God and Not-God (Updated)
Nine years ago on Trinity Sunday, I preached a sermon called “God and Not-God: A Short History.” This year, I return to that story—the story of a God who is eternal, perfect, and love itself, and of Not-God, the fragile, impermanent world we inhabit. From Abraham’s trust to Moses’ awe, from the commandments on the mountain to the Word made flesh in Jesus Christ, God has been drawing us away from idols and back into relationship. And in the great mystery of the Holy Trinity—Parent, Child, and Spirit—we glimpse the perfect love that holds all things together and invites us in. Though we live in Not-God, our being rests in God, who empowers us to love, to resist sin, and to join the eternal flow of divine love.
Nine Pieces of the Spirit
On Pentecost, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit—and the many ways the Spirit continues to move among us. In this special sermon, we explore nine distinct ways we encounter the Spirit: as wind, breath, peace, fire, spark, truth, companion, advocate, and connector. Accompanied by a stunning stained glass sculpture by Alison Ives, each element is both a visual and spiritual reminder of the Spirit’s presence. This interactive reflection invites us to recognize and deepen our relationship with the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
What Other Option Do I Have
This week, we’re picking up where last Sunday left off—moving from embracing new life to understanding why we so often resist it. We explore the concept of negligent inertia—the tendency to stick with what’s “just fine” until it quietly turns into “what other option do I have?” Whether it’s doomscrolling, addictive behaviors, or global issues like climate inaction, we all fall into patterns that drain us. But Jesus steps into our stuck places with a simple, life-giving command: “Get up.” In obeying, we rediscover movement, renewal, and the abundant life we were made for.
All Things New
In this week's sermon, we explore the mystery and hope of newness—not as something entirely separate from the past, but as something deeply rooted in it. Drawing from Revelation and the ancient thought experiment known as the Ship of Theseus, we reflect on how change and continuity coexist in our bodies, minds, and spirits. With insights from Scripture, science, and personal journey, we are invited into a deeper understanding of spiritual renewal: not a one-time transformation, but an ongoing process of becoming. As God continually makes all things new, we too are called to embrace change—knowing that the eternal Christ walks with us every step of the way.
Fearing Death
On a spring morning full of new life, we reflect on the one thing we all face, death. While we can't know exactly what comes after, we hold onto hope in the resurrection and the promise of Christ.
This sermon explores four reasons we fear death: the unknown, unfinished lives, the pain we leave behind, and, most deeply, fear of punishment. But Scripture tells a different story. The gates of heaven are never shut. God's love isn’t a reward for perfection, it’s a reality we live in now and forever.
With Psalm 23 as our guide, we remember that even in the valley of the shadow of death, the Shepherd is with us—leading us home.
The Other Side of the Boat
On this May 4th, instead of Star Wars references, this sermon shares a powerful final conversation with a 101-year-old man who offered simple yet profound wisdom: “Always remember to cast your net on the other side of the boat.” Drawing from John 21, the sermon invites us to break free from routine, stay open to God’s guidance, and trust that the Risen Christ always calls us toward new, lifegiving paths.
Resting All My Weight
Jesus endures pain and injustice not to satisfy divine punishment but because he remains faithful to his mission of love. He stays with those he loves, even at great cost, refusing to abandon them. His relationship with humanity transcends suffering and death, leading to resurrection and renewed life.
The One Whom Jesus Loves
Jesus endures pain and injustice not to satisfy divine punishment but because he remains faithful to his mission of love. He stays with those he loves, even at great cost, refusing to abandon them. His relationship with humanity transcends suffering and death, leading to resurrection and renewed life.
Three Definitions of Passion
Jesus endures pain and injustice not to satisfy divine punishment but because he remains faithful to his mission of love. He stays with those he loves, even at great cost, refusing to abandon them. His relationship with humanity transcends suffering and death, leading to resurrection and renewed life.
The Capacity to Act
This sermon explores three types of power: "Power Over," characterized by dominance and oppression; "Empowerment," fostering agency; and "Power With," emphasizing collaboration and mutual support. It advocates embracing "Power With" for collective justice and peace.
Racing to Meet Us
This sermon is about shame and about how God's reconciling love can overcome it.
The Foundation of Being
This sermon explores God's identity in response to Moses, emphasizing the significance of God's name "I Am Who I Am." It highlights the importance of recognizing our connection to God and responsibilities towards creation and each other.
With My Arms Spread Wide
A story sermon about being willing to take risks to protect the vulnerable when you are safe beneath the shadow of Jesus' wing.
For it is Written
The sermon discusses the misuse of scripture by the devil and individuals to justify harmful actions. It encourages reflection on personal morals, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between life-giving and death-dealing choices while following Christ's path toward abundance and peace.
The Imposition of Ashes
On Ash Wednesday, the imposition of ashes symbolizes both our mortality and our identity as God's beloved children. This ritual reveals our baptismal marks, reminding us of our commitment to follow Christ each day of our lives.
Love Your Enemies
The sermon explores Jesus' radical command to love our enemies, emphasizing three paths: recognizing their humanity, maintaining healthy boundaries, and embracing nonviolence. It challenges listeners to embody authentic love, despite the complexities of hatred and conflict.
Sinking Your Roots
The sermon explores the metaphor of roots, emphasizing the significance of where we establish our foundations. Using the Prophet Jeremiah's teachings, it contrasts trust with fear, abundance with scarcity, justice with retribution, and compassion with isolation.
By the Grace of God
The sermon explores the concept of grace, highlighting its significance through the Apostle Paul's transformation from a persecutor to an apostle. It compares grace to the beauty of movement in dance and emphasizes God's support in overcoming life's falls. Ultimately, it illustrates how grace prompts genuine actions rooted in love and mercy.
The Presentation
When we come to altar rail, we bring our whole selves. In these tumultuous days, I'm bringing a flurry of emotions and asking the Holy Spirit to transform them so I can be about God's work of justice and peace in the world.