Text: Acts 11:1-18

Description: God says, “what I have made holy, you must not call unholy”.  God totally flips the script!  The early church was finding its way.  Trying to understand Jesus’ call for love in the midst of old traditions.  God breaks down barriers so that all may know God’s love.

Text:  Acts 9:36-43

Description:  Tabitha, a disciple, helped care for a vulnerable community.  Going beyond just a welcome means stepping up and being changed.

Text: Acts 9:1-20

Description:  We are all very well acquainted with Saul's conversion story but...what can we learn from Ananias in this?

Text: Mark 4:26-32

Description: As we observe Earth Day, we are reminded of God’s good creation.  We are also reminded of how human sin has led to climate disaster.  We cannot be complacent.  We are people with hope that comes from Christ who is making all creation new.

Text: John 18-19

Description: Even on the cross, Jesus never stopped loving us.  Even in the midst of the brokenness of this world, Jesus is with us.

Text:  Luke 24:1-12

Description:  Why would anyone want you to crash a funeral? Listen to find out why we’re all called to deliver Jesus’ mike-drop message of hope.

Link to the This American Life podcast episode Pastor mentions in her sermon: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/766/transcript

Text: John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Description:  Jesus act of washing his disciples feet was an act of service and unconditional love but it was also unconventional love...it broke the norms.  We are called to love each other the same way.

Text:  Luke 22:14--23:56

Description:  This narrative of the Passion of Our Lord is read by our congregation in different parts...giving it a different voice and perspective.

Text: Numbers 21: 4-9

Description:  Throughout their entire journey, God was with the Israelites...even through the detours with potholes, pitfalls and poisonous snakes.  Through our baptism, God is with us too in our every day detours...paving, patching and overpowering.

Text: John 12:1-8

Description: Jesus shows extravagant love for people throughout his ministry.  As his life is drawing to it’s sacrificial close, Mary anoints him with expensive perfume as an extravagant act of love.  Jesus loves us in a big way and we are to share that love with others.