Checking our ancestral DNA The Reformation: Background of Congregationalism 500 Years Ago – Oct. 31, 1517 Martin Luther’s 95 Theses Three Streams of Reformation: German – Luther Swiss – Zwingli & Calvin English – King Henry (1521 Defender, 1534 Supremacy) Origins of Congregationalism Puritans Purify the Church of England of “papist innovations.” Presbyterians – elected…
Who We Are: Our Biblical Roots Ever Struggle to Explain what Congregationalism is? What’s in the tote? District Video Conference I was asked, “Aren’t they kind of different?” Understanding where we came from, what we believe & Who We Are Where Two or Three are Gathered Matthew 18:18-20 The Presence of Christ, not government authority…
World Communion Sunday – Solidarity/Healing A Handmade Palestinian Christian Cross Picked specifically for me at my ordination Solidarity with an overlooked & misunderstood people Reminded of World Communion Sunday, Solidarity w/Global Church A World in Dire Need of Reconciliation Listening and Understanding seem to be out of style Division and Hatred and Selfishness abounds Take…
Of Toddlers & Sharing Have you ever watched toddlers sharing what they have with other kids We Misunderstand the Infinite Nature of God’s Love Both of our Readings today, from Jonah & Matthew reveal this. Old Testament God vs. New Testament God That Crimson Thread of God’s Love throughout Scripture Jonah, a Jew, struggles with…
Forgiveness (Matt 18:21-35) This is getting Personal A personal story of forgiveness What’s the hardest thing YOU’VE ever had to forgive? What’s the hardest thing YOU’VE ever had to be forgiven? Forgiveness is Hard! What does Forgiveness mean? The struggle between justice & mercy Setting things right requires getting all the information, Forgiving someone requires…
Welcome Back Annual Come Together Sunday Tradition The realities of summer life of the church in Michigan When climate seasons match our community seasons Love It When A Plan Comes Together Summer series on Child of Love – Romans 12-13 is a Summary Liturgical Readings Planned Ahead & Landing Where We Are! Reminded of God’s…
Child of Love: Family Traditions Families have traditions they carry from generation to generation; traditions that reflect who they are & that shape who they are. A couple from my own family: Free Comic Book Day is greatly anticipated by our family. As a kid; Friday night hockey games & my favorite seats. What are…
Remember Who You Belong To The Faithfulness of God’s Faithfulness – Homeless Anniversary This month is the one year anniversary of our being jobless/homeless I resigned my pastorates at two churches in E. Michigan Megan resigned her directorship at a meaningful ministry/job We had no direction or plan besides “Not This”. Pausing to remember…
Child of Love; In The Face Of Fear & Hate Isaiah & Jesus Speaking about Eunuchs & Sewers? It’s not often that we get to hear about eunuchs and bodily functions connected to sewers, let alone both in the same week! Considering the whole word of God will do that too you sometimes –…
A. We have a problem today. A paradox, perhaps. I was going to talk about: a. Family likeness: If we’re God’s children, shouldn’t we know Abba? i. But our country/our own faith tribe seems torn in identity crisis 1. Today we are celebrating with an outdoor service & picnic 2. And yet we are grieving…