Today is the first Sunday in our forty-day journey toward Easter. We trade the Alleluia's of worship for purple linens throughout the sanctuary. We trade the bright light of Epiphany for fasting and repentance. Today is also the first Sunday in our congregational study, examining racism in our lives, in the life of our congregation, and beyond. In the words of Jemar Tisby, today we begin to open a door to "explore the possibilities of a world in which racism does not define so much of our reality." Rather, over the coming weeks we will explore how we can celebrate differences while not using "them to dismiss or dehumanize." We pray this time of worship will be a blessing to you

As Jesus was transfigured before his disciples, the church (yesterday, today, and tomorrow) is transformed, transfigured by God’s grace, being made new in Christ Jesus.

We live in an exhausting world, but Jesus has –and is –the antidote. From The Message, Matthew 11:28-30, “Are you tired?  Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me   and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me –watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Are you tired? Worn out? Jesus’ grace comes with a peace that restores...

The light we bear is not our own; thus, our effectiveness is not entirely up to us.

As we continue to explore Epiphany together, we find Jesus today preaching to those who have begun to follow him. The sermon includes the beatitudes, the reminders that the peacemakers, the justice seekers, the meek are the ones who are blessed. Jesus gives us an idea of his priorities, revealing that his is a teacher as well as an active agent of God’s justice and kin-dom building in the world.

What does it look like to follow the call of God in 2023? Will we say yes to new opportunities? Will we take on new challenges? And will we do it with a sense of adventure?

The funny thing about our scriptures is the lessons do not stand in isolation, as the Holy Scriptures tell us a larger story than what often appears in a few verses.

Go into the world, enjoying your “belovedness” so much that it causes people to stop, stare, and wonder what is happening.

Merry Christmas! Jesus has been born to us this day. We find that in Jesus the Word of God is made flesh to live and dwell among us. The light has come to shine in the deep, velvety darkness of mystery and creation. We come to celebrate this birth and this new hope in our world!

Angels have been the deliverers of God's news for generations; delivering instructions, guidance, or warning. This morning we will explore the multitude of angels announcing the news of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. In what surprising ways is God up to new things among us? How would we respond to angels            announcing something so amazing to us?