Sermons

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart  be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.                                            Psalm 19:14 ESV Thank you, my new friends, for the warm welcome to your… [Read More]

It’s Juneteenth time. About Juneteenth[1]—I had no idea.  Growing up in Thurmont, Maryland, I simply had no idea that there was a day dedicated to celebrating the day when slaves were truly freed—not by official proclamation as customarily taught, but by an enforced reality, which took the form of one Union General and 2000 Federal… [Read More]

Desmond Tutu, the South African leader, once said, “God’s dream is that you and I and all of us will realize that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion.” Yet we human beings have a long way to go before God’s dream becomes reality. Family dynamics are often… [Read More]

No Sermon on This Date

“This is what the LORD says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls’” —Jeremiah 6:16. Cairns are stone structures that are intentionally built.  The word “cairn” comes from Middle Gaelic, and means a… [Read More]

Have you ever had a close friend move away?  I remember when, as a young tyke, my best friend, Kristy, moved away.  I was in elementary school when she moved to another state.  My memory is foggy regarding where she moved and why, but I vividly remember wrapping several of my favorite doll baby clothes… [Read More]

What is one of your favorite things to do when you arrive in a new-to-you city or place?  Kate Micucci, an American actress, remarked that her favorite thing to do in a new city “is find new fast food.” She says, “I seek it out. I’ll tweet and ask people what their favorite local place… [Read More]

Recently, I watched a story about a youth, then 14 year old Jonathan Pitre, who suffers from a rare disease called “Epidermolysis Bullosa” or EB for short.  The genetic condition is marked by skin so fragile that it blisters and tears easily making everyday activities excruciatingly painful.  The skin is so fragile that children born… [Read More]

On first glance, the gathering seems rather idyllic.  At the time of the writing of Acts, the community of disciples held all things in common; they distributed proceeds from the sale of their possessions and goods to all who had need; they spent a great deal of time together in the temple; they broke bread… [Read More]

Can you think of a Disney film in your life that made a great emotional impression on you, either positive or negative?  For me, it was Lilo and Stitch.  The storyline explored family and belonging thru the concept of “Ohana,” illustrating how compassion and the longing to belong filled both the heart of the little… [Read More]