The Progressive Christian Voice

We hunger for all kinds of things: food, comfort, love, meaning, beauty, fulfillment, to name a few. Being hungry isn't a bad thing, until our hungers become insatiable cravings. Jesus seems to say that our hungry souls truly long for what only God can offer. What would it look like if we truly had a taste of "living bread"? John 6:24-26; Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16

The text for this sermon reveals for us a truth that, like the bread and fish shared by a boy in the crowd, God’s forgiveness has the power to multiply as it is shared freely with all God’s children so that all may have their fill – wronged one and wrong doer, murderer and murder victims’ survivor; people of color and people of privilege. There is always more grace and love leftover beyond forgiveness to work for reconciliation with each other and with God.

The author of Ephesians tells his hearers that Christ has torn down the dividing walls between them, that formerly hostile groups are now part of one humanity, no longer strangers. Considering the divisions in our world today, what if we really believed the wall was already down, that a truce was already made? Ephesians 2:11-22; 2 Samuel 7:1-14a

"The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it," proclaims Psalm 24. Forgetting the wisdom of God's unique power can prove dangerous, as we discover when we think the earth is ours to do with as we please. Mark's gospel shows the danger of what happens when we forget God's power at work in the lives of others, and try to claim some of that power for ourselves. How do you remember God's power in your life? How does it help you prioritize and keep perspective? Mark 6:14-29, Psalm 24

In this Sunday's gospel, Jesus calls his disciples to leave home without everything except for one outfit, and to wear sandals. In a "don't leave home without it" culture, what does it mean to follow Jesus today? On a weekend when we celebrate national independence, what if we are called to be inter-dependent, on God and on each other? At a time when our nation is struggling to move beyond some of our racial baggage, how might Christians model letting go of anything that keeps us divided or insular? And can these questions really be answered in twelve minutes or less? Mark 6:1-3, 2 Samuel 5:1-5

In the passages for this week, God's people are full of anxiety. In one story they face a storm; in the other they face a giant; in both, they end up safe. What does this mean for us who face our own storms or giants? Mark 4:35-41; 1 Samuel 17 (selections)

Money influencing leaders - it's in the news again but nothing new. What shapes Christian perspectives on power and leadership? 2 Corinthians 4:16 - 5:1; 1 Samuel 8:4-20

In Laura's first sermon at Western Presbyterian Church as pastor, she encourages us to think of the ways that God is present to us in our ordinary lives. Jesus comes to help us to know of the truth of God's love for us. How is it that we, in our daily lives, live in a way that is attuned to what God is doing in the world? How is God's kingdom present here and now?

As the interim period comes to an end for Western Presbyterian Church, Pastor Leslianne was asked what words of wisdom she wants to leave the congregation before she departs. In her final sermon at Western Presbyterian Church, she tells the story of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

Conformity is not the expectation we have for anyone in this church – rather, we all have the opportunity to confirm our faith again in a loving and diverse God. Amazingly, each one of us is created in God’s image – and each one of us is absolutely unique, reflecting God’s diverse being and creation. Each one of us a full member of this community of faith, sharing our unique gifts for the betterment of all of us and to further God’s work in the world. As the body of Christ, what new traditions will we create together?

Sermon on John 15: 9-17. Braunstein

Jesus is the true vine - the base from which all of life grows from. We, his disciples, are only branches while Jesus offers the sustenance of life.

The prison system in the US is broken and the cracks spread deep into communities. As Christians, how do we faithfully respond? How do we advocate and show our call to seek restoration and reconciliation, not simply retribution?

The disciples had the gift of community to come to belief - as do we. When we come together as a community of faith to testify to the evidence of the risen Christ in our midst, we are encouraged all the more to believe in the reconciling power of God at work in the world. Where are the places we are most aware of the resurrected Christ in our midst?

In the resurrection, life triumphs over death, redemption triumphs over brokenness. Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection is the greatest gift from God to the world to help us understand that God’s justice is oriented towards healing, towards mercy for the purpose of restoring right relationship, restoring shalom – restoring peace between us and God and us with one another. Through Jesus we understand that God’s love is steadfast and endures forever and not even the tomb of sin and death can separate us from the love of God.