(This was my sermon from Sunday’s Gun Violence Sabbath. – Scott) Erbie Bowser was a school teacher who worked with special education students. He was an imposing figure at 6-foot 7-inches and 335 pounds, but was described as a “gentle giant” by those who knew him. He liked to have fun, entertaining crowds before Mavericks games with the a dance …
Reasoning from Above
This Sunday, Church in the Cliff is proud to participate in the Gun Violence Sabbath Weekend, in partnership with the Washington National Cathedral and Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence. In preparation, I’ve been looking at a lot of statistics. It’s upsetting. I remember the day of Sandy Hook. I was in California for Lisa’s company holiday party. We were …
Into the Wilderness
Jesus’ baptism was a spectacular event. The heavens open and the Spirit of God in the form of a dove lands on Jesus’ shoulder. Then a voice from the sky says: “This is my child, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” It is an unquestionable validation of who Jesus was. So he leaves. The Synoptic Gospels say that …
Leaving Galilee
On my trip to the Holy Land, the first week was idyllic. We began in Galilee in a hotel perched on a hillside overlooking the sea. Each morning when we awoke and each night before we turned in, we were treated to a feast from the bounty of the land. If I imagine God’s feast table in heaven, this is …
Specific, Indiscriminate Love (Genny’s Farewell)
We are packing up. I’m pretending that we aren’t really leaving, or that this will all be a fantastic adventure, or that this week is just a really fun one in which I get to go to lots of parties and see lots of friends (and since I’m pretty introverted, this is some exhausting fun, though so worth it). In …
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 …