By Jim Lichti
This is the fifth sermon in our Lenten series on the Christian mystics called “A Voice to Call Us Home.” An audio version of the sermon is available here. Luke 10:38-42 It came as a surprise to me when, in my early 30s, I felt drawn to becoming a monk. I was, by then, partnered…
By Joanna Lawrence ShenkPsalm 85:8-13 Thank you, Sarah, for that reading which offers us a compelling vision of the kindom of God. The writer of this psalm is reflecting on who they know the Divine to be – one who brings peace and thriving to a community – to the land and the people. There…
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…
By Joanna Lawrence Shenk Exodus 19:3-5 If someone had told me a couple weeks before church retreat that not only would we be dealing with pandemic restrictions, like needing to wear masks indoors but that we’d also not have electricity for the first 24 hours of retreat and that I’d be the only pastoral staff…
This is the first sermon in our Lent series, “Shadow Dancing: Pulling Back the Veil.” Matthew 4:1-11 I have a confession to make. A few months ago, I became aware that the 20th anniversary of my tenure as pastor here was coming up. It felt important to me to mark that anniversary in some way,…
By Joanna Lawrence Shenk, upon return from a six week sabbatical. I must begin with gratitude – and it’s hard to put into words because I feel like my heart is overflowing. It is such a gift to have you all as a community, affirming the value of sabbaticals and helping to make them happen. …