Matthew 25:1-13

The hope and joy of the kingdom of God is like brisket: it’s never fast enough, never on our timetable, and always a little delayed. The Church and ministry are like that, too. None of it is like an Easy Bake Oven or an instapot; it takes time.

Matthew 12:1-14

Here we are, still having a two-thousand year old argument, still tempted to hold others up to the measuring stick of our own sense of faith. But if suspend our judgment, what might we learn from others’ supposedly-wayward faithfulness?

Luke 9:28-36

For men who often lack friendships and emotional intimacy with others, it is extremely uncomfortable to chart a path toward a connection and belonging to others in Christ. But singing together—like times in Scouting and even military service—provides a ritual that moves us toward connection.

Luke 13:31-35

Singing itself might change us. After all, God’s people have sung for thousands of years. It’s a spiritual discipline that at face value seems superficial, but if we trust the Spirit’s work, it will shape this church and our lives.

Luke 4:1-13

Jesus is coming of age in this passage. In this wilderness—like the wildernesses every humanity walks in adolescence—Jesus is on a pilgrimage to his ministry. He was baptized; now comes time for his confirmation as the son of God.

John 1:1-5, 10-14

We start Lent with the joy and hope of sticking around, praying that we might catch a better glimpse of that light of God in our midst.