Moses longs to see God face-to-face, but God will only permit Moses to see God's back - - yet God's presence is promised to Moses and to us. We too might want to see God's face, but must instead look for evidence of where God has been, where God has passed by. (Exodus 33:12-23)

Paul counsels the Philippians to rejoice, rejoice, and rejoice again in all circumstances, holding on to the things that bring them joy. How do we notice and celebrate joy in the midst of suffering and hardship, and why is it important to do so? (Philippians 4:1-13)

The Israelites traded the God who led them from the Land of Bondage for an idol forged from their remaining wealth: the Golden Calf. In the United States, we have done the same -- but ours is the gun god idol of the Steel Calf. But that Steel Calf idol can be melted down and forged into tools to dismantle our Culture of Death and build a Culture of Life (Selections from Exodus 19, 20, and 32).

Paul reminds the Philippians that Jesus had every right to cling to his high titles and privlieges - - yet he took on the form of oppressed humankind and dwelt among us. Jesus sufferd the trials and indiginites of oppressed humankind, and was brought to his knees on prayer. We, too, are on bended knee today. (Philippians 2:1-10, 13)

The call to forgiveness runs throughout the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. It is a rich and complex topic, and one that is often misunderstood. Listen in as Deacon Heather King and Acting Pastor Chris Mereschuk reflect on the various forms, blessings, and challenges of forgiveness, guided by Psalm 32 and Mpho and Desmond Tutu's "Prayer Before the Prayer."

The Apostle Paul instructs the Romans to set aside disagreements about dietary laws and holy days, and to reserve judgement against believers who observe or do not observe them. Such judgement can be a "stumbling block" that prevents both the one who judges and the one who is judged from "walking in love." But is there ever a case where judgement is warranted? (Romans 14:1-12)

Jesus knew that being in community meant that sooner or later there would be conflict. How a community - - and the individuals in the community - - handle conflict tells us a lot about the strength and health of the relationship. What does it mean to be part of a covenant when you are faced with conflict? What does Jesus have to say about direct and loving confrontation? (Matthew 18:15-20)

When Pharaoh commanded that all male Hebrew infants were to be killed, Moses's mother set him afloat on the Nile River - - the unknown dangers of the Nile seemed somehow safer than his remaining at home. Countless parents from war torn countries have faced the same heartwrenching decision in the ongoing global refugee crisis. As people of faith, our scriptures demand that we care for refugees. Note: This sermon podcast is followed by a performance of "Would You Harbor Me?" written by Yasaye M. Barnwell.

Jesus teaches his Disciples that it's not what goes into a person's mouth that makes them unclean (food), but what comes out of it (words)! How do the words we speak reflect the truth that is in our hearts? And when is the right time to keep silence? (Selections from Matthew 15:1-20, Common English Version)

The nauseating reality of white supremacist terrorism has bubbled to the surface of our collective consciousness. We might believe that it is "impossible" that such a thing could happen in our country - - but it is happening now before our eyes and in our towns. Witnessing the terror, violence, and fear, we might believe that it is "impossible" to overcome and dismantle such evil - - but we will. The impossible will take a little while. Jesus sent his Disciples off on a boat into stormy seas (Matthew 14:22-33), and then walked atop the crashing waves (impossible!) and called Peter to step out of the boat. We, too, are called from our boats to step into the raging waters, taking Jesus by the hand.