“This is the way that God comes into the world: not simply the brilliant cloud of mystery, not only a voice thundering from heaven but also a human hand laid upon a shoulder and the words, “Do not be afraid.” God comes to us quietly, gently, that we may draw near and without fear. God’s glory is majestic and so far beyond our capacity to receive it that we can take just as much of God’s glory as a human hand can hold. “

Preached at Southminster Presbyterian Church on February 23, 2020.

“We can miss God’s presence in our midst. We can fail to pay attention. We can be like the people in the days of Noah—eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. All good things, but the wrong setting they are coping mechanisms for a world that feels too painful to pay full attention to. Coping mechanisms have their place, but coping is not the same thing as fully living. To live a life fully alive requires paying attention.”

Preached at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton, Ohio on December 2, 2019

“Paul’s charge to Timothy is not to hold on to scripture alone. It begins with encouragement to remember the two steady streams that have filled his reservoir of faith—the people that have taught him and scripture. It’s no accident that Paul first mentions those who taught him. The women that raised Timothy are not incidental to his faith; they are essential. “

Preached at Southminster Presbyterian Church on October 20, 2019.

“The “shrewd” manager chose the path of what ethicists call, non-violent resistance. Non-violent resistance is about creatively challenging and changing the unethical status quo.”

Preached at Southminster Presbyterian Church on September 22, 2019.

“But this passage isn’t about me and this sermon isn’t just for me. It’s for everyone who God has called—those of you who are reluctant leaders or those who are ready and willing. The category of “people God has known, and loved, and called” includes everyone inside this room. From the children who are “too young to lead” to the elderly members mistakenly believed to have “nothing left to offer.”

Preached at Southminster Presbyterian Church on August 25, 2019

“Why does John’s gospel have two endings? I think it is because Eastertide—this of resurrection celebration—is far more complicated than celebration alone. John’s gospel has post- resurrection rejoicing but there’s also ambivalence and sadness; unmet expectations and disappointment.  This a story of loss and hope. Of holding on in bad circumstances. Of the endurance of love over despair.”

Preached at Southminster Presbyterian Church on May 26, 2019

“We know that this is the Before. This is before everything is about to change. Palm Sunday with the crowds’ shouts of Hosanna and the disciples triumphant joy is before kiss of betrayal, before the trials, before the bloody march to Calvary, before the denials, before worst moment they could ever imagine. And maybe you remember what life was in your Before.”

A sermon for Palm Sunday, the liturgy of Palms and Passion.

The text for the 3rd Sunday in Lent is a beautiful invitation to seek the Lord in our minds and souls… or is it? What if it’s not just a metaphor?

“I imagine Elijah standing on the mountainside like Frodo Baggins at the end of The Two Towers. As Frodo looks out at the destruction of Osgiliath, he is weak and weary as he says, "I can't do this, Sam." I imagine Elijah came to the mountain expecting YHWH to respond like Samwise—a speech of hope to inspire him into his own Old Testament hero's journey. But this is not what Elijah receives.” 

Preached at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Seattle, WA on 8/26/18.

“Can you feel Paul’s unabashed exuberance as he showers you with the truth—that God set his affection on you before the creation of the world? You are part of God’s eternal purposes. Not just some “royal you” that includes everyone, but specifically you. God destined for you to be God’s adopted child, simply out of God’s good pleasure & grace”
 
Preached at East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church in Craftsbury, VT on 7/15/18.

"We are fighting for restorative justice because we believe that the world can be made right again because it was once created good."

Preached on Earth Day 2018 at Pulse Church in Atlanta, GA. 

"When we proclaim that Black Lives Matter, we also must proclaim that so does the land that the live upon and the work that the do." A sermon on the intersection of environmental and racial justice.

Preached at Pulse Church in Atlanta, GA on 3/11/18.

For a brief moment, the Steward reversed the flow of capital, from the rich to the poor. He does it just long enough to get himself out of the unjust system. He wipes away debts and just for a moment, the rich don’t get richer. He has ensured his own future, not by greed but by generosity.

Preached at Pulse Church in Atlanta, GA on 11/12/17

How can we create new patterns in a world desperately in need of them?

Preached at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Seattle, WA on 6/12/16

The unlikely anointing of David, son of Jesse.

Preached at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Seattle, WA on 6/14/15

Jacob wrestles with God and his life is never the same.

Preached at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Seattle, WA on 9/28/14