As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, today’s gospel includes Jesus’ promise that he goes to prepare a place for his followers in his Father’s house. Our baptism commissions us to share Jesus’ mission in the world. … read full post
An Abundant Life Abundant life is promised to those who follow Jesus. But what is meant by abundant life? Some Christians, and much of contemporary American culture, interpret an abundant life to mean the “good life” of many fine things, … read full post
Change of Heart The people who hear Peter’s testimony and preaching are cut to the heart. The writer of 1 Peter instructs believers to love deeply from the heart. The disciples who encounter the risen Christ notice afterward that their … read full post
The Service of Tenebrae has a rich tradition in the church dating back to the eight century. Tenebrae is a word derived from Latin meaning “darkness.” Through word and music, this service dramatizes the suffering, death, and burial of Jesus … read full post
The Hope of New Life Hope overcomes despair for God’s people: this is the message of the readings for today. The hope of new life is evident in the story of “dry bones” from Ezekiel. The children of Israel declare … read full post
God’s Eyes Are Not Our Eyes One heresy in the early church was called Donatism. The Donatists held that the sacraments were only efficacious if presided over by priests who were sinless. It didn’t take the church long to realize … read full post
This is special performance of Living Water by the Faith Lutheran Chancel Choir. … read full post
Our “Other” at the Well The woman at the well is a familiar text for many people. This image of Jesus standing at a well talking with a Samaritan woman is emblazoned in our visual and theological imaginations, but as … read full post
Questions Come to Light What is it about the night that invites questions? As our head rests on the pillow and shadows stretch out on the bedroom wall, questions, like field mice, begin to emerge from the nooks and crannies … read full post
Lent is about peeling away the layers of insulation and anesthesia which keep us from the truth of God’s promises. It is a time of self-reflection, sacrificial giving and prayer as we make our way through the tangled mess of … read full post