Sermons by Lori Leopold (Page 22)
Being Prepared
We’re always waiting on something. What does it mean to be prepared? How might Jesus’ words from this quirky and unsettling parable give us guidance, inspiration…perhaps light?
Blessed in the Not Yet
Today is a special day in the life of the Church as we will be celebrating All Saints Sunday! The United Methodist Church understands “saints” in the New Testament sense of the word which includes Christians of all places and times. We remember and honor the saints of our lives, specifically those who have died in this last year. We share the names of beloved church members, family members and friends whom we have lost. We give thanks for all they have shared with us and among us, remembering them with the refrain, “Absent from our midst…present with the Lord.”
Generous Discipleship: Relationships
Our scripture passage for today is the account of the widow’s mite. Jesus was with the disciples outside of the Temple as people were making their donations to the Temple treasury. Many rich people put in a large sum of money, possibly drawing the attention, head nods and approval of others. The widow, placing two small coins in the treasury, was noticed by no one but Jesus. Jesus pointed her out and said that her gift was greater than any other because she gave it out of her poverty rather than out of abundance.
Generous Discipleship: Abundance
We’ll spend some time today contemplating what it means to think about scarcity and abundance in the midst of a pandemic. How does COVID-19 affect our hopes and dreams, our vision and planning for ministry in 2021? Will we have enough? As individuals? As a congregation? What is God’s call in this unique time and will we be able to answer it?
Grumblers
Our scripture this week can be jolting to those of us who are especially devoted to that which is “fair.” It invites us to ponder the nature of God’s grace.
An Eye For An Eye
How many times should we forgive? We all tend to carry baggage related to forgiveness, sometimes hauling it along with us all our lives until it becomes so heavy we just can’t carry it anymore.
Taking the Initiative
As a faith community, we are bound together and address conflict in a different way, taking the initiative to seek genuine reconciliation.
Finding Life
What does it look like for you to “give your life away”? Join us as we reflect on suffering, salvation, and our faith journeys.
Solid Enough?
“Who do you say that I am?” When Jesus asks this of his disciples, Simon answers without hesitation, and Jesus names him Peter, his “rock.” In your spiritual journey, have you sensed a “change of name” or a change of identify?
Crossing Boundaries
Join us as we wrestle with this text, exploring the response of Jesus and the disciples to this desperate mother. Let us open our minds and hearts to the voices challenging us to expand our understanding of God’s mercy and to whom it belongs.