The darker, more abrupt ending to Mark's Gospel is also the beginning of a new story that is meant to be continued by the followers of Christ in every age. We are called to be part of that great story...what will our verse be?

The might of Rome and the humble peasant King meet in Jerusalem. Palm Sunday's decisive moment helps to define us as followers of Christ, and the salvation He offers is not from the world but in and for the world.

Deacon Doug Rogers tells us how John 3:16 is not merely about believing in Jesus today for the sake of Heaven later, but about living into the example that Christ established for us.

Understanding what these principles mean to us today, and how they can guide us in living well and living in community.

What Jesus' example can teach us about saying "no" and living in line with our values.

Lent calls us into the wilderness, to confront the things of which we are afraid, to break open our hearts, to risk the potential of change, said Courtney Reid, director of operations for the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and guest preacher.

The Ash Wednesday liturgy is a safe space for us to acknowledge sin and death in the context of community. We see that the final word is not sin and death, but rather God's limitless forgiveness and love. This can be inspire us to observe a holy Lent, to give something up or take something on, that will draw us closer to God and prepare our hearts to celebrate Easter.

Jesus' healing of Simon Peter's mother-in-law teaches us about gender bias and effective outreach. How can we apply this lesson to our city and neighborhoods as we seek transformation? We all have a role in raising others up. But as Robert Lupton, author of Toxic Charity, says people who suffer in poverty must become partners in advancement with those seeking to help them.This model is an equalizer, allowing people to look directly at each other instead of putting the giver in a position of power.

We may not be called to "drop everything" like Jesus' disciples, but there are leaps that each of us can make everyday to help us live life more fully

The story of Samuel give us a chance to imagine our own capacity for prophetic speech and action.