The Blog

The parables Jesus tells are simple, yet intricate stories that use everyday items or experiences to help explain complex realities.  This week’s gospel offers two parables with seed images to explain the Kingdom of God, a concept Jesus uses when he speaks about what the world will be like when it is finally fully transformed into everything God intends for

Virtual Summer is underway! Join us for Beyond Misinformation: Discovering Critical Race Theory – Tuesday, June 29th 7-8:15 pm Watch for future online gatherings and if you have ideas to share, please fill out the Virtual Summer 2021 form. In-Person Summer is underway, too! For those of you in the State College area this summer, we will gather at 6

26[Jesus] said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground,27and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. 28The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. 29But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes

God of the tiny seed, Your priorities may begin small, but they grow like a weed. Your love and inclusion spread on the wind. Your peace and forgiveness climb like a vine, covering walls that would shut them out. Your justice and forgiveness flourish in unexpected places. Your compassion grows and grows. Surround me with a garden filled with your

I’ve been thinking about music lately.  On a recent solo road trip, I pulled out an old ipod and let it run through the playlist.  I listened to a wide variety of songs from various chapters of my life.  I found songs that make me happy with memories fun times and moments filled with opportunity.  I listened to songs that

O God, Your music is all around me. Help me hear your song in the song of a dove or a finch. Help me hear the beauty of creation in the refrain of a tired and road-weary rock singer. Help me hear your music in the work of a great composer. Help me hear the beauty of creation in the

Memorial Day weekend this year felt so very different from Memorial Day weekend last year.  As June begins, it feels like we are actually beginning to emerge from the long struggle to stay safe from Covid-19.  The CDC’s invitation for fully vaccinated people to set aside their masks was a bit surprising, but very welcome.  Now, various states and municipalities

O God, Through all the changes around and within me, your presence is constant. As I face sorrow and struggle, joy and celebration, your love and care surround me. Help me to see your presence, to know you are holding me, to hear how you are guiding me. Teach me to rest in you. Amen

After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples a number of times.  He reassured them, saying “Peace be with you,” and reminded them of the most vital things he taught them.  Eventually, he ascended to heaven in a cloud, leaving the disciples behind to continue spreading the good news of God’s love.  However, the disciples were unsure and hesitant about

Holy Spirit, Sometimes you come to me in a still small voice. Sometimes you surround me in a forceful wind. Open my mind and my heart to the ways you are moving in the world and the ways you are moving me. Show me where and how you are leading me to serve your world. Show me where and how