Words of Welcome

2 Samuel 23:1-7 We usually begin the church year singing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and ransom captive, Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear.” The season of Advent begins by remembering Israel’s exile. We do so in the hope that Emmanuel, the one whose name means “God is with us,” will usher in the reign of God. Then the “Desire of nations” will “bind all peoples in one heart and mind; bid envy, strife and quarrels cease; [filling] the whole world with heaven’s peace.” [ CH 119]. The journey that begins in Advent concludes this morning with Christ the King Sunday, and we’ll close out this journey by singing  “Rejoice, the Lord is King! The risen Christ adore! Rejoice, give thanks, and sing, and triumph evermore.” [ CH 699] The title “Christ the King Sunday” is rooted in an earlier time when monarchies were the most prominent form of earthly government. Things have changed over time, but the concept of monarchy is still present in o

Hebrews 10:11-14, 19-25 Why do we gather together in this space each Sunday morning? Is it because we all agree when it comes to theology, politics, or even music styles? Although church growth theory tells us that churches grow better when everyone looks the same, thinks the same, believes the same, and acts the same, is that really the church of Jesus Christ? Or is that a social club with a religious veneer? In my experience, both as a participant and as an observer, I’ve discovered that the church can be one of the most unique places in society. Where else do people gather across generations, as well as gender, political, socioeconomic, and educational lines on a weekly basis? It’s never been easy. Just read Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and the Galatians; or 1 John and the letter of James. While we still have a ways to go before we fully embody Jesus’ vision for the church, sameness can’t be the reason we come together or stay together. So, what is the glue th

Micah 1:3-5; 5:2-5a; 6:6-8 What shall we bring? This is the question that guides our stewardship season for this year. Over the past few weeks we’ve heard a word from Joshua, asking us whom we will serve. It’s a good question, because there are many claimants to our allegiance. We just had an election that asked us to commit to particular candidates, parties, and platforms. I believe in voting, but I also believe we owe first allegiance to God. That’s the way Joshua answered his own question. He declared: “as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15 ). We’ve heard Jesus tell his followers to be salt and light. So, don’t let your salt lose its flavor and don’t hide your light under a bushel. ( Mt. 5:13-16 ). Just remember that song we learned as children: “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” 

Matthew 5:13-16 Our stewardship theme this year asks the question: What Shall We Bring? The sermon text for next Sunday is Micah 6:8, which asks this very question: “What does the Lord require?” As we think about these questions, I can share this word from the introductory material that guides our season:   “Stewardship is about more than money. It is a whole life response to the abundant generosity of God.”  Of course, money is part of the equation, but stewardship is about more than that, as we see in today’s scripture. The word of the Lord for us today comes from the Gospel of Matthew.  Jesus is sitting on a hillside, somewhere in Galilee. He’s delivering what we call the Sermon on the Mount. When we hear these words about Salt and Light, it’s good to know that Jesus has just finished revealing the Beatitudes. He tells the people what it means to be blessed. There are different blessings accorded to different kinds of people, ranging from the poor to the peacemakers.