You can't have Pentecost until Jesus goes away...but what are we to make of this strange, shiny story about Christ being bodily taken up into heaven? On its face, it doesn't seem like there is much for us as 21st century Christians. But there is a tremendously practical level to this tale, where Jesus hands over the mission...and the authority...and the power...to his followers. Daunting, and exciting, and still a mystery as we work to do the work even today.

We're going to the Acts of the Apostles this week with the Apostle Paul, for one of the greatest sales pitches in all of history. Here we see an authentic, subtle, yet bold Paul making the claim that God is our source, our purpose, our goal, and our journey, all in one. It's a beautiful speech, with great ramifications for how we can be Christians in a multicultural, multireligious world.

The Realm of God is so expansive, and this passage is about that! (Among many other things.) Here we find Jesus saying "Goodbye" to the Disciples, reminding them they are not alone, or powerless, or lost, but rather that God resides in, among, and through them. A great collection of verses for any Sunday, but especially poignant on Confirmation, which many churches will be celebrating this Sunday.

One of the most enduring images of God in our scriptures is the image of God as our Shepherd...protecting us, nurturing us, guiding us, loving us. It is an image of relationship, of care, of familiarity. So this week, we dive into Psalm 23 and John 10:1-10 to explore that metaphor just a little bit, as we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday.

It's the second Sunday after Easter, and we are still exploring Resurrection Sunday with the story of Jesus joining the disciples on the road to Emmaus. We say it every week, but it is apt in this case...there's a lot going on here. From mystery, to the Holy Spirit, to the Law and the Prophets, to gathering around the Eucharistic Table, there are themes for days. Join us for a wide ranging discussion of liminality, life, death, and ministry.

We've used it in worship, referred to it in the Podcast, and delved into the brilliant theology and creativity of the First Nations Translation of the Bible. Now we get to sit down and talk with one of the people working on the Hebrew Bible translation! Paige's dear friend from college, and a force to be reckoned with, Amy Allan. Join us for this fascinating interview

Beginnings and endings, our story in the story of Christ, life, death, resurrection, this is the week before us. It's an ancient story, one we've heard so many times before. And we enter into the drama once again, just as Christ has entered ours. A blessed week to you all.

Our Gospel Lesson this week, whether you're reading from Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, is the story of Christ's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. It's the performance that begins Holy Week, and quite literally provokes the events of Good Friday. Jesus asks us in this little bit of theatrical protest, just what does power look like? The answer surprised his contemporaries, and continues to call to us today.

It's a little Easter in this fifth week of Lent...the story of the resurrection of Lazarus, and Ezekiel's vision in the valley of the dry bones. So often we think of Lent as a sort of perpetual Good Friday, but this week's lessons are all about coming to life! There is a profound hope here, even if it requires waiting and work. God is at work in the world.

We are in Week 3 of Lent already, and that takes us to Paul's letter to the church and Rome to talk about suffering and hope, and then the Gospel of John to consider the intimate presence of God in the story of the Woman at the Well. There is, as always, a surprising amount of overlap between these passages. Join us as we travel Creator's Good Road together.