a sermon on Acts 4: 32-35 Acts is generally a story of early heroes of the Christian Church: Peter, of course, and Paul. Stephen in his martyrdom, Barnabbas and Silas in their assistance, Dorcas in her charity, Lydia in her belief and her sponsorship. But before we get to the superheroes, we get a glimpse of the everyday people: “and … [Read more...]
Stick It Out
April 7, 2021
An Easter sermon on John 20: 1-18 The whole story today is a bit like a big cosmic game of “Where’s Jesus?” From the time Mary Magdalene and the other women arrived at the tomb that morning and found it empty, the whole cast of characters (angels exempted, of course) were asking the question, “Where’s Jesus?” Through the whole story Mary is … [Read more...]
Dying
March 25, 2021
A sermon on John 12: 20-33 In today’s scripture I could not escape the notion that God was sharing this scripture for one line: “Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” I knew going into Holy week starting next Sunday we might need … [Read more...]
Salvation
March 25, 2021
A sermon on John 3: 14-21 John 3: 16 “For God so loved the world” may be the most famous passage in Scripture. And as much as I need to know that God loves not just me, but the whole world; and as much as it is a joy to know that Jesus brings eternal life – I can’t help but be a John 3:17 kind of Christian instead. “Indeed, God … [Read more...]
Holy Week at WPC
March 25, 2021
Thursday and Friday Zoom Services Link: Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85340209908?pwd=WnRQbUZWaE1JclM2SmVXY0NFNWMzZz09 Meeting ID: 853 4020 9908 Passcode: 0000 Dial by your location: +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Thursday, April 1 @ 5:30 pm: Maundy Thursday – we will look at the events of Jesus’ … [Read more...]
Holy Week Walking Meditation
March 25, 2021
In the early days of Holy Week, you are invited to participate in a walking meditation as many times as works for you. These walks can be a great time to “find” items for making crosses later in the week. The Lenten Kits included a hard copy of this prayer, but here it is again for easy access: A Holy Week Walking Meditation We … [Read more...]
Zeal
March 11, 2021
a sermon on John 2: 13-22 The fact is, money is important. I may not like it. I may work to better manage it so it’s more equalizing. I may shake my fist at the blatant acts of greed and dishonesty around it in this country. But when I was applying to my earliest jobs in non-profit fundraising my cover letter always … [Read more...]
Denial
March 2, 2021
A sermon from Mark 8: 31-38 I think most of us, most of the time are o.k. with a faith that doesn’t ask anything of us, or maybe asks us to stretch a little one way or the other – but not too much. After almost a year of COVID and crazy politics, and general weirdness in the world, we’d like an easier Scripture passage for February 28, … [Read more...]
Temptation
February 23, 2021
A sermon on Mark 1: 12-13 "Jesus walked that Lonesome Valley – He had to walk it by himself, Oh nobody else, could walk it for him – he had to walk it by himself." I love this song despite its melancholy story – we’ve been in that place of loneliness, knowing that we’re carrying it all by ourselves. For some that’s how this past year has … [Read more...]
