The Fifth Day of Advent

Last updated on: December 3, 2020 at 11:18 am By Bruce Epperly

CCXL. Pray Always (12/4) All the followers of Jesus were constantly devoting themselves to prayer. (Acts 2:14) We need guidance. We need a sense of connection. Following the Ascension, Jesus was no longer physically present to his followers. Without him immediately present as their earthly companion, they needed to know that he was still with them. They needed to experience prayerful connection. Our prayers connect us with God and one another. God is not distant but often we are distant... Read more

The fourth day of Advent

Last updated on: December 2, 2020 at 4:25 am By Bruce Epperly

Today is the Day of Salvation (12/2) “Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) Many people look toward a second coming at some future date. They calculate the signs of times, expecting Jesus to return to solve our problems. In looking toward the future, many become so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. Yet, Advent is about the present as well as the future. God comes to us each new day.... Read more

The Second Day of Advent

Last updated on: December 1, 2020 at 6:30 pm By Bruce Epperly

Rainbow Hope (12/1) “When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” – Genesis 9:16-17 Advent is the season of divine promises. God puts a rainbow in the clouds to symbolize his eternal commitment... Read more

The Second Day of Advent

Last updated on: November 30, 2020 at 11:18 am By Bruce Epperly

New Life in Christ Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive in God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:11) In the midst of life, we are surrounded by death, and in the midst of death, we are surrounded by life, so says Reformer Martin Luther. There is plenty of death in the world. Advent calls us to life. Advent calls us to begin again with each new day. To free ourselves from the past and open to new possibilities. The horizons... Read more

The First Day of Advent – Advent Hope

Last updated on: November 29, 2020 at 5:36 am By Bruce Epperly

Advent Hope (11/29) They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Isaiah 2:4) Advent begins with a dream. The impossible dream of peace on Earth good will to all. The amazing dream of “studying war no more.” Advent reminds us of the fierce urgency of now. We need a new world and we need it now – but sadly we... Read more

Adventurous Lectionary – The Second Sunday of Advent – December 6, 2020

Last updated on: November 26, 2020 at 4:29 pm By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Second Sunday of Advent – December 6, 2020 Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8 One of my favorite songs from Godspell is “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord.” For nearly fifty years, I have clapped and danced to the tune, and love to hear it in church. In the first scene from Godspell, John the Baptist is calling to people who are going about their business. Something is happening, a... Read more

Thanksgiving and Faith in a Time of Pandemic

Last updated on: November 25, 2020 at 4:42 pm By Bruce Epperly

Saying Thanks in a Time of Pandemic In everything with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests known to God. (Philippians 4:6) Faith in a time of pandemic is grounded in the interplay of gratitude and sacrifice. Life has changed. Our lives are more circumscribed than last year. We may not be traveling and if we have Thanksgiving dinners, they may involve fewer family members than last year. We can easily see this as lost time and lament our... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – First Sunday in Advent – November 29, 2020

Last updated on: November 21, 2020 at 5:21 am By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – The First Sunday of Advent – November 29, 2020 Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 I Corinthians 1:1-9 Mark 13:24-37 Advent Prelude: Advent is a season of awe and wonder. It is a time of waiting, not just for Jesus’ birth, but for the transformation of our lives and the world. Something is being born in us and we are waiting for its arrival. Advent is a time of holy restlessness and prophetic protest. Advent reflects the... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – Reign of Christ Sunday – November 22, 2020

Last updated on: November 12, 2020 at 6:55 am By Bruce Epperly

The Reign of Christ Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46 As I write these words, there is confusion in the USA. Hopefully it will be resolved by the Reign of Christ Sunday. With no evidence of election foul play, a national leader refuses to concede and is trying to use all the levers of power to subvert his duly elected successor. Self-interest trumps loyalty to nation, planet, or even his supporters. He cannot imagine anyone placing the... Read more

Honoring Our Veterans with Lives of Sacrifice: Embracing the Moral Equivalent of War

Last updated on: November 11, 2020 at 9:42 am By Bruce Epperly

Honoring Our Veterans with Lives of Sacrifice: Embracing the Moral Equivalent of War My mother was born on November 11, 1918, the day of the Armistice that ended World War I, the most devastating war in history up to that time. Her parents named her “Loretta Victoria” in honor of the allied victory. Twenty-five years later, my father fought in World War II, and served in Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. He wore his uniform proudly, though, like most veterans of... Read more