When the resurrected Jesus meets the Marys after they found the tomb empty, he tells us them to “rejoice.” It isn’t just a command. It’s a type of greeting — a cheerful, “Hello!”
The King James Bible has a unique interpretation of Matthew 28:9, in which Jesus says, “All hail” to the Marys. The word “hail” has a unique meaning … Read the rest
As the Advent season begins, it’s a good time to reflect on how we see God. Early Gnostics struggled to see God with human qualities? Humans are so messy, limited and full of fault.
As a human, Jesus transformed the image of God, but it was still difficult for many to grasp — and still is to this day. How … Read the rest
The temple in Jerusalem was an architectural masterpiece. It certainly had significant religious significance for those of the Jewish faith, but additionally was a massive structure that dominated the landscape. So when Jesus goes to the temple and says that it will be destroyed and he will rebuild it in three days, it was a bold proclamation.
We now know … Read the rest
Jesus tells us how to deal with those who sin against us, and not surprisingly, it’s countercultural. Where in society when we confront disagreement it’s so easy to block someone on Twitter, or unfriend them on Facebook, Jesus says we should first go talk to the person, face-to-face. Because when we talk to someone, there’s something about our humanity that … Read the rest
Sermon
“Costly Pearls and Serotinous Cones”
Sermon by The Rev. Joe Gunby
Matthew 13: 44-53
Sept. 17, 2017
While it would seem that nobody really believes in magic, if we’re honest, a great deal of what passes for faith can tend toward magic if we’re not careful.
Magic attempts to control results and predict the future, while faith remains open to the unmanageable gifts that God puts in our lives. When life hands us a situation we can’t … Read the rest
Why is Jesus so concerned with manners? He’s always telling his disciples where to go, when to leave, how to act, and most importantly, who to eat with.
The mystery of faith as much to do with manners as it does belief.
Sermon
“Manners and Mysteries”
Sermon by The Rev. Joe Gunby
Luke 14:1, 7-14
Aug. 28, 2016
It’s easy to focus on one aspect of the Gospel and trust we will “inherit the kingdom” if we just do that one thing God wants us to do. But the Gospel is not merely a checklist. Jesus tells us that we can relax in the knowledge that God already loves us and we should not focus on earthly possessions … Read the rest
“The Things We Carry”
Sermon by The Rev. Joe Gunby
Luke 10
July 3, 2016
Sermon
“The Choice to Serve”
Sermon by The Rev. Lisa Caine
Philemon 1-21
Nov. 15, 2015
Choir Anthem: “This is My Prayer”
Sermon
