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Speaker: Rev. CJ Valenti

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Written by Faith2014 on .

We continue to celebrate the beauty of Easter with these texts. Paul meets Lydia, a dealer of purple cloth who is praying by the river. As she is welcomed into the Christian life, she reponds with mutal hospitality. In the gospel, Jesus tells his worried disciples that even though he is dying soon, the Holy Spirit- the Advocate will always be with them and God’s peace will never leave them. In these stories, we celebrate the gifts of faith – prayer and hospitality, advocacy and peace.

Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, John 14:23-29 

Good News
Good News
Sixth Sunday of Easter
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Fourth Sunday of Easter

Written by Faith2014 on .

Today Jesus proclaims he is the good shepherd. The shepherd cares for us in ways both subtle and profound. The shepherd is not afraid of suffering or death and they invite us to imagine ourselves in these places as well. The shepherd asks us to face our enemies, even if they may be deep within ourselves. The shepherd also invites us into a practice of abundance so all may flourish.  And so at the invitation of the Good Shepherd, we are invited to trust God’s sustaining presence within each day. May these daily practices unclench our fists, open our wallets and move our hearts to spur forward God’s way of abundant life for all.

Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23, John 10:22-30 

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Good News
Fourth Sunday of Easter
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Third Sunday of Easter

Written by Faith2014 on .

The disciples make a big splash and eat breakfast with the risen Jesus. Wading in the water (remembering baptism) and eating with Jesus (celebrating holy communion) is our weekly encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus asks us again and again: Do you love me? And Jesus invites us, again and again, to follow him, bringing the Easter life to one another.

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 30, John 21:1-19 

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Good News
Third Sunday of Easter
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Second Sunday of Easter

Written by Faith2014 on .

In this second Sunday of Easter, we hold up faith and doubt. Alongside Thomas we too ask for proof that God is real, that life can really conquer death. We can trust God promises to show up in story, song, bread, wine, water, neighbor and perhaps even the humble squirmy earthworm. 

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 96, John 20:19-31 

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Good News
Second Sunday of Easter
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Resurrection of our Lord

Written by Faith2014 on .

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

The tomb is empty- how can this be? May the good news of this story be that no matter how you arrive this Easter morning—whether you are steeped in grief, stunned in disbelief, or running in the direction of hope—resurrection is for you. This story is for you.   

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 118, Luke 24:1-12 

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Good News
Resurrection of our Lord
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Fifth Sunday in Lent

Written by Faith2014 on .

The crowds grumble at Jesus’ self-invitation to stay with Zacchaeus, and their righteous indignation isn’t without cause. As a tax collector, Zacchaeus has extorted money and acted in collusion with the empire, using his position to oppress his own people. It is important to call out oppression, and yet, Jesus offers mercy. That mercy then begets more mercy as Zacchaeus, unprompted, offers to return what he took, and then some. (Sanctified Art, www.sanctifiedart.org)

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 32, Luke 19:1-10 

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Good News
Fifth Sunday in Lent
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Fourth Sunday in Lent

Written by Faith2014 on .

Herding sheep is a never-ending task. As soon as one is found, another may go missing. Our lives have a similar ebb and flow—in one moment we might feel like we have it all together, and in the next, we’re struggling to survive. The promise of this parable is that no matter how “lost” we feel, the Good Shepherd is by our side. (Sanctified Art, www.sanctifiedart.org)

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 23, Luke 15:1-7 

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Fourth Sunday in Lent
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Third Sunday in Lent

Written by Faith2014 on .

The gardener in the vineyard knows the fig tree needs rest, nutrients, and time—and it also needs to produce fruit. Both things are true, which is also true for us. If we are always striving for more growth without taking time to rest, we will burn out. But if we are only ever resting, we won’t bear fruit or grow. The fig tree also teaches us that the in between time—of nurture before fruit—can be where transformation begins. (From Sanctified Art, www.sanctifiedart.org).

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 13, Luke 13:1-9  

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Good News
Third Sunday in Lent
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Second Week in Lent

Written by Faith2014 on .

The story of Mary and Martha is often painted as a story where one does right and one does wrong. We know that life is often more complicated than that. We know that faith is embodied through being present and taking action—and everything in between. Knowing this, like Mary and Martha, let us draw near to God. Let us be honest about our lives, our hopes, and our mistakes. For even in our messy middle, God meets us with grace. (from Sanctified Art, call to confession for Lent 2, www.sanctifiedart.org)

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 84, Luke 10:38-42  

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Second Week in Lent
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First Sunday in Lent

Written by Faith2014 on .

This parable begins and ends with the question, “Who is my neighbor?” and the answer is surprisingly, “the stranger.” The Samaritan, whose place of worship and customs are different from the lawyer who questions Jesus, is both a stranger and a neighbor to the man who was beaten and left in a ditch. In our world, many of our physical neighbors are strangers to us, and many of our neighbors—those closest to us—feel like strangers in divisive climates. If we align our intentions and actions, then maybe we need to reconsider who we label as “stranger,” and ask ourselves if we have acted as good neighbors. – Sanctified Art. Cover image Neighbors by Steve Prince. Ink on Paper.  www.sanctifiedart.org 

Accompanying Scripture:
Psalm 146, Luke 10:25-37  

Good News
Good News
First Sunday in Lent
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