Jesus teaches us that it's our responsibility to"have the bodies" - especially, the most wounded bodies - before us, at the table. How do we make that happen? And how does that respond to our Chief Executive's present denial of habeas corpus?
August 24: All In A Day's Work
While life is not fair, Jesus' generosity saves the day. Guest message from Rev. Samantha Gonzalez-Block on Matthew 20:1-16.
August 17: "The Fire This Time"
Can't avoid it: the summer climate around us - the incivility surrounding us. What does Jesus mean when he cries, e.g., "I have come to bring fire on the earth"? Where's the Good News in these teachings?
God's Good Pleasure for Us
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for it's God's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32). How our little church - divested of its possessions of the past - can make room to receive the Good News.
Jesus' Declaration of Interdependence (Fourth of July Message)
In our land declaring its independence loudly: what a deep richness, this extra syllable - embedded in our peaceable discipleship. What do Jesus' teachings and examples of interdependence mean for our lives?
Pride: "Their Faces Were Set for Jerusalem"
Hear the stories of brave, compassionate, and fierce Presbyterian prophets who paved the way for our church inclusive. What kept them going? What can we learn from them?
Pride Sunday: "Faith and Perseverance: A Never Give Up Combination
- or, Don't Try to Outguess God. You'll Always Lose. Special speaker: gay pioneer Rev. Harry Stock. After his holy union with his life partner Mark in 1984, Harry lost his Episcopalian ordination - and regained it in 2024. Here is his story.
June 15: Not a Zero-Sum Game
The story of Naboth's vineyard serves as a fitting template for the many millennia of struggle to possess "The Holy Land" - as well as our own drivenness to be possessive.
Pentecost: Picnic or Parade?
Facing Caesar's exclusive parade next Saturday in DC, what can we learn about inclusive table fellowship from the Day of Pentecost?
Celebrating Our Power of Agency
Acts 1:6-14: Jesus' Ascension. Maybe the Ascension event is Jesus' Declaration of Independence from us ... and for us?
While We Cry How, God Asks for Our Yes
John 5:2-9. At the healing pool of Bethesda (!), Jesus changes the question from "how" to "yes". Several years ago, not knowing how to do it, our church said "yes" to a series of remarkable events - culminating in an occurrence whose anniversary we celebrate on May 25 each year.
Love Comes from Letting Go
Scripture: John 13:31-35. At the Last Supper, Jesus beckons the disciples to let him go. He then instructs them - three times - to "love one another". Might these instructions be related?
Mother's Day: Women of Strength, Shrewdness, Hope.
Scriptures: Exodus 1:16-18, 2:1-10, Mark 7:24-30. Guest: Rev. Pat Jackson, Executive Director, Interwoven Congregations for Racial Justice and Healing.
Caesar or Jesus? A Question of Allegiance
Saul's transformation of allegiance on the road to Damascus: dramatic! As for us, in the light of these past 100 days: what can Saul's experience teach us about our faith response?
Postcard from Ukraine: "Rehearsing Moses"
Rev. Dr. Robert Gamble of This Child Here - on Moses and the burning bush. Ukraine "is so tragic, it burns. And yet it is so hope-filled, it will not be consumed."
Easter Sunday: Why The Women?
Why were the women the first ones to experience Jesus' resurrection? And what do their actions teach us in today's DC chaos?
April 13 (Palm Sunday): A Sanctuary in the City
Jesus faces great suffering his final week - and yet offers sanctuary for others who seem to have lost hope (crying out "Peace in heaven!" vs. "Peace on earth!") How are we providing an urban sanctuary 'midst suffering so very present in our world today?
April 6: "What's The Use?"
Facing death, Jesus is anointed with costly perfume. What's the use of this being done? Or is there a greater question to ask ourselves? ...
March 30: That Other Brother
The journey of the Prodigal Son is well known. Perhaps we identify more with his older brother. Can we give that brother - lurking in the shadows - some love as well?
March 23: "Did You Hear About ... ?"
Lectionary Scripture: Luke 13:1-9. What's happening in our world today might be more important than ever. Jesus offers a Lent challenge for us: to shift our focus on what the world is doing to us ... to what we are doing alongside of others.
