The Baptism of Jesus – January 7, 2018 Genesis 1:1-5 Psalm 29 Acts 19:1-7 Mark 1:4-11 Today, the focus is water. But, in a divinely-filled creation. Water reflects divine wisdom and is a medium of salvation. We are creatures of water: from 60-70% of our bodies is composed of water and 70% of the earth is water. National defense experts – the ones who know the true facts – believe that that the next great wars will be about water... Read more

“Joy to the World” – A Christmas Eve Meditation It had been a difficult year for the little boy. Just five years old, he had experienced the impact of his father’s unemployment and his mother’s illness. Kind people brought food baskets to supplement their dwindling reserves; there were few toys and no special outings; his mom was tired, living in the aftermath of her cancer treatments. There were few smiles, and less laughter around his home. Christmas was coming, but... Read more

“Darkness Has a Light of Its Own” On this shortest day of the year, when darkness envelopes the earth, we celebrate the coming light and affirm that within the womb of darkness, light emerges, and growth occurs, often when we least expect it. In the darkness the eye begins to see, so wrote American poet Theodore Roethke. At first, when darkness descends, we feel lost, as if walking through the woods a on moonless night. But, then we discover little... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – December 31, 2017 – The First Sunday of Christmas Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 148 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:22-40 The season of Christmas is in mid-swing on this First Sunday of Christmas. We are in the midst of the twelve days of Christmas, although many of us have put away our Christmas CD’s and DVD’s and are beginning to contemplate taking down the Christmas tree. The first Sunday of Christmas, often considered a “low Sunday” in spirit and... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – December 31, 2017 – The First Sunday of Christmas Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 148 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:22-40 The season of Christmas is in mid-swing on this First Sunday of Christmas. We are in the midst of the twelve days of Christmas, although many of us have put away our Christmas CD’s and DVD’s and are beginning to contemplate taking down the Christmas tree. The first Sunday of Christmas, often considered a “low Sunday” in spirit and... Read more

Christmas Eve/Christmas Day Isaiah 9:2-7 ;Psalm 96 ;Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20; John 1:1-14 On Christmas Eve at South Congregational Church, UCC in Centerville, MA on Cape Cod, we typically do an informal, family-oriented version of lessons and carols, with lots of music aimed at an intergenerational congregation, many of whom are visiting relatives and at worship for the first time since last Christmas as well as others whom, frankly, would rather be home playing video games or enjoying Christmas cheer.... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 24. 2017 Luke 1:26-55 This year, the Fourth Sunday of Advent is also Christmas Eve. There is a temptation this year to ditch the “annunciation” and get to the baby’s birth. At my congregation’s morning service, we will do both the announcement and birth as part of our pageant, and then move to the full-blown lessons and carols at the Christmas Eve candlelight service. Like many preachers, my remarks... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Third Sunday of Advent – December 17, 2017 Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm 126 Luke 1:46b-55 I Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28 On this Advent Sunday of joy, we proclaim that despite appearances to the contrary, good news is coming! After death comes resurrection; after destruction, rebuilding; after war peace. The world is being transformed by God’s “impossible possibilities.” God’s way is emerging in a troubled world. God’s Spirit is upon all people and the vulnerable,... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Second Sunday of Advent – December 10, 2017 Psalm 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.” Since my youth, I have clapped and danced to the tune, and love to hear it in church. Something is happening, a new world is on the horizon. Make haste! A way is being made where there was no way! The Holy... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – The First Sunday of Advent – December 3, 2017 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 reflects the unfinished nature of creation, the horizon that recedes with each... Read more