Using the Joseph story, Melisa shows that joining the dominant culture is not always a good idea.
Category Archives: Audio
Tricked into Conversion – Aug. 13, 2017
Rachel spoke from Genesis 38, a passage not included in the lectionary readings and rarely included in sermons. It’s a difficult passage for us, particularly to understand in our current age.
While Tamar’s actions seem strange to us, you could say she was engaging in nonviolent direct action. Tamar took risks, exposed wrongs, invited repentance, changed hearts and bore new life.
This story shows us that even when it seems we have no options, even when it seems that injustice and inaction will win, we are invited to find a way to subvert the system itself.
How have you been tricked into being more righteous?
Joy’s Sermon – July 30, 2017
Joy’s texts were Romans 8:26-39 and Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Jacob’s Ladder – July 23, 2017
Using Genesis 28:10-19a , Melissa talks about Jacob’s and our wrestling with God.
A Divine Comedy – July 9, 2017
Hans preached from the lectionary passages of Psalm 45:11-16, Song of Solomon 2:8-13 and Zechariah 9:9-11, as well as many other passages, on the marriage of God and God’s people. It’s a covenant, not a contract!
Being Considered the Enemy – June 25, 2017
Before Joy spoke from Jeremiah 20:7-13 and Matthew 10:24-39, the poem “Say Yes” by Andrea Gibson was read by Luz, Alyssa and Red.
Jeremiah named his enemies as his friends even while still proclaiming the violence and destruction around him. Jesus understood he had enemies who would call him and his followers names and plot against him.
But that’s the opportunity for transformation. To reflect about why we’re seen as the enemy to others.
Can we one day name our enemies as friends?
While we were still sinners – June 18, 2017
Melissa spoke from Psalm 100 and Romans 5:1-8. God doesn’t change God’s mind about you; you change your mind about God. Sin is pernicious because it warps this most central part of the Christian life – it warps our image of God. Sin turns God into a judge, standing in judgment over us, waiting to pounce on our wrong decisions. If you have rejected that God then you are exactly where God wants you to be.
You don’t come to confession to have your sins forgiven; you come to celebrate that your sins are forgiven. The grace we receive is unexpected and unearned.
Trinity Sunday – June 11, 2017
The recording for this Sunday’s sermon had some noise issues, so we’re not able to post it. However, you can read Melissa’s transcript for her sermon based on the creation account. Before the message Hans read James Weldon Johnson’s poem The Creation and Angel read from Genesis 1:24-28. Melissa referred to Brian Doyle’s story, also an interesting read.
But You will see Me – May 28, 5017
Using Luke 24:44-53 , “The Slip” , a Poem by Wendell Berry , Acts 1:1-11, and Ascension” by Kathleen Norris, Melissa shows how there is a lot of saying “Goodbye” in scripture and in life, as much as there are welcomings.
The Miracle of Being Jesus’ Body – May 21, 2017
Prior to the message, Anali read St Teresa of Avila’s poem, Christ Has No Body. Melissa then spoke from John 14:1-21, where Jesus was preparing his disciples to physically be away from them, but promised to continue to show them the way. It confuses the disciples. Christ lived on through his disciples and he lives on today through us.
On this Covenant Sunday, we take time to share how we’ve seen Jesus in each other, how we’ve been the church, together. Part of the message included an opportunity for us to share stories of how this church has been the hands, feet, eyes and ears of Jesus for each other. Because some of stories shared were personal in nature, the full recording is not publicly available.
For regular attenders who would like to hear the stories, reach out to Stan and he can share the rest of the message with you.
God’s Mercy and Ours – May 14, 2017
Using the example of the deacon Stephen as narrated in Acts 6: 1-8 and 7: 55-60, Melissa talks about his example of humility and mercy. There is a pause before the sermon starts.
What produces the greatest love? – May 7, 2017
Melissa spoke today on the joys and difficulties of “being church” together, based on Acts 2:42-47. Sharing our lives together can be messy, as well as life-giving. It’s only possible because the winds of the Holy Spirit move among us. What will expose the bonds of love?
We know him in the breaking of the bread – April 30, 2017
Using the story of the men on the road to Emmaus, from Luke 24: 13-35, Hugh relates how some of his experiences with people without homes, have shown him aspects of Christ that we might might not otherwise take note of.
Holy Humor: An Affront to this World’s Powers – April 23, 2017
Melissa provides the context for the Sunday after Easter being resurrected 😉 as a chance to celebrate–with jokes, humor and laughter–the wonderful, life changing news of Christ’s resurrection. Easter is a triumph of Jesus over sin and death; a trick on the devil. Colossians 2:8-15
He is not here. He is risen! – April 16, 2017
Using John 20:1-18, Melissa talks about the surprise that the women experienced when they went to the tomb, looking for the corpse of Jesus, and what that surprise meant for them and for us.