Elizabeth, herself pregnant, welcomes Mary and offers Mary a blessing. A blessing of resistance to the powers that be. … Read More →
Joy
A New Space, A New Day – Aug. 8, 2021
Scripture: Psalm 66 This Sunday marked the first time meeting in person since March 2020, and the first time together at Shepherd’s Hall, where we are sharing space with Church of the Good Shepherd in downtown Raleigh. As people who are trying to follow the teachings of Jesus, we don’t have to make the kingdom […]
Joy: God’s Continual Nevertheless – Oct. 11, 2020
Melissa continued our look at the book of Philippians, this week focusing on Phil. 4:1-9. Karl Barth called the joy Paul writes about in this book a “continual defiant ‘Nevertheless!’” In spite of everything, Paul’s joy is a protest against defeat. Where there is joy, death has not yet won. Melissa closed her message with […]
The Glory of the Ordinary – Oct. 27, 2019
Ecclesiastes 8:10-15 The book of Ecclesiastes is a strange book to have in our canon. It’s a pessimistic book that veers into sarcasm, and it has no issue telling you exactly how life is in the world. A book for the frustrated and the cynical. It’s comforting to know that the Bible has room for […]
This is good – March 3, 2019
Melissa hearkened back to her memories of the Westminster Catechism to remind us what our chief purpose is: To glorify God and delight in God forever. (A slight paraphrase.) “I pray wasted time for each of you this week.” Matthew 16:24-17:8 … Read More →