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Gary Willis


Past

The Work of Waiting

November 27, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Matthew 24:36-44

Advent is a time of waiting and preparing for the coming of Christ. Often, we just experience it as the weeks we have to wait for Christmas that are to be filled with commercialism and shopping. But it really is a metaphor for where we all exist. We are in the time between the beginning and end of life as we know it. How are we to live between the times? Is there a key to waiting for people of faith?

Trust in the Indestructible

November 13, 2022

Rev. 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. As shocking as the vision seems, we don’t have to look far to see the metaphoric walls of most of our human institutions crumbling. We are drawn by a need for something solid on which to stand.

Married to Mystery

November 6, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 20:27-38

The Sadducees were an order of scribes and priests who did not believe in the resurrection from death, and their encounter here with Jesus is an attempt to trap him into admitting that the resurrection is illogical. Jesus makes it clear that earthly logic is no match for divine, eternal wisdom.

Body Language

October 23, 2022

Rev. 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. Compared to God they are both unworthy. 

Signs of Salvation

October 30, 2022

Rev. 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 uses the word salvation to describe it, but only after Zaccheus responds to Jesus’ gracious acceptance in a way that was repentant and financially sacrificial.

God's Integrity

October 16, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 18:1-8

 We say there is power in prayer, and yet few of us avail ourselves of the potential it holds. All of us seem to fall short of mastering what is the most accessible practice of our faith, a practice so simple that a child can do it. Despite numerous books and studies written on learning to pray, rarely do we like to admit that it comes down to the will and not any technique.

One Out of Ten

October 9, 2022

Rev. 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 – only one out of ten. 

Faith Enough

October 2, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 17:5-10

Among Christians few words are used more than the word “faith.” We understand faith to be essential to our identity, “for by faith we are saved.” But what does faith look like? Surely it is not simply church membership nor is it “fire insurance” from eternal condemnation. 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.

Biblios Regularis

September 25, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 16:19-31

The story of the rich man and Lazarus is about the haves and the have nots. While teaching his disciples, Jesus addresses this story to the Pharisees, religious leaders in the synagogues. What these leaders and the rich man have in common is their withholding of blessings for themselves. Jesus makes it clear that we are to be conduits not containers.

A Crooked Teaching

September 18, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 16:1-9

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. In our indignancy, we may fail to notice the nature of the master, and this would be a critical message we don’t want to miss.

Faith and Life Budget

September 11, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 14:25-33

We are all about finding discounts, especially in these days of heightened inflation. We value getting something for a bargain and making a profit on what we sell. There is one area, however, in which we are required to pay full price. Following Jesus will not be cheap.

Starting Over

August 28, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Amos 7:7-17

Many of us have had a desire for a do-over at some point in our lives. Usually these considerations occur with regret that needs to be erased or the need for some new lease on life. The prophet Amos is given an opportunity to change course dramatically in his life when God calls him. His restart breaks with his past, but the future is anything but carefree.

What's in a Name?

August 21, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 13:10-17

 Names are important. They can shape who we are. We know this, because we often make up nicknames or use crass name-calling for labels of who we think people are. Most of have such names we’d like to forget. We don’t know the name of the woman Jesus meets in our story, at least until he tells her.

The Race of Endurance

August 14, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Hebrews 11:29-12:2

We’ve heard it said, “It’s not whether you win or lose; it’s how you run the race (or play the game).” Of course, we don’t really believe this in our world, even if we do teach our kids this. We value winning. As always, God’s ways are not the world’s. What is valued in a race which has already been won?

No Bull

August 7, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Isaiah 1:1, 10-20

We are praying people who believe God hears our prayers. The prophet Isaiah dares to suggest that God may decide whether to listen or not. While we cannot guarantee our prayers reach God’s ears, might there be some things we do that increase the likelihood of God not listening?

Ready or Not

July 31, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 12:32-40

Jesus urges his followers to be prepared as though they were servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet. This warning applies to Christ’s return, but Jesus doesn’t seem to limit this alert posture to the end times.

Church Presentation

July 24, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

An informational session about some significant proposals regarding our church-owned facilities. For several months, a task group has been researching options for the best use of these facilites. The Board has affirmed the feasibility of their proposal and supports proceeding with this next important step, which is to inform the congregation and get feedback. 

Managing

Our Miracles

July 24, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 12:13-21

The story is called the Parable of the Rich Fool. While there is no debate that the man in the story is rich, we are not all convinced he is a fool. Viewed through the lens of the world’s values, we are less likely to condemn this man’s actions, which only goes to prove God’s values vary greatly from those of the world.

Hosting Jesus

July 17, 2022

Rev. 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. Especially in our contemporary, workaholic praising culture, Jesus seems to take a side that polarizes those who hear it. Somehow Jesus manages to remain friends with Mary and Martha.

Faithful Doing

July 10, 2022

Rev. 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. Maybe it all depends on where we see ourselves in the story.

Humbled Healing

July 3, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14

What seems like a delicate, high-level diplomatic quandary is reduced to its simplest form, once the powerful swallow their pride. A man, Naaman the king of Aram, is in need of healing, but he must first submit to the One who has the power Naaman does not have.

Irreligious

June 26, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Galatians 2:15-21

We say that Christianity is one of the major religions, similar to other religions in being comprised of a belief system and practices. But, is being “religious” really just all about us? Is religion something we do, or is it something God has done and continues to do?

Producing Hope

June 19, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Romans 5:1-8

There seem to be plenty of opportunities for hopelessness in our world today. Our plight of uncertainty often leads us to many alternatives in which we place our hope. Or worse, we simply lose hope. Paul’s words in Romans are an invitation to hope and a reminder of the one and only source.

Bending with the Spirit

June 12, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

John 15:26-27; 16:4-15

Before he ascends, finally leaving the world and his disciples, Jesus promised to send the Spirit. This new divine presence would not simply replace Jesus but would build on the work that he began, revealing new things to all who are open.

Wind Powered

June 5, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Acts 2:1-20

On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit blew through the gathering where the disciples were like the rush of a mighty wind. Having witnessed powerful winds, we know they can be frightening and uncontrollable. It is such a power with which we must interact if we are to truly be alive in Christ.

Feed It Forward

May 29, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

John 21:1-19

In this post-resurrection encounter between Jesus and his remaining disciples, the symbolism makes it clear that redemption is being offered. With a miracle, a memory and a meal, Jesus gives Peter and the others the opportunity to begin again. Their response to this grace must be to feed and tend the flock of God’s people.

Giving a Hand to Faith

May 22, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

John 20:19-31

Thomas did not believe in the resurrection, until he saw the nail-pierced hands of Jesus. His hands revealed not only the truth but his sacrificial love. Hands can say a lot about us at times. What are our hands saying about our faith today?

The Impact of the Love of Jesus

May 15, 2022

Connor Dean

John 13:31-35

In his last teaching opportunity with his disciples, Jesus plainly lets his followers know how others will see Christ in them. It is in loving that we are identified with Jesus.

The Gift of Peace

Mother's Day- May 8, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

John 14:23-29

On a day we honor mothers of all kinds, we aspire to give them a gift worthy of their impact on us all. Jesus leaves his disciples with the gift of peace, which is perhaps the best gift we could give moms. How we define peace determines whether we can give such a gift and whether it can be sustained and shared. That’s a peace the world cannot give.

Eagle Christianity

May 1, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Genesis 1:1, 26-28

Drawing on the biblical proclamation, Christians believe that humans were created in the “image of God.” Living in the world has a way of tarnishing that image, causing us to forget who we are and, more importantly, whose we are. On a day that we celebrate Confirmation for our youth that have come of age in the church, we all need a reminder of our value to the Creator God.

A Bold New Experiment

April 24, 2022

Rev. Willis Dear

Matthew 4:12-23

Where Have You

Put Him?

April 17, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

John 20:1-18

Three times in this scripture, Mary Magdelene expresses her confusion upon finding an empty tomb where Jesus had been laid, saying “where have they put him?” Metaphorically, we will ask the question of “where have we put Jesus in our lives?” Even as we profess our belief, it is difficult to assimilate such an illogical reality into our sensible world. The two realities seem incompatible. Something needs to change, and it’s not Jesus.

The Mistake

of Betrayal

April 10, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Matthew 26

Thinking about what Judas did to Jesus, it is difficult to characterize it as a mistake. It is more heinous than that, which leads us to believe we cannot see ourselves in Judas. Are we not capable of betrayal?

The Mistake of

Denying Jesus

April 3, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Matthew 26:69-75

Peter finds himself caught off-guard in a threatening situation for which he was unprepared. It is questionable that any of us would have acted differently in that hostile environment. Once again, it is Jesus that surprises us, not Peter.

The Mistake of

Underestimating

the Cost

March 27, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 10:17-31

Although the disciples have left home, vocation, and possessions to follow Jesus, they still underestimate the cost of discipleship. Entering the kingdom seems impossible to them, and to us. If it were up to us, it would be.

The Mistake of

We Know Best

March 20, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Matthew 16:21-26

The disciples try to impose their own agenda on Jesus in order to protect him from danger and to pursue their own vision of a successful ministry. In the strongest of terms, Jesus reminds them of his purpose and their place behind him, not in his way.

The Mistake of

Desiring Status

March 13, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 9:33-37; 10:35-45

The disciples reveal their desire for recognition and status as they struggle to understand Jesus’ radically different view of success and greatness. Jesus’ idea of what is important runs counter to the world’s view then as now.

The Mistake of Underestimating Enough

March 6, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Matthew 14:13-21

Jesus demonstrates to the disciples that what they thought was not enough—a meager amount of food—was more than enough to feed a hungry crowd. Clearly it was Jesus they underestimated.

Holy Mystery

February 27, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 9:28-36

The tale of the event, taking place on a mountain in Galilee, is told every year just before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Even so, Christians cannot really make sense of this strange occurrence we call the “Transfiguration.” It’s still a mystery to us today, but is mystery a bad thing?

Nevertheless

February 20, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 5:1-11

In the Gospel of Luke, the story of Jesus calling his fishermen disciples to follow him involves an act of trust and obedience first. The future disciples were asked to risk in the face of evidence to the contrary. It is a fishing expedition that changes the lives of these men forever.

If I Do Not Have Love

February 13, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Love is not optional for those who follow Christ. In fact, it’s not optional for human survival. Love makes all the difference for the one who is loving and the one who is loved. The absence of love does as well.

More Than Words

February 6, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Exodus 4: 10-16

Servants of God, like Jeremiah and Moses, were promised that God would give them the words to say when they needed them. In sharing our faith, we can often be so focused on the words that we forget being a witness involves our living.

When The Gospel

Turns On You

January 30, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 4:14-30

Jesus begins his public ministry in the Gospel of Luke with a sermon in his hometown. One would expect this to be a celebration, as those who “knew him when” get to see how Jesus has blossomed into a leader. However, when a familiar preacher shares the writings of a well-known prophet things turn ugly, even violent, fast.

Running for Your Life

January 23, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Exodus 2:11-15

Moses, in a well-intentioned effort to defend his ethnic kinsman, kills an Egyptian taskmaster. The ill-fated episode sets his course as a fugitive. The plans of God, however, are quite different from those of Moses. God would have Moses run toward that which he is trying to outrun.

Endless Wine

January 16, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

John 2:1-11

Jesus’ first miracle in the Gospel of John is not a healing but a transformation of water into wine.  Although Jesus is clearly not against serving wine, providing more of it is hardly the purpose God sent him here to accomplish. One gets the feeling there is more represented in this unusual action, a whole lot more.

Your Given Name

January 9, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Each annual celebration of Jesus’ baptism in the observance of the Christian year is an opportunity for us to remember our baptism. Most of us, because we were baptized as infants, don’t remember the actual occurrence, but we can and must always remember the meaning. Baptism tells us who and whose we are.

What a Star

Can't Tell You

January 2, 2022

Rev. Gary Willis

Matthew 2:1-12

Looking at the stars, magi or astrologers believed a divine signal was being sent. Nature is where many seem to sense God communicating. One common characteristic of the natural world’s messages is the lack of clarity, specificity. Making sense of God’s messages in nature may involve coming inside.

God's Business

December 26, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 2:41-52

There are incredibly few stories about Jesus as a child. This week we get a rare insight into the early formation of God’s son. While we are rarely fortunate enough to set our life’s course so early, Jesus has a clear understanding of who he is and what his purpose is. Of course, now that we are old enough to know, we must also understand that we share this purpose.

Love...Gotta Have It

December 19, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 13:13

Finally, and most importantly, we know Christmas is about love. It’s all about love, because God IS love. If we want to know Jesus; If we want to belong to God; And, if we want hope, peace and joy – we’ve gotta have love. We MUST love.

Joy...A Song We

Never Outgrow

December 12, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 2:9-10, John 15:11

All of us seem to agree that striving for peace is a good thing. Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” For all our striving, peace seems elusive. Perhaps there is a solution to be found in the fact that there is only one person through whom we enter God’s family.

Peace...Strength to

Hold On

December 5, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 2:13-14, John 14:25-27

All of us seem to agree that striving for peace is a good thing. Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” For all our striving, peace seems elusive. Perhaps there is a solution to be found in the fact that there is only one person through whom we enter God’s family.

Hope...Next Year Things Will Be Different

November 28, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Isaiah 11

We desperately cling to hope, because without it life would not be worth living. Hope can be fragile at times, especially when it is tied to evidence in the present. We believe in a hope born in an eternal dimension, but with power to change the present. 

The Case for a King

November 21, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

John 18:33-37

The Jewish religious leaders have captured Jesus, dragging him before Pilate, the Roman authority in Jerusalem. Jesus seems to be at the mercy of his handlers. The priests have accused Jesus of claiming to be a king, and Pilate cynically questions him about this. Jesus’ answers leave us asking, “Who is really in charge here?”

Birth Pains

November 14, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 13:1-13

Upon our initial observation of this text, Jesus seems to be acting as a “Debbie Downer.” These untraveled disciples are admiring the grand structures of Jerusalem, and Jesus informs them that this will all come to complete ruin and calamities await them as well. The disciples seem frightened, but doomsday means birth to Jesus.

Supersizing

November 7, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 12:38-44

We live in a world in which we have become accustomed to supersizing. Small portions are unacceptable, and more is almost always better. Jesus turns our attention to a seemingly insignificant scene of a poor widow dropping a few coins into an offering plate next to a big check written by a man of prominence. Perhaps Jesus is suggesting there is something supersized about her giving.

Not Far From

The Kingdom

October 31, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 12:28-34

If any one of us were asked, “How far are you from God’s kingdom?” most of us would feign humility and say we are a long way from perfect. Here we read of a man who is told by Jesus, “You are not far from the kingdom.” Is this man really that good, or could Jesus be talking about a different distance?

The Blind Are Not Quieted by Sight

October 24, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 10:46-52

Yet another needy person comes to Jesus, this one asking to be healed of blindness. There is an endless sea of need. Sometimes it seems as though Jesus cannot possibly make a difference. Do we ever again hear from those persons whom Jesus heals throughout the scripture? Is Blind Bartimaeus any different? 

Serving Up Greatness

October 17, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 10:35-45

James’ and John’s ambition is uncovered, as they request special treatment from Jesus. It was likely an embarrassing moment when the other disciples learned of it. Typical of Jesus, he uses it as a teaching moment. Success and status are defined very differently in the kingdom of God.

Mission Impossible

October 10, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 10:17-31

A rich, confident man approaches Jesus wanting that which Jesus speaks, eternal life. Unfortunately, he finds it impossible to perform the one task Jesus prescribes for him, and scripture indicates that it was because of his wealth. Money can certainly exert power over our lives, but it is still no match for God.

Good for Nothing?

October 3, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Job 2:1-10

Job is legendary for what he suffered, but we often forget that it is how he endured the suffering that makes this a faith story. Calamity does not guarantee character, as we have all seen those crushed by life. When bad things happen to good people we naturally ask, “What point is being good?” We are not looking in the right place for the answer.

Time Yields

September 26, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Matthew 13:24-30

It’s not necessarily a bad thing that most of us seem to have an innate sense of fairness. Today’s parable seems to be suggesting inaction when an injustice has been committed. Like most of Jesus’ parables, we are meant to see ourselves, not some detachable episode of fowl play. More importantly, we are to trust the one judge.

Priority Cuts

September 19, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 9:38-50

“If your hand causes you stumble, cut it off…” Mark 9:43. These are tough words from Jesus. Though we have to look deeper than the literal to understand what Jesus is suggesting, it does not make his words any less demanding. If we are going to follow Jesus, it is clear that we must make some consequential choices in our lives.

Are You Who You

Say He Is?

September 12, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 8:27-38

 It’s clear that nobody fully understood who Jesus was during his lifetime, yet he was intent on building understanding. He wants to know who we think he is, as that will determine who we become as followers.

The Gospel for

the Desperate

September 5, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 7:24-37

Jesus healed many people throughout the Gospels, but this encounter with a foreign woman is arguably one of the strangest. The provocative nature of Jesus’ conversation may blind us to the obvious condition of this woman. She is desperate, willing to do anything for her child. Admitting she is unworthy is key to her healing.

Playin' Church

August 29, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Hypocrisy is a hurtful criticism often leveled at the church, but it was Jesus who used that rebuke first. His harshest criticism was delivered to the religious establishment of his day. Unfortunately, such critique is sometimes rightfully earned by professed followers of Christ, and there is nothing more damaging to our witness. On the other hand, Christian authenticity has the power to change the world.

Here's Your Sign

August 22, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14

Solomon begins his inheritance of King David’s throne with distinction, asking for wisdom to lead. God grants his wish, but then the world began its inevitable interpretation of Solomon’s gift. Solomon is lured away by the labels of success the world offered. Discipleship is all about deciding whose “sign” you’re going to wear - the one the world wants you to wear, or the one God gave us on a hill called Golgotha.

Debt of Gratitude

August 15, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Luke 7:36-50

The writer tells the story of a woman who makes a spectacle of herself at a fancy dinner. What’s more is that she becomes another reason for the hosts to roast Jesus, which they had planned to do by inviting him. Just like at every meal Jesus attends, somewhere along the lines the tables get turned and grace emerges as a lesson. This time it’s a lesson in gratitude.

The Greatest Threat

of Famine

August 8, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Amos 8:1-12

As many prophets have done, Amos is compelled to speak a word from God that is crushing in its consequences for unfaithfulness to God. It seems that God has threatened to terminate us in our disobedience throughout the human story. However, here the threat is uniquely devastating. Where would we be if God removes the Divine Voice from among us?

A Life Worthy

August 1, 2021

Rev. Karli Pidgeon

Ephesians 4:1-16

Bread at Work

July 25, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

John 6:24-35

Bread was a crucial factor in the progression of the civilized world. Not surprisingly, bread is also one of the most common and important symbolic elements in scripture. Jesus refers to himself as the Bread of Life. Today we are reminded that God's bread is at work, and it's about that more than it is about us.

Indispensable Rest

July 18, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

Jesus had a demanding ministry. As his fame spread it became more difficult to get away. Nonetheless, he understood the necessity of balance and rest. Even in a sea of never-ending need, Jesus reminds us that our stamina is limited, and he knows that the success of ministry is dependent on practicing rest. This may be one of the hardest lessons Jesus ever taught.

Handling the Truth

July 11, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 6:14-29

John the Baptist has a tragic but straightforward narrative. He's a truthteller who offended the powerful. We could certainly also say the same about Jesus. With all the examples of our faith who spoke truth to power, where are those voices within our faith communities? The consequences our role models faced might suggest an obvious deterrent, but we can be confident Jesus would not lower the demands of discipleship based on our own discomfort.

Congratulations! You've Received a Weakness

July 4, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

2 Corinthians 12:2-10

On an occasion in which freedom and strength are celebrated, we encounter the Apostle Paul boasting of weakness. While it seems an odd choice for Independence Day, perhaps our nation could learn from Paul's wisdom. As we celebrate the great sacrifice of Jesus through the Eucharist, we are reminded that our weaknesses are what bring us to the communion table.

Reaching For Life

June 27, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 5:21-43

Interrupting Jesus as he makes his way to one healing, a hemorrhaging woman reaches from the margins to receive life-giving power from Jesus. It is more than a beautiful story of healing. It is a parable for our own pursuit of life.

Conquering Giants

June 20, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

1 Samuel 17:4-11, 32-49

On Fathers’ Day we have an opportunity to explore the notion of father that we project on God, for better or worse. The story of David and Goliath provides an heroic backdrop to what an earthly father might be. The most important lesson here lies in recognizing the real hero.

Awakening the Power

June 13, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 4:35:41

We love this powerful story of Jesus’ command of the wind and the waves, because we desperately want to know our God can calm the storms in our lives. We are not delusional enough to believe that our life’s threats can be eliminated with a word or a prayer. No, life doesn’t often, if ever, work that way. What people of faith do know is deeper, more reliable than that. God’s presence is that assurance that conquers all the storms in our lives.

How Does Your

Garden Grow

June 6, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Mark 4:26-34

Jesus speaks of the miraculous nature of growth as illustrated by seed planting. Despite how naturally it happens, how a seed produces is still mysterious. The parables Jesus told were meant to reveal truths beyond the mysteries of farming, however, and this miraculous power extends to God’s kingdom as well. We are called to sow seeds in the kingdom, and our work is filled with powerful potential. It is also inherently mysterious, much like farming.

Against New Birth Control

May 30, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

John 3:1-17

So many of us can relate to Nicodemus, who tries his best to understand Jesus but is confused. It really isn’t surprising that Nicodemus nor we can comprehend what Jesus is saying, because he is communicating a mystery. Being born of the Spirit is a divine initiative that we will never fully grasp. We cannot generate new birth, but perhaps we can learn not to resist it or control it.

Is Our Church

Full of Holes?

May 23, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Acts 2:1-21

This dramatic sequence of events marks the birth of the Church, and it has been celebrated since the first century. With the advancements in technology we are able to add dramatic effects to our celebration of Pentecost, but we can hardly rival what is described here. In fact, it would seem that our life as the church is moved by the hope that we might once again emerge with such spiritual power. Maybe what we need is to create some openings.

Loved People, Love

May 16, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

John 15:9-17

If a person is raised or goes through life receiving very little love, chances are they will love very little. As people of faith, we acknowledge what John 15 says – we are to love others as Christ has loved us. If our love is to be measured by the amount of love we’ve received, then we’ve got much love to give.

Vine Ripened

May 9, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Acts 8:26-40

We encounter that scary word “evangelism” as we consider the story of Philip and the Ethiopian convert. Once again it is made abundantly clear that the mark of a Christian disciple is to be obedient to the Spirit. Our proficiency or even desire to share the Good News is not really relevant. Following the Spirit means we must.

Spirit-led

May 2, 2021

Rev. Gary Willis

Acts 8:26-40

We encounter that scary word “evangelism” as we consider the story of Philip and the Ethiopian convert. Once again it is made abundantly clear that the mark of a Christian disciple is to be obedient to the Spirit. Our proficiency or even desire to share the Good News is not really relevant. Following the Spirit means we must.

Sermons March - April 2021
Sermons January - February 2021
Sermons November - December 2020
Sermons August - October 2020

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