History confirms that a “Beloved Community” cannot flourish where fear, exclusion, and oppression are prevalent. Acts of racism, marginalization, and tolerance of violence and oppression are damaging to humanity. Our…
Last week in our Building Beloved Community series, we explored the difference between formal authority and informal authority. Formal authority comes through a position, title, or office. Informal authority, however,…
The story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9) is often remembered as the moment when God confused human language and scattered people across the earth. Yet beneath this familiar…
There are moments in life when we simply run out of strength. The burdens become too heavy, discouragement settles into our hearts, and we wonder if we have anything left…
We have all experienced seasons when life feels overwhelming. There are moments when the odds seem stacked against us, when we feel down and out, when life takes an unexpected…
This weekend, we begin a new sermon series based on the new vision statement of The United Methodist Church with three major points of reference: love boldly, serve joyfully, and…
John 21:15–19 The encounter between Jesus and Peter on the shore of the Sea of Galilee is a story of failure, forgiveness, and renewed calling. Earlier in John 21, the…
Forgiveness and Luke 23:32–45 We continue our VBS Series today, discussing the notion of forgiveness. As Jesus hung upon the cross, surrounded by mockery, violence, and suffering, He spoke words…
Pentecost arrives like a rushing wind through the doors of the church and into our hearts. In Acts 2:1-21, the disciples are gathered together when the Holy Spirit descends with…
You have probably attended more than one wedding where 1 Corinthians 13 was read aloud. While this passage is often associated with marriage, Paul was not writing wedding poetry. He…