The Power of Being Yourself

This is a special week because we are joined by Rev. Robin Lunn, Executive Director of the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, an organization committed to the full inclusion of LGBTQ people in the life of the church.  We are privileged to be a part of AWAB and privileged to have Robin join us.  Once again, the lectionary provides …

The Kingdom

I’m back.  I have been to the mountain top.  Several, in fact.  I’m having trouble explaining my experience in the Holy Land, but I do feel different: clear, motivated, impatient.  Don’t take this the wrong way, but I feel like Matthew’s Jesus.  Not in perfection or divinity, certainly, but in his absolute confidence that the world of God’s dreams was …

The Meaning of Baptism (Plus: Location Change!)

Note that this Sunday Kidd Springs Rec Center is closed for some maintenance, so we are relocating for the week.  Fred and Ashley have graciously offered their home, 410 E. 5th Street on the South side of Lake Cliff Park, for our Sunday service.  Next week, we will return to Kidd Springs. I have a terrible memory, but I remember …

Epiphany

This coming week marks the end of Christmastide, which culminates in Epiphany on Monday. In Advent, we anticipated the coming of the Incarnation, the Anointed One of God, who will make everything new and set everything right. There is a great mystery in Advent, wonder and awe at what might be. Then the baby is born. As many new parents …

Looking for Love

What happens when life doesn’t sync up with the seasons? When our world seems filled with joyful laughter and shiny things, and we just don’t feel shiny? Is it possible that the holy can be found both within the holiday mirth, and also within struggle? We are nearing the final week of Advent. Advent is a season of longing, of …

Stir Up, We Beseech Thee

When I was semi-serious about marathon running, it was all-consuming. Running up to 70 miles in a week takes a lot of time. But it’s not just the running itself. Running told me what to eat. Running told me when to sleep and how much. Running told me what to do at night. Running organized my life; it was the …

Signs of the Times

Those who know me know I love a good apocalypse.  That means this is my favorite time of the liturgical year.  As we slide into Advent, the lectionary turns to signs and warnings of the inevitable end.  Not really what we have come to expect as retailers have for weeks told us it is Christmas time.  As much as we …

All Saints, All Souls

The fun and frolic of Halloween is over for the year, with empty candy wrappers and well-worn costumes set aside as evidence of the revelry. Our friend Stephanie Wyatt used to remind me that when changes are happening and people are scared, we like to throw parties.  It’s a way of trying to embrace the mystery rather than run from …