Sermons by Lori Leopold
Cherish: Ending Spiritual and Physical Hunger
Today Pastor Lori, Ken Brown, and Ron Jessee share updates on the Cal-Pac Annual Conference and reflections on this year’s theme, “Cherish.” What are concrete ways we can cherish those in our congregation and in the community around us?
Uncharted Waters
This week our text from Acts reconnects us to Paul and his ministry. He and his companions encounter folks, like Lydia, who enter into “uncharted waters” by way of their baptism. To what uncharted waters are we, as individuals and the church, being called today?
When Pigs Fly
Peter reports on his vision of “flying pigs” and how the Spirit sent him to a Gentile household. What did this event mean for the early church and how might the Spirit move through this text, bringing guidance and inspiration to us, the church today?
Helping Hands
Continuing today in the Book of Acts, we hear how Peter was summoned and Dorcas was returned to life. What does this account tell us about kindness? About calling forth life and the power of joining hands to make that happen?
A Tough Nut To Crack
During the month of May we’ll focus on readings from the Book of Acts, more formally known as The Acts of the Apostles. How did the Spirit move in those early days of the church, navigating in and among those who were very receptive and those who were NOT? How did those early Christians act and how should we?
Everything In Between: Shouting and Silence
As we arrive at Easter, we explore the dynamic between “grief” and “hope.” How do we live into the power of resurrection as Easter people, holding fast to authentic hope in a world where grief so obviously persists?
Good Friday Tenebrae Service
On this day of grief and sorrow, we gather with one another, in God’s care, to remember Jesus’ death on a cross.
Everything In Between: Shouting and Silence
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?
Everything In Between: Righteousness and Mercy
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?
Everything In Between: Lost and Found
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?