Sermon Archives

Lectionary
February 26, 2023

I Am There

I Am There

We encounter in the Matthew text a Jesus that calls us to go beyond what is expected of us, beyond the revenge-thinking of the world or quick dismissal of others, and calls us to a life of lived forgiveness, even if we have to do so at a distance. In the Parable we get the sense […]

February 19, 2023

Let It Be

Let It Be

Faithfulness, at its essence, is not the quest for a mystical experience, an experience that takes us out of the here and now. Faith does not equal a feeling of transcendence.  Faith means following Jesus, trusting that what lies ahead is even greater than what has already been experienced. You see, you can spend your […]

February 12, 2023

Encountering the Lord’s Prayer

Encountering the Lord's Prayer

Many of us have known and recited the Lord’s Prayer for much of our lives. It’s one of the most well-known passages from the New Testament. And it has been prayed by Christians around the world for generations and generations. Last semester I had the opportunity to encounter this text in a new way.  First, I […]

February 5, 2023

Beggars in the Hands of a Generous God

Beggars in the Hands of a Generous God

Beggars in the Hands of a Generous God. When we see ourselves in this way, when we see others in this way, and, when we see God in this way, then treating others as we would want to be treated becomes a natural extension of our life in prayer. In the end, as Martin Luther […]

January 22, 2023

Can I Audit This Class?

When we hear the Sermon on the Mount found in the book of Matthew, we often hear very hard teaching but miss the blessing, gift and help. As we take a look at Beatitudes, let us recognize that Jesus blesses be for he orders, helps before he challenges. It is only after we recognize our […]

January 8, 2023

Beloved Kingdom Bearers

Beloved Kingdom Bearers

I never much liked John the Baptist. He’s all repent, and you brood of vipers, and Jesus is coming with a winnowing fork. Barbara Brown Taylor likens him to a Doberman pinscher and I can see her point. He’s just kind of up in your face, and that’s not really my style. I have a […]

January 1, 2023

Begat

Begat

Jesus’ genealogy.

November 1, 2020

Overwhelmed by God

The first Sunday of every November is All Saints Sunday, also known as All Souls Sunday. I have now been with you here at Berkey long enough for the lectionary to come back around to me, and the Revelation reading for this week is a text I have already preached on! While I’m sure none […]

August 9, 2020

Wet Feet First

Many people didn’t know it was possible, but, against all odds, I’ve done it: I have crossed another threshold of pandemic fatigue. And, you know, based on several conversations that I have had, I’d guess the same is true for many of you.  Last week felt like a very long month. I’m going to do […]

July 26, 2020

The Difference of Little Things

The problems we face today are large and many. Item #1: In healthcare, the number of Covid cases has been surging in many places across the globe, including the United States. The surge of cases is so strong that some people are no longer talking about a first wave and a second wave, but are […]

Page 6 of 9