All God’s Creation Summer Series I June 28, 2009David Brubacher TEXT: Genesis I Psalm 8 Revelations 22:1-5 As a finish carpenter I put a lot of myself into my work. In the end my work says something about me. The name of my business is Made to Fit Carpentry. I chose that name in conversation with Brent, our son-in-law. We were discussing the values I bring to my work. Making sure things actually fit is important to me.…
“Sold!” to the one who says “yes” June 14, 2009Marilyn Zehr In the beginning, in Genesis, we are invited to hear God speak a Word. When God speaks a Word – the whole universe and everything in it is called into existence. In John chapter 1 – we hear the same Word, present at the beginning with God, become flesh in Jesus. Something very powerful and effective is happening with this Divine Word. But let’s begin by considering both words…
Living God’s Embrace Pentecost/Communion May 31, 2009David Brubacher TEXT: Acts 2:1-21 John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 Two women were sitting at a table in an eating establishment when a couple of mixed race sat at a table some distance away. The two women began to discuss their disapproval of mixed race relationships in rather loud, embarrassing and disgusting terms. Their waiter challenged them suggesting that their comments were not only impolite but racist. To this the women replied, “We…
The Soloist, the Recluse, and the Church May 17, 2009Aldred Neufeldt Text: Psalm 98 John 15:9-17 The Soloist ‘The Soloist’ is the title of a new ‘movie that is getting some media ‘buzz’ these days. Perhaps you’ve heard of it. It’s based on the real life story of Nathaniel Ayers, a gifted musician who developed schizophrenia during his second year at the Juilliard School. Ayers returns to Los Angeles, becomes homeless and ends up playing the violin and the cello on the…
Living God’s embrace of the weak in faith May 10, 2009Jonathan Slater Text: Romans 14:1-15:7 We are in the midst of a preaching series, “Living God’s Embrace: Who can measure”. Dave introduced the series three weeks ago, and then in subsequent weeks focused on living God’s embrace in the midst of racial and cultural diversity, and also in the midst of economic disparity and homelessness. While there are elements of both racial-cultural diversity and economic diversity at play in today’s…
From Wandering to Journeying Easter IV: Living God’s Embrace: Who can measure? May 3, 2009David Brubacher Text: Psalm 23 John 10:11-18 1 John 3:16-24 If I could do it over again I would accept the seconds. It was a hot summer afternoon and we were just completing a window repair job. In an expression of gratitude our client bought us ice-cream. I rarely declined seconds for ice-cream. In the mid 1970’s, Richard Mininger and I founded Menno Home…
Creating Space for Others Easter III: Series on Other & Self April 26, 2009David Brubacher Text: Psalm 1 John 17:6-19 The Stuckeys, retired Mennonite missionaries to Colombia spoke at a chapel services while I was a student at Canadian Mennonite Bible College. They told a story that reflects how our world view impacts creating space for others. The Stuckeys were house parents at a residential school for children. From their home community they had a preconceived understanding of activities…
Living God’s Embrace Easter II April 19, 2009David Brubacher Text: Genesis 12:1-3 Philippians 2:5-11 It happened a long time ago, but I can still feel the strong 11 year old emotions. I was walking by my little brother’s high chair with a bowl of hot soup. As I walked by my little brother reached into the soup. My brother’s cry was distressing for me. But that was not the worst. My parent’s reprimand for being too close, with the…
Looking for Jesus? He is Alive! Easter Sunday April 12, 2009Tim Schmucker Here we are, THE most significant days of the Christian year. Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Crucifixion and resurrection. Death and new life. Exactly nine years ago, with new-born Christopher in our arms, we made a tear-filled trip to Ohio. Dad’s cancer was back, back with a vengeance. We had been told a year before that this aggressive cancer would be fatal. And sooner, not later. Now,…
Sermon LENT V March 29, 2009 Jodie Boyer Hatlem The 51st Psalm has been as central part of Christian Lenten Reflection for more than 1400 years. Traditionally the Psalm is read during the first week of Lent. Because of the Psalm’s central place in the keeping of Lent it has been suggested that the 51st Psalm has been recited in more Christian services than any other Psalm. This Psalm is familiar to many of us. We have heard the…