Sermons by Lori Leopold

Today as we enter into Holy Week, the biblical account of Palm Sunday invites us to explore the dynamic between “shouting” and “silence.” As Jesus enters Jerusalem, there is an abundance of both. What does shouting represent and when is it helpful? When is it harmful? How does silence operate to betray or bolster as we enter into these holy days that lead to Easter?

Today we look through the lens of Zacchaeus in order to explore the notions of “righteousness and mercy.” How can we hold ourselves and others accountable to certain standards of “righteousness” and, at the same time, be generous in extending mercy in the ways Jesus showed us?

Today we explore the notions of “lost and found.” When have you felt lost? How have you been found? Does it even make sense to talk about these as “either/or?” Or are we somehow both, held in God’s care, all at the same time?

This Sunday we explore “rest” and “growth” and everything in between.  Where are you growing? How are you resting? And how on earth do we strike a balance in the middle?

This Sunday we revisit the parable of the Good Samaritan and explore the concepts of “stranger and neighbor.” Jesus invites us out of the habit of looking for who is “us” and who is “them,” and into the messy middle in hopes of finding ourselves, one another and the God who loves and holds us all.