In the 12th chapter of Luke, Jesus says he has come to bring fire and division, not peace. That sounds like many political discussions these days around supper tables. Pastor Dan unpacks the message.

‘Don’t worry, be happy’ is a nice thought, but is it that easy? Maybe we can’t help it. Do we worry because we care? Does worry keep us from actually doing something? Pastor Jody talks about Jesus’ advice not worry.

In today’s parable, a man who runs a successful farm wants to expand his business by tearing down old barns and building new ones. In one translation, God calls him a fool. Pastor Dan asks why? Is this not good for business?

Let your light shine, but darkness is necessary if you want to see the stars. Do binaries like clean & dirty or love & hate tie us to simplistic thinking? Pastor Jody suggests that complicating things and embracing nuance may help us investigate the world.

The phrase ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ is a common expression of condolence. Prayer is many things: meditation, quietness, introspection, contemplation, silence, wonder . . .  Pastor Dan talks about the varied forms that prayer can take.

We know plastic clogs landfills and fouls lakes, yet we increase production. The Bible tells us to treat the planet with gratitude and steward its resources. Pastor Jody asks us to rethink our relationship with Creation and imagine alternatives to plastic.

Even those who don’t know the Bible know about the Good Samaritan. Most people concentrate on the outsider who offered aid, but what about the victim? Pastor Dan offers 28 questions inspired by a powerless person who can only receive mercy.

The writer of Galatians says all are one in Christ – jew and gentile, slave and free, male and female. People of color in our country have long experienced injustice in education, health care, and economic opportunity. Pastor Jody discusses how we can make a difference.

Local artist Ruth Crowe says: ‘I have worn many hats, but none gives me greater pleasure than that of the artist. It is filled with contradictions. It is a tough life. Yet the easiest. It is pressure-filled. Yet joyful. It is painful. Yet rewarding. It is what we do.’

(begins with a clip from the song “Only A Lifetime” by Finneas)

Pastor Dan shares two life experiences related to a story in Acts 10 where God encourages Luke not to refuse any food that is ‘on the menu.‘