Two separate scriptures and themes from our pastors this week, but a real overlap, as we discuss reformation, righteousness, humility, and discerning what of our "old" treasures to hold on to, and what of our "new" is holy. It's a good one, folks, and timely, as reformation is happening around us and in us right now!

Another hugely challenging - even potentially dangerous - passage from the Gospel of Luke. This is a message for mature audiences only. "Increase our faith," the disciples demand. And what follows are two teachings from Jesus that will ask of them a great deal of faith. 

In this episode we explore what Jesus might mean with these, as well as larger points about how we read scripture, the nature of authority within churches, and how our divided world no longer seems to share a reality, let alone common goals. 

It's a familiar, if troubling parable...known to us as "The Rich Man & Lazarus." Troubling in what it suggests about the afterlife, challenging in what it says about wealth, conflicted, I would argue, in its view of righteousness. But it's the challenging parables that are often the most rich, most compelling. So, let's dive in together.

The Parable of the Dishonest Manager is Jesus at his most enigmatic - which is pastor-speak for, "We have no idea what he's saying." But if you want to hear us take some swings, here you go! A compilation of Jesus' teachings on money, power, and our relationship with God, this passage challenges us to live with clever integrity in an often confusing and corrupt world. 

Jesus this week, as found in the Gospel of Luke, is not the Jesus we often think of, peaceful, and compassionate, and gracious. This Jesus knows what time it is, and is urgently trying to get those around him to look at the clock, too. His words are jarring, disruptive, and designed to wake folks up. It is a difficult saying, for a difficult season. Can we hear it? 

Back after a hiatus due to traveling and health and what not, we have two amazing, and on the surface at least, contradictory Gospel stories. The first, Jesus telling his followers that they must practice denial, take up their cross, and follow. And the second, Jesus celebrating a wedding with flowing wine, warm fellowship, and I am sure dancing. 

How do these go together? 

Join us to find out! 

This week, an obscure (to many Christians, at least) story about the prophet Elijah and the widow who fed him - a story that celebrates many risky leaps of faith. We'll also hear from Ecclesiastes - a teacher who reminds us that there is a time for everything. So what time is this? And how do we know? 

In Batavia, our trend of meal-centric scripture continues. This week, what happens when our meal companions aren't our closest beloved, but are, instead, one of them? We know how much a meal means - which means it's easy to be disturbed by those we love eating with an "other" - even an enemy. 

And in Dundee, we're exploring meals, too - specifically, communion. We always pray that this holy meal might make us "salt and light and leaven." Salt and light, yes. But leaven? How so? And when does Jesus tell us to be leaven? Well, if you've ever wanted to nerd out about rising agents (and beat a great metaphor into the ground!), then you've come to the right place. 

Sorry we're a week late in posting! But here's a reflection on various bible passages, exploring in particular the nature of prayer: is it getting God to do what we want? Is it beseeching a heavenly parent with a list of demands? And if not, what is it? 

Our story today is that of Abraham and Sarah extending extravagant hospitality to a trio of traveling strangers, who turn out to be Divine. And, of course, there is blessing in the hospitality...not earned, but freely given, like the meal itself. It's a joyous, celebratory, funny tale about the gift that is welcome.

Trigger Warning: Includes a brief discussion of sexual violence around the Sodom and Gomorrah story that follows.