WildWords: Sermons from Wildwood Mennonite Church

 "It is in the shelter of each other that we live." Yes. From Rahab to Ahimelech, this is the story of the People of God. How can we join in that legacy of sanctuary today? Hear what Joe has to say in "Sanctuary."

In the Christian calendar, Lent is the season of struggles, particularly the practice of choosing the struggle of self-discipline as a practice to remind and shape us in a longing for God. Yet not all struggles are chosen, and Lent also invites us to explore the meaning of "wilderness experiences" of suffering and loss. Does God want to save us from our struggles? Is struggle worthwhile because it might shape us into better people? Or is there something else going on? Here what Joe has to say in "The Struggle."

In an out-of-the-ordinary WMC Worship Experience we explored the theme of Harmony through singing, all of us, in a choir practice environment. We learned to listen and practice and ultimately sing a new song together in perfect harmony. Or not so perfect--the point is in the trying and learning together.

Enjoy an excerpt from our "Harmony: One Voice and One Heart" service with Duff Warkentin as our choir conductor.

Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who mistreat us. How do I love the person who abused me or killed my family member? Within our own power it is not possible. But the Spirit is able to change our hearts so we can love rather than hate. 

Paying back of injury, often vengefully, seems to be the most common human response. When Jesus says, “Do not resist an evil person”, what do we do with these words? Is it even possible to live with mercy and compassion? #WildSermon 

I vividly recall being asked by the clerk whether I was prepared to solemnly swear to tell the whole truth. It felt for me, as a young and idealistic 17 year old, as if the ensuing pause was laden with meaning and significance. Adopting a posture of courage and resolve, I announced, “I affirm.”

The immediate response from court officials was unremarkable. The clerk looked a puzzled, and the judge gave little attention to declaration. “Ok then,” the judge stated, “let’s get started.” I began wondering, and still wonder, how our Mennonite tradition of taking Jesus’ words against swearing oaths actually fits within a practice of contemporary discipleship.

Adultery and divorce: the consequences are pretty harsh in the Old Testament. What does Jesus have to say about adultery in the Sermon on the Mount?

Adultery has mainly to do with breaking promises. Actually, we all break promises. What would Jesus have us learn about grace and healing when we mess up? Is there redemption even after divorce?

 You say you want a revolution? Well, you know, we all want to change the world... Taking down institutions, telling people to make their own justice... It sounds exciting, but is it really going to be alright? There's a reason the Beatles are more popular than Jesus. Listen here to join the rebellion? 

The Sermon on the Mount begins with the beatitudes and an inspiring bit about being like salt and light. But then Jesus shifts gears and tells his listeners that he has not come to abolish the laws, but to fulfill them. So what does this mean? Does salvation by grace exclude us from the Old Testament laws, or are these laws still necessary for our obedience? And if they are important, are they all equally important, and how can we possibly be faithful?  

 A sermon about a sermon? Yep. And some people actually paid attention the whole time (probably because there were also pictures). As (alleged) "followers of Jesus" perhaps we could at least consider the clearest collection of his teachings, known as "The Sermon on the Mount." What might we prairie folk have to learn from the wisdom of the heights? #wildwords #lessisRohr