Jerusalem My first day in Israel/Palestine, I understand why the psalms speak of going up to Jerusalem—why the psalm we just heard for or call to worship is called a Psalm of Ascent. It isn’t metaphorical language. It’s geography. From Tel Aviv, where we land at sea level, to Jerusalem is a climb of about…
The following is a guest sermon/drash given by Rabbi Howard Steiermann of Congregation Sha’ar Zahav. Psalm 137 I would like to share with you the story about how I got interested in, and empowered to, write my own rendition of the biblical psalms. As I am used to delivering sermons based on Torah text (the…
On Dec. 7, we celebrated Sheri’s quarter-century of ministry through scripture, song, art, reflections, poetry, pies and dancing! Below are reflections given by Randy Yee and Eli Ramer, plus a poem written by Bekah Puddington for the occasion. Randy Yee’s Reflection Hi my name is Randy, and I’m a recovering churchgoer. I stopped going to…
Matthew 24:36–44 (in italics) But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son but only Abba God. Advent lectionary texts always begin in uncertainty. Just before today’s passage, Jesus has spoken of the Temple’s destruction and foretold nations rising against nations, earthquakes, famines — the end of…
As we near the end of our congregation’s gala 50th anniversary year, pastoral staff reflect on the “state of the congregation” as we enter our 51st year. Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the…
Luke 6:20-23 October 29, 2025 — All Saints Day A little more than 11 years ago, my Mom died. Thanks to this community, I had the leave to be with her for several days before she died, to be present at her death, to plan and attend her memorial service three days later, and to…
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