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Showing episodes and shows of
Norman Viss/Trinity Church
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Trinity North Shore
The Holy Trinity - The Triune Nature of God
Trinity SundayJoin us for Cn Tim Clayton's sermon:The Holy Trinity - The Triune Nature of GodWe tend to think of "trinity" as a concept or explanation.Maybe that's understandable in a way.The early followers of Christ came to experience it in this way.Maybe we can say that "trinity" was an observation of the early church patriarchs and matriarchs, but that isn't "explanation".Sometimes it helps to understand where the church put Trinity Sunday on the church calendar.Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, and Trinity Sunday.
2025-06-19
17 min
U-turns Permitted
Today the Kingdom is Here
This is the last service in the life of Trinity CRC in Broomall. We now conclude our ministry. But that doesn't mean the Kingdom has not been present, or that it will not be present going forward. Isaiah 61 and Luke 4 serve as our source of encouragement.
2023-11-07
22 min
U-turns Permitted
Jars of Clay
In the church, societal and personal crises of his time, Paul uses the term "jars of clay" to describe how weak and vulnerable he and his people were. But in those "jars of clay" is a treasure - the glory of Jesus Christ. "Death is at work in us, but life in you", he says in 2 Cor. 4.
2023-09-07
24 min
U-turns Permitted
Comfort in Crisis
There are very few of us who do not think we are in a time of crisis - whether that be personal, communal, national or global. In 2 Corinthians 1 Paul expresses his own distress and speaks of the comfort that comes from God.
2023-08-31
40 min
U-turns Permitted
Jesus Binds Up the Brokenhearted
Today Rev. Jane Filkin from the Campolo Ministry Center at Eastern University opens Luke 24 for us, the story of the two disciples on the way to Emmaus after Jesus' death. In their deepest grief Jesus walks with them, teaches them and transforms them.
2023-08-25
31 min
U-turns Permitted
Wisdom and Foolishness
Proverbs 31 contains the famous description of the "valorous woman", which has often been used throughout the centuries to think of and treat women in a way that is honoring to them or the God who made them. Today we will approach this passage as not so much a description of what a "valorous woman" should and shouldn't do, but as a description of what wisdom looks like, especially in a time of crisis.
2023-08-25
27 min
U-turns Permitted
Living With Integrity
The Book of Proverbs often speaks of the need for "integrity" as we conduct our daily lives, especially when dealing with crises. Listen as we explore what integrity is and looks like.
2023-08-07
25 min
U-turns Permitted
Service of Lament, Reflection and New Hope
This is the audio of the complete service held at Trinity CRC in Broomall on July 30, 2023, in the aftermath of the news that a former pastor kidnapped, sexually abused and murdered an 8-year-old neighbor girl in August of 1975. Some of the songs we sang are not included in this recording because the sound was not good.
2023-08-07
44 min
U-turns Permitted
Lament, Reflect, Renew Hope
This week our community was shocked to hear that a former pastor of our congregation kidnapped, sexually assaulted and murdered an 8-year-old neighbor girl 48 years ago. He hid his crimes for decades until he confessed and was arrested just a few days ago. Click here for the story. In an effort to process these events a service of lament, reflection and renewal of hope was held. This is the sermon part of the service. You can find the whole service on video here, and audio here.
2023-08-02
16 min
U-turns Permitted
Wisdom in the Age of Stupid
Today we begin our series on the book of Proverbs. Proverbs reflects Israel’s struggle to find its identity in a time of cultural crisis, when the monarchy and the priesthood were no longer sources of authority and stability. We're in a time of crisis today also, which should make Proverbs relevant for us.
2023-07-08
27 min
U-turns Permitted
Jesus Restores and Sends Peter
Today we read John 21, the coda to the gospel, in which Jesus restores Peter and sends him on mission.
2023-07-04
33 min
U-turns Permitted
Jesus’ Community is Sent Out
Jesus appears to the disciples and sends them out as He has been sent out by God. A week later, Jesus reveals himself to Thomas, who would believe only if certain conditions were met. Jesus shows Thomas Himself, and that is enough.
2023-06-19
29 min
U-turns Permitted
Jesus Prays for Us
At the end of John 17 Jesus prays for His disciples, then turns His attention to the generations that follow. It is encouraging to make Jesus' prayer as personal to us as possible.
2023-06-19
29 min
U-turns Permitted
Jesus, Church, Bible, Christianity
Today we read John 17:3, in which Jesus prays that knowing Him is the way to "eternal life". God has given us the Bible, the Church and the Christian religion as means to help us know Jesus. They are not Jesus - they lead us to Him.
2023-06-13
23 min
U-turns Permitted
The Holy Spirit Will Guide Us to All truth
Today is Pentecost Sunday. Corey Brown guides us through Jesus' promise that "when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide us into all the truth". (John 16:13)
2023-06-07
25 min
U-turns Permitted
Abide in Jesus
Today we read from John 15, Jesus' famous statement about "abiding in Him". What does that mean, and especially, is He just referring to individual piety? We will look at the Old Testament roots of this image to help us find out.
2023-05-23
32 min
U-turns Permitted
Peace
Jesus gives his disciples peace, which doesn't mean they will have no problems in life. After all, the next day they would experience the worst day in the history of humankind. So how can we experience peace regardless of our circumstances?
2023-05-15
23 min
U-turns Permitted
What Does It Mean to Wash the Feet of the Other?
Today we read the famous story of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, including Judas, who was to betray him. Today we don't wash each other's feet. So how can we follow Jesus' example as He calls us to do?
2023-05-09
30 min
U-turns Permitted
Jesus’ Challenge
Today we read from John 12:44-50, the last words he spoke to a public crowd. These words contained a challenge for those listeners, and they contain a challenge for us today.
2023-05-02
34 min
U-turns Permitted
A Closed and An Open Tomb
Today we read John 11, the famous story of the raising of Lazarus. Jesus stands in solidarity with the people he loves before the closed tomb of Lazarus. But then he moves forward, opens the tomb, and, as the rest of John tells us, moves toward his own closed tomb.
2023-04-24
31 min
U-turns Permitted
The Way Home
Today Dr. Kyuboem Lee preaches from John 13:36-14:7 entitled "The Way Home".
2023-04-24
29 min
U-turns Permitted
What if JesusReally Did Rise From the Dead?
On this Easter Sunday, this is the question we ask. What did Jesus' resurrection do for the disciples? and what could it mean to us if we really believed it? We read the story from John 20.
2023-04-11
14 min
U-turns Permitted
The Soundtrack of Sin
On this Maundy Thursday we contemplate the horrific individual and corporate sin that caused the death of Jesus. We confess our complicity in it and come to His table for forgiveness and renewal.
2023-04-10
14 min
U-turns Permitted
Jesus, Save Us!
Today we read the story of the "Triumphal Entry" from John 12. "Hosanna!", the crowd shouted. Typically that is understood as an acclamation of praise, but it is not. It means "Save us!". THe crowd in Jerusalem, embroiled in political, sociological and economic tension, needed saving. So do we, in our time and place.
2023-04-03
25 min
U-turns Permitted
Do We Shepherd the Marginalized?
In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind. He is silenced, abandoned and rejected by those around him. But not by Jesus. Do we shepherd the marginalized?
2023-03-27
30 min
U-turns Permitted
Jesus’ Invitation
Today we read the story of the woman caught in adultery from John 8:1-11. This is a story of radical grace and a radical invitation.
2023-03-14
35 min
U-turns Permitted
Rsponse to Jesus
Today we look at John 7, and ask ourselves what the response to Jesus was among the people and leaders of the Jewish community in and around Jerusalem at the time of the Feats of Tabernacles. And what is our response to Jesus?
2023-03-06
22 min
U-turns Permitted
Bread of Life
Today we look at John 6, in which Jesus proclaims himself the "Bread of Life". What does he mean by the word "life"? What is he offering to the people of his time and people of all times?
2023-03-02
40 min
youarewithinthenorms
“THE HOLY TRINITY,” FALSEHOOD, PROSECUTORIAL SMCS FABRICATIONS: RUAN vs. UNITED STATES
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://youarewithinthenorms.com/2023/02/27/the-holy-trinity-falsehood-prosecutorial-smcs-fabrications-ruan-vs-united-states/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/norman-j-clement/support
2023-02-27
20 min
U-turns Permitted
A Foundation, a Lens, and, perhaps, a Destination
Today we read Psalm 145, and try to understand how a Psalm of praise can help us in times of (dire) crisis. Such a Psalm is a foundation, a lens, and, perhaps, a destination.
2023-02-20
32 min
U-turns Permitted
The Trinity
Dr. Seteven Boyer of Eastern University preaches from Galatians 4:1-7 on the Trinity.
2023-02-14
32 min
U-turns Permitted
An Unusual Friend
Dr. Steven Boyer from Eastern University preaches from John 5:19-30 on the Trinity.
2023-02-14
40 min
U-turns Permitted
Love One Another
Rev. Dr. Alfred Muli preaches from 1 Peter 1:22-25: "Love One Another".
2023-02-14
42 min
U-turns Permitted
Focus on Our Hope in Christ
Today Rev. Dr. Alfred Muli preaches from 1 Peter 1:1-9, entitled "Focus on Our Hope in Christ".
2023-02-14
26 min
U-turns Permitted
Grace Be With You
At the end of his second letter Timothy, Paul writes to his protege: "The Lord be with your spirit; grace be with you." With this blessing we enter 2023, in our questions and difficulties and in our joys and accomplishments.
2023-01-02
27 min
U-turns Permitted
Christmas from Two Viewpoints
For Christmas this year we observe the story of Mary and Joseph from two vantage points: on the ground and from above. What did their story look like without the Divine perspective? and what did that Divine perspective add to the story?
2022-12-19
13 min
U-turns Permitted
Fourth Advent: Peace
Today we read the famous passage Isaiah 9:6-7 and think together about what it means that Jesus is called the "Prince of Peace", the one who establishes a kingdom of peace forever.
2022-12-19
30 min
U-turns Permitted
Third Advent: Joy
Today we read Isaiah 61, written after the Jews had returned from exile, while things were still broken. We learn from Fleming Rutledge that Advent is not darkness: Advent is Light in darkness. And therein lies the possibility of joy.
2022-12-12
23 min
U-turns Permitted
Second Advent: Love
Today we read Zephaniah 3:17: God proclaims His love over and for us. But the background is no sentimental Christmas scene - it is judgment and exile. Only with that background can we understand God's love for us and move out in love to our world.
2022-12-06
31 min
U-turns Permitted
First Advent: Hope
On this first Sunday of Advent we explore the theme of "Hope", from Isaiah 40, written while Israel was in exile, captivity and despair in Babylon.
2022-11-28
35 min
U-turns Permitted
The Age of Life Breaks In
Today we look at two healings done by Jesus: the son of an official and a man who had been lame for 38 years. The Age of Life breaks into the Age of Death and healing happens. That is the good news.
2022-11-28
31 min
U-turns Permitted
What is ”Eternal Life”?
Jesus speaks with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman. He speaks to both of them of "eternal life". What did he mean to convey to them, and what did they understand? Most likely it was not about "how to get to heaven when you die". Listen to find out what it might have been.
2022-11-14
29 min
U-turns Permitted
Jesus Meets Two Different People
Today we look at two very different people Jesus spoke with: the Pharisee Nicodemus and the anonymous Samaritan woman. In this sermon we will explore the differences and similarities between them, next week we will explore what Jesus actually said to them.
2022-11-07
29 min
U-turns Permitted
The Second Thing Jesus Did
Last week we looked at the first thing God did when He showed up in the person of Jesus. This week we look at the second thing God in Jesus did: he took a whip to the Gentile Court of the temple and cleared it out. Quite a different thing!
2022-10-31
25 min
U-turns Permitted
Jesus’ First Action
Last week we heard the first words spoken about God as He appeared in Jesus. Today we look at the first thing God, in Jesus, did as recorded in John. He provided 180 gallons of the best wine at a wedding! We're going to connect that with the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes and learn about humility and receiving God's gifts.
2022-10-24
25 min
U-turns Permitted
Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world
"Behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." These are the first words spoken about God as He appeared on earth in the person of Jesus. There's more in these words than you might think.....
2022-10-17
32 min
U-turns Permitted
God Becomes Human
Today we read two sections from John 1:1-18. This is some of the deepest theological material ever written. Two things are made crystal clear by John: Jesus is God, and Jesus became human. In Jesus we see life, light, glory, grace and truth.
2022-10-10
26 min
U-turns Permitted
The Community of Communion
Today Dr. Kyuboem Lee of Mission Seminary preaches on the essential communal nature of Communion.
2022-10-03
29 min
U-turns Permitted
Trouble in This World
Today Dr. Kyuboem Lee from Missio Seminary leads us through John 16:16-33, a passage where Jesus speaks to his disciples about the trouble they are going to encounter in their world.
2022-10-03
25 min
U-turns Permitted
God is Like Jesus
Today we begin a new sermon series on the Gospel of John. The Gospel is one of the most complex writings of all time, and there are a thousand ways to approach it. We will read John looking for the ways that Jesus shows us what God is like. As Brian Zahnd puts it: God is like Jesus. God has always been like Jesus. We have not always known what God is like, but now we do.
2022-09-19
23 min
U-turns Permitted
A Sense of Common Calling
Today we kick off our new church year. The question that lies before us is: what is our common calling? To help us understand how we got here, we go back to the Lewis and Clark expedition, and even back to the first church council in Jerusalem.
2022-09-12
30 min
U-turns Permitted
Respect Yourself
Today we listen to two versions of the song "Respect Yourself", the first by the Staple Singers, the second by Melissa Etheridge, many years later. Both songs arise from a context of the "stranger" who cries out to be seen and heard. Which is, of course, exactly what Jesus was about.
2022-09-12
34 min
U-turns Permitted
Down By the Riverside
Today we listen to "Down by the Riverside" by Muddy Magnolias. The theme of "down by the riverside" is a popular one in spirituals and folk music. In these songs the riverside is a place of reflection, refreshment and renewal. We look at Psalm 137:1-6 to see how the Israelites handled despair down by the riverside.
2022-09-01
25 min
U-turns Permitted
Wayward Sons
Today we listen to "Carry on Wayward Son" by Kansas from 1976. Then we read the story of the Prodigal Son, as it is known. Actually, there are two wayward sons in the story. But there's more to the story: how is this story more than the call to the individual to know that he/she is "beloved" of God? And what is the claim laid upon us by this story?
2022-08-24
32 min
U-turns Permitted
Wishlist
This is the first in the 2022 version of "Finding God in Your Songs" series. We listen to "Wishlist" by Pearl Jam (1998), then work through the story in Genesis 22 of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac at God's behest. Abraham had a wishlist; but so did God!
2022-08-15
55 min
U-turns Permitted
How to Survive in a Troubled World? Community.
In his last words to the community of migrant Jesus-followers, James lays out a surprising recipe for survival in an unjust and difficult world: open, authentic, vulnerable community.
2022-08-08
26 min
U-turns Permitted
How to Survive in Today’s World? Community.
James concludes his letter by zooming in on the community of Jesus-followers and suggesting to them that the only way they can survive the in hospitable world in which they find themselves is with open, authentic and vulnerable community.
2022-08-08
26 min
U-turns Permitted
How to Survive in Today’s World? Community
Today we conclude our study in the letter of James. After all the topics he has handled in the letter, he zooms in on the community of Jesus-followers and suggests to them that it is only in open, honest, vulnerable community and friendship that they can survive the world in which they find themselves.
2022-08-08
26 min
U-turns Permitted
For James it is About Community
Today we conclude our study in the letter of James. After all the topics he has handled in the letter, he zooms in on the community of Jesus-followers and suggests to them that it is only in open, honest, vulnerable community and friendship that they can survive the world in which they find themselves.
2022-08-08
26 min
U-turns Permitted
For James it is About Community
Today we conclude our study in the letter of James. After all the topics he has handled in the letter, he zooms in on the community of Jesus-followers and suggests to them that it is only in open, honest, vulnerable community and friendship that they can survive the world in which they find themselves.
2022-08-08
26 min
U-turns Permitted
For James it is About Community
Today we conclude our study in the letter of James. After all the topics he has handled in the letter, he zooms in on the community of Jesus-followers and suggests to them that it is only in open, honest, vulnerable community and friendship that they can survive the world in which they find themselves.
2022-08-08
26 min
U-turns Permitted
Patience in Suffering
James 5:7-11 calls us to patience in the face of suffering. What does James mean by "patience"? And to what kind of suffering does he refer? And James does point to Jesus, who suffered more than any other person on earth, from whom we should learn.
2022-08-05
30 min
U-turns Permitted
Weep and Howl, You Rich People!
James launches a brutal attack against us rich people in 5:1-6. He has no time for pleasantries or the typical notion that it is not about how much wealth you have, it is about your attitude. So what do we do with this?
2022-07-18
31 min
U-turns Permitted
Making a Living But Not Living?
Today we read James 4:13-17. James begins a two-part diatribe against rich people (us!). In this first section, he encourages us to think about our focus on inventing, designing, producing, and selling widgets to make a profit. Why are we doing this? Are we doing it (just) to make a living, or also to "live"? And what does that "living" look like?
2022-07-12
33 min
U-turns Permitted
James, FOMO and Roe v. Wade
Today we look at James 3:13-18. What is wisdom? What is the opposite of wisdom? James challenges us in strong words to think about our envies and jealousies, and to choose the way that makes for peace. How can we do that in this time of FOMO and bitter partisan division?
2022-06-27
30 min
U-turns Permitted
Dangerous Speech
Today we look at James 3:1-12, the famous passage in which James talks about the danger of destruction caused by the tongue. Certainly, this is an issue for the individual at home, work and out and about. But there is also a kind of "dangerous speech" that we are seeing more of in our society today. How do we deal with dangerous speech on any level? James shows us: it is heart issue.
2022-06-20
31 min
U-turns Permitted
Faith and Works: Inseparable
Today we read the well-known passage from James: 2:14-26. James speaks of the relationship between faith and works, not with the goal to figure out what we need to get into heaven when we die, but to show us that salvation is about the "here and now, making wounded people whole" (Diana Butler Bass).
2022-06-14
34 min
U-turns Permitted
Jesus’ Mission - and Ours
Today Steve Brauning, missionary to the Dominican Republic for Resonate Global Mission, speaks to us today from Luke 4:14-21 about the mission Jesus took on when He came to earth and how we, in the power of the Holy Spirit, are called to work to continue that mission.
2022-06-08
27 min
U-turns Permitted
Modern Partiality
Today we look at James 2:1-13. James condemns the sin of discrimination - showing partiality as it occurred in the early migrant church. But how does that apply to us today? None of us want to show partiality or discriminate. Most of us believe we are past that. Are we? And what if it isn't so much about me as an individual but us as a society?
2022-06-01
32 min
U-turns Permitted
Listen and Do
Today Rev. Dan Kim leads us through James 1:19-25, the famous passage that encourages us to not just be listeners to the word of God, but also to be doers.
2022-05-26
25 min
U-turns Permitted
James Speaks to His World and to Ours
James chapter 1 is a summary of the rest of the letter. It introduces most of the topics James handles in the letter. James is writing for his own people in exile, struggling. In today's world many of us struggle and feel exiled.
2022-05-25
32 min
U-turns Permitted
Enduring Hardships
James begins his letter to people who are enduring hardships of various kinds. He explains to them how hardships can lead to growth, maturity, fullness, which leads to joy. Today we read James 1:2-4.
2022-05-10
33 min
U-turns Permitted
Is It Really About Faith or Works?
Today we introduce our sermon series on the Letter of James. A crucial discussion on this book over the last centuries has centered on whether (and how much) James supports the Apostle Paul's emphasis on "salvation by grace alone". But is that the best approach to understanding James? Join us and find out!
2022-05-04
26 min
U-turns Permitted
He is risen: it makes a difference!
"An event has occurred as a result of which the world is a different place, and human beings have the new possibility to become a different kind of people...” This is how N.T. Wright describes the impact of what happened on Easter Sunday, when Jesus rose from the dead. We read selected passages from 1 Corinthians 15.
2022-04-19
24 min
U-turns Permitted
Christ is our wisdom, justice, purpose and freedom
On this Maundy Thursday we read 1 Corinthians 1:30: On the cross Jesus took upon himself what we are not and gave us what He is: wisdom, justice, purpose and freedom.
2022-04-19
12 min
U-turns Permitted
Can there be Peace?
Today is Palm Sunday - Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. This story doesn't happen in a vacuum - all kinds of events immediately precede it. John quotes the prophet Zecharaiah in his commentary on the events of this day, who proclaims that peace will come to the nations. What do you think: does Jesus bring peace?
2022-04-13
24 min
U-turns Permitted
Chris Rock, Will Smith, Wordle and Consent
What do these have to do with Deuteronomy? You might be surprised. Today we finish our series on Deuteronomy by looking at chapter 30, the last part of Moses' sermon to Israel (the final chapters contain a song, some blessings and the report of Moses' death). What - or who - is our real life?
2022-04-04
33 min
U-turns Permitted
A Jesus-Centered Response to War
At the moment of this sermon series, Russia is waging a fierce, aggressive war in Ukraine. In the USA, the "culture wars" are waging. Group is pitted against group, each considering the other the "enemy". Does Deuteronomy offer us a way to respond to these and all wars? We will look at Deuteronomy 20 and ask ourselves that question.
2022-03-21
32 min
U-turns Permitted
Open Wide Your Hand to the Poor
Deuteronomy 15 presents an economy unlike ours. Redistribution of wealth and reparations are imperatives for Israel. What can we learn from that, without saying that we must emulate the Deuteronomic system? Are there echoes of this approach in the New Testament? And where does our final hope lie for our broken world?
2022-03-14
33 min
U-turns Permitted
Is Your Relationship with God Transactional?
Today we look at the blessings and curses that were to be spoken from the mountains Ebal and Gerizim. This ritual was to be done when Israel entered Canaan (and was done - read Joshua 8). The blessings and cursing were a direct result of whether Israel obeyed God or not. Which raises the question: is our relationship with God transactional? If so, doesn't that lead to all kinds of problems? Today we try to present another approach to this text.
2022-03-09
31 min
U-turns Permitted
Service of Prayer for Ukraine
In light of the attack on Ukraine by Vladimir Putin and his army, we are using our service time today (Feb. 27, 2022) as a time of prayer and reflection for Ukraine, Russia, Europe and our world. Please join us and dpray along with us.
2022-03-01
20 min
U-turns Permitted
Dealing with Hostility Between People
Deuteronomy contains a number of passages that state that God wanted Israel to engage in "holy war", which some have called genocide of the Canaanite people. What are we to make of that? And how can we deal with the hostility between people in our own time?
2022-02-22
34 min
U-turns Permitted
Being Home
Today we read Deuteronomy 6. This chapter includes the command to love God only and to teach our children to love and obey Him. One way to understand this chapter is with the image of being at home - home with God and home with each other. Join us!
2022-02-14
29 min
U-turns Permitted
What are the Ten Commandments About?
Today we read the Ten Commandments from Deuteronomy 5. How can we read them in a way that doesn't strike fear into us or load a burden on us that we cannot bear to carry?
2022-02-07
34 min
U-turns Permitted
Has Such a Great Thing Ever Happened?
We continue our series on Deuteronomy, looking at Chapter 4: historical recollections give way to urgent exhortation. Moses reflects on God's presence with and care for Israel, and assures the people that his mercy will never fail. And then he asks this question: Has such a great thing as this ever happened with anyone else?
2022-02-02
28 min
U-turns Permitted
Jesus, Our Comforter
Today Dan Kim speaks from Luke 7:11-17, the story of the raising of the son of the widow of Nain from the dead. Jesus says a startling thing to the widow as her son is being brought to the graveyard. He says the same thing to us.
2022-01-25
34 min
U-turns Permitted
The Great Web of Belonging
Today we look (quickly!) at the first 3 chapters of Deuteronomy. Moses looks back on the last 40 years of history, and relates both the good and the bad of Israel's past. "The more honest we are in telling the stories of our ancestors in the web, the more we will be able to understand ourselves and the possibilities carried in our emotional DNA for our future.” (Diana Butler Bass, Grounded, pg 157). Moving forward into crisis means understanding that we are a part of a "web of belonging", not just individuals, and being willing to be honest about our past.
2022-01-17
38 min
U-turns Permitted
That You May Live
Today we begin a 12-week sermon series on the Book of Deuteronomy, the 5th and final book of the Pentateuch. Israel stands on the verge of entering Canaan after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. As Walter Brueggemann says: "Deuteronomy looks both backward to rootage and forward to crisis, and interprets at the precise place where rootage and crisis intersect." That makes Deuteronomy also relevant for our time. Today is the introduction.
2022-01-10
27 min
U-turns Permitted
Where Does Your Hope Lie for 2022?
Today we read Jeremiah 31:7-14, together with churches all over the world (a lectionary reading). How do we live when things for which we long so desperately don't happen? When promises don't come true? When it seems like nothing is going well for us?
2022-01-06
28 min
U-turns Permitted
The Magi from Afar
Today, the day after Christmas, we look at the trip the Magi took to worship the newborn king. Why did they undertake that journey? For what/whom were they longing? Their trip took discipline and commitment over a long period of time. Do we have the same longing for a new world and the same commitment to, as Eugene Peterson put it, a "long obedience in the same direction"?
2021-12-27
17 min
U-turns Permitted
Come with Haste!
On this Christmas Eve we consider the shepherds, living their lives in the field outside Bethlehem, who hear the gospel - the good news - that today a Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord. They decide to go quickly, with haste, to see and meet him. Will you do the same?
2021-12-25
14 min
U-turns Permitted
Lamentations and the Church
Today we conclude our Advent series on Lamentations. How do we Lament without turning in on ourselves and becoming hopelessly and helplessly self-centered, sinking into a pit of despair? Lamentations shows us how to turn lament into a work of justice and resisting of evil. And leads us to Jesus, Word become flesh, who dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.
2021-12-20
27 min
U-turns Permitted
The Man Speaks
Today we look at Lamentations 3, words spoken and penned by a Man (3:1), a man defined differently than the regular use of the word "man". This is a strong man, a man of valor. He expresses his afflictions and troubles, and then speaks out the only hopeful words in the book of Lamentations: God's faithfulness is new every morning.
2021-12-13
30 min
U-turns Permitted
God is Accused
This is the 2nd Sunday of Advent 2021. We read portions of the 2nd chapter of Lamentations, and hear the narrator accuse God of bringing disaster down upon Jerusalem and her inhabitants. God is blamed unequivocably - but in accusing him, the people hold on to him, and "in that holding they clear space for new ways to meet God” (O'Connor pg. 123). May this Advent time be a time for clearing space and meeting God in new ways.
2021-12-07
21 min
U-turns Permitted
There is No One to Comfort Her
This is the first Sunday of Advent, 2021. We are looking at the book of Lamentations as we awaiting the coming of the Christ-child. Today is the introduction and a look at Chapter 1, which focuses on Jerusalem's lack of someone to comfort her in her distress.
2021-11-29
26 min
U-turns Permitted
Accept One Another
Rev. Dr. Kyuboem Lee speaks today from Romans 15:1-7 and shows us how we can really accept one another.
2021-11-23
21 min
U-turns Permitted
Jesus is Present
In this last on our series on Freeing Jesus by Diana Butler Bass, we look at Jesus as Presence. What does it mean that Jesus is present in our lives and in this world?
2021-11-15
17 min
U-turns Permitted
Jesus the Way
Today we look at Jesus as “The Way”. Diana makes the point that a theme in western Christian Evangelicalism is that this verse carries a strong exclusionary message. Diana gently but clearly counters that idea, emphasizing that the context of this verse indicates that it is a verse of comfort and promise, not exclusion, threat or weapon.
2021-11-08
25 min
U-turns Permitted
Jesus is Lord
Today we look at Chapter 4 of "Freeing Jesus" by Diana Butler Bass. The topic is "Jesus is Lord". What does it mean that Jesus is Lord, for us personally and for the world?
2021-10-31
29 min
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Sermons
Funeral Liturgy for Norman G. Kaiser, Jr.
The Funeral Liturgy for Norman G. Kaiser, Jr.
2020-01-27
1h 27