We look forward asking a simple question: How then should we live?This Sunday, as Jesus prepares to leave his disciples, his simple answer in John 13 is that we "love one another."

On Gaelic Heritage Sunday we celebrated our heritage, as well as the diversity of God's people all around the world. The service included liturgical elements from the Gaelic tradition, including the Kirkin' o' the Tartans, a bagpiper, and a time to present family mementos in honor of those no longer with us.

In Pastor John's absence (his study leave), Rev. Linda Powers delivered a message centered on the forgiveness of Peter after his denial at Jesus's trial and ultimate crucification.

On the third Sunday of Easter, the story of the risen Christ appearing to his disciples after they had a disappointing night of fishing failure. In this story, Jesus speaks to them and specifically calls Peter to "Feed my sheep," and "Follow me." In this wonderful story from John 21, failure at fishing is followed by encouragement and direction and commissioning from Jesus. Who would have thought that Jesus would choose ordinary people like us to carry on his kingdom-building work in the world? But he did!

Last Week's Sermon

2nd Sunday of Easter

The Missing Disciple

On the Sunday after Easter we often read the story of Thomas - Jesus' disciple who refused to believe the other disciples' account of Jesus' resurrection without seeing it for himself (John 20:19-31). Reading this story right after the joy of Easter Sunday acknowledges the complexity of belief. This Sunday, the risen Christ returns to his disheartened disciples, appears to them, breathes upon them, and gives them his peace.

Hopefully, You're Close tells about the women who visited the tomb of Christ and found it empty and Peter's rush to see for himself.

Our service began with a procession of the palms, which recalls the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-40). The palms we waved reflected the fragility of the celebration-since a mere five days later the crowd's adulation turned to hatred.

Rev. Linda Powers delivers a message of love and hope on this Sunday in Lent. As usual, she was accompanied by her companion, Bela.

Jeremiah prophesied during a period of national despair. He's known for his fierce condemnation and judgments of Israel. But he's also known, as we read in Jeremiah 31, as a prophet of daring hope. As we move closer to Holy Week, Jeremiah instructs us in God's creation of a new covenant. When the covenant is written on tablets of stone, it's easy to forget. But if the covenant could be written upon our very hearts, then it is deep within each of us, and gives us what we need to be a more faithful Easter people.

In Lent we admit our sin and shortcomings, that we're not yet the people God desires us to be. Yet even in our sin, by the grace of God there's still time. A merciful God gives us time to turn, to repent, to change our ways and bear fruit for God's Kingdom. The forty days of Lent is a graciously long time to turn from our sinful ways and toward God. This is the good news we hear in Luke 13:1-9. This is the good news of Lent.