Dr. Jacqui Lewis is Senior Minister Middle Collegiate Church in the East Village of Manhattan. Middle Church is a dynamic 900-member multiracial, multicultural, inclusive congregation in which everyone is welcome just as they are as they come through the door. Lewis is also the Executive Director of The Middle Project, an institute that prepares ethical leaders for a more just society....
In an era when fewer and fewer people go to church, it is often the song, not the sermon, speech or blog that touches people’s lives in a deep and meaningful way. Houses of faith may embody ethics, morality and good deeds; but the church can learn more of these same things from the street, perhaps as much as the street can learn from the church. This brief essay explores this idea....
This is a transcript of a sermon preached by Robert Cornwall Fourth of July Weekend (2009). Based on a reading from Galatians 5:1-6, 13-14, the message is that true freedom is not found in nationalism or patriotism, but in Christ. Freedom then is a gift, but freedom involves responsibility. Finally, Freedom leads to community. That is, true freedom is found not in autonomy (libertarianism), but in commitment to the other....
Genesis 16:1-12, 15; 17:20; 21:1-3, 8-21
John 21:1-14
http://www.crosswalknapa.org/blog/2017/4/28/the-worst-resurrection-story
The Resurrection Story can be told in many ways. ...
John 20:19-25
http://www.crosswalknapa.org/blog/2017/4/23/breathed-to-breathe
You are loved by God, animated by the very breath of God to carry you through, so that you may breathe life into people and situations where death threatens in myriad forms.
...
Deuteronomy 10:17-21; Psalm 145; Hebrews 11:8-16; Matthew 5:43-48
http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/stw/2013/06/13/independence-day-2013/
Interdependence Day and Independence Day
Independence Day, let’s also think of it as “Interdependence Day”; a day when we celebrate not only being free from unjust rule but also a day when we commit ourselves anew to extending liberty and justice to everyone who seeks it, without partiality.
...
Mathew 5: 13-20
https://faithelement.net/9-06-salt-and-light/
Podcast
Matthew 28.1-10
In this sermon (Easter 2017), I'm trying to honestly make some kind of sense of the Resurrection for real life, here and now. And I don't want to fall into banal cliches, hackneyed phrases, and worn out dogmas that assume we can just repeat "Christ is Risen" and feel in any real way that we've engaged honestly with the ancient religious truth proclaimed at Easter, the modern world as we've come to know it, and a spirituality that helps us flourish in these challenging times. The text that day was Matthew 28.1-10, but it addresses the broad witness of the Resurrection. ...
Rev. Otis Moss III offers rationale for marriage equality on the grounds of justice....
Proverbs 31
From sojourngrace.com:
"In this compelling message, Kate opens up her heart, mind, and life, to show all of us how the Good News can only be good when all women are lifted up, honored, and seen as full bearers of the image of God. Plus, an incredible moment of declaring "Eshet Chayil, Woman of Valor" over the women of Sojourn."...
The myth of a post-racial society runs strong. In the fourth installment of our series on Liberation Theology, Colby unpacks what the poets, artists, activists, and theologians of Black Liberation Theology have taught us about the cross. Definitely restoring the “good” in Good News....
Luke 20: 27-38
This sermon addresses the text in Luke when the Sadducees engage Jesus in a philosophical argument about the existence of an afterlife, using the case study of the childless widow of seven brothers. It addresses what it means for our understanding of heaven in light of what Jesus has to say. This sermon asks the question, "What does it mean to pray 'On Earth as it is in Heaven'? ...
From sojourngrace.com:
"Wrapping up our series about how Liberation Theology makes the Good News "good," Kate invites us all to consider the ways in which we are Called to be a part of Liberation. Both collectively AND individually. Also featuring spoken word by Catherine Hanna Schrock, and a Faith Formation Story by Wendy Kim. "...
From sojourngrace.com:
"Joined by author and national activist, Brandan Robertson, this week we dive in to how LGBTQ Liberation Theology adds more goodness to the Good News."...
From sojourngrace.com:
"For many of us, it is tempting to leave behind ideas, words, and concepts associated with our past religious traditions and experiences. In this powerful message, Kate dares us to consider building a new life of prayer out of the reclaimed parts of our old lives. If you've struggled to find prayer again, you're not alone. And, you should listen to this. "...
http://rev-o-lution.org/resources/pregnancy-and-infant-loss-remembrance-day-october-15th/
Pregnancy and Loss
Prayers and suggestions for those that have lost babies.......
http://bjconline.org/standing-against-islamophobia/
Standing for justice and against violence against Muslims...
Luke 19: 41-44
http://sacredise.com/blog/living-on-a-prayer-weeps-luke-1941-44/
Living on Prayer and How Peace makes a difference...
Matthew 11:28 Matthew 11:29 Matthew 11:30
Nadia Bolz-Weber preaches on the importance of rest....
Nadia Bolz-Weber gives the Honors Convocation Address at Iliff School of Theology....
John 6:47 John 6:48
Nadia Bolz-Weber preached on eternity and how it's just as much about your life before death, as it is about your life after death....
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From trinitywallstreet.org:
"We’ve all known them — teachers, lawyers, athletes, community organizers, artists,
who knew what they wanted to do from a very young age, and did just that. What about
those of us who struggle to hear a vocation’s call? In this excerpt from Ray of Darkness: Sermons and Reflections, the Most Rev. Rowan Williams , the archbishop of Canterbury, suggests we retreat from the fray to recharge with a new perspective. Part 1 of 2."...
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From monicacoleman.com:
"On November 18, 2012, I spoke at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, CA in the Rector’s Forum on “Wrestling with God and Depression.” I referenced the story in the gospel of Mark where Jesus meets the man named Legion and casts out the and casts demons out of him. I talk about what I think that has to do with depression, mental health and living whole lives."...
From sojourngrace.org:
"Join Catherine and Peter as they creatively and playfully explore the Spiritual Practice of Creativity. Inspiring us to become co-creators in this messy and beautiful life we live."...
From sojourngrace.com:
"Anne Lamott says that not forgiving is like drinking rat poison and waiting for the rat to die. It’s hurting someone, just not the rat. In a week like this, what does forgiveness have to offer us? Isn’t forgiveness just another way of letting the aggressor off the hook, and holding the victim responsible for their own pain? Join Jessica Mitchell as she asks the question, Could your soul be asking you to process something so you can let it go?"...
From sojourngrace.com:
"As long as humans have existed we have sought to connect with our Creator. All faith traditions engage in some sort of practice of prayer, and so this sermon seeks to breathe a fresh word in to this potentially stale Christian Practice. (Featuring a special time of meditative prayer with Mathew B Mitchell)"...
Brian Rossbert at House For All Sinners and Saints preaches on forgiveness, using the example of the Amish response to a schoolhouse shooting....
Matthew 3:13-17
"Baptism and Inclusion" is a reflection on the story of Jesus' baptism and upon the sacrament of baptism. The sermon envisions the possibility that baptism can be understood as a commitment by the church to care for people of every religious tradition. ...
John 14:1-14
"Is Jesus the Only Way" explores the possibility that Christians historically have misused Jesus words John 14:7 ("I am the way the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father buy my me") to answer a question not being asked in the text. The sermon suggests John 14:7 need not stand in the way of the practice of an inclusive faith that honors and respects other religious traditions. ...
Acts 17:16-34
The Bible is full of surprises. Among the unexpected bits of scripture is a story from Acts in which Paul quotes prayers to Zeus as while introducing Jesus to the the people of Athens. "The Paganism of St. Paul" reflects on what Paul's use of paganism might mean for Christians today....
Jeremiah 1
Dr. David Gushee preaches about loving and including LGBT people in the Kingdom of God....
Romans 1:24 Romans 1:25 Romans 1:26 Romans 1:27
Dr. James Brownson, professor of New Testament and author of "Bible, Gender, Sexuality," delivers a guest lecture on Romans 1:24-27. From The Reformation Project's inaugural leadership training conference at Asbury United Methodist Church in Prairie Village, Kansas on September 20, 2013.
Part two found here: https://youtu.be/9kONByDAXko...
Rev. Beth Birkholz preaches on The Lord's Prayer....
Joshua Smith preaches on missing prophets because of our cynicism....
Nadia Bolz Weber preaches on grace and being Lutheran....
From sojourngrace.com:
"If you could reverse engineer some of your most healthy relationships, one of the things you might find is the existence of a non-anxious presence. In this sermon, Colby suggests that Love Looks Like Relaxing. Which is to say, having an open handed and open hearted posture toward the people in your life is one way to help your relationships thrive."...
From sojourngrace.com:
"When questions arise about your sense of belonging, or when you're flooded with feelings of emptiness, in this sermon Jessica Mitchell invites us to always come back to this truth: You are Loved, and you have all the Love you need."...
Shane Claiborne speaks about discipleship at the ELCA Youth Gathering....
Leymah Gbowee speaks at the ELCA Youth Gathering about hope in all the pain in the world....
Nadia Bolz Weber discusses our wounds, and healing through the Living Water of Christ....
Genesis 32:22
Pastor Colby Martin discusses the story of Jacob and who it might have been he wrestled with in the night....
Rev. Otis Moss III preaches on race and Christianity and the revolution of creating a community that loves those on the margins....
Pastor Nadia Bolz Weber preaches about the violence in Charlottesville, VA, white supremacy, and the history of racism in our nation, as well as the role of Christianity....
Pastor Kate reflects on recent events in Charlottesville and asks us to consider becoming more hospitable people....
Psalm 139:1 Psalm 139:2 Psalm 139:3 Psalm 139:4 Psalm 139:5 Psalm 139:6 Psalm 139:7 Psalm 139:8 Psalm 139:9 Psalm 139:10 Psalm 139:11 Psalm 139:12 Psalm 139:13 Psalm 139:14
Rev. Otis Moss III preaches about the love that God has for Black people, His very own beautiful creation. ...
Mark 15:21
Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley preaches in the wake of learning about the lack of conviction for George Zimmerman's....
From sojourngrace.org:
"The surprising ways in which stories from the Gospels can still offer wisdom and insight today—especially as it relates to the events during/after #Charlottesville. Join Co-Pastors Colby and Kate Martin as they lead us through a service of Biblical interpretation, prayerful reflection, and a challenge to embody greater love."...
Matthew 14
Rev. Reagan Humber preaches about compassion and what it was to Jesus and is to us. ...
Rev. Reagan Humber writes a letter to Peter and discusses the church built on imperfection....
From sojourngrace.com:
For Jesus to walk the path that he did, faced with abandonment and suffering, meant that he lived a life of deep faith. He trusted that great Love was holding him and guiding him. We, too, are invited to lean into a faith that sustains us, when our circumstances and the world around us can seem so broken and bruised. Jessica reminds us that faith is not the absence of fear, or doubt, or pain, but that the love of God is the river that carries us through all of it....
From sojourngrace.com:
Pastor Kate challenges progressive people of faith to think about ways in which their progressive sensibilities have possibly kept them from a thriving faith. Listeners are invited to rethink prayer and encouraged to incorporate prayer into their daily routines.
...
Continuing our series "Bloom: Reflections on the Cycle of Life", Pastor Stan explores the question "do I believe I can be well?" and works through what it even means to be "well" in this context. This is the archive recording of the message portion of our service from Sunday, March 20, 2017.
Nadia Bolz Weber preaches on what it means to be a sheep and a shepherd....
Cindy Pincus, at House For All Sinners and Saints, preaches on God's love for us and setting our expectations....
Sojourn warmly welcomes special guest speaker Rev. Dr. Paula Stone Williams. You won’t want to miss her message as she challenges us to answer God’s call in our lives, despite the risks....
Matthew 18:21 Matthew 18:22 Matthew 18:23 Matthew 18:24 Matthew 18:25 Matthew 18:26 Matthew 18:27 Matthew 18:28 Matthew 18:29 Matthew 18:30 Matthew 18:31 Matthew 18:32 Matthew 18:33
Father Richard Rohr gives a homily on forgiveness and mercy....
From sojourngrace.com:
"Drawing from the work of Latin American Liberation Theologians, we explore how suffering (as a result of oppression) is the result of poverty, and therefore poverty is an evil force to be opposed."
...
From the Muslimah Next Door:
"Editor’s Note: The following is a guest post submitted to me by my friend, Maha Elgenaidi, the CEO of Islamic Network Groups. It is the repost of a sermon given by Pastor Rebecca Irelan in support of Wheaton College Prof. Larycia Hawkins and about what Christians can learn from the Muslim view of the Prophet Jesus.
Read more at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/muslimahnextdoor/2016/01/jesus-for-muslims-a-sermon-by-rev-dr-rebecca-i..."...
Deuteronomy 15:11
Rabbi Brian Stoller, Senior Rabbi of Temple Israel in Omaha, Nebraska, whose congregation is the Jewish partner in Omaha's Tri-Faith Initiative (www.trifaith.org), addresses Countryside Community Church (UCC) - the Christian Tri-Faith Partner - concerning three distinctive gifts that Judaism contributes to the Tri-Faith conversation. His address, entitled "Torah, Prayer, and Acts of Kindness: The Three Pillars of Judaism is divided into three sections on this video....
Micah 4:1-4
Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Israel in Omaha, Nebraska - the Jewish congregational partner in Omaha's Tri-Faith Initiative (www.trifaith.org) shares with Countryside Community Church (UCC) why Jews do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah, and offers his understanding of Jewish hope. While this sermon may be challenging for some Christians, its delivery is respectful and deeply felt. It also illuminates much common ground that Judaism and Christianity share despite their differing opinions of Jesus' identity....
Psalm 113 Matthew 6
What if you could experience the holy each day, such that each day became a holiday ("holy day")? This is Part 1 of a 4-part series on blessings that may be found in everyday life....
Genesis 1 Luke 12 Colossians 1 Gospel of Thomas 77
What if you could find holiness in each moment, such that the experience of time itself became a living Gospel? This is Part 2 of a 4-part series on blessings that may be found in everyday life. Sermons in this series may be integrated with Marcia McFee's Worship Design Studio series of the same name. (http://www.worshipdesignstudio.com/)...
Psalm 104 Luke 12:13-23
This is Part 3 of a 4-part series, Bless to Me. By making gratitude your life's essential pursuit, you become, as Jesus says, "rich toward God." Your mindfulness and discipline, like drops of water falling on a stalagmite, slowly build something within you that can never be taken away. In this day and age, things that can never be taken away from us are increasingly rare. This series is integrated with Marcia McFee's Worship Design Studio series of the same name. http://www.worshipdesignstudio.com/...
Isaiah 41:27-31 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
This is Part 4 of a 4-part series called Bless to Me. In our day, despite the struggles we face in our country - be they catastrophic flooding or catastrophic political polarization - neither faith, nor loving community, nor hope have been entirely stripped away. In fact, you can still find a lot of these resources if you have "eyes to see." This reflection integrates scripture with Celtic Christian spirituality to develop these very eyes so that we make fuller use of overlooked resources around us. This series is integrated with Marcia McFee's Worship Design Studio series of the same name. (http://www.worshipdesignstudio.com/)...
1 Kings 19 Genesis 2:7 Romans 8:26-27 Psalm 46 Mark 9:14-29 Romans 12:1-2 Matthew 26:36-46
This is a 6-sermon resource packet on focussed on how progressively-oriented Christians may develop a prayerful relationship with God. Also available (at additional cost) are a complete set of worship resources to accompany this series from Marcia McFee's Worship Design Studio (http://www.worshipdesignstudio.com/) as well as complete small group video resources produced by Darkwood Brew which are available in DVD and internet streaming formats (https://darkwoodbrew.org/product/listen-series-guided-episodes/).
Sermons include: (1) Finding Your Cave: Listening Spaces; (2) Finding Your Breath: Listening to Our Bodies; (3) Finding a Word: Listening to the Texts; (4) Finding Your Power: Listening for Healing; ...
John 14:1-6; Deuteronomy 32:7-12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; John 10:11-18; Acts 178:22-31; Colossians 1:13-20
This 6-sermon resource packet by pastor/biblical scholar, Rev. Eric Elnes, Ph.D., is focussed on how Christians may "claim fully the path of Jesus without denying the legitimacy of other paths God may create for humanity" (Phoenix Affirmation 1). The series specifically and sensitively addresses Jesus' statement in John 14:6 that "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." The series helps people understand the historical and literary context of this statement, and a number of translational and interpretive possibilities that suggest that the most common interpretation (that Christianity is the only way) is the least likely one that Jesus would affirm. Also available (at additional cost) is a complete small group video resource produced by Darkwood Brew which is available in DVD and internet streaming formats (https://darkwoodbrew....
Genesis 1:1-5; Genesis 1:6-8; Genesis 1:9-13; Genesis 1:14-19; Genesis 1:20-23; Genesis 1:24-28
Drawing inspiration from John Philip Newell's, The Book of Creation: An Introduction to Celtic Spirituality, this 6-sermon resource packet by pastor/biblical scholar, Rev. Eric Elnes, Ph.D., explores faith and Creation through a Celtic lens informed by Dr. Elnes' biblical scholarship on the book of Genesis. These sermons celebrate "the God whose Spirit pervades and whose glory is reflected in all of God’s Creation, including the earth and its ecosystems, the sacred and secular, the Christian and non-Christian, the human and non-human" (Phoenix Affirmation 3). Also available (at additional cost) is a complete small group video resource keyed to these sermons produced by Darkwood Brew which is available in DVD and internet streaming formats (https://darkwoodbrew.org/product/on-earth-series-guided-episodes/).
Sermons include: (1) The Generosity of God; (2...
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