Is there someone in your family that you resemble? In what ways do your appearance or actions or choices reflect the people who raised you, people who taught you and people who mentored you? In this week’s gospel reading Jesus’ conflict with the powers that be continues. This time, opposing groups have joined together, trying to trick Jesus. Beginning with …
weekly prayer: 10/24
O God, You are the source of all life. The source of everything that is good. I am created in your image, filled with your traits. Empower me to live love and compassion, faithfulness and forgiveness. Guide me to embody inclusion and justice, and to work for peace. Help me live in ways that reflect who you are and the …
Sunday Evening Worship Ends November 12
On Sunday, November 12, we will hold the final 6 pm Alternative Worship Service. Pianist and Psalm 151 Coordinator, Adam Smith, has accepted a job in the Lancaster area and will be leaving music leadership at Grace. On November 12, we will bid Farewell and Godspeed to both Adam and vocalist Kaylee Yeager. Through the years, a wide variety …
Matthew 22:15-22
15Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. 16So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. 17Tell us, then, what you think. …
puzzling
I keep saying that parables are tricky, and they really are. Using everyday images and experiences, Jesus told these seemingly simple stories to lift up surprising perspectives about who God is and how Jesus’ followers are called to live. Parables are not simply allegories, metaphors, or analogies, and they are not to be taken literally. Parables must be viewed in …
weekly prayer: 10/17
O God, You speak to me in so many ways. Through the beauty of creation and the people in my life. Through music and poetry and art of many kinds. Through worship with others and prayer when I’m alone. Through stories and parables in scripture. Help me as I listen to your many ways of speaking. Remind me of your …
Matthew 22:1-14
1Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: 2“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. 3He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. 4Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared …
absurdly faithful
Each of the parables Jesus used to teach about God and God’s reign have their own twists and challenges. He taught using everyday situations and elements from the lives of his listeners. There are always various layers of meaning to the parables and while (with context) some are simpler to sort out on than others, most parables are confusing or …
weekly prayer: 10/10
O God, You are generous beyond my comprehension. You reach out to me with love and compassion. You have hope in me when I have lost all hope. Your insistent forgiveness and inclusion renew me and the world. Release my self-centered focus. Show me how to share the love you pour into my life. Empower me to reach out in …
Should I Quit?
Join the podcast team from The Real Question – Should I Quit? on Tuesday, October 24th at 7 pm in the Worship Hall at Pasquerilla Spiritual Center as they talk about what to consider as we try and decide when it is time to continue something and when it is time to quit! Hosts Vanessa Zoltan and Ariana Nedelman are …