Sermons by Lori Leopold
Everything In Between: Stranger and Neighbor
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.
Everything In Between: Rule Followers
Our siblings from La Jolla UMC join us as we begin Lent together with our Ash Wednesday Service.
Rule Followers
Love your enemies. What are we to do with this? What grace is there in this counter-intuitive approach?
Plain Speaking
This week we hear with fresh ears Jesus’ “sermon on the plain.” How does this passage offer deep encouragement and challenge, all at the same time?
Lea Ann Walker Celebration of Life
We gather to celebrate the remarkable life of our sister in Christ, Lea Ann Walker.
Bringing It Home
Our reading from Luke picks up where we left off last Sunday. Jesus was in his hometown of Nazareth where he was initially received a warm, enthusiastic welcome. But that welcome quickly turned to anger and Jesus narrowly escaped being thrown off a cliff. What caused the uproar from Jesus’ hometown folks? And when or how does that kind of anger get provoked in us?
Fulfilled
What some have called Jesus’ inaugural address gives us insight into the type of messiah Jesus came to be. He boldly proclaimed that the words of Isaiah were “fulfilled” in him TODAY. What does that mean? And are there ways that the Word of God is fulfilled in and through us today as well?
Baptized Daily
Today is called Baptism of the Lord Sunday and its texts invite us to contemplate the daily nature of our baptisms. If we follow the guidance of Martin Luther and “make repeated use our baptism,” how might that impact who we are, how we live and how we navigate life’s ups and downs?
Words for the Beginning: The Road Isn’t Straight
Join us for Epiphany Sunday as we come alongside the wise ones who embarked on a long journey with many unexpected twists and turns as they followed a star in search of the newborn Christ. What can we learn from the Magi’s journey? How can we find grace for ourselves and others along the many roads of our lives that take us in unexpected directions?
Words for the Beginning: Love Knows Your Name
On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we will enter into the world of Mary and Joseph to explore the notion of hope. How do we choose hope in times that are uncertain or difficult? What difference does it make in our lives and in the world around us?
