In Jesus Parable of the Sower, the seed goes everywhere, into all kinds of likely and unlikely places. As you look around the Table today, you probably see some unlikely people in whom the seeds of faith have grown and flourished. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 10a – 12-July-20”
Jesus told a story in today's scripture about a farmer planting grain. What do you think is the point of planting grain? [wait for answers]
So, you plant the grain, wanting to grow more grain. As a farmer can tell you, the point of wanting more to grow is that you can have some for your family, some to sell, and some to plant the next crop.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Proper 10a – 16-Jul-23”
Jesus told two very different parables, one about seed that is sown everywhere and another about stewards that are rewarded for careful investment. How do we reconcile the one that says that God's abundance should be broadcast all over the place and the other that says that we should be good and careful stewards?… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 10a – 12-July-20”
Jesus said, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." As we come to the Table it's time to lay down those heavy burdens we've been dragging through our lives. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 9a – 9-July-23”
Have you ever been really tired and just want to lay down and sleep? [Wait for answers] Have you ever felt that way, not because of running or playing a lot? Have you every felt tired out because of a lot of things that are happening all at once and many of them are no fun at all?… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Proper 9a – 9-Jul-23”
Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me." Now, he was talking to his disciples, but I also think that applies to Jesus' disciples throughout all time and space. That means, any and all who want to know about Jesus, any and all who long for God's presence and want to know the love of God, anyone who desires to come, is welcome here.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 8a – 2-July-23”
What do you think it means to welcome someone? [Wait for answers]
In the scripture for today, Jesus says that, when we welcome someone because Jesus asked us to, it's the same as if we welcome Jesus himself.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Proper 8a – 2-July-23”
How many hairs do you think you have on your head? [Wait for answers]
Do you think you could count them? [Wait again]
The scripture for today says that we are so important to God that God has counted every hair on our head.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Proper 7a – 25-Jun-23”
"How long will you hide your face from me?" says the Psalm for today. The answer is, "Not long." We all have those moments, like the king in Hamlet when our "words fly up, but our thoughts remain below"; when God seems far off.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Psalm) for Proper 7a – 25-June-23”
When Jesus sent out the twelve, it was one of the first steps in broadcasting the message that God's love was for all people. He didn't send them very far at first. That was to come later. The message was preached first in Judea with the intent of going into all the world when the time was right.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 6a – 18-June-23”