Sermons by Lori Leopold (Page 6)
Surely
Today we explore these questions about rest through the lens of the prophet Elijah and the much cherished psalm, Psalm 23. Is rest really that important? What happens to us when we don’t honor the rhythms of life to which God calls us? What is the personal and communal fallout when we fail to rest?
What Is New, and What Is Old?
Throughout the Sundays of August, we’ll explore the notion of rest and renewal from a biblical and theological perspective. What is God’s hope and intention for the rhythms of our human lives? What is Sabbath and what difference does it make to us as Christians in 2023?
What Is New, and What Is Old?
Jesus gives us a single sentence about bringing treasure that is new and old. Was he saying that some parables are old and stale? Is one to be preferred over another?
Tending and Tarrying
This Sunday we spend time with the parable of the wheat and the weeds, featuring a “good farmer” with “good seed” and a “bad farmer” with “bad seed.” How does this ancient parable speak to the modern church as we struggle with “good and bad” in our world, in our churches and within ourselves?
Nothing?
Join us for Pride Sunday at PB UMC! We engage with Paul’s words from Romans: Nothing can separate us from the love of God!” These are wonderful and life-giving words. But given everything our world is going through, including all that the LGBTQIA+ community endures, can we really believe that they’re true?
Flourish
This Sunday we spend time with Matthew’s version of the Parable of the Sower. What constitutes “good soil” and what conditions are necessary for us to spiritually flourish, as individuals and as a community? What is Jesus trying to tell us about discipleship and ministry?
Graceland
Join us for both sacraments of the church! What are these rituals and what do they mean? How do they connect us to the Spirit of the Living God and God’s amazing and never failing grace?
Follow-ship
This week our text from Matthew invites us to explore and learn more about the nature of discipleship. We’ll reflect on the complexities of how we are in relationship with the world and with one another.
Spirit Seeking
Today we celebrate the day of Pentecost! On this special day we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit and celebrate the birthday of the church. What difference does the Holy Spirit make in our lives and our world today? How does the Holy Spirit continue to move between and among us?
Wait
Today is Ascension Sunday and we take a look at the account of the recently resurrected Christ being taken up or ascending to heaven. We don’t like to wait, but what if that’s how we become open to blessing?