Another mass shooting, another community devasted, another community deeply grieves. Supreme Court decisions that increasingly show not only a lack of care for the oppressed, but also lack of care for the earth itself. The world seems so very heavy … read full post
On this holiday weekend as we celebrate the formation and founding of our country and our independence as a nation, we frequently find ourselves thinking about certain characteristics associated with American identity. Characteristics like individualism, invulnerability, and self-sufficiency are often … read full post
Matters of the Heart Please pray with me aloud or in your heart our Prayer of the Day: Sovereign God, ruler of all hearts, you call us to obey you, and you favor us with true freedom. Keep us faithful … read full post
Grace to you and peace from God our parent, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Happy Pride everyone. Happy Father’s Day to all those who are father figures in people’s lives. And Happy Juneteenth Day. There is a … read full post
When something turns out to be the opposite of what we expect, we face a form of reversal. Reversals are like big reveals because they change our understanding of everything, and our expectations are turned upside down. When … read full post
As I have been watching what is happening in Ukraine, my heart feels ripped apart. Watching such massive suffering, misery and grief ruthlessly and needlessly imposed upon the people of that country, is heart wrenching. The Ukrainian people are so … read full post
There is an increasing focus in our culture on what some call mindfulness. Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are, aware of what we are doing, and not be overly reactive … read full post
Luke 9:28-43; Transfiguration C; 2/27/22 Pastor Ellen Schoepf I love this little story Rev. Dr. Robert Sims shares about a little boy and his wagon. Sims writes: A little boy was riding his wagon along the sidewalk. Suddenly, one of … read full post
Three weeks ago, we heard about Jesus preaching his first sermon in his hometown synagogue. On that day as he addressed the congregation, Jesus claimed these words as his Mission Statement, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because … read full post
When I was young, I did not have a very good sense of self. That poor sense of self led me to make some poor choices in life and it also kept me from making some wise decisions. You see, … read full post