2nd Sunday of Advent

Matthew 3:1-12, Isaiah 11:1-10 1. Way In Reflecting on the Christmas decorations in the church significance of hauling the traditional decorations out memories family and friends remembering as liturgy comfort, familiarity Theological, scriptural significance and symbolism evergreens light/candles Chrismons good reminders in the Advent season of preparation and expectation that’s “Advent waiting” as we discussed [...]

Read Full Post »

1st Sunday of Advent

Matthew 24:36-44; Isaiah 2:1-5   1. Way In Waiting, by Debra Ginsberg about her 20-year career waiting tables “fancy dining clubs, dingy diners. and nearly everything in-between” read from the book read from pp. 105-107, 116-117 Conclude with, “A recently hired coworker noticed my despair and shook his head. ‘It’s bad tonight, he said.” “Like [...]

Read Full Post »

Christmas Eve 11pm

On Christmas Eve, the advent candles have all been lit.             The Christ candle is lit             Carols have been sung and lessons have been read. At home, food has been prepared and shared.             Family is near, or is coming near, or is remembered with love.             Decorations are out, wreaths and evergreens are [...]

Read Full Post »

Christmas Eve 7pm

Intro       playing in the house early one morning with Pauly             Mommy left the room for a moment             P. went to find her             you know how 2 year-olds, once they’re mobile                        they don’t walk anywhere – they run            Pauly tripped and fell and hit his lip on a sharp corner [...]

Read Full Post »

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

  Isaiah 43:19 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.     1.  Way In Are you   happy   angry    satisfied    frustrated    excited     confused ? are you some of each mostly one or [...]

Read Full Post »

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

    As I was putting today’s sermon together, the narrative flowed into a manuscript form better for the thought process than an outline so I kept it that way.  Probably easier for blog readers to read, but not the form from which I am used to preaching.       World Communion Sunday Isaiah 2:1-4 [...]

Read Full Post »

3rd Sunday of Easter (Kirkmont Sunday)

We have a guest preacher this Sunday, April 26.   Rev. David Fleming, the Interim Director of Kirkmont Center.  David will deliver a message on Living Water from Isaiah 55 and John 4, and reflect on the opportunities for refreshment and restoration at our Presbytery’s wonderful camp and conference center – Kirkmont Sarah Steenrod, our creative and [...]

Read Full Post »

5th Sunday In Ordinary Time

Isaiah 40: 21-31 Renew   I.        Way In A.      Not too long ago, season of the church year known as Advent 1.      talked about “waiting,” 2.      that’s what advent means 3.      talked about “active waiting.” 4.      about the irony of a job like waitressing a)      called “waiting tables” 5.      compared to the idea of waiting [...]

Read Full Post »

Christmas Eve 7pm

Everybody appreciates a short sermon on Christmas Eve.  Our candle-light service was long on scripture, prayer, and beautiful music (vocal and instrumental); and short on sermon.  After the giving the best we had to offer in worship, fellowship, and praise, there wasn’t much else left to say.     Why are we here?               Maybe… [...]

Read Full Post »

2nd Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8 Wilderness   I.        Way In A.      2 wilderness experiences 1.      In 1998 seminary friends took Kazy and me hiking and camping in Big Bend National Park, TX a.      I remember our first night in the desert i.        pitched our tents just before dark in the “wilderness camping” area ii.      we were [...]

Read Full Post »