Offertory Prayer: Creation

Generous God, thank you for the gifts of the world: for all of nature. Thank you for the gift of the cosmos: the night sky, and the life-supporting sun. Thank you for the gifts we share today: our time, our resources, our prayers. Let all of us receive and give, and let all of creation …

Advent 3: Joy! Dec 13, 2020

Advent 3, 2020, December 13th 2020Listen to this sermon hereJump to sermon hereANNOUNCEMENTS Looking forward to Christmas! No gathering for our Christmas holiday party… so instead, snap some photos of how you’re celebrating Christmas. We’ll celebrate together even if not in person. The Sunday before Christmas – our Advent day of Love! How are your …

Known & Claimed – Earth Day

John 10:11-18  1 John 3:16-24 I don't really care about a tree that is lost in Kazakhstan , I must admit. I don't know who planted it, or how long its been there. I don't know why it was cut. I'll never see it, and I haven't seen it. On the other hand, I'll be brought …

Made for Good Works

John 3:14-21 Ephesians 2:1-10 Paul is writing to the little group of religious refugees in Ephesus. He says, once -- all of you -- including all of us here at Saint Michael's -- were existing in the course of the world, following the 'aeon' or spirit of the air, the gestalt, or the common way …

Do Not Fear

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Luke 1:26-38 Do not be afraid. This is a strange greeting, isn’t it? Yet this is how Gabriel, in the Gospel of Luke, says hello to Mary and Zechariah both. Do not be afraid – this is the greeting the Angels give the shepherds. “Each word of assurance offered by the …

Testify to the Light

Isaiah 61:1-4; 8-11 John 1:6-8, 19-28 Isaiah sounds as if he is writing a song of joy... saying things like "Good news to the oppressed!" and "I will greatly rejoice!" but Isaiah is actually writing a lament. A song of sorrow. You see, returning is not restoration. The exiles from Babylon have returned to Jerusalem …

A Living Sacrifice

Matthew 16:13-20  Romans 12:1-8 I am a consumer. I am told that every day. It’s my identity given to me. It means I am defined as one who consumes. Who uses. Who devours. So I am defined as one who spends, who is not satisfied, who is always hungry for more. I literally buy into …