Riding the Storms with Jesus—Mark 4:35-41 5th Sunday after Pentecost—June 23, 2024 Have you experienced that, thinking you’ve done enough and then the dismay and disappointment of realizing you’ve only gone part way. Someone I knew some years back, had that experience. Miriam got in the boat, but it wasn’t enough. The situation relates to the relationship with her daughter Nicole. Nicole…
Haunted by Eden1—Genesis 2: 15-17, 3: 1-8 1 This reflection relies heavily on the thoughts and analysis of Joseph Campbell in his interviews with Bill Moyers in the book The Power of Myth, Doubleday, 1988, pp. 5, 47-48 and 107. Adam, Eve, the serpent and the apple—it is one of the best known stories in the bible. Ask someone that’s never set…
Music Sunday Reflections The reflection this week took the form of three short scriptures, followed by a quote, a short reflection and a question to ponder. Scripture—Psalm 57:7-8 – New Revised Standard Version (Updated Edition) My heart is steadfast, O God; my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make melody. Awake, my soul! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake…
When Pride Is A Virtue—Matthew 16: 25-26 (June 2, 2024-Pride Sunday/Second Sunday after Pentecost) Happy Pride everyone! It’s kind of ironic saying that in a church. Pride is one of the seven deadly sins. It’s one of the criticisms of Pride celebrations by some Christians. But they miss the point of sin. Sin is whatever separates us from God. Pride, for the…
written reflection not available this week
A Wild Story Full of Truth—Acts 2: 1-21 May 19, 2024- Pentecost Sunday Sometimes you come through a hard patch in life and you wonder, “How did I ever get through that?” I’m talking of the really tough events like death, illness (physical or mental), divorce, addiction, being fired—the kind of experiences that take something out of us, that exact a physical,…
Swimming, Surrender and Unity—John 17: 6-19 — Rev. Joe Gaspar (May 12, 2024-7th Sunday in Easter) Next weekend is the unofficial beginning of summer and while it may be a little early for me, it’s swimming season. It’s in my twenties that I learn to swim; it’s a humbling experience. It looks so effortless for others, but for me it’s all effort.…
Reflection not available.
Inclusion, Conversion, Revelation and the Stranger1—Acts 8: 26-38 (April 28, 2024-5th Sunday in Easter) The late comedic actor Groucho Marx is famous for having said he wouldn’t want to be a part of any club that would accept him as a member. That still gets a lot of laughs. But, as with a lot of comedy, it’s a joke rooted in pain. Marx…
Inclusive Ministries Service1 April 21, 2024-4th Sunday of Easter Rev. Joe Gaspar The bible is a human document. A collection of myths, histories, poetry, prayers, proverbs, letters and more, written by imperfect people trying their best to be faithful in their particular historical circumstances. So, it reflects the attitudes and biases of the time. These attitudes and biases often reveal themselves in who…