Fear . . . and God
Dan Schrock
Each of us here this morning knows what it is to be afraid. I have a friend who has an unusual and chronic disease that’s notoriously difficult to treat. In a desperate search for better health, he has traveled to several cities to consult with specialists in big-name medical centers. One of these specialists finally […]
Jesus’ Disaster Preparedness Plan
Marilyn Rudy-Froese
I can’t say that reading the scripture text for this week is a reassuring exercise. There appears to be nothing in it that will calm anxiety. It’s unsettling enough that Jesus says that the temple, known far and wide for its beauty, will be no more. But then he goes on to say that some […]
The Gifts of Lament
Dan Schrock
One evening, you and your spouse are caravanning back home from a soccer game. You and your spouse are driving separate vehicles because each of you went to the soccer game right after work. During the trip home after the game, your spouse is up ahead while you follow in the rear. As your spouse […]
Gardening with the Enemy
Jennifer Schrock
Jeremiah 29 is not a text that I chose. Nor is it what the lectionary prescribes for this morning. This scripture comes to us from Daniel and Brenda Grimes, who won the creation care raffle a couple of months back by getting their energy audit done. Thank you, Brenda and Daniel, for bringing this powerful […]
A Kiss of Peace
Dan Schrock
We already know what this parable means, right? We say this parable is about a foolish son who grabs his inheritance early, then wastes the money on prostitutes and other stupid expenses. The “prodigal” son, we call him, even though that word prodigal is not in Luke’s text. “Prodigal” because he’s wasteful and extravagant, because […]
Defending the Poor
Dan Schrock
I don’t know how it is for you, but sometimes when I read the Bible I get tired of all its talk about justice, righteousness, and peace. Throughout the English Bible, the word “justice” pops up 147 times, the word “righteousness” 241 times, and the word “peace” 256 times. Usually these three words appear in […]
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