This Sunday we celebrate the bright and beautiful creation we are a part of and live with on a daily basis. We remember all of creation matters, even the mosquito. We recommit ourselves to be a careful steward and together with God, we build a hopeful future where all thrive.
Accompanying Scripture:
Romans 8:18-25, Psalm 96, Mark 16: 9-15
Throughout scripture, mountains are a sign of God’s majesty and power. From these high vantage points, we feel in the tingling sensations of our toes how high up we are and how small humanity truly is. This Sunday we give thanks for a different perspective and renew our call to care for all things great and small.
Accompanying Scripture:
Exodus 3:1-12, Psalm 148, Mark 9:2-10
From the rising to the setting sun, we mark our days by the sky. Throughout scripture the sky indicates God’s majesty, power, vibrant color and awe inspiring power. We also know how important it is to care for the sky, for without its health we become sick. Breath is life. Life is breath. This Sunday we are reminded of God’s constant presence in the dark, in the light, in the wind, in each breath we take.
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 19, Mark 16:1-8
Our Season of Creation this year begins with humanity. Today we remember that we as humans are not separate from creation, but an integral part of this delicate web of life God has lovingly and painstakingly created. Jesus asks us to consider whether we as humans are placed here to lord over or partner with?
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 2:4-15, Mark 10:35-45
We know God shows no partiality and yet Jesus at first does not want to help this family because they are not Jewish. Even Jesus has grumpy days and needs to be able to listen with compassion. We too are given permission to be human, have grumpy days and in the end remember – compassion and empathy can win every time. (Please note, the first few minutes of Pastor CJ’s sermon were unfortunately not recorded due to technical issues.)
Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 146, James 2:1-10, Mark 7:24-37
Faith and religious practice have lost their center in this week’s readings. Quoting Isaiah, Jesus calls into question “This people” that “honors me with their lips” but whose “hearts are far from me” (Mark 7:6). Some in the religious community have begun focusing on surface matters (the washing of hands, what one eats, the traditions of the elders) and have forgotten the core. What really matters is how one’s faith is expressed in mercy, in words and actions that build up rather than tear down the neighbor.
Accompanying Scripture:
Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-9, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8,14-23
“This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” Jesus’ teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood isn’t something we can figure out and accept on our own. The good news of Jesus is too radical, unsettling, and illogical for us to accept. In this last week exploring Jesus as our Bread of life, we embrace the surprising gift of the Holy Spirit despite our doubts and confess alongside Peter, “O Jesus, you have the words of eternal life.”
Accompanying Scripture:
Ephesians 6:10-20 Psalm 34:15-22, John 6:56-69
“Come and dine,” Lady Wisdom beckons to us. “The table is set and there is a place for you.” Jesus echoes this invitation by saying he is the living bread for us to eat. This is a free party and all are welcome. So what is stopping you?
Accompanying Scripture:
Proverbs 9:1-6, Psalm 34:9-14, John 6:51-58
Jesus expands on this imagery of bread to be bigger than feeding us one meal. Jesus is the bread of life for today, tomorrow and forever. Regular bread can sustain us for a little while, as well as be a wonderful comfort to us. But the bread that Jesus is talking about is the sustenance we need for eternal life.
Accompanying Scripture:
1 Kings 19:4-8, Psalm 34:1-8, John 6:35, 41-51
After feasting on bread and fish, Jesus retreats and the crowd follows. As their stomachs begin to grumble again, they ask Jesus for a sign. Is he the one they have been waiting for. . .he may have fed them once but will he be able to support them for a lifetime? Jesus responds I am the bread of life. Just as God provides manna in the wilderness, Jesus promises to give us what we need for each day and more.
Accompanying Scripture:
Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15, Psalm 78:23-29, John 6:24-35
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