Drawing on biblical parables, today’s’s headlines and his own experience in ministry, Pastor Jeffrey explores forgiveness . . . what it is, what it isn’t, why it is very hard work and why it is essential in our lives.
United Church of Christ
Sermons (Page 13)
At the end of a chaotic summer when few if any of us enjoyed a proper vacation, Pastor Jeffrey reminds us that life seldom imposes its needs on a convenient schedule. Real life is a series of interruptions, and it is in these “inconvenient” detours and unplanned moments that God is most likely to reach out to us. This service also includes…
What does it mean to be called? Starting from the mother of all Callings – Moses and the burning bush – Pastor Jeffrey asks why they are so frequent in scripture, and then looks at the quiet, but compelling calls real people experience every day.
Pay Attention! It’s a constant admonishment from parents, teachers and everyone else in our lives. It seems like simple good sense, but, as Pastor Jeffrey explores in this week’s service, listening well . . . being truly open to the quiet messages that could change our lives . . . is a skill that needs…
After a week full of tragedy and fear all over the world, Pastor Jeffrey re-visits the story of the loaves and fishes in both sermon and song (!) as a guide to finding personal peace and a measure of hope for our world. It starts with each of us believing that humanity – – that…
Pastor Jeffrey has returned from his brief vacation, and this Sunday we’re revisiting one of his favorite characters from early scripture, Jacob. In July, we explored Jacob’s vision of a ladder between Heaven and Earth. This time, it’s his famous wrestling match with God. Could it possibly have any serious relevance for us today? Listen…
Michael Meehan is our guest preacher this Sunday, as Pastor Jeffrey takes a weekend off for family. In addition to three Biblical texts, Michael finds a lesson for our year of COVID in the lyrics of “Eleanor Rigby.” As an added treat, Lucinda Ray and Charles Little provide two hymns, complete with piano and banjo…
Starting from the parables of a buried treasure and a pearl of great value, Pastor Jeffrey suggests that the current crisis presents a unique opportunity identify our personal “treasures” . . . people or movements that inspire us. . . or maybe just simple diversions that help us weather these crazy times. We also take…
Pastor Jeffrey explores the ancient story of Jacob and his vision of a ladder connecting our world to the next. He urges us to be open to metaphorical “Ladders” in our everyday life, opening us up to new, larger possibilities. The service includes a special Bach solo by our own Analisa Adams.
Pastor Jeffrey unpacks one of the most important parables from Jesus’ earthly ministry, The Parable of the Sower, which is told in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Why is it so important? Because it goes to the heart of how faith changes the world for the better.