Speaker: Rev. CJ Valenti

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…

Persistence works out! At least that what the readings suggest- keep asking, don’t give up, even one person is worth saving. As God persistently loves us, in prayer we too can be persistent, asking and wondering and dreaming and pleading for all we need. Accompanying Scripture:Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23 , Psalm 48, Luke 12:13-21 

Persistence works out! At least that what the readings suggest- keep asking, don’t give up, even one person is worth saving. As God persistently loves us, in prayer we too can be persistent, asking and wondering and dreaming and pleading for all we need. Accompanying Scripture:Genesis 18: 20-32, Psalm 138, Luke 11:1-13 

Perhaps the church, at its best, is “all ears.” God urges the faithful, again and again, to “listen up!”—to heed the word that gives life. So it was with Abraham and Sarah as well as Mary and Martha. So it is for Sunday as we join the assembly to hear the word of God, the…

In this week’s gospel Jesus has seventy followers close enough that he trusts them to be sent out in pairs to heal the sick and announce that God has come near. Seventy trusted preachers. Thirty-five pairs of preachers telling the good news of God in word and deed. Consider the assignment Jesus gives to the ones…

This week’s passages are difficult. They show how much God is demanding of those who wish to follow. Those called are asked to give everything. No wonder there is resistance. Yet, they also remind us that the Spirit will support our work and, in turn, give us everything to enable us to answer the call.…

In this week’s readings the risen Christ ascends into heaven and his followers are assured that the Spirit will empower them to be witnesses throughout the earth. The disciples are told to not gaze up into heaven to look for Jesus (Acts 1:11); we find Jesus’ presence among us as we proclaim the word and…