Scripture: Acts 17: 16-31 Paul in Athens is distressed. Movie: 3 Billboards Paul had a message for the people of Athens, a message he wanted them to hear. His message was “while God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent.” Like Paul,
Continue reading
Acts 16: 16-34 Paul and Silas in Prison A woman possessed, and a potential prison break are scenes worthy of the Oscars. However, we will instead use our imaginations and create our own story that demonstrates our commitment to stand up for our faith. May we be moved and inspired
Continue reading
Oscar Movie Series Acts 9:1-19 Movies: “Get Out” and “Call Me By My Name” As Jesus’ disciples came from more diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, his followers had to ask who is in…who is out? We also wonder too and we also can wonder if the invitation to follow this
Continue reading
Oscar Movie Series Movie: Shape of Water John 20: 19-31 Jesus’ disciples had differing experiences of the Risen Christ. Thomas became famous for being the one to say “No Way!” However, we all have times in our journey of faith when we think God’s love it too great to be
Continue reading
Picture taken of butterflies made at the Art Studio at the Community Dinner John 20: 1-18 The Resurrection of Jesus In the end is our beginning. When Mary found the tomb empty and encountered Jesus after his death, her life was turned upside down! Through her tears she found healing
Continue reading
John 12: 12-19 Jesus enters JerusalemJohn 19: 16a-22 Crucifixion of Jesus The great poet Rumi wrote, “The grief you cry out from draws you toward union.” This service begins with the cries of Hosanna, and ends with the cries of Crucifixion. Barbara Brown Taylor, a theologian, has come to realize
Continue reading
Lent 5 John 19: 1-16a One of the most challenging aspects of grief is the anger that arises. Where are you God? How can people be so mean? Why are our structures so unfair? The crowds turned on Jesus to express their anger against injustice. Jesus turned to the Psalms.
Continue reading
Lent FourJohn 18: 28-40 Today we continue to ponder the grief and suffering that are central parts of Jesus’ ministry, his disciples’ lives and our lives as his followers. Grief often begins with numbness and shock. They can be either gifts or thieves. Why do we need time in shock?
Continue reading
Taken by Rev. Karen Bridges John 18: 12-27 The trial for Jesus Denial and bargaining are defense mechanisms that help us to deal with our feelings of shock, fear, loss, helplessness and vulnerability. Every human will react differently in a crisis situation. For Peter, a disciple of Jesus, he is
Continue reading
A disturbing trend has emerged in regards to death and how we deal with it — or not deal with it as the case may be. Time and time again I find myself faced with a grieving family, who proceed to inform me that the deceased did not wish to
Continue reading