Sermon Archive

2018 Harold Hill Lecture Series ~
Saturday, August 11, 2018 at College Hill Presbyterian Church
John Pavlovitz
, Guest Speaker

Part I:

Part II:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday, April 4, 2019

Read:

Sunday, March 31, 2019
Chosen Exile The Parable of the Prodigal Son: a reflection on outward and inward waywardness.
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Read:
Listen:

Sunday, March 24, 2019
Repent Or Die! or There’s Still Time for Transformation
Luke 13:1-9
Read:  Repent Or Die – or – There’s Still Time for Transformation
Listen:

Sunday, March 17, 2019
Who Wins ? The Fox or the Hen?
Luke 13:31-35
Read:
Who Wins-The Fox or the Hen
Listen:

Sunday, March 10, 2019
What Are You Giving Up for Lent? ~ First Sunday in Lent
Luke 4:1-13
Read:  What Are You Giving Up For Lent
Listen:

Sunday, March 3, 2019
Going Up the Mountain, and Back Down Again ~ Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday
Luke 9:28-37
Read:  Going Up the Mountain, and Back Down Again
Listen:

Sunday, February 24, 2019
Love; Do Good; Bless; Pray ~ The Golden Rule in Context of “Love your Enemies”
Luke 6:27-38
Read:  Love; Do Good; Bless; Pray
Listen:

Sunday, February 17, 2019
Blessings and Woes
Luke 6:17-26     Jeremiah 17:5-10
Read: Blessings and Woes
Listen:

Sunday, February 10, 2019
A Good Fishing Story
Luke 5:1-11
Read: A Good Fishing Story.doc
Listen:

Sunday, February 3, 2019
Of Love and Courage
Luke 4:21-30     1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Read: Of Love and Courage
Listen:

Sunday, January 27, 2019
We’re On a Mission
Luke 4:14-21     1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Read:  We’re On A Mission
Listen:

Sunday, January 20, 2019
Spiritual Gifts for the Common Good
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Read: Spiritual Gifts for the Common Good
Listen:

Sunday, January 13, 2019
Chosen, Empowered, Beloved ~ Baptism of the Lord Sunday / Ordination & Installation of Ruling Elders
Luke 3:15-16, 21-22     Isaiah 43:1-7
Read: Chosen, Empowered, Beloved

Sunday, January 6, 2019
Follow the Light
Matthew 2:1-12
Read: Follow the Light
Listen:


Sunday, December 30, 2018
Bear Witness to the Light ~ 1st Sunday After Christmas
John 1:1-18     Genesis 1:1-5
Read: Bear Witness to the Light
Listen:

Monday, December 24, 2018 ~ Christmas Eve Worship Service
Listen:

Sunday, December 23, 2018
Regain the Gift of Being Shocked ~ A reflection on Gabriel’s Annunciation to Mary
Luke 1:26-38
Read: Reclaim the Gift of Being Shocked
Listen:

Sunday, December 16, 2018
Between the “Now” and the “Not Yet” ~ Third Sunday of Advent
Luke 21:25-36      Jeremiah 33:14-16
Read: Between the ‘Now’ and the ‘Not Yet’ (002)
Listen:

Sunday, December 2, 2018
Advent: A Wilderness Journey of Preparation ~ First Sunday of Advent
Luke 3:1-18       Malachi 3:1-4
Read: Advent-A Wilderness Journey
Listen:

Sunday, November 25, 2018
Digging Beneath the Language and Images ~ Christ the King Sunday
Daniel 7:9-10; 13-14           John 18:33-37
Read: Digging Beneath the Language and Images
Listen:

Sunday, November 18, 2018
Grateful • Thankful • Blessed
Psalm 100      Philippians 4:4-9
Read: Grateful-Thankful-Blessed
Listen:

Sunday, November 11, 2018
One Light, Many Windows ~ A reflection on the Rev. Dr. Forrest Church’s image of ‘ The Cathedral of the World’
Isaiah 56:1-8      Acts 10:9-16
Read: One Light, Many Windows
Listen:

Sunday, November 4, 2018 ~ Commitment Sunday
Giving Out of Our Poverty
Mark 12:38-44 2 Corinthians 9:6-12
Read: Giving Out of Our Poverty
Listen:

Sunday, October 28, 2018
What Does Blind Bartimaeus Have to Do with Stewardship?~ Stewardship Emphasis Sunday
Mark 10:46-52
Read: Bartimaeus and Stewardship
Listen:

Sunday, October 21, 2018
The Call to Servant Leadership ~ The Distinction Between ‘Authority’ and ‘Authoritarian’
Mark 10:35-45       Nehemiah 5:14-15
Read:  The Call to Servant Leadership
Listen:

Sunday, October 14, 2018
The Ethics of Gratitude & Money
Mark 10: 17-31      1 Timothy 6:6-12
Read: Ethics of Gratitude & Money
Listen:

Sunday, October 7, 2018 ~ World Communion Sunday
“A Sermon” ~ by the Rev. Sheri L. Curry, Guest Preacher
Read: Sermon-Rev. Sheri Curry Guest Preacher
Listen:

Sunday, September 30, 2018
How Tamed Is Your Tongue? ~ …”but no one can tame the tongue – a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”   James 3:8
James 3:1-12
Read: How Tamed Is Your Tongue

Sunday, September 23, 2018
Israel and Palestine: It’s Complicated
James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Read: Israel and Palestine-It’s Complicated
Listen:

Sunday, September 9, 2018
Syro-Phoenician Lives Matter ~ the Rev. Gordon Edwards, Guest Preacher
Mark 7:24-37
Read: Syro-Phoenician Lives Matter

Sunday, September 2, 2018
A Living Faith – A Matter of Doing ~ “Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.” ~ James 1:22
James 1:17-27
Read:  A Living Faith – A Matter of Doing
Listen:

Sunday, August 26, 2018
Some Metaphors Can Be Dangerous ~ “Put on the whole armor of God.” – Ephesians 6:11
Ephesians 6:10-20
Read:  Metaphors Can Be Dangerous
Listen:

Sunday, August 12, 2018 ~ Sermon
Turbulence Is Coming  ~ John Pavlovitz, Guest Preacher
Listen:


2018

Sunday, August 12, 2018
Turbulence Is Coming  ~ John Pavlovitz, Guest Preacher
Listen:

Sunday, August 5, 2018
“Be Imitators of God” ~ A Checklist
Ephesians 4:25-5:2 Ephesians 4:17-24
Read:  Be Imitators of God
Listen:

Sunday, July 29, 2018
Called, United, Equipped
Ephesians 4:1-16
Read:  Called United Equipped
Listen:

Sunday, July 22, 2018
Labor & Rest ~ A Balancing Act
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
Read:  Labor & Rest-a Balancing Act
Listen:

Sunday, July 15, 2018
Speaking Truth to Power ~ It’s Risky Business
The Beheading of John the Baptist
Mark 6:14-29        Amos 7:7-15
Read: Speaking Truth to Power
Listen:

Sunday, July 8, 2018
We’ve Heard That Message Before ~ Can inclusiveness become an idol?
Mark 6:1-13
Read: Heard That Message Before
Listen:

Sunday, July 1, 2018
Life’s Interruptions ~ Moments of Grace
Mark 5:21-43
Read: Life’s Interruptions – Moments of Grace
Listen:

Sunday, June 24, 2018
In Quietness & Trust ~ Rev. Debbie Chase, Guest Preacher
Isaiah 301:15-18      Mark 4:35-41
Read: In Quietness and Trust

Sunday, June 17, 2018
A Place for “All the Birds of the Air” ~ The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Mark 4:26-34     Ezekiel 17:22-24
Read: Birds of the Air
Listen:

Sunday, June 10, 2018
What to Do When the House is Divided
Mark 3:20-35
Read: House Is Divided
Listen:

Sunday, June 3, 2018
Blessed are the Flexible
Mark 2:13-22
Read: Blessed are the Flexible
Listen:

Sunday, May 20, 2018
Pentecost: A Coming Out Party ~ Pentecost Sunday
Acts 2:1-21
Read: Pentecost-Coming Out Party
Listen:

Sunday, May 13, 2018
A Progressive Look at the Ascension ~ ‘Why Do You Stand Looking Up to Heaven?’
Acts 1:1-11    Luke 24:44-53
Read: Progressive Look at the Ascension
Listen:

Sunday, May 6, 2018
Expanding Our Circle of Inclusiveness
Acts 10:44-48     John 15:9-17
Read: Expanding Our Circle of Inclusiveness
Listen:

Sunday, April 29, 2018
Branches of the Vine ~ “I am the vine, and you are the branches.” John 15:5
John 15:1-11 1      John 4:7-21
Read:Branches of the Vine
Listen:

Sunday, April 22, 2018
Abundant Life Through the Good Shepherd
John 10:1-18     Psalm 23
Read: Good Shepherd
Listen:

Sunday, April 15, 2018
Living as a Resurrection Community
1 John 3:1-7     Luke 24:36b-48
Read: Resurrection Community
Listen:

Sunday April 1, 2018 {Easter Sunday}       [See also: “Sermon Series~ Advent 2018 – at top of this page]
Pay attention! Be astonished! Tell about it!
Easter Sunday: Hope, New Life, Transformation
Mark 16:1-8
Read: Easter-Pay Attention
Listen:

Thursday, March 29, 2018
“The light that can shine out of a life.”      Maundy Thursday
John 13:1-17, 33-35
Read: Light Shines-Maundy Thursday
Listen:

Sunday, March 4, 2018
The Poetry of Lent: Part 3: Defending ‘The Temple’ ~ Third Sunday in Lent
John 2:13-22
Read: Poetry of Lent 3 – Defending The Temple
Listen:

Sunday, February 25, 2018
The Poetry of Lent: Part 2: The Ancient Rhythm of Holding On and Letting Go ~ Second Sunday in Lent
Mark 8:31-38       Roman 4:13-25
Read: Poetry of Lent 2 – Holding On and Letting Go
Listen:

Sunday, February 25, 2018
Rev. Greg Coulter {General Presbyter} Address to College Hill

Sunday, February 18, 2018
The Poetry of Lent: Part 1: Repentance and Wilderness Walks
Mark 1:9-15
Read: Poetry of Lent 1 – Repentance and Wilderness Walks
Listen:

Sunday, February 11, 2018
Listening to Jesus: A Transfiguration Story
Mark 9:2-9
Read: Listening to Jesus
Listen:

Sunday, February 4, 2018
Tear the Roof Off! ~ “…and after having dug through the roof, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay.”
Mark 2:1-12
Read:  Tear the Roof Off
Listen:

Sunday, January 28, 2018
Love Over Knowledge ~ “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” 1 Cor. 8:1
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Read: Love Over Knowledge
Listen:

Sunday, January 21, 2018
God’s Vision, Our Response: The Art of Discernment
1 Samuel 3:1-10 Mark 1:14-20 Proverbs 29:18
Read: God’s Vision-Call
Listen:

Sunday, January 14, 2018
Sexuality: Physical & Spiritual ~ Sexual Ethics in the 21st Century
1 Corinthians 6:12-20 1 Kings 11:1-4, 9-10
Read: Sexuality-Physical Spiritual
Listen:

Sunday, January 7, 2018
To Begin Again ~ Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Mark 1:4-11
Read:  To Begin Again
Listen:


2017

Sunday, December Sunday, October 22, 2017
Being Known ~ Meghan Vail, guest preacher recent Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary graduate
Listen:

Sunday, October 15, 2017
The Quest for Contentment
Philippians 4:4-9 Habakkuk 3:16-19
Read: Quest for Contentment
Listen:

Sunday, October 1, 2017
Instruments of God’s Peace ~ World Communion Sunday / Peace & Global Witness Offering
Psalm 85:8-13    Matthew 5:1-12
Read: Instruments of God’s Peace
Listen:

Sunday, September 24, 2017
Are You Envious Because I Am Generous? ~ The Parable of the Vineyard Workers
Matthew 20:1-16        Jonah 3:10-4:11
Read: Envious of God’s Generosity
Listen:

Sunday, September 17, 2017
Forgiveness: The Key to Freedom ~ “How often should I forgive?” Matthew 18:21
Matthew 18:15-17, 21-35
Read: Forgiveness-The Key to Freedom
Listen:

Sunday, September 10, 2017
Of Love and Light
Romans 13:8-14
Read: Of Love and Light
Listen:

Sunday, September 3, 2017
Reflections on Romans 12:9-21 ~ Bobbe Hornback, church member/Guest Preacher
Read: Romans and reflections on our spiritual journeys

How to Abhor Evil Without Hating the “Haters” ~ Bert Woodall, church member/Guest Preacher
Read: How to Abhor Evil Without Hating the Haters

Listen (both sermon-archive):


Sunday, August 27, 2017
Who Do They Say I Am? ~ Sermon by: Dana Livingston, church member/Guest Preacher
Read:
Who Do They Say I Am 
Listen:

Sunday, August 20, 2017
Is Anti-Racism the “Alt-Left”? ~ A reflection in the aftermath of the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, VA
Matthew 15:1-20
Read: Is Anti-Racism the ‘Alt-Left’
Listen:

Sunday, August 13, 2017
It Starts By Getting In the Boat ~ An initial response to the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, PA
Matthew 14:22-33
Read: Get In the Boat
Listen:

Sunday, August 6, 2017
‘Feeding’ the Multitude: Our Response ~ The Feeding of the 5000
Matthew 14:13-21
Read: Feeding the Multitude-Our Response
Listen:

Sunday, July 30, 2017
The Kingdom/Realm/Reign/Rule/Household/Kindom of God/Heaven is Like… ~ the parables of a mustard seed; yeast; a hidden treasure, a pearl merchant; a net.
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-48
Read:  Realm of God is Like
Listen:

Sunday, July 23, 2017
What To Do With These Weeds? ~The Parable of the Weeds Among the Wheat
Matthew 13:24-30
Read: Wheat-Weeds
Listen:

Sunday, July 16, 2017
Sowing Seeds ~ Results May Vary – The Parable of the: Sower/Four Soils/Miraculous Yields
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Read:  Sowing Seeds – Results May Vary
Listen:

Sunday, July 9, 2017
Discovering the Gift of Sabbath Rest
“Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8
Exodus 20:8-11    Isaiah 40:28-31     Matthew 11:28-30     Mark 6:30-32
Read: Gift of Sabbath Rest
Listen:

Sunday, July 2, 2017
What About “The New Colossus”? ~ 4th of July Weekend
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28
Matthew 11:28-30
Read: New Colossus
Listen:

Sunday, June 25, 2017
Is God’s Grace and Forgiveness Ever a License to Sin? ~ ‘Slaves of Sin’ vs. ‘Slaves of Righteousness’
Romans 6:1-2, 12-23
Read:  Grace is Not a License to Sin
Listen:

Sunday, June 18, 2017
Suffering→Endurance→Character→Hope
Romans 5:1-5
Read: Suffering-Endurance-Character
Listen:

Sunday, June 11, 2017 ~ Trinity Sunday
A Progressive Understanding of the Trinity
Matthew 28:16-20 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Read: 6-11-17_Trinity Sermon 2017
Listen:

Sunday, June 4, 2017 ~ Pentecost Sunday
Pentecost Reflections on the Holy Spirit ~  Rev. Freeman, Gini Fox, Bill Nole, Stefanie Olson
Acts 2:2-21
Read: Pentecost Reflections
Listen:

Sunday, May 21, 2017
Prayer: Can We Name It & Claim It?
John 14:8-14     1 John 5:13-15
Read: Prayer – Can We Name It & Claim It
Listen:

Sunday, May 14, 2017
Is Jesus the Only Way, or Simply Our Way ~ A reflection on John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:1-14
Read: Jesus – Only Way, or Simply Our Way
Listen:

Sunday, May 7, 2017
got privilege? ~ A reflection on white privilege
James 2:1-10
Read: got privilege- A reflection on white privilege
Listen:

Sunday, April 30, 2017
From Foolishness to Truth ~ Jennie Wachowski-Estes, Guest Preacher
Listen:

Sunday, April 23, 2017
In Good Faith ~ Dr. Sarah Morice Brubaker, Guest Preacher
Listen:

Sunday, April 16, 2017
Easter: From Believing to Practicing Resurrection
John 20:1-18
Read: Easter-From Believing to Practicing Resurrection
Listen:

Sunday, April 9, 2017
LENT: A Time to Fill Your Cup ~ Part 6: Expectations vs. Reality
Palm/Passion Sunday
John 12:12-19
Read: Lent – Pt 6 – Expectations vs Reality
Listen:

Sunday, April 2, 2017
LENT: A Time to Fill Your Cup ~Part 5: Unbind the Bound
Raising of Lazarus
John 11:1-45    Ezekiel 37:1-14
Read: Lent-Unbind the Bound Pt 5
Listen:

Sunday, March 26, 2017
LENT: A Time to Fill Your Cup ~ Part 4: Opening Our Eyes
The Man Born Blind
John 9:1-41
Read: Lent- Opening Our Eyes Pt 4
Listen:

Sunday, March 19, 2017
LENT: A Time to Fill Your Cup ~ Part 3: The Cup of Living Water  
The Samaritan Woman at the Well
John 4:5-42    Exodus 17:1-7
Read: Lent-Cup of Living Water Pt 3
Listen:

Sunday, March 12, 2017
LENT: A Time to Fill Your Cup ~ Part 2: Journey from Darkness to Light
John 3:1-21
Read: Lent-Darkness to Light Pt 2
Listen:

Sunday, March 5, 2017
LENT: A Time to Fill Your Cup ~ Part 1: Journey Through the Wilderness ~ “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights…” Matthew 4:1-2a
Matthew 4:1-11 Psalm 23
Read: Lent-Fill Cup Pt 1
Listen:

Sunday, February 26, 2017
Jesus’ Higher Standard of Ethics ~ Part 2: Swearing Oaths, Retaliation, Love of Enemies
Read: Jesus’ Higher Standard of Ethics Pt 2
Listen:

Sunday, February 19, 2017
Jesus’ Higher Standard of Ethics ~ Part 1: Anger, Lust and Divorce
Matthew 5:21-32
Read: Jesus’ Higher Standard of Ethics Pt1
Listen:

Sunday, February 12, 2017
Stay Salty, Be a Light ~ “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:13, 14
Matthew 5:13-16
Read: Stay Salty – Be a Light
Listen:

Sunday, February 5, 2017
Justice, Kindness & Humility ~ “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”    Micah 6:6-8
Micah 6:6-8
Read: Justice Light and Humility – Refugee Ban
Listen:

Sunday, January 29, 2017
Inauguration Challenges ~ The Rev. Gordon Edwards, Guest Preacher
Listen:

Sunday, January 22, 2017
Rethinking the Word ‘Blessed’
Matthew 5:1-12
Read: Rethinking ‘Blessed’
Listen:

Sunday, January 15, 2017
A Crisis of Unity
Ezekiel 37:15-28 1 Corinthians 1:4-11
Read: Crisis of Unity
Listen:

Sunday, January 8, 2017
Why Baptism Matters ~ Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Matthew 3:13-17
Read:  Why Baptism Matters
Listen:


Sunday, December 25, 2016 ~ Christmas Day
Read: Christmas Day Reflection

Saturday, December 24, 2016 ~ Christmas Eve 

Read: Christmas Eve Reflection
Listen:

Sunday, December 11, 2016
There’s Something About Mary – Part 3: Singing Mary’s Song
Luke 1:39-56
Read: Singing Mary’s Song
Listen:

Sunday, December 4, 2016
There’s Something About Mary – Part 2: Church Tradition & Spirituality
Luke 1:39-56
Read: Mary-Church-Tradition-and-Spirituality-pt-2
Listen:

Sunday, November 27, 2016
There’s Something About Mary – Part 1: Reclaiming Mary from Church Tradition
Luke 1:5-7, 11-13, 24-49
Read: Reclaiming Mary from Church Tradition
Listen:

Sunday, November 20, 2016
Moving Beyond Imagining God/Jesus As a Cosmic Monarch ~ Christ the King Sunday
Read: Beyond Imagining God-Cosmic Monarch
Listen:

Sunday, November 13, 2016
Blurred Boundaries ~ Rev. Sheri Curry, Guest Preacher
Listen:

Sunday, November 6, 2016
Let’s Complete What We Have Begun
2 Corinthians 8:1-12
Read: Let’s Complete What We Have Begun
Listen:

Sunday, October 23, 2016
Children of Promise ~ Children’s Sabbath
Mark 10:13-16
Read: Children of Promise
Listen:

Sunday, October 16, 2016
I Thank God I’m Not Like Those People ~ The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Luke 18:9-14
Read: Thank-God
Listen:

Sunday, October 9, 2016
Gratitude: It Does a Spirit Good ~ The Story of the Ten Lepers
Luke 17:11-19
Read: Gratitude
Listen:

Sunday, October 2, 2016 ~ World Communion Sunday/Peace & Global Witness Offering
Rekindle the Gift of God Within You
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Read: Rekindle Gift
Listen:

Sunday, September 25, 2016
Facing Racism & White Privilege
Matthew 15:21-28 Psalm 13
Read: Facing Racism-White Privilege
Listen:

Sunday, September 18, 2016
It’s Time to Talk
Psalm 133
Read: Time to Talk
Listen:

Sunday, September 11, 2016
Like Clay in the Potter’s Hands ~ What Is Your Understanding of the Nature & Character of God?
Jeremiah 18:1-12
Read: Potter and Clay

Sunday, September 4, 2016
Labor Day ~ Rev. Ann Shell LaMar, Guest Preacher
Luke 14:25-33    Jeremiah 18:1-11
Read:  Labor Day

Sunday, August 28, 2016
Leave the Pecking Order to the Chickens ~ Being a Humble Guest and an Inclusive Host
Luke 14: 1, 7-14
Read:  Leave Pecking Order to the Chickens
Listen:  

Sunday, August 21, 2016
Facing the Lion Dens of Life ~ A Tale of Integrity through Passive Resistance
Daniel 6:1-28
Read:  Lions’ Den
Listen:

Sunday, August 14, 2016
Be On Guard Against Greed ~ “Watch out! Be on guard against all kinds of greed.”   Luke 12:15
Luke 12:13-21
Read: Be On Guard Against Greed
Listen:

Sunday, August 7, 2016
Faith: It’s More About Trust Than Beliefs ~ “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
Hebrews 11:1-3; 8-16 Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-6
Read:  Faith-More about Trust Than Beliefs
Listen:

Sunday, July 24, 2016
Worship the One Worthy of Glory and Honor ~ A reflection from Revelation
Revelation 4:6b-5:2, 11-14
Read: Worthy of Worship
Listen:

Sunday, July 17, 2016
Contemplation & Service: Finding Balance ~ The Story of Martha & Mary
Luke 10:38-42
Read: Martha & Mary – Finding Balance
Listen:

Sunday, July 10, 2016
Learning From Our ‘Cultural Enemies’ ~ Polarization, Prejudice, and the Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
Read: Learning From Our Cultural Enemies
Listen:

Sunday, July 3, 2016
Difference Makers ~ A Reflection on the 222nd General Assembly
Luke 10:25-37   Leviticus 19:1-2, 13-18
Read:  Difference  Makers
Listen:

Sunday, June 12, 2016
The Role of Hospitality in Building Authentic Community
Romans 12:1-2, 9-21 Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
Read: Hospitality & Community
Listen:

Sunday, June 5, 2016
What Log In My Eye? ~ “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own?” Luke 6:41
Luke 6:37-49
Read: What Log In My Eye
Listen:

Sunday, May 22, 2016
The Trinity: Try Explaining that Again ~ Trinity Sunday
Romans 5:1-5 Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Read:  Trinity Sermon
Listen:

Sunday, May 15, 2016
A Wild Goose Pentecost ~ Pentecost Sunday
John 14:25-26; 20:19-23 Acts 2:1-21
Read: A Wild Goose Pentecost

Listen:

Sunday, May 8, 2016
From Emptiness to Fullness: Through Loyal, Faithful, Covenant Relationships
The Book of Ruth
Read: Ruth-Empitness to Fullness
Listen:

Sunday, April 24, 2016
Love One Another!
John 13:31-35 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Read: Love One Another
Listen:

Sunday, April 17, 2016
Soul Restoration ~ A Reflection on Psalm 23
Psalm 23 John 10:11-13, 22-30
Read: Soul Restoration
Listen:

Sunday, April 10, 2016
We’re In the Sheep-Tending Business
John 21:1-19
Read:  Sheep Tending Business
Listen:

Sunday, April 3, 2016
Never Stop Doubting – or Searching ~ The Story of ‘Doubting Thomas’
John 20:19-31
Read: Never Stop Doubting or Searching
Listen:

Sunday, March 27, 2016
“Promote What You Love Instead of Bashing What You Hate” ~ Easter Sunday
Luke 24:1-12
Read: Promote What You Love
Listen:

Sunday, March 20, 2016
Holy Week: It’s an Intrusive Moment ~ Palm/Passion Sunday
Luke 19:28-40
Read: Holy Week is Intrusive
Listen:

Sunday, March 6, 2016
Lent: Coming to Our Senses
The Parable of the Prodigal Son: a reflection on outward and inward waywardness.
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Read: Lent-Coming To Our Senses
Listen:

Sunday, February 28, 2016
Lent: Suffering, Sin and Bad Theology
Luke 13:1-9
Read: Lent: Suffering, Sin, Bad Theology

Sunday, February 21, 2016
Lent: Imitation and Transformation
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Read: Lent: Imitation and Transformation
Listen:

Sunday, February 14, 2016
Lent: A Journey of Repentance
Isaiah 58:1-12 Luke 4:1-13
Read: Lent: Journey of Repentance
Listen:

Sunday, February 7, 2016
Mountaintop Experiences and Valley Living ~ Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday
Luke 9:28-36 [37-43]
Read: Mountaintop Experiences – Valley Living
Listen:

Sunday, January 31, 2016
The Response ~ Part 2 of: Jesus’ Mission & Ministry ~ and Ours
Luke 4:21-30
Read: The Response Jesus’ Mission Pt 2
Listen:


Listen: January 31, 2016 – JustHope Moment for Mission ~ Rev. Leslie Penrose

Sunday, January 24, 2016
Overarching Pre-Understandings ~ Part 1 of: Jesus’ Mission & Ministry ~ and Ours
Luke 4:14-21      1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Read: Overarching PreUnderstandings
Listen:

Sunday, January 17, 2016
Exercise Your Spiritual Gifts
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Read: Exercise Your Spiritual Gifts
Listen:

Sunday, January 10, 2016
Empowered to Serve ~ Baptism of the Lord Sunday / Ordination & Installation of Elders
Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 Isaiah 43:1-7
Read: Empowered to Serve
Listen:

Sunday, January 3, 2016
Advent: From John’s Perspective
John 1:1-18
Read:  Advent-Johns Perspective
Listen:


Sunday, December 27, 2015
Baby? What Baby? ~ Rev. Ann LaMar, Guest Preacher
Luke 2:41-52 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 Colossians 3:12-17
Read: What Baby

Thursday, December 24, 2015  ~ Christmas Eve Worship Service
Listen:

Sunday, December 20, 2015
Advent: from Luke’s Perspective
Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-24, 39-40
Read: Advent from Luke’s Perspective
Listen:

Sunday, December 6, 2015
Advent: from Matthew’s Perspective –
Matthew 1:1-2, 17-25; 2:1-18
Read: Advent from Matthew’s Perspective
Listen:

Sunday, November 29, 2015
Advent: from Mark’s Perspective – First Sunday of Advent
Mark 1:1-11
Read: Advent from Mark’s Perspective
Listen:

Sunday, November 15, 2015
Linking Gratitude and Commitment – Commitment Sunday
Colossians 3:12-17
Read: Gratitude-Commitment
Listen:

Sunday, November 8, 2015
Religious Exploitation – Stewardship Emphasis Sunday
Mark 12:38-44
Read: Religious Exploitation
Listen:

Sunday, November 1, 2015
“Surrounded By a Great Cloud of Witnesses” – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” Hebrews 12:1
All Saints’ Service of Worship
Hebrews 12:1-3
Read: Cloud of Witnesses
Listen:

Sunday, October 25, 2015
Stop ‘Lording It Over’ Me!
The Distinction Between ‘Authority and Authoritarian’
Mark 10:35-45 Nehemiah 5:14-15
Read: Lording It Over
Listen:

Sunday, October 11, 2015
Financial Ethics
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle…”   Mark 10:25
Mark 10:17-31      1 Timothy 6:6-12
Read:  Financial Ethics
Listen:

Sunday, October 4, 2015
The Lord’s Supper: Explain That Again
World Communion Sunday
Matthew 26:17-19, 26-30    1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Read: Lord’s Supper Explanation
Listen:

Sunday, September 27, 2015
Feminist Worldview
Numbers 12:1-16
Read: Feminist Perspectives

Sunday, September 20, 2015
Mutually Drawing Near
“Draw near to God, and God will draw near to you.” James 4:8
James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Read: Mutually Drawing Near
Listen:

Sunday, September 13, 2015
Tame That Tongue
“…but no one can tame the tongue – a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:8
James 3:1-12 Matthew 12:33-37
Read: Tame That Tongue
Listen:

Sunday, September 6, 2015
Warning: Playing Favorites Can Lead to Discrimination & Indifference
“But if you show partiality, you commit sin…” James 2:9
James 2:1-10, 14-17
Read: Playing Favorites-Discrimination
Listen:

Sunday, August 30, 2015
Be Doers of the Word
“Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.” James 1:22
James 1:17-27
Read: Be Doers of the Word
Listen:

Sunday, August 23, 2015
When Metaphors Become Dangerous
Ephesians 6:10-17    Isaiah 59:15b-19
Read: Dangerous Metaphor

Sunday, August 16, 2015
Sermon Series: Connecting with GodWeek 7: Reconnecting with Love
1 John 4:7-8, 16-21 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a, 13
Read: Connect With God-Love
Listen:

Sunday, August 9, 2015
The Celtic Way: The Interrelatedness of the Spiritual and the Material
John 1:14-18 Psalm 8
Read: The Celtic Way
Listen: The Celtic Way – Sermon ~ Rev. Todd Freeman

Listen: The Celtic Way – Entire Service

Listen: Guided Meditation – Water Through Hands

Sunday, August 2, 2015
Sermon Series: Connecting with GodWeek 6: Reconnecting with Nonviolence
Matthew 5:9; 26:47-56 Psalm 85:8-13
Read: Connect with God-Nonviolence
Listen:

Sunday, July 26, 2015
Sermon Series: Connecting with GodWeek 5: Reconnecting with Spiritual Practice
Mark 1:35 Mathew 14:24 Luke 5:15-16; 6:12
Read:  Connect with God-Spiritual Practice
Listen:

Sunday, July 19, 2015
Sermon Series: Connecting with GodWeek 4: Reconnecting with the Journey
Genesis 12:1-9      Exodus 13:17-22
Read:  Connect with God-Journey
Listen:

Sunday, July 12, 2015
Sermon Series: Connecting with GodWeek 3: Reconnecting with the Light
Genesis 1:1-5      John 1:1-5
Read: Connect With God-Light
Listen:

Sunday, July 5, 2015
Sermon Series: Connecting with God – Week 2: Reconnecting with Compassion
Luke 10:25-37   Colossians 3:12-16
Read: Connect With God-Compassion
Listen:

Sunday, June 28, 2015
Love Wins ~ by God’s Grace: A reflection on the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Marriage Equality, and of the aftermath of the shooting in Charleston, SC
Romans 8:28; 12:15-18
Read: Love Wins
Listen:

Sunday, June 21, 2015
Sermon Series: Connecting with GodWeek 1: Reconnecting With the Earth
John 3:1-3 Genesis 1:1-5, 26-27, 31
Read: Connect With God-Earth
Listen:

Sunday, June 14, 2015
Sharing a Spiritual Quest Pilgrimage – A reflection on returning from a 6-week Sabbatical
Luke 9:28-37 1 Kings 19:11-13a
Read: Spiritual Quest Pilgrimage
Listen:

Sunday, May 31, 2015
May I Have This Dance?-Trinity Sunday ~ Rev. Gordon Edwards, Guest Pastor
John 3:8
Read: Dance

Sunday, May 24, 2015
Swaying in the Spirit-Pentecost Sunday ~ Rev. Gordon Edwards, Guest Pastor
John 20:22
Read: Swaying in the Spirit -Pentecost

Sunday, May 17, 2015
All Seven Spiritual Gifts of WaitingRev. Ann LaMar, Guest Pastor
Luke 13:6-9
Read: Spiritual Gifts of Waiting-Trust in God

Sunday, May 10, 2015
Another Spiritual Gift of Waiting: Patience – Rev. Ann LaMar, Guest Pastor
Isaiah 40:28-31
Read: Spiritual Gifts – Patience

Sunday, May 3, 2015
One Spiritual Gift of Waiting: Loss of ControlRev. Ann LaMar, Guest Pastor
Mark 16:1-7
Read: Spiritual Gift of Waiting

Sunday, April 26, 2015
A Spiritual Quest Pilgrimage – A reflection on entering into a 6-week Sabbatical
John 14:1, 18-19, 25-27 Mark 6:30-32
Read: Spiritual Quest Pilgrimage
Listen:

Sunday, April 19, 2015
Resurrection is Reflected in Community
Luke 24:36b-48    1 John 3:1-7
Read: Resurrection Community

Sunday, April 12, 2015
Never Stop Searching ~ or Doubting – The Story of ‘Doubting Thomas’
John 20:19-31
Read: Searching Faith

Sunday, April 5, 2015 – Easter Sunday
The Resurrection: How Does the Story End?
Mark 16:1-8
Read: Resurrection How Does It End

Thursday, April 2, 2015 – Maundy Thursday Service
Washed Clean
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Read: Maundy Thursday Washed Clean

Sunday, March 29, 2015
Expectations: The Good and the Bad – Palm Sunday
Mark 11:1-11
Read: Expectations: Good and Bad
Listen:

Sunday, March 22, 2015
It’s a New Day in the PCUSA 2.0The historic passage of Amendment 14-F, extending marriage equality to all
Isaiah 43:16-21    1 John 4:7-8, 11-12
Read:  New Day PCUSA

Sunday, March 15, 2015
The Ten Commandments: Universal or Tribal? Divine or Cultural?
Exodus 20:1-17
Read: Ten Commandments

Sunday, March 8, 2015
Faith & Belief: Different and Important
Romans 4:1-5, 13-25 Genesis 12:1-5; 17:1-7, 15-16
Read: Faith & Belief

Sunday, February 22, 2015
Lent: Our Journey Back to God – First Sunday in Lent
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Mark 1:9-15
Read: Lent Journey Back
Listen:

Sunday, February 15, 2015
Our Role as ‘Mat Carriers’
“…and after having dug through the roof, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay.”
Mark 2:1-12
Read: Mat Carriers
Listen:

Sunday, February 8, 2015
Wrestling with “Wait for the Lord”
“Those who wait for the Lord will mount up with wings like eagles.” Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah 40:21-31
Read: Waiting
Listen:

Sunday, February 1, 2015
Knowledge is Good, Love is Better – “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” 1 Cor. 8:1
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Read: Knowledge-Love
Listen:

Sunday, January 25, 2015
Answering Jesus’ Call: ‘Follow Me’
Mark 1:14-20 Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Read: Answering_Jesus’_Call
Listen:

Sunday, January 18, 2015
Sacred Sexuality – Sexual Ethics in the 21st Century
1 Corinthians 6:12-20 1 Kings 11:1-4, 9-10
Read: Sacred Sexuality
Listen:

Sunday, January 11, 2015
Chosen and Beloved by God Baptism of the Lord Sunday / Ordination & Installation of Elders
Mark 1:4-11 Isaiah 43:1-3a
Read: Chosen
Listen:

Sunday December 28, 2014
Anna: A Tale of Liberation and Witness
Luke: 2:21-40
Read: Anna
Listen:

Sunday, December 21, 2014
The Incarnation: a Progressive Perspective
Luke 1:26-38
Read: Incarnation
Listen:

Sunday, December 7, 2014
Prepare the Way: It’s About Road Construction – Second Sunday of Advent
Mark: 1:1-8 Isaiah 40:1-11
Read:  Prepare the Way
Listen:

Sunday, November 30, 2014
Advent: A Season of Hope – First Sunday in Advent
Mark 13:24-37 Isaiah 64:1-9
Read: Advent Hope
Listen:

Sunday, November 23, 2014
What to Make of King and Kingdom Language – Christ the King Sunday
Matthew 25:31-40
Read: Language King Kingdom
Listen:

Sunday, November 16, 2014
Choose Today Whom You Will Serve – Rev. Tricia Dykers Koenig
Listen:

Saturday, November 15, 2014
Covenant Network Regional Conference at College Hill
“Marriage Matters”
Speakers: Brian Ellison and David Maxwell
Listen:

Saturday, November 15, 2014
Covenant Network Regional Conference at College Hill
“Marriage Matters”
Speaker: Mark Achtemeier
Listen:

Sunday, November 9, 2014
Birds of a Feather: A Lesson in Synergy
1 Peter 4:8-11 Matthew 25:14-30
Read: 11-9-14_Birds
Listen:

Sunday, November 2, 2014
The Spiritual Practice of Sharing Abundantly Stewardship Emphasis Sunday
2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Galatians 6:7-10
Read: Share Abundantly
Listen:

Sunday, October 26, 2014
Reformed and Always Reforming? Reformation Sunday
Isaiah 43:18-21 Romans 3:19-24; 5:1-2
Read: Reformed – Reforming
Listen:

Sunday, October 19, 2014
From Mourning to Dancing – A Reflection on Psalm 30
Psalm 30
Read: Mourning to Dancing
Listen:

Sunday, October 12, 2014
Wrestling with Biblical Authority – The Parable of the Wedding Feast
Matthew 22:1-14
Read: Biblical Authority
Listen:

Sunday, October 5, 2014
Channels of God’s Peace   World Communion Sunday / Peacemaking Offering
Psalm 85:8-13 Matthew 5:1-12
Read: Channels of God’s Peace
Listen:

Sunday, September 21, 2014
Is God’s Grace Unfair? – The Parable of the Vineyard Workers
Matthew 20:1-16 Jonah 3:10-4:11
Read: Is God’s Grace Unfair
Listen:

Sunday, September 14, 2014
A Community of Forgiveness – How Often Should I Forgive? Matthew 18:21
Matthew 18:15-17, 21-35
Read: Forgiveness
Listen:

Sunday, September 7, 2014
Love For One Another: The True Debt Crisis
Romans 13:8-14
Read:  Debt of Love
Listen:

Sunday, August 31, 2014
How To Live In Community: a ‘To Do’ List
Romans 12:9-21 Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
Read: Living In Community
Listen:

Sunday, August 24, 2014
Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Minds – Romans 12:2
Romans 12:1-8
Read: Be Transformed
Listen:

Sunday, August 17, 2014
Depression: Lets Talk About It
Isaiah 49:8-13 Luke 8:26-30
Read: Depression
Listen:

Sunday, August 10, 2014
Step Out of the Boat – Jesus and Peter Walk on the Sea
Matthew 14:22-33
Read: Step Out
Listen:

Sunday, August 3, 2014
Feeding the Hungry: Scarcity vs. Abundance – The Feeding of the 5000
Matthew 14:13-21
Read:  Feed the Hungry
Listen:

Sunday, July 27, 2014
The Dangers of Weed Control: The Parable of the Weeds Among the Wheat
Matthew 13:24-30
Read:  Dangers Weed Control
Listen:

Sunday, July 13, 2014
We’re In the Seed Planting Business: The Parable of the Sower
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Read:  Seed Planting Business
Listen:

Sunday, July 6, 2014
Rest for the Weary: A reflection on the current refugee crisis in light of our 4th of July Weekend
Matthew 11:28-30
Read:  Rest for Weary
Listen:

Sunday, June 29, 2014
How We Make Moral Judgments: A look at the PCUSA Divestment Issue from a Moral Perspective”
Deuteronomy 8:1, 7-10 Leviticus 19:33-34
Read: Moral Judgments – Divestment
Listen:

Sunday, June 22, 2014
General Assembly 2014: Recap and Implications of the Same-Gender Marriage Debate”
1 Corinthians 14:26, 37-40
Read: GA 2014
Listen:

Sunday, June 15, 2014 – Trinity Sunday
The Trinity: A Progressive Understanding”
Matthew 28:16-20 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Read: Trinity Sermon
Listen:

Sunday, June 8, 2014
The ‘Balloon-Powered’ Church” Pentecost Sunday
Acts 2:1-21
Read: Balloon Powered Church
Listen – Sermon:


Listen – Scripture Echo – Acts 2:1-21:

Sunday, June 1, 2014
Finding Comfort from Separation Anxiety”
“I will not leave you orphaned.” John 14:18
Read: Separation Anxiety
Listen:

Sunday, May 25, 2014
Hymnal Festival Worship Service
Listen: Part 1:

Listen Part 2:

Sunday, May 18, 2014
The Way” of Particularity, Not Exclusion”
A reflection on John 14:6: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”John 14:1-14
Read: Way of Particularity
Listen:

Sunday, May 11, 2014
Who/What Is Your “Gate” to the Divine?”
John 10:1-10 Ezekiel 34:11-16
Read: Your Gate to God
Listen:

Sunday, April 27, 2014
How Is God Present In This Moment?”
Mark 6:30-32
A Reflection of the All-Church Retreat at Dwight Mission – April 25-26, 2014
Read: How Is God Present
Listen:

Sunday, April 20, 2014 Easter Sunday
No One Has a Monopoly on Access to God”
Matthew 28:1-10
Read: Monoply on God
Listen:

Sunday, April 13, 2014 Palm/Passion Sunday
From ‘Hosanna’ to ‘Crucify’ ~ Who Is This Jesus?”
Matthew 21:1-11 Zechariah 9:9-10
Read: Hosanna
Listen:

Sunday, April 6, 2014 Fifth Sunday in Lent
“Lazarus: A Coming Out Story”
John 11:1-45 Ezekiel 37:1-14
Read: Lazarus
Listen:

Sunday, March 30, 2014 Fourth Sunday in Lent
“Rethinking God’s Providence”
The Story of the Man Born Blind
John 9:1-17, 35-41
Read: Providence
Listen:

Sunday, March 23, 2014 Third Sunday in Lent
“Are you Thirsty?”
John 4:5-42 Exodus 17:1-7
Read: Thirsty
Listen:

Sunday, March 16, 2014 Second Sunday in Lent
“Reborn! The Journey from Darkness Into Light”
John 3:1-21
Read: Reborn
Listen:

Sunday, March 9, 2014 First Sunday in Lent
“Embrace the Wilderness”
Matthew 4: 1-11
Read: Embrace
Listen:

Sunday, March 2, 2014
“Jesus’ Ethic of Love, Part 2: Swearing Oaths, Retaliation, Love of Enemies”
Matthew 5:21-48
Read: Jesus’ Ethic 2

Sunday, February 23, 2014
“Jesus’ Ethic of Love, Part 1: Anger/Murder; Lust/Adultery; Divorce”
Matthew 5:21-48
Read: Jesus’ Ethic 1

Sunday, February 16, 2014
“Salty Christianity, ‘You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.'”
Matthew 5:13-20
Read: Salty Christianity
Listen:

Sunday, February 9, 2014
“1000 Marbles” – Rev. Cathy Elliott
1 Corinthians 2:1-12
Read: 1000 Marbles

Sunday, January 26, 2014
“Living In Unity”
1 Corinthians 1:4-11
Read: Living In Unity
Listen:

Sunday, January 19, 2014
“Unpacking our ‘Mission Statement’- “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” Proverbs 29:18a ~ KJV
Proverbs 29:18a
Read: Unpacking Mission Statement