Sermons by Lori Leopold (Page 9)

Sermons by Lori Leopold (Page 9)

The Power of Empty

Today we introduce our Lenten theme, “Full to the Brim.”  We will contemplate what we need to “do” or “undo” in order to lean into the abundant life God offers.

Chosen

This Sunday will mark the end of the season of Epiphany, a season when the identity and mission of Jesus are revealed in small and large ways.  Our text for this week is Luke’s account of the Transfiguration, arguably the grandest of all the epiphany accounts.

The Economy of Grace

We continue this week in Jesus’ sermon on the plain.  Last week we contemplated what Jesus’ “blessings and woes” told us about God.  This week we dive into what that might look like, in practical terms, for each one of us.

A Level Place

Come with us as we challenge our mainstream understanding of the word “blessed” and expand our thinking, seeing and understanding beyond “me” to embrace a divine sense of “we.”

Catch

After a demoralizing night of attempted fishing, Jesus instructs Simon to go back out into the deep waters and drop his nets for a catch. Miraculously, Simon pulls in such an abundance of fish that other boats and fisherfolks come to his aid.

Anointed

Today we look at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry from Luke’s perspective. In Luke, Jesus’ ministry starts in the middle of a worship service. Jesus stands in the synagogue, reading scripture in his faith community. But the ordinary turns extraordinary when Jesus makes an astonishing claim!

Revelation

Today we spend time in the Gospel of John with the first of seven “signs” that Jesus performs or offers, each one giving us a glimpse into his true identity and mission. This first sign is the account of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana.

My Father’s House

The Bible says very little about the childhood of Jesus but today we spend time with the one and only passage that provides a window into Jesus’ boyhood.

Safe Havens

On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we take a step closer to the manger, spending time with Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Our text returns us to the home of Elizabeth and Zechariah where Mary finds refuge in the early days of her pregnancy.  What did it mean for her to find safe space in the midst of that uncertain time?  How did that safe haven impact her capacity to be “Theotokos,” or “God-Bearer”—the one who provided the first home and safe space for God incarnate?