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.