Genesis 2:8–15, Ecclesiastes 2:18–26 ​“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to till and to keep it” (Genesis 2:15). In other words, from the very beginning God meant for us to work. And notice: this happens before the fall. Work is not a punishment; it is part of paradise. Scripture tells us work is a blessing from God. In Ecclesiastes 2:24 we learn that there is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink and find enjoyment in their work, for this

Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Psalm 24:1-2 ​This week, we begin stewardship season. Over the next three Sundays, we will explore the biblical foundations for God's call to return a portion of what we have to the Lord. We begin today with the Psalms: the earth is the Lord's. Next week, we will consider God's call to till and to keep, given first in the Garden of Eden, to cultivate not only creation, but our God-given talents. And then finally, on Pledge Dedication Sunday, we will explo

Shared during Sunday Worship on October 11, 2026. God of life, you have formed us into a community of believers, who can love each other, because we have first been loved by you. ​We thank you for the myriad of ways in which you have blessed us. What do we have that you have not first given to us? You bless us with families and communities who love and support us. You give us this precious life – within which we may do your work. You cause the sun to rise and the flowers to

Deuteronomy 34:1-8, 10-12; Luke 2:25-32 ​"No one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel." This Deuteronomy quote shows us that Moses' relationship with God was unique in all of history. It is the conclusion of the Torah, the five books of the Hebrew Bible that form its core. Moses is the only person ever to relate to God face to face, so much so that it changed his appearance. At the end, Moses came to embod

“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” —Matthew 6:20 This year’s stewardship theme, Enduring Treasures, invites us to consider what it means to “take hold of the life that really is life.” In 1 Timothy 6:17–19, we are called to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, “thus storing up for [ourselves] the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that [we] may take hold of the life that really is life.” This is the work of investing ourselves—our tim

Romans 5:1-5; Ephesians 4:11-14 ​"Gentlemen may cry, peace, peace – but there is no peace. The war is actually begun!" These words from Patrick Henry, spoken on the precipice of the Revolutionary War, were suggesting that there was a battle, a severe unease that already existed, even though the guns had yet to be fired. And it feels exactly the same way today. No, I don't think a war is coming to engulf us. But I do think there is a war within us, a deep anxiety and unease th

Shared during Sunday Worship on September 20, 2026. God of love and abounding grace, we give you thanks for the many ways you remind us that we belong to one another and to you. We give you thanks for this community of faith. For the children who fill our halls with energy and backpacks and questions, for confirmands and parents preparing for a year of growth, for teachers and volunteers who offer their time and wisdom, for families and friends who encourage one another, and

Luke 15:11-13; Genesis 25:21-26 Last week, we embarked upon a four-part series on the stages of faith, and we began with childhood, in which we learned that trust is the central characteristic of a childlike faith (which Jesus told us is needed to enter the kingdom of heaven). But of course, none of us remain in that phase, especially when we enter our teenage years. Perhaps you all remember your time in middle school. Your voice changes, you grow taller, and that awkwardness

Matthew 18:1-5 A few weeks ago, Wendy and I were having the most amazing time in Costa Rica, getting ready to go snorkeling. Along with several other couples we were in our bathing suits and life vests, anxiously listening to our guide’s instructions. We went into the water, and soon it got very stormy and scary! As we were trying to make our way toward the guide, we noticed there was a couple right on our heels--the one standing next to us during the orientation. The woman