March 22 (Lent 4)
“The man named Jesus opened my eyes.” This is the confession of the blind man who was healed by Jesus.
It
is also my confession. During these days of Corona Virus, Jesus has
opened my eyes to the situation and even suffering of my neighbors
around me.
A reflection on the work of God to open our eyes, even amid suffering, to God’s light and work in this world. Based on John 9:1-12.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
We shall not fear
Lent 3 (March 15, 2020)
Our world has been turned upside down by Corona Virus, which is finally working its way into the Lancaster/Lititz area. The last week brought home the reality of this virus and the accompanying fear, anxiety and uncertainty. Pastor Rob reflects on why we can live with hope in times like these. Pastor Rob also challenges us to consider the traditional Lenten disciples: fasting, giving and praying, in light of the Corona Virus and how we might respond to the situation as the Body of Christ.
Our world has been turned upside down by Corona Virus, which is finally working its way into the Lancaster/Lititz area. The last week brought home the reality of this virus and the accompanying fear, anxiety and uncertainty. Pastor Rob reflects on why we can live with hope in times like these. Pastor Rob also challenges us to consider the traditional Lenten disciples: fasting, giving and praying, in light of the Corona Virus and how we might respond to the situation as the Body of Christ.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Listening to Others
March 8, 2020 (Lent 2)
Due to fears over Corona Virus, Pastor Rob introduces a new way for “Passing of the Peace.” It uses sign language for peace, which actually consists of two signs: “Become” and “Calm.” Pastor Rob then reflects on our broader theme of listening in Lent. “Becoming calm” is an essential part of listening to others and even listening to God.
The last part of the sermon reflects on Abraham in Genesis 12:1-4. At first glance, it seems like Abraham has a direct connection to God; but further reflection shows how Abraham must, like us, struggle to follow and hear God in everyday life.
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Listening to the Word
March 1, 2020 (Lent 1)
Listening to the Word
Our world’s knowledge has grown so exponentially, we are literally sinking in data. In spite of all this data, we lack the wisdom with how to move ahead as individuals, communities and nations. Pastor Rob reflects on how we “Don’t live by data alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” We are called to Listen the Word, because this is where, in spite of how old the Bible is, we can find the wisdom for this life and hope for the next.
Based on Matthew 4:1-11
Listening to the Word
Our world’s knowledge has grown so exponentially, we are literally sinking in data. In spite of all this data, we lack the wisdom with how to move ahead as individuals, communities and nations. Pastor Rob reflects on how we “Don’t live by data alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” We are called to Listen the Word, because this is where, in spite of how old the Bible is, we can find the wisdom for this life and hope for the next.
Based on Matthew 4:1-11
Listening to the Body
Listening to the Body
Part 1 of the Lenten 2020, Listening Series
Many of the disciples for lent, it turns out, involve the body. Pastor Rob invites us to begin our Lenten journey of listening by listening to our bodies. The body offers some profound insight and spiritual truths regarding our condition before God.
Part 1 of the Lenten 2020, Listening Series
Many of the disciples for lent, it turns out, involve the body. Pastor Rob invites us to begin our Lenten journey of listening by listening to our bodies. The body offers some profound insight and spiritual truths regarding our condition before God.
Riding the Wave
February 23, 2020: Transfiguration Sunday
I love riding waves!! I find myself saying, “This is really good. And I want it to keep going!”
There were essentially the words of Peter when he had a “mountaintop experience” with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration. He is in awe; all he can say is that it is good and he wants it to last.
But it doesn’t. The good and awesome “God moments” — “mountaintop experiences” — fade away. As disciples, we are called to live off of the mountaintop.
So what do we make of God’s choice to give us mountaintop moments, even if they don’t last? For as Christians, we are about to enter Lent, definitely a time of living off the mountain top!
A reflection on Matthew 17, not just the transfiguration, but the whole chapter!
I love riding waves!! I find myself saying, “This is really good. And I want it to keep going!”
There were essentially the words of Peter when he had a “mountaintop experience” with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration. He is in awe; all he can say is that it is good and he wants it to last.
But it doesn’t. The good and awesome “God moments” — “mountaintop experiences” — fade away. As disciples, we are called to live off of the mountaintop.
So what do we make of God’s choice to give us mountaintop moments, even if they don’t last? For as Christians, we are about to enter Lent, definitely a time of living off the mountain top!
A reflection on Matthew 17, not just the transfiguration, but the whole chapter!
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