During a time of upheaval, the prophet Isaiah received a vision of God, responding affirmatively to God's question, "Whom shall I send?" In her sermon, Pastor Cara Scriven considers Isaiah's vision and response — "Here I am; send me." — in the context of our equally tumultuous times.
Sermon: Jonah and the Shrub
In this week's scripture lesson (Jonah 4:1-11), we find Jonah angry because God destroyed a shrub during the night. God responds by asking Jonah a question that is a relevant one for us as well according to Pastor Cara Scriven.
Sermon: The Power of Kindness
In this week's scripture lesson (1 Kings 17:1-16), we find the Prophet Elijah relying on the generosity of a widow during a drought. How the woman is impacted by her generosity holds a lesson for us according to Pastor Cara Scriven
Sermon: Temple Wisdom
In this week's scripture lesson (2 Samuel 7:1-17), we encounter the interesting story of a powerful biblical figure being told "no" as he moves to consolidate power by building a temple to house God. Pastor Melinda Giese helps us to understand what this story might mean in a time when worship has necessarily moved well beyond the sanctuary.
Sermon: Hannah's Prayer
Sermon: Choosing Openness
Our scripture reading this week finds the Hebrew people impatient and restless, going back to what they already know as they grow tired of waiting for Moses (Exodus (32:1-14). In her message, Pastor Cara Scriven explores these patterns as we see it today, asking us to consider how it limits the possibilities of what we might do and experience.
Sermon: Choosing Liberation
Our scripture reading this week takes us to the central story of God's deliverance of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8). In her message, Pastor Cara Scriven focuses on an easy to miss element of the story, a reminder for us today as we engage in the important work of liberation that God calls us to.
Sermon: Choose Abundance
In Genesis 37 we encounter a fair amount of family drama. While most siblings can relate to conflict, this story takes it to another level. In her message this week, Pastor Cara Scriven helps us to explore the dysfunctional family tree of Abraham and the science of scarcity.