SAPC

In South Africa the Zula greet one another with “Sawubona” which means: “I see you”. Really seeing another sets you free to be yourself, empowered by God’s Spirit to stand. How can we empower others to be set free from what binds them? How can we really "see" those around us, those without means, those unseen by our society.

Sermon by Jeff Gaines on Jeremiah 1.4-10 and Luke 13.10-17 recorded on August 21, 2016.

Acknowledging lament and the unrest of division, together we explore what it is to be about living and belonging to the world in this moment now. This sermon is a reflection on Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 and Luke 12:49-56, and is in conversation with poet, Mary Oliver.

Sermon by Jenna Meyers recorded August 14, 2016.

In response to a prophetic voice, we revisit an ancient question and response: “Where is your treasure? For there your heart will be also.”

Sermon by The Rev. Joan Huff recorded August 7, 2016. This sermon is a reflection on Isaiah 1:1, 11-20 and Luke 12:32-40.

Revisiting the parable of the “rich fool,” we explore the call to live animated by well-being and widen our imagination of Shalom.

Sermon by Jenna Meyers recorded July 31, 2016. This sermon is a reflection on Psalm 107:1-9 and Luke 12:13-21.

Jesus teaches the disciples (and us) about the A, B, Cs of prayer, but before we can easily practice asking, seeking and knocking we need to examine the stories we hold about prayer, about God, even about ourselves. Are the stories helpful and life-giving or do they box us in? If the latter, they need to be discarded.

Sermon by Jeff Gaines on Luke 11.1-13 recorded on July 24, 2016.

This sermon is a reflection on Colossians 1:15-19 and Luke 10:38-42. Honoring Martha as one among a short list of those with a name exclaimed in a double form — "Martha, Martha" — we explore the call to become who we really are. Witness to the strength of Martha, we are asked, “How are the bitter parts of our lives related to the better parts?” Our lovely musical director, Luba, plays a beautiful hymn at the end of the sermon.

Sermon by The Rev. Dale Trunk recorded July 17, 2016.

Today we take a look at what expectations we place on God, others and ourselves. Often these expectations limit us to God’s Presence in our lives. What do we carry that is unnecessary and no longer life-giving? When God steps in, miracles happen and most often, they are never as we expect.

Sermon by the Rev. Jeff Gaines on II Kings 5.1-14 recorded on July 3, 2016.

Should you stay or should you go? Together, we explore this question and it's ramifications to discipleship. What does it mean to follow Jesus? This sermon is a reflection on 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Luke 9:51-62, and a recent Portals to the Sacred pilgrimage in France.

At the end we have a special musical interlude that we hope you enjoy.

Sermon by The Rev. Dr. Leslie Veen recorded June 26, 2016.

This sermon is a reflection on Psalm 42 and Luke 8:26-39, and a response to the shooting at the Pulse club in Orlando, Florida. In conversation with Jamaican born poet, Staceyann Chinn, and the children’s book, The Little Boy and the Big Fish, by Max Velthuijs, we explore the call to love.

Sermon by Jenna Meyers recorded June 19, 2016.

This sermon is a reflection on Psalm 5:1-8 and Luke 7:36-50. The question is asked, “How and why do we lose our love for people and the things we once adored?” Through an extravagant and unexpected act, we find life and hope can return.

Sermon by Melvin Fujikawa recorded June 12, 2016.