Clotheslines

Our Lenten series has been a reminder of the humanness of Jesus, how he fully understands what it’s like to live an earthly life; he lived it himself! We talked about the Feet of Jesus that took him from town to town, preaching and healing, and how we are his feet on earth today. The Hands of Jesus helped and healed, and today we are those same hands to do the same. This week we focused on the Mouth of Jesus to speak God’s Word. Scripture says that God “spoke” and creation be

Lent is a reminder of the sacred gift we were given when Jesus gave himself up for our sinfulness, and that gift is eternal life. The story of Abraham and Isaac comes to mind. ‘Abraham! Take Isaac your son and go.” “Where are we going, Lord?” “Over there. Up that mountain and you will offer a sacrifice.” “Father, I have cut the wood for the burnt offering, but what are we going to offer?” “Don’t worry, my son. The Lord will provide the sacrifice.” And when they reached the mo

Over the six Sundays of Lent, we will be looking at The Body of Christ. I’m sure when you hear that you think of one of two things: the church family as the Body of Christ or His Body in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. But this Lenten series deals with exactly what it says: The Body of Christ, his physical body. Have you ever given much thought to the “human” side of Jesus? Think about it… Even though He was a perfect God, He chose to become an imperfect man. And why did

Today is Ash Wednesday, a most solemn day in the church. It’s the beginning of a six-week journey with Jesus, His final attempts at bringing others to Himself, and His eventual betrayal, crucifixion, and death on a cross. Yes, we know that we have the Resurrection to look forward to, but for now, we must first walk the road to Calvary. As we enter a time of self-reflection along with remembering Jesus’ physical and emotional pain, I couldn’t help but think of today and the un

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Jesus said that. Let your light shine. He also said not to put your light under a basket where no one will see it. The imagery of light is perfect for the Christian life. We need light. Without light, especially at night, we are unable to see. Have you ever driven at night when the streetlights are out? Yes, you have your headlights, but it’s can be very scarry

“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Some of the most beautiful and poignant words Paul ever wrote! The cross—the symbol of our faith in Jesus; yet, it is the instrument of pain and disgrace upon which He died. For those who believe, the cross calls to mind three powerful truths: 1. The cross reminds us that we are sinners and we had a part in the crucifixion. It’s easy to read Scripture li

After Jesus’ baptism, he began his ministry. He cured the sick, and people were attracted to him. Then, in order to spread the Good News further, he called twelve unsuspecting men—his apostles—to follow him. They followed Jesus because they believed he was “the One” they’d been waiting for. Think about that for a minute… Jesus’ ministry begins with a motley crew of uneducated men. One by one—Peter, James, John, Andrew—each one hears the call, and they get it, and they begin t

Did you know that Baptism has a connection to Christmas? Sunday, we talked about that one thing, that one decoration that gets left behind after you’ve packed everything away. It happens to all of us, you know. Something gets forgotten. Well, there is one thing that is always present in our sanctuary that is connected to Christmas: the baptismal font. Let me explain… Sunday’s Gospel presented John the Baptist the day after he baptized Jesus. Jesus walks by, and John points: “

In three short weeks, we’ve gone from the birth of Jesus, to the visit of the kings, to Jesus’ baptism by John. Thirty years in the blink of an eye! But that’s because the best…is yet to come! When Jesus is thirty years old, he seeks John for baptism. While Jesus and John were cousins, we have no record of their interaction as they grew up. But on that special day, when Jesus finds John in the wilderness, John immediately recognizes Jesus. “Behold the Lamb of God,” he says. T

I have a New Year’s Resolution for you: Make Sunday worship a habit, and God will make it a joy. When I was a child, no one worked on Sundays. It was a day where family spent time together and everyone I knew went to church. Yes, I know, that’s not the correct terminology; we don’t go to church; we are the church. But you know what I’m talking about. Going to Sunday worship…going to church…was a given. Growing up a Catholic, there was no option; you went to church! And I alwa