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Guided Meditation: “When?”
Please close your eyes, if you feel comfortable doing so. Begin to breathe slowly and easily, watching your breath as it rises and falls. If you notice any stress or discomfort in your body, intensify and then release it. Continue to breathe slowly and gently, watching your breath as it rises and falls. As you do this, your mind and body are at one. Now draw your attention into your heart - that place of peace and serenity where you can hear the still small voice of God. Imagine that you...
Previous Sermons
“Joy is the Simplest Form of Gratitude” by Rev. Elizabeth King
Rev. King’s text is not yet available. You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/Kul9AFuS-jg?si=cdganbxnHscF-iyo&t=1795
“Keep Awake”
In the context of our global climate emergency, the call in today’s gospel reading – to be ready and awake – takes on a new resonance. What does it mean to be prepared for the end in a climate-changed world?
“Remember”
“The greatest among you will be your servant.” There is not a day that goes by that I do not remember my Auntie Isabelle. She was the best. When my mother was a little girl, Auntie took care of her after school. They went horseback riding and sledding and shopping...
“Blessed Are The Peacemakers”
Can you imagine offering peace to a former captor? Or to a member of a group whose stated purpose is to kill you and the people you love because of your religion? Can you imagine offering peace to a person in your life who you believe has wronged you?
“A Godly Lens”
A few months ago, I was having a conversation with a friend. I’ll call him “Dan.” It was about politics. “Yes, I voted for Trump,” he said. “It’s not like I like the guy. I’m a Christian. I don’t agree with a lot of what he says or does.” “Why did you vote for...
“WHY???”
Why? Why? Why? Why did Hamas brutalize Israelis? Babies? Mothers? Young people? Why?? Why did Israel respond with such massive force and a cruel blockade? Killing so many innocent people? Surely igniting the next generation of terrorists? Why?? Why can’t Israelis...
“Because I Said So?”
The Ten Commandments aren’t arbitrary rules or Divine laws simply to keep us from getting into trouble or to satisfy the whims of a demanding God. They are not a mere script to follow to ensure that we stay on the straight and narrow, so that we can know what it is to be “good,” do it or face punishment. The Commandments are presented to build relationship – with God and one another.
“In The Footsteps of St. Francis”
Francis, who only lived to 44 years of age, shows us that it is possible to “put on Christ,” to transcend our judgments, and to hear the creation speak. (Spiritual practices that just happen to be the topics of my last three sermons.) St. Francis shows what is possible for us when we keep our hearts focused on Christ. He embodies a Christian path that is within our reach.
“A Whale Of A Hopeful Tale”
When we allow ourselves to feel the pain of the world – in this case the pain of our brother and sister whales – rather than ignore it or run from it or be numbed in the midst of it or deny it – we can become instruments of transformation, instruments of grace. It takes courage, dedication, and community.
“A Deeper Wisdom”
How often do we think that what someone else is choosing to do is ignorant, ridiculous or wrong; to judge others using the standards of our own experience, culture, and beliefs. Our minds can quickly jump from judging other people’s beliefs, choices or actions – not just as different, but as “right or wrong,” “good or bad.” Then it is easy to slip, as Paul warns, from judging others, to despising them.
“Imagine & Transform”
Our imaginations are a powerful spiritual gift. When Paul urges, “put on the armor of light” and “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” he is inviting us to use our imaginations to counter the darkness around us and within us; to, instead, enter into a transformed, spiritual state of being.
“How Then, Shall We Live”
While I was traveling through Scotland, again and again I noticed the same phenomena: *one morning, around 9, over breakfast at the cutest spot in Edinburgh, the Honeycomb Tearoom, two late teen/early twenties Swedish males sat down with their parents; they were pale...