision is made about wives of the exiles. Is it surprising or not that not one woman is heard from on the issue? |
Accompanying Scripture:
Ezra 9: 1-4
| This week’s story from the last chapter of Judges forces us to ask whether reprehensible actions are justified when faced with the possibility of extinction. Or is this really all about God not wanting to give the Israelites the king they longed for? |
Accompanying Scripture:
Judges 21:1-7-6
| Sometimes called the Battle Hymn of the Reformation, the hymn we will focus on this week, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, was written by Martin Luther. He is quoted as saying “music is next to theology.” Listen as Pastor Susanne considers what he thought about music in worship and what he might think about the way we worship today. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 150:3-6
| The hymn we are focusing on this week, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” can bring comfort in the times of trouble we all experience. Based in part on Psalm 107, it leads us back to the last line of that Psalm, “Let those who are wise give heed to these things, and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.” |
Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 107
| The song we will focus on this week, “When Peace Like a River” has a refrain of “It is well with my soul.” Listen as Pastor Susanne explores how singing can help our bodies, minds and souls. |
Accompanying Scripture:
1 Corinthians 14:13-15
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