Genesis 1:1—2:4a Creation by word; light, life; it was good. They say that the beginning is a very fine place to start, and that is where we find ourselves at the start of this narrative lectionary year. We probably know this passage. We may know that this passage and its content have been and are at the center of debates that have…

Hebrews 11:1-12:12, Often we use language without understanding where it comes from. Sometimes, we’ve lost the original meaning of the phrase. Catherine has heard about a great cloud of witnesses, and wanted to know where it came from. As she puts it, “the rest is context.”  So what is the context of the great cloud of witnesses? A first reading would indicate…

Luke 8:3, Luke 24:10 Joanna There are so many names mentioned in passing in Scripture. Part of our growing in faith is learning many of the names beyond the top line, and after learning the names, learning the stories behind the names.  Joanna is one of those. She’s healed by Jesus, she is married to power, and in passing it is mentioned…

Matthew 17:24-27 This passage is nestled in between the second prediction of Jesus’s death and resurrection and the passage where the disciples ask who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. As such, it probably isn’t a passage that we’re exceptionally familiar with, which is part of why Wils picked it. (The fishing may also play a role.) There is a…

Mark 11:12-14, 20-25 This passage occurs around in intertwined with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Palm Sunday passage, in Mark. Matthew also has a version of this story. Jesus enters, looks for figs out of season, doesn’t get any, curses the fig tree, goes in to the temple, chases out the money changes, and comes back the next day to a…

Ephesians 4:25-5:2 and John 6:35, 41-51 This week Dan Selock will present Ephesians 4:25-5:2 and John 6:35, 41-51.  “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” And, “I am the bread of life.  Whoever comes to me will never…

Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 Granger brings a word.

Titus 1:5-2:8, The elders of the church that are described in Titus sound great, don’t they? Trilby wants to know if they actually exist. I will remind you at this point that in 1915 (as recorded in the minutes) there were no suitable elders to elect in this congregation. The language here is important. Elders should. And yes, they should. Are they?…

A 5 Page Paper First of all, there’s only 3 chapters in Habakkuk. Talk to Trilby about why we have this passage for today. In general Habakkuk is a short book, and a simple book. It is a plaintive call from a prophet and priest who wants to know why God stands by and lets bad things happen.  Why so short? It…