National holidays in America have largely become occasions for shopping mall sales, sporting events and backyard barbecues. Many of these holidays have also become celebrations of materialism and militarism–and a good bit of narrow moralizing around these themes. How might we honor these holidays while resisting their less savory aspects?

Most of us have experienced moments in our lives when we are caught off-guard by something big for which we were not prepared. In fact, over the past few years, some of us have experienced many such moments. This sermon will offer some suggestions about what to do when you don’t know what to do.

In recent decades, there have been numerous theories and methods of parenting put forth by experts and others–many of which may be helpful, but none of which answers every conceivable challenge or circumstance. In the end, much of parenting involves making it up as one goes along. What are the important aspects of improvisational parenting … Continued

As a number of writers have recently noted, resistance in and of itself may not be enough. Our own Declaration of Independence notes that “whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends [life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness], it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it.”  When and … Continued

Singer, songwriter, pianist and civil rights activist Nina Simone (1933-2003) was one of the most influential performers of her time. Known for her unique musical style and her outspoken social commentary, Simone was one of the most provocative figures of the 1960s. What can we learn from her life and music that is relevant to … Continued

Poet Wendell Berry suggests that we should “stand like slow growing trees / on a ruined place, renewing, enriching it.” How can we live more like trees, and what kind of theology is suggested by the life of trees. We’ll explore these questions and others in this service.

While we often focus on some of the more obvious lessons of the Good Samaritan, what does the story tell us about systems of oppression? How might we view this tale as a case study in intersectionality and the struggle for collective liberation?

At a time when extreme social and political polarization has become the norm, how do we motivate ourselves to reach out across lines of difference? When and how is it even desirable to do so without causing harm to those who are most vulnerable?

In an era marked by hate-filled rhetoric and shouting matches, what does the story of the Good Samaritan tell us about the power and importance of simple human kindness, and why do we so often forget the power of kindness to heal both the giver and the receiver.