By the Reverend Dr. Warren Crews Today we are using the special lessons for Independence Day. Given all that is going on in our country, it seems like something important for us to do. On this weekend it is traditional to recall all of the ideals our country was founded upon. Yet, this year we are being forced to look back at some of the things about our founding fathers that were not very ideal—like their accepting slavery and often owning slaves. They spoke often about liberty and justice for all — except for African slaves (whom the Constitution counted as only 3/5ths human beings) and Native Americans (whom they dismissed as mere savages). So, now there is a movement to remove all the statues, portraits, and names of buildings and streets honoring those involved in oppressing people of color. And, finally, this year most of our traditional parades and concerts have been cancelled because of the virus. This is one strange Fourth of July weekend!
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By the Reverend Sally Weaver
Editor's note: We usually get the Sunday sermon posted on Sunday evening. As it was Father's Day on Sunday, Deacon Kevin had family priorities. We're happy to publish his sermons anytime, though...! By the Reverend Kevin McGrane There are so many things going on in today’s gospel that speak to our times that I was not sure where to begin today’s message. I did manage, though. Think about it for a second. Jesus first addresses our essential equality as disciples and Jesus followers. There is no master/slave relationship among us. We are all, equally, loved and hated for being his disciples. This speaks directly to the racism in our society and in our church. We are all supposed to be brothers and sisters in Christ, and there is to be no caste system in our church or in our society. Then Jesus says that the once hidden things among us will be revealed in the light of day, even in the light of faith, which speaks directly to the history of racism and violence that we have hidden for generations. And now it’s finally being revealed.
Unknown artist. "Jesus and his disciples walk through the corn." Source. By the Reverend Sally Weaver In the story about Jesus that we just listened to, we hear Jesus tell his 12 followers we call the disciples to go walking. He sends them on foot out from where they’re staying to hike into other towns and villages. Jesus wants them to preach the Good News. What is the Good News? It’s Jesus’ message. Here’s the message. Jesus says, I love you, God loves you. God loves everyone – young and old, rich and poor. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or not done. God loves you, God loves every one of us. Always and forever. So you are to love back by loving God, loving your neighbor, that means everyone you meet, and loving yourself. That’s the Good News.
By the Reverend Dr. Warren Crews
In today’s reading from Acts, the disciples are dealing with change, once again. A couple of months ago, Jesus was alive and well and preaching to crowds in Galilee. A little more a month ago, the women found that Jesus’ crucified body was no longer in the tomb. Immediately after that, the risen Jesus began appearing to the disciples, continuing to instruct them about his mission and their ministry.
5/10/2020 0 Comments The Sunday Sermon: WholeheartedBy the Reverend Sally Weaver A power that cannot be controlled ruthlessly changing the world. For the world of Jesus, it was the might of Rome. For us today, it’s the coronavirus. “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” People displaced from their livelihoods. In first-century Palestine, taxation and absentee landlords caused peasant farmers to lose their lands and their living. Currently in the United States, 33 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits. “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” People going hungry. Under Roman domination the at-risk population grew; only those who worked that day could afford to eat that day. Today hundreds of cars line up for a trunkful of food from pantries across the nation. “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
By the Reverend Dr. Warren Crews
The second common symbol was the picture of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, usually with a lamb slung over his shoulder. This symbol was often painted on the walls of the Roman catacombs. All this changed dramatically, when the Roman general Constantine became emperor, and declared himself a Christian. He ended the use of the cross for crucifixions, and declared it to be the preferred symbol for Christianity. Even so, it took a long time for most Christians to embrace this once hated symbol of Roman terrorism. They hung onto the Good Shepherd symbol as long as they could, but in the end the Cross won out.
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Editorial contactVarious members of the St. John's congregation contribute to this blog. For editorial suggestions, contact Jeff McIntire-Strasburg at jeff.strasburg1968@gmail.com Archives
March 2024
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