In this sermon to conclude our Stewardship month, we’ll explore the lifeblood, the sinew, muscle and breath that animates this congregation. What can we learn from the fantastical tale of the Prophet Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones? How might we rise to meet our mission with confidence and fresh ideas? What are our … Continue reading Living Congregations
In the Old Testament story of the Tower of Babel, Yahweh observes a civilization which speaks a single language, enabling them to work together to build a tower. He worries that this commonality might unite them with too much power against him. So, he fractures their language and weakens them. They can no longer communicate. … Continue reading Speaking “Empathy” In an American Babel
Watch the service HERE (apologies for the substandard video quality). This service will enable a space for processing our emotions and reckoning with the outcome of the November 5th election. How does this outcome bode for America? Are we moving towards a Civil War or the unleashing of vigilante MAGA militias? How can we acknowledge … Continue reading Requiem and Reckoning
Conflict is among our most basic human experiences. The ability to engage in conflict without violence requires compassion, vulnerability, patience, intelligence and emotional grit. Storyteller Will Hornyak shares traditional myths, tales and poems that demonstrate the art and practice of creative conflict. The fruits of such conflicts can lead to deeper understanding, healing and shared bonds … Continue reading Rituals of Conflict, Paths of Peace
Watch the service HERE. Cultivate Initiatives is a group of people that envisions communities that are safe, supportive, and full of opportunities. As a nonprofit organization serving East Portland and East Multnomah County, they empower individuals and communities through workforce development, housing and homemaking, and supportive sheltering. Caleb and others from the Cultivate Initiatives team … Continue reading Providing Support, Safety and Opportunity Amidst the Ruins
“To embark on the journey towards your goal and dreams requires bravery. To remain on that path requires courage…” Steve Marboli Watch the service HERE. Seeing bravery and courage in others often inspires admiration and awe. Yet, almost all of us in our life have been brave and at times courageous. Rev. Suzie Matranga-Watson will look … Continue reading Being Brave, Having Courage
Watch the service HERE. During the COVID pandemic, all across the planet, human beings experienced what some called “The Great Pause.” As we sheltered indoors for the better part of two years, we read reports that skies were clear in Los Angeles, fish more visible in the canals of Venice, and wildlife roaming freely in high-traffic National … Continue reading We Are The Blue Boat Home – A Service for Earth Day
Watch the service HERE. “Schismogenesis” is a term used by anthropologists and sociologists to describe conditions between cultural areas or individuals that causes the separate cultures or individuals to take on identities and rituals that are opposite of each other in almost every way and therefore each becomes defined by what the other isn’t. It … Continue reading Schismogenisis and The Space Between
Watch the service HERE. Many of us have been re-gifted a “keeper” item along the way (and yes, sometimes a clunker). Perhaps we’ve scored an actual treasure at a White Elephant or Yankee Holiday swap. Sometimes, good gifts do keep on giving, both the tangible and intangible kinds. As we launch our 2024-25 annual stewardship … Continue reading Good Gifts Keep on Giving – Stewardship Sunday
Watch the service HERE. “We have to recognize that there cannot be relationships unless there is commitment, unless there is loyalty, unless there is love, patience, persistence.” – Cornel West. As a wedge is plunged deeper into our cultural, religious and political divides, to whom or to what are you loyal? Family? Friends? A cause? … Continue reading Your Loyalties Are Your Life
