Escaping the Present

November 1, 2026

Gary Willis

Revelation 7:9-17

People often yearn for “the good old days.” While the past was not always better or good, our longing expresses something of our desire to keep our present from eroding some of what should be preserved from our past. This Sunday is a celebration of those who have gone before us and an acknowledgment that they might be able to keep us from losing our way in the present.

It's Not a Suggestion!

October 25, 2026

Sheri Zehner

Matthew 22:34-40

In another attempt to critique Jesus, the Pharisees ask him to cite the greatest commandment in the law. Jesus gave them what they asked for and more. His teaching encapsulated the entire Old Testament, and it was not a mere recommendation.

An Inviting Host

October 18, 2026

Gary Willis

Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus gives yet another parable as a kingdom metaphor, and like many others he tells this one hinges on an extravagant party being thrown by a more than gracious host. Well, at least the host is gracious until his invitation is rejected. The invitation seems to be all-inclusive, but there are real consequences to saying no or not responding.

Our Quest for Meaning

October 11, 2026

Rev. Donald Avery

Joshua 4:14-24

God in Charge

October 4, 2026

Gary Willis

Matthew 21:33-46

Jesus tells a parable about a landowner whose tenants did not respect the rightful owner of the vineyard. The comparison is hard to miss as we consider the church. We may have deluded ourselves into thinking the church belongs to us, that it’s “our church.” Jesus reminds us who is in charge.

Ahead of Us

September 27, 2026

Gary Willis

Matthew 21:23-32

Upon his celebrated entry into Jerusalem, the religious leaders ask Jesus from where does his authority come. They are clearly anxious about reigning in this rabble-rousing prophet. Jesus brings up another prophet, who proved troublesome to both the religious and secular leaders, and they could not identify his credentials either. Using a parable again, Jesus levels perhaps his harshest judgment on the chief priests and elders, or was that meant for us?

Is God Any Good at Math?

September 20, 2026

Gary Willis

Matthew 20:1-16

In another parable about the kingdom of God, a story about workers in the vineyard being paid the same wages, no matter how long they worked, Jesus manages to shock our sensibilities and notions about fair play. In fact, throughout Matthew’s Gospel Jesus seems to reveal a God whose kingdom deals in very strange numbers. A mathematician God is not, thankfully.

Losing Count

September 13, 2026

Gary Willis

Matthew 18:21-35

As much as our instincts draw us to the tendencies of “an eye for an eye” retribution, Jesus clearly demands forgiveness. It is one of the very hardest things for us to do, as it goes against our nature. Peter is asking our question here in Matthew’s Gospel. Maybe if we had some scripted limits on forgiveness, we could count our way to meeting the expectations. Jesus gives Peter a number we weren’t expecting.

A Friendly Church

September 6, 2026

Gary Willis

Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus offers practical instructions on how we should handle sins against one another in this body we call the church. We note that it is not “if” but “when” this occurs we are to confront each other and tell the truth. This may not sound much like our definition of a friendly church, but perhaps we don’t understand Jesus’s definition of friendship.

Beyond Justice

August 30, 2026

Gary Willis

Romans 12:9-21

Justice is a lofty virtue that we all say we want. Without some level of justice our world would certainly devolve into absolute chaos. But when we examine what we call justice and the ways we pursue and accomplish it, we find many times when our efforts fall short of actually putting things right. Paul doesn’t settle, but calls us to go beyond justice.

A Peculiar People

August 23, 2026

Gary Willis

Romans 12:1-8

Paul entreats us to be non-conformists, not being shaped by the values of the secular world. We are to be distinctive because of our relationship to God. This is not merely independence, which is denying that everyone serves something or someone. The quest to become “peculiar” requires a sacrifice.

In the Grip of God

August 16, 2026

Gary Willis

Romans 11:1-2, 29-32

Paul has become the Christian missionary to the Gentiles, but he is first a Jew. Most of Israel, the chosen people of God, have rejected Jesus as the Messiah. Paul confronts the question, “Does this mean that God has rejected God’s chosen people?” Paul argues that God is faithful and has not spurned Israel. This turns out to be very good news for us.

Beautiful Feet

August 9, 2026

Gary Willis

Romans 10:5-15

We have heard the saying, “Don’t shoot the messenger.” It is our way of separating the speaker from the news he or she brings. In Romans, Paul refers to Isaiah 52 in saying, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Surely it is the goodness of the news that determines the beauty of the feet, but what if the complexion of the messenger does enhance, even sanctify the good news?

A Song in Our Hearts

August 2, 2026

Gary Willis

Psalm 150

Music has always been here in our world, and singing has been a part of the church as long as there has been a church. Perhaps, there have been those who, for whatever reason, wouldn’t or felt they couldn’t sing. A reluctance to sing usually boils down to having defined singing as performance rather than an expression of the heart. Regardless of talent, our faith gives every disciple a reason to sing.

Treasuring the Old and New

July 26, 2026

Gary Willis

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

In a string of Kingdom metaphors, Jesus stresses the great value of God’s reign. The kingdom is a small seed, a tiny ingredient, a pearl, whose worth is extravagant. God’s treasure is worth everything, but Jesus adds that this treasure can be found both in the old and the new.

Waiting in the Weeds

July 19, 2026

Gary Willis

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Continuing his parables of the kingdom, Jesus also resumes his analogy of farming. This time a farmer’s crop is plagued with weeds, which grew up with the wheat and cannot now be removed without harming the wheat. The result is inaction by the farmer and waiting in the garden. We grow impatient, but are we equipped to do the Master’s work?

Soil Tending

July 12, 2026

Gary Willis

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower, and then he explained it to his disciples. The illustration seems to suggest that spreading the Word of God is a random enterprise with varied, equally random results. However, when one thinks about farming, there is more to it than merely slinging seed. Is there another facet to sharing the good news that involves tending the soil?

The War Within

July 5, 2026

Gary Willis

Romans 7:15-25a

There could hardly be a more honest description of our human struggle than what Paul describes in Romans 7. The dark places of our being, the ones we try to avoid, resonate in agreement with this inner conflict Paul describes. The battle with sin is universal, and this is not a war we have any hope of winning on our own.

The Gift of Laughter

June 28, 2026

Gary Willis

Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7

There are different types of laughter, and yet any laughter is rare in scripture. Most laughter is spontaneous, a sudden reaction either producing joy or embarrassment. When it comes to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, it can only be understood as a gift.

God Hears

June 21, 2026

Donna Greene

Genesis 21:8-21

Following the Dreamer

June 14, 2026

Gary Willis

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18a

No doubt Abram had plans for his life. He likely had a future in mind based on factors that surrounded him in his nomadic world. God, however, had other plans for Abraham. God imparted a dream to Abraham that was beyond anything he could have imagined.

Sitting with the Lost

June 7, 2026

Gary Willis

Matthew 9:9-13

Jesus encountered criticism very early in his ministry, even during the selection of his core followers such as Matthew the tax collector. From the very beginning Jesus was keeping company with sinners, much to the consternation of the religious leaders. Jesus makes it clear that he came to be with sinners. With whom would we identify in this story?

Awesome God

May 31, 2026

Gary Willis

Matthew 28:16-20

This day is a rare Sunday on which we celebrate a theological concept that is never actually mentioned in the Bible. Trinity Sunday is a profession of the belief that God is expressed and experienced in three forms: God, Jesus and the Spirit. The doctrine is not, however, a way that we creatures somehow “grasp” God. Our God is far too big to be contained.

What Does It Mean?

May 24, 2026

Gary Willis

Acts 2:1-21

The first witnesses were certainly caught off guard by the first Pentecost experience. The people wondered, “What does it mean?” It seems that we are still asking that question about Pentecost all these years later. While we cannot repeat that first birth of the Church, we are being asked to provide an answer to that question.

Revealing the Unknown God

May 17, 2026

Gary Willis

Acts 17:22-31

Paul was the early church’s missionary to the gentile world. While in Athens, using a statue revering an “unknown god,” Paul reveals to the Greeks the identity of the one God, whom they really should get to know. In today’s culture we are not unlike Paul, in that we are endeavoring to reveal the God who is increasingly unknown.

God's a Mother Too

May 10, 2026

Gary Willis

Proverbs 6:20-23 & Ephesians 5:1-2

We celebrate mothers today, recognizing there is no one right way to parent and no perfect mom. Nonetheless, a mother’s impact cannot be denied. When such influence becomes a reflection of God, there is perhaps no greater gift we children can receive.

Living Like Royalty

May 3, 2026

Gary Willis

 1 Peter 2:2-10

The letter that is addressed to the early church has the audacity to refer to followers of Jesus as “a royal priesthood.” While this seems oddly flattering to begin with, what are the implications of living out our identity as royalty?

Jesus: THE Good Shepherd

April 26, 2026

Rev. Karl Klaus

 John 10:11-18

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus is the quintessential leader. What does Jesus’ leadership mean to us? And how do we become leaders to others as God’s Easter people?

Easter People

April 19, 2026

Gary Willis

 Luke 24:13-35

After the resurrection of Jesus, various sightings and visits of the risen Christ are reported in the gospels. One such visitation happens to traveling disciples on the road to Emmaus. The disciples did not recognize Jesus nor did they understand Easter, that is, until Easter got into them.

You Call This a Church?

April 12, 2026

Gary Willis

 John 20:19-31

While the resurrection changes everything, before belief there is doubt, fear and impotence exhibited by the followers of Jesus. The gospel gives us a glimpse of the Church at its worst. Something is missing that the Church cannot live without.

Jail Break

April 5, 2026

Gary Willis

 Matthew 28:1-10

This is Easter, the Church’s celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the most important day of the Christian year, because Jesus breaks the chains of death. For us, it means that Christ can bust us out of our prisons in life and death.

Pausing for the Parade

March 29, 2026

Gary Willis

 Matthew 21:1-11

Holy week begins with the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The crowds excitedly hail Jesus as a prophet. Knowing how prophets have functioned in Israel’s past, namely as a voice for truth and change, not everyone welcomes Jesus. Frankly, it takes more than a prophet to bring transformation. Jesus, it turns out, is more.

Raising the Dead

March 22, 2026

Gary Willis

 John 11:1-45

No, it’s not Easter yet but Jesus is already effecting resurrection. After some delay, Jesus returns to Judea to reunite with Mary, Martha and Lazarus, who has died. It is a scene of grief and the emotions run high, but Jesus is undeterred. The raising of Lazarus is a hint of what business Jesus is in and a foretaste of what we might still expect today.

The Tragedy of Blindness

March 15, 2026

Gary Willis

 John 9:1-41

It doesn’t seem extraordinary for us to see Jesus healing a blind man and restoring his sight. What is surprising in this story are the reactions of those surrounding the event. The religious leaders and even the man’s parents are swept up in the interrogation. There is little satisfaction for the inquisitors. All that is revealed is that there is another type of blindness.

Run-of-the-Mill Revelation

March 8, 2026

Gary Willis

 John 4:5-30, 39-42

Nothing about this woman whom Jesus encounters suggests that there will be a divine revelation. It seems to be a chance encounter between a weary and thirsty man and a guarded, sullied woman at a well at which neither of them should have been. Yet, here in Samaria, the Jewish Messiah reveals more than the woman can keep to herself. 

Pushing Daisies

March 1, 2026

Gary Willis

 John 3:1-17

Nicodemus comes to Jesus with curiosity and a spark of longing he does not yet fully understand. While he seems further confused by the encounter with Jesus, scripture records what appears to be a transformative journey of faith for Nicodemus. Transformation takes time and perhaps some nudging of the Spirit.

Saying "No"

February 22, 2026

Gary Willis

 Matthew 4:1-11

On the first Sunday of Lent, we focus our attention on Jesus’s temptation by Satan in the wilderness. Although we are not the Son of God, we can all relate to temptation. Jesus says, “No,” to the devil’s enticing offers, which tells us a great deal about who Jesus will be in his ministry to come. What does our “no” say about us?

Fearful Listening

February 15, 2026

Gary Willis

 Matthew 17:1-9

The disciples’ reaction to the miraculous occurrence we call the Transfiguration was great fear. The elements of that event were extraordinary, but if we take Jesus seriously, he can still create anxiety with his challenges of discipleship. Even as the disciples cowered on the mountain with Jesus, the heavenly voice entreats them to “listen.”

Vignettes of Love: Compassion, Mercy and Grace

February 8, 2026

Kathy Fitzhugh

 Selections from Luke 10, 8 & 15

Using three different episodes from Luke’s gospel, we gain insight directly from Jesus regarding three important facets of love. In this week we celebrate Valentine’s Day, let us explore the many ways we are called to express love as Christ taught us.

Dare We Boast?

February 1, 2026

Gary Willis

 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

For whatever reason, humans seem predisposed to boasting. We are accustomed to arenas of competition, where the name of the game is to accentuate our strengths and expose others’ weaknesses. In the midst of our personal cheerleading, Paul argues that Christians are to celebrate a very different type of victory in Jesus.

Putting Christ in His Place

January 18, 2026

Gary Willis

 John 1:29-42

John the Baptist consistently identifies Jesus as the One who is greater than himself. John knows his place. We should also know our place, and the surest way to do that is to make sure Jesus is put in his rightful place in our lives.

Who We Are

January 11, 2026

Gary Willis

 Matthew 3:13-17

Jesus comes to John at the Jordan River to be baptized. We mark this event each year as we begin the season of Epiphany. Those of us who have been baptized should understand the significance. Just as Jesus was claimed by God in a voice from heaven, God also tells us who we are.

Glitter Fades

January 4, 2026

Gary Willis

 John 1:1-18

The flashy tinsel of Christmas is being put away, and we are left with normal life in a new year. Our religious practice may seem to pale as the Christmas experience fades. If we continue to be focused on what we are getting out of it, then we may have missed the heart of Christmas anyway.

The Force of Light

December 28, 2025

Gary Willis

 Matthew 2:13-23

The aftermath of the joyous birth of Jesus tells us that where there is light, darkness is not far away. Since creation light has been in conflict with the darkness. How does the coming of the “Light of the World” change the battlefield?

Pregnant with Grace

December 24, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 1:26-45; Luke 2:1-20

While we calmly profess our belief in the virgin birth of Jesus to Mary (and Joseph), we may have minimized the radical impact. The birth of Jesus was a disruptive intrusion that imparted nothing less than a new future for Mary and Joseph. If we allow it, that same grace can be born through us.

An Ordinary Miracle

December 21, 2025

Gary Willis

 Matthew 1:18-25

While much is always made of the Annunciation, along with Mary’s faithful response to being chosen by God, but there is no doubt Joseph’s life also was disrupted by the news from angels. The Immaculate Conception is certainly a miracle, but can we say a word about Joseph’s response?

Waiting for a Perfect World

December 14, 2025

Gary Willis

 James 5:7-10

The writer of James urges the followers of Jesus to be patient. This, of course, is a virtue most of us have not mastered. In fact, we value rapid action much more than we do patience. Advent means “coming,” and that conveys the truth that nothing we do can force another’s arrival. The nature of what is coming, however, can affect our ability to endure.

Standing Close to the Fire

December 7, 2025

Gary Willis

 Matthew 3:1-12

John the Baptist, the announcer of the coming Messiah, makes his thundering pronouncements with a call to repentance. Our Christmas preparations are interrupted with a lot of talk about fire. John’s warning seems ominous and threatening, but fire is not always bad.

And Along Comes God

November 30, 2025

Gary Willis

 Matthew 24:36-44

Advent means “coming,” and Jesus makes it clear that there is an element of surprise to God’s advent. Other than acknowledging that God will likely beat the unexpected, is there any way to prepare? “Keep awake!” says Jesus. At least you’ll see what you didn’t see coming.

Opportunity to Testify

November 16, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 21:5-19

As the disciples gawk at the impressive Temple building, Jesus offers a foreboding look into a future of destruction. Shockingly, Jesus suggests this will afford great opportunities for a powerful witness to the way of Christ. What are we to say in the midst of uncontrollable chaos and destruction?

Imposing Salvation

November 2, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 19:1-10

The story of Zaccheus is not merely a tale for children. It is a powerful story of the redemption of a recognized sinner. Jesus invited himself to the home of Zaccheus much to the disdain of the crowd. Zaccheus didn’t initiate this, and yet Jesus proclaimed salvation came to his house that day.

The Ladder Is Too Short

October 26, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 18:9-14

This story told by Jesus, known as “the Pharisee and the Publican,” is a study in contrasts. Two extremely different men are observed praying in and around the Temple. Only one of them seems to receive favor from God. But there is one thing they have in common. Whether they know or admit it, both are sinners. 

Refining Our Image

October 19, 2025

Gary Willis

 Matthew 22:15-22

Jesus had much to say about money in the gospels. Here in Matthew’s gospel, he is confronted directly on the subject. Jesus uses as an object lesson a coin on which the image of the emperor was stamped. He also said we are to give to God what is God’s. The conclusion seems to be that there are things upon which the image of God is stamped as well.

Disconnected Gifts

October 12, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 17:11-19

While traveling to Jerusalem, Jesus encounters ten lepers. It is a fortunate day for them, because Jesus grants them all complete healing. They all proceed to the priests to verify their healing, but one turns back to express his gratitude to Jesus. This Samaritan does not separate the healing from the one who heals.

Exercising Our Faith

October 5, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 17:5-10

Whatever faith is, the disciples of Jesus felt they had need of more of it, as we learn in this encounter found both in Luke’s and Matthew’s gospels. Jesus’s response to the disciples’ appeal is not exactly the spiritual discipline we might expect. And, while he’s at it, Jesus reminds us that we do not practice our faith for glory.

The Opposite of Poverty

September 28, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 16:19-31

The story of the rich man and Lazarus is about the haves and the have nots. The parable accentuates this gap between the two characters. We may focus on what it means to be rich or poor, but we shouldn’t ignore the simple fact that it is the chasm of separation that prevents the kingdom life.

The Hero in a Tragedy

September 21, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 16:1-13

Our scripture is a disturbing story, in which a scoundrel seems to be praised for questionable financial management. It is an affront to our moral sensitivities, and we are surprised to hear this sort of thing from Jesus. He told this story to his disciples, his followers, inviting them to see themselves in the parable. Where do you see yourself?

Putting Forgiveness in Our Welcome

September 14, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 15:1-10

The religious leaders are criticizing Jesus again, this time for fraternizing with sinners. Jesus responds by telling two short parables about finding and retrieving things that were lost. If we, like Jesus, are to seek and welcome the “lost,” it will require an extension of grace and forgiveness.

The Alter of Worship

September 7, 2025

Gary Willis

 Psalm 139

This Sunday we will follow the movements of the psalmist through the beautiful Psalm 139. It is an intimate encounter in which the singer is driven to worship. Perhaps as we follow this writer, we will find that our lives may also be altered at the altar of God.

A Feast for All

August 31, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 14:1, 7-14

Jesus attends a Sabbath meal at the home of a Pharisee leader, and the only thing they intend to grill is Jesus. The tables are turned, however, when Jesus begins teaching kingdom etiquette. The guest is revealed to be the host.

Everybody Gets a New Name

August 24, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 13:10-17

Jesus engages a woman, whom everyone else has ignored, and heals her of her chronic, debilitating illness. It sounds like a wonderful thing, except that it was done on a Sabbath. Jesus makes it clear that the woman’s freedom is more important than rules, and in the process, he provides a new name for both the antagonists and the woman.

Fiery Math

August 17, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 12:49-56

Frankly, in this passage Jesus seems agitated and distressed. He confronts our peaceful notions of his purpose, claiming instead that he is more like a fire that will divide. He will disrupt those families we try so hard to strengthen. It all sounds counter-productive, until we remember that God has always been known by a refining fire.

Leadership Training

August 10, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 12:13-21

As with most recruitment executed by God, the calling of the prophet Jeremiah seems to break with all convention. Jeremiah’s credentials will not be found in any leadership manual. Our pre-conceived prerequisites for leadership do not seem to apply to God’s employment.

Barn Building

August 3, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 12:13-21

The story is called the Parable of the Rich Fool, but is he a fool for being rich? We will always have economic disparity. Even Jesus said, “The poor will always be with us.” Surely wealth alone is not this man’s sin. What is his foolish transgression?

The Power of Prayer

July 27, 2025

Rev. Karl Klaus

 Luke 11:1-13

The disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray. He responds by teaching them the model we now call the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus goes even further, recommending prayer as an opening to the power of the Almighty.

Dualing Discipleship

July 20, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 10:38-42

While staying at the home of Martha and Mary, Jesus is drawn into a judgment of the very different ways the two women have chosen to act. Jesus seems to defend Mary, whose actions Martha questions, but is Jesus really taking sides here? Somehow Jesus manages to remain friends with Mary and Martha.

How to Save a Life

July 13, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 10:25-37

We are back in very familiar territory, hearing the story of the Good Samaritan as we have many times before. Is it possible to hear this story with new ears? We know this story of help coming from a very unexpected source was a shock to its first hearers. The Samaritan emerges as a lifesaver, and it is important for contemporary disciples to consider how.

Free to Be Slaves

July 6, 2025

Gary Willis

 Galatians 5:1, 13-25

In the time of year we celebrate national freedom, we hear about our freedom in Christ. There seems to be something different about the way Paul describes being free. In fact, the Bible doesn’t seem interested in the same freedom we tend to celebrate as a divine right.

Is That All Jesus Wants?

June 29, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 9:51-62

Setting his face to his destiny in Jerusalem, Jesus encounters both rejection and those who want to follow him. He seems quite demanding, showing little patience for anything other than radical discipleship. Jesus seems to want all or nothing from those who would follow him.

Exorcising Demons

June 22, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 8:26-39

Evil forces have chained a man to isolation and ostracism, living (if you could call it that) among the tombs. Jesus encounters the man who calls himself Legion while traveling outside of his normal territory. Neither the distance nor the depth of this man’s pain can hinder the healing of Jesus.

Prayer for Dummies

June 15, 2025

Gary Willis

 Romans 8:14-27

The Apostle Paul says we don’t know how to pray. Although prayer is the most common and ordinary manifestation of faith and spirituality, our experience tells us that Paul is likely correct. Luckily for us, God builds in some assistance for our prayer life incompetency. 

All the Right Ingredients

June 8, 2025

Gary Willis

 Acts 2:1-20

On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit blew through the gathering where the disciples were creating quite a disturbance. It seemed all the right elements were in place for the Spirit to make its grand debut. Certainly, we would like to see God’s Spirit at work among us again. Can we put together all the right ingredients?

Not Left Alone

May 25, 2025

Gary Willis

 John 14:22-29

At the last supper, Jesus continued to prepare his disciples for when he would no longer be with them. He promises them the Spirit, an advocate, who will teach them and give them truth and strength. Through the Spirit, Jesus would always be with them.

Do Tell

May 18, 2025

Gary Willis

 Acts 11:1-18

Peter is led by a vision to do something he never expected to do – share Christ’s salvation with Gentiles. God won’t let the gospel message be limited nor will God allow it to be kept to ourselves. Sharing the good news has never been optional for disciples of Jesus.

When the Saints Go Marching In

May 11, 2025

Gary Willis

 Revelation 7:9-17

In the book of Revelation’s grand vision of the heavenly throne, there is no doubt who has arranged this final gathering. All authority rests with the Lamb, Jesus Christ, and those invited are beyond numbering. It seems as though almost everybody could be there.

Following Jesus Beyond Easter

May 4, 2025

Gary Willis

 John 21:1-19

We have moved past Easter, and like the disciples we have resumed our routines of ordinary life. On this day on which we celebrate Confirmation of our youths and Holy Communion, we remember that Jesus did not cease inserting the transformation of resurrection into our normalcy.

Belief Rx

April 27, 2025

Gary Willis

 John 20:19-31

The medical field has been forced to come to grips with the healing power of the human psyche. Statistics support the power of hope and belief to aid our bodies and certainly our minds in overcoming negative effects. Jesus provides the prescription the disciples need to heal their disbelief. That prescription is still available.

A Belief Encounter

April 20, 2025

Gary Willis

 John 20:1-18

John’s version of the resurrection features the extended experience of Mary Magdalene at the tomb of Jesus. We follow her through her tears of grief, her angelic encounter, her mistaken identity and the final revelation of the risen Christ. For Mary, belief required a progressive movement. Our journey toward belief likely does as well.

Rock Music

April 13, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 19:28-44

Jesus makes his final entrance into Jerusalem to cheering crowds singing his praises. Previous uprisings are undoubtedly on the minds of the religious leaders as they plead with Jesus to quiet the throngs of people. Jesus responds by claiming the stones would shout if the people didn’t. If even the stones have a message, then can we be silent?

Extravagant Outpouring

April 6, 2025

Gary Willis

 John 12:1-8

Just prior to Passover, Jesus is welcomed once again to Bethany, where he recently raised Lazarus from the dead. While Lazarus is dining with Jesus, and Martha is busy serving the meal, Mary begins anointing the feet of Jesus with costly perfume. While Judas calls attention to the wastefulness, Jesus, as he has done before, sides with Mary. Her extravagance will not be condemned by Jesus.

3 in 1

March 30, 2025

Gary Willis

 Philippians 3:4b-14

While imprisoned, the Apostle Paul writes a letter of encouragement to the church in Philippi. He urges the followers of Christ to imitate him, as he strives to imitate Christ. Disciples are to make every effort not to be diverted and diligently follow the path on which Jesus leads them.

Repentance Hope

March 23, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 13:1-9

While inquisitors question Jesus about where to place blame when tragedy occurs, Jesus issues a warning about our need of repentance. His parable of the fig tree reminds us that we have been given the merciful gift of time, but our purpose is to bear fruit.

Desire and Limits

March 16, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 13:31-35

 Jesus is warned about the threat to his life from King Herod. In response, he offers a prophet’s lament in which he both predicts his future death and expresses his desire for God’s wayward people to turn and receive his love. Is there a limit to this mother hen’s love?

Extreme Makeover

March 2, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 9:28-43a

The Transfiguration is a glimpse of the transcendence of Jesus. He glows on the mountain in the presence of Moses and Elijah. The disciples beheld his glory, if only for a moment, but they can’t seem to express the impact of this event either through word or deed. Can we embody the transformation Christ offers to our lives?

Winners and Losers

February 23, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 6:37-38

These teachings are not ambiguous in the Bible. We all know that Jesus taught us to love our enemies, turn the other cheek and forgive. We also live in a world that doesn’t play by these rules. Whom are the winners, and whom are the losers? It all depends on whose game you’re in.

Fishing with Jesus

February 9, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 5:1-11

Much to the surprise of his future disciples, Jesus produces a miraculous catch of fish, all because these fishermen are obedient to Jesus’ direction to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. It is clear this is just a prelude, as Jesus then calls these men to follow him and to become fishers of people. It is also clear that this summons is being made to all his disciples, then and now.

Too Much Love

February 2, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 4:21-30

 When Jesus clarifies his prophetic teaching in his hometown, the crowd turns violent. How dare he declare the Lord’s favor to be extended to foreigners instead of to God’s chosen! That seems to be too much for the hometown folks to accept.

To Whom Are You Referring?

January 26, 2025

Gary Willis

 Luke 4:14-21

Jesus returns to Nazareth where everyone knows him. As he reads in the synagogue from the words of the prophet Isaiah, Jesus proclaims the fulfillment of the good news for the poor, the captive, the blind and the oppressed. Good for them! Wait, about whom is Jesus speaking?

The ‘Irie’ of Discipleship

January 19, 2025

Gary Willis

 John 1:35-42

Upon seeing Jesus again, John the Baptizer tells his disciples that Jesus is the Lamb of God. Following the progression as two of John’s disciples are drawn to become followers of Jesus, we see the very steps in becoming a disciple. It appears to be an easy path for these first converts, so why does discipleship seem so difficult for us?

Finding Your Place in the Field

January 12, 2025

Vicki Parrish

 Isaiah 52:7