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

Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 3:21-26 What does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8b This year we have been exploring the fundamental human need of freedom. We have celebrated and examined America’s quest for freedom 250 years ago and our hope to live into our founding values, such as the equality of all people, more fully. But we have much to learn from history at 250 years though it seems long to us is mere bl

2 Samuel 7:12–16, Matthew 16:13–23 What does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8b Ever since the reign of King David in 1000 B.C., Israel has yearned for a ruler like him because history has been cruel. David represented the pinnacle of Israelite sovereignty, and so a prophecy arose: there would be a king like David, who would rule an eternal throne, known as “the messiah” — no more cycle of violence, no