You probably can't find a more appropriate verse to enter into a time of offering than our gospel passage for today. I could simply say Jesus' own words, "Give to God what is God's." and end there... but I won't.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 24a – 22-October-23”
In today's story from the Gospel, some folks asked Jesus about paying taxes. Now, just as it is now, in Jesus' day, people didn't really like paying taxes. These folks were trying to catch Jesus because, no matter what Jesus said, they could make him seem wrong.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 24a – 22-October-23”
We often think of giving to God what is God's during the time of the offering, but it's also appropriate at the Table. Here Jesus asks only one thing from us: "Do this to remember me." And so, we come to the table to remember the Christ who gave up his life that we might have life with God. … Read the rest “Table Meditation for Proper 24a – 22-October-23”
Jesus' warning in the gospel reading for today is that it's not about who we know or who we associate with that opens up the Realm of God for us. We should also say that it's not about doing good things either, like contributing to the offering.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 23a – 15-October-23”
At the end of Paul's comments in Philippians 4 for today, he says, "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Epistle) for Proper 23a – 15-October-23”
What would you do if you were able to have a big party for your birthday, you invited all your friends, and every one of them came up with some excuse for not coming. How would that make you feel?… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 23a – 15-October-23”
In the story for today, Jesus talks about people who selfishly try to keep the blessings and love of God to themselves. That's the one thing we can't afford to do as the church.
There are a lot of things going on in the church, but all of them have one thing in common: They're all ways that we demonstrate the love of God, freely given to all people.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 22a – 8-October-23”
Suppose you had a friend who you got something just perfect for their birthday. You watched them open the present. You watch them jump up and down and you saw a smile that covered their entire face. But then something really odd happened.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 22a – 08-October-23”
In the parable, Jesus reminds us that there are people who will reject his message of God's love. The thing is, that we all do that, at various times and in various ways. We're all sinners here at this table, make no mistake. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 22a – 8-October-23”
How does it feel when you get asked a hard question? [Wait for answers]
Have you ever been asked a question when you knew the person wasn't really interested in your answer and just wanted to catch you saying something wrong?… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 21a – 1-October-23”