Jonathan Chute - "Strange, but True"

John 6: 51-60. In this week's gospel, Jesus speaks of himself as living bread that has come down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread, he says, will live forever. While the words sound familiar and beautiful to us, some followers who heard him turned away and left. When Jesus asks the twelve whether they, too, want to leave, Peter, as spokesman, says "no." As strange or hard as Jesus' words may sound, the disciples realize that Jesus embodies the holiness of God.

John Kwan and SSP - "God is Love"

1 John 4: 7-19. In the first of the three letters of John, the author of this passage addresses God's very own nature. Rather than choosing "God is Power" or "God is Eternal" or "God is King," the author chooses, "God is Love." In this passage, the author lovingly refers to his audience as "beloved" and explains how the love of God has been revealed in our world. As we follow along, we learn just how powerful love can be. It is even more powerful than our fears - our theme for this year's Sierra Service Project.

Charles Hoffman - "Theology with Moxie"

Ephesians 1: 3-14. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reviews the history of God's care for us from the beginning of time, and especially on the forgiveness offered to us in Christ. Paul reminds us of God's generosity and compassion, believing that our gratitude and praise are the natural response of those who have been saved.

Jonathan Chute - "Nothing Lost"

John 6: 1-14. This week's gospel is John's version of the feeding of the multitude. All four gospels include accounts of this miraculous event, though they differ in some of the details. A crowd of five thousand has gathered with Jesus in the wilderness. Jesus shows them a sign of God's abundance and care.

Jonathan Chute - "The Wisdom of the Crowd"

Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56. In this morning's gospel, Jesus leads the disciples away from the demands of the crowds. They board a boat and head off for a brief retreat down the coast, to rest, but when the people see where they are headed, they rush off to meet him there.

Diane Rehfield - "Together, As One"

Ephesians 2: 11-22. The author of Ephesians tells us that the old law with all its rules has been replaced by the law of love as seen in Christ, so that people will live in peace with one another. As children of God, we are not to consider others strangers from us, but members of the same household, built on the Cornerstone of Christ Jesus.

John Kwan - "Do Over"

Mark 6: 14-29. Between Jesus' sending out of the twelve and their subsequent return, we find ourselves now with King Herod. It is here that we learn what Herod is thinking as Jesus' reputation and influence continues to grow.

Jonathan Chute - "Moving On"

Mark 6: 1-13. Having experienced both welcome and rejection himself, Jesus shares with his disciples how to deal with the different receptions waiting for them down the road. He also reminds them to be sure to pack light.

Jonathan Chute - "Outside, In"

Mark 5: 21-43. Jesus reaches out to both Jews and Gentiles bringing healing and hope to persons in need - whoever they are. He makes it clear that no one is beyond the grace of God.

John Kwan - "The Tale of the Tape"

1 Samuel 17:1a, 4-11, 19-23, 32-49. As a young shepherd, David answers the challenge posed by the Philistine's champion named Goliath. David shouldn't stand a chance and yet he comes out victorious. It is a story of an "underdog" who wins against all odds. It is also the story of Israel.