Holy & Humble Curiosity – With Moses, we step on Holy Ground and listen as God calls Moses to be an agent of God’s liberating justice. And through the words of Jesus in the Gospel reading, we consider the power of letting go in order to experience life. (Exodus 3:1-15) Preacher: Rev. Rob Kirbach
Additional Readings:
Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28
Cunning, Compassion, and Courage – A story of cunning midwives, a courageous mother, a vigilant sister, and a compassionate princess challenges us to consider what it means to be cunning in the service of God’s justice and liberation, and where we are called to be vigilant in compassion and courage. (Exodus 1:8-2:10) Preacher: Rev. Rob Kirbach.
Additional Readings:
Psalm 124
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 16:13-20
Subversive Forgiveness – A story of forgiveness and redemption after a lifetime of betrayal, abandonment, restriction, and isolation offers an opportunity for us to explore how forgiveness and charity can set us free from all that separates. (Genesis 45:1-15) Preacher: Rev. Rob Kirbach.
Additional readings:
Psalm 133
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Matthew 15:10-28
Dreaming Big – We meet Joseph, the dreamer, and the role he plays in the unfolding promise of liberation for all people. (Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28) The other readings of the day remind us that we too are part of a larger narrative of God’s grace for all.
Preacher: Rev. Rob Kirbach
Readings:
Face to Face – We hear a story of fleeing Jacob coming face to face with God, and consider what it means for us to see each other, ourselves, and God “face to face”. (Genesis 32:22-31) And in this week’s children’s time, Malachi has an awful night’s sleep and is convinced he now needs to change his name… but to what???
Preacher: Rev. Rob Kirbach
Appointed Readings:
Genesis 32:22-31
Psalm 17:1-7, 15
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:13-21
What a Mess – The silence of two sisters – Rachel and Leah – enables both to play their part in God’s unfolding story. And it’s a pretty messy story. Preacher: Rev. Rob Kirbach
Readings this week:
As Pastor Rob enjoys a week of rest away from the church, we welcome a guest preacher – Rev. Jerrod Hugenot – Associate Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of New York State. Rev. Hugenot brings a message about the Lord’s Prayer. This week’s service also features additional music! And in the children’s time, Malachi learns something new about a common garden pest.
Scripture Reading:
Luke 11:1-4
The Promise of Grace – Jacob’s divine encounter reassures that God is ever-present, all-knowing, and all-revealing – a presence and promise felt through all generations to follow. Preacher: Rev. Rob Kirbach.
*This week’s readings are different than those originally scheduled for today. The readings used by Pastor Rob in today’s service are below.
Readings:
David’s First Battle – In a last-minute deviation from the sermon originally planed for today, Pastor Rob talks this week about one of the most familiar ancient stories of the Old Testament – the battle between David and Goliath. David’s unconventional approach to warfare seemed silly at the onset but proved successful. How often does God call us to unconventional methods? (How often are we willing to respond in faith?)
Readings:
Choosing a Braver Faith – Pastor Rob returns from a week away as we listen to Jesus’ voice urging that we cling to a deeper, braver faith in God… a faith that insists on compassion and hospitality both given and received.
Appointed Readings:
Genesis 22:1-14
Psalm 13
Romans 6:12-23
Matthew 10:40-42