Looking for the Spirit of Life
Dan Schrock
A common phrase lots of people have been using the last few months is “go back to normal.” You’ll hear it in sentences like, “When we go back to normal, I want to take a cruise in the Caribbean,” or “I’m so ready for everything to go back to normal, like it was before the […]
Up . . . and away
Mark Schloneger
The very first verses of Acts tell us that after Jesus was crucified and died, he appeared to the disciples over a period of forty days. He spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, the writer of Acts tells us, disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they were baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus, in particular
Mark Schloneger
My scripture comes from Acts chapter 17, verses 21 through 34. Before I read it, though, I want to give you a little context on what’s been happening, So, “Previously, in Acts . . , “ Paul, Silas, and Timothy, have been on the road traveling through what is now modern-day Turkey and Greece. When […]
Reflections of the Way Life Used to Be
Joanne Gallardo
I’ve spent the last few weeks running away from my reflection. I’m talking about my literal reflection and metaphorical reflection. Any haircuts or personal grooming habits have sort of gone out the window given that Zoom doesn’t produce the sharpest image of ourselves. My lowered levels of vanity is probably a good thing. But I’ve […]
Loving our neighbors while suffering
Missy Kauffman Schrock
Are you suffering? I think many of us are. Maybe not all the time, but likely more than before the lockdown. This pandemic has gotten the best of us – we are more isolated from each other, or homebound togetherness may be leaning toward the tedious. Just going out of the house may feel riskier […]
The Long Slog to Communion
Mark Schloneger
Now, what? Every single one of us asks that question at some point in our lives, several points, probably. Now what? Maybe you are asking that question right now. Maybe those of you with children are being asked that question a lot these days. You see, we ask that question whenever we find ourselves taking […]
This is a dangerous sermon
Mark Schloneger
Everywhere you look, there are warnings reminding you to be careful. On a Starbucks cup: “Careful, the beverage you are about to enjoy is extremely hot.” On a super glue bottle, it says this: “Warning: Bonds instantly. Do not swallow. Do not get in eyes.” A beach ball, for those of you that are wondering, […]
Practicing Resurrection
Dan Schrock
I In the last four weeks, I’ve been talking with Christians across the United States, from Virginia in the east, to California in the west; and from Minnesota in the north, to Florida in the south. I’ve listened to pastors, conference ministers, therapists, and spiritual directors. All of them are asking the same underlying question: […]
When Every Day is Good Friday
Joanne Gallardo
I always feel conflicted about Palm Sunday. We go from celebrating the entry of Christ into Jerusalem to a week of thinking about Easter dinners, baked goods, and dyed eggs to Good Friday. I feel that “Good Friday” is always a bit of a misnomer. While Jesus’ resurrection can certainly be labeled “good,” there’s really […]
In the Valley of the Shadow
Mark Schloneger
“Jesus wept.” Jesus wept. That’s it. “Jesus wept” is the verse that I’d blurt out when I was asked by my childhood Sunday school teachers to share scripture that I had memorized. A little smart-alecky, I know, a sad part of my checkered history. And to you children’s Sunday school teachers who are watching, all […]
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