Blue Ocean Church Ann Arbor Sunday Sermons

Five sisters demand they be allowed to inherit their father’s land. Moses concedes but later bows to existing power structures. The sisters surface in the narrative again two books later, demanding the land. The story speaks to our national moment regarding reparations, as well as to us personally in our spiritual life.

Having a close relationship with Jesus means we come to understand him as a person who cared deeply about justice. Too often empire dresses Jesus up as a harmless, detached figure, but Jesus cared deeply for the poor and oppressed. Following Jesus will cost us, because our understanding of God’s way means we will challenge the business-as-usual aspects of empire. Our special guest this week is Bishop-elect Darrell Goodwin of the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM).

We draw inspiration and encouragement from the brave midwives of Exodus 1, Shiphrah and Puah, who stood up to the Pharaoh when he ordered them to kill all the baby boys. We remember that they cared about life over power, people over the prosperity of the empire, and obedience to God over obedience to an unjust law.

The President’s photo op was a revelation of the un-exorcised White Supremacy in so much White-Washed Christianity. Embracing Sinai’s vision of equal justice is an essential part of engaging this conflict.

Pentecost is about receiving the powerful gift of empathy, the absence of which, in so much of White America, enables White Supremacy and the assault on black and brown bodies that we have seen this past week.

From our worship pastor, Cassie—”The Evangelical Purity Culture caused me to deny my intuition, my agency and my autonomy. How I have used breath and embodiment meditation to reconnect with myself and the God who created us and said that we are good.” Plus, a Mama Bear minute and update on plans for Pride Month from Liz Dyer.

We remember Ahmaud Arbery, and are encouraged to have a prophetic imagination as we process the griefs—both large and small—from the pandemic.

We’ve been through bad times before and will be again. In the middle of a crisis, lean into the wisdom gained from a previous deliverance. Personal reflections, from Ken, on Psalm 124.

Using a story from 1 Kings 19 about Elijah the prophet, we’re invited to keep our eyes open for encouragement from God as we pace ourselves for the coming months. Emily brings us this morning’s message, followed by an encouragement to pray from Mama Bear Liz Dyer.

Ever feel guilty about feeling anxious, as if there’s something wrong with your God connection? Psalm 131 is a portal through that funky religious ideation. Our weekly message, from Ken, plus a Mama Bear Minute from Liz Dyer on masks.