Meditations
Every worship gathering is built around a theme from Scripture.
Our United Church of Christ practice is to read the day’s scripture, then hear a meditation on that scripture from the day’s preacher.
You will find those meditations here. We include a Scripture Readings booklet, the video segment, and a transcript.
May 9, 2021
Back-Sliding
Engaging in new or improvised practices can be great until tradition shows up and calls us out. Paul’s anger with Peter’s behavior is over Peter’s unwillingness to “own” his epiphany of practice. Our fellowship
Cost of Discipleship
We entertain casual beliefs easily but truly committing involves a cost. The debate at Jerusalem is over what it should cost to be a follower of Jesus. Faith in the Message of the good
April 25, 2021
What Kind of House?
We are sensitive to any hint that what gave us comfort in the past might have to change for the future. The extreme reaction of Stephen’s listeners and his execution do not and cannot
Made Known
Guest preacher Caryne Eskridge continues the conversation about “re-membering” as a pair of shattered believers leaves Jerusalem on Easter afternoon. Scripture Readings bookletDownload (no transcript available)
Keep Talking
The finality of death leads us to avoid talking about it in a way that pushes back reality. On seeing the empty tomb the women re-membered Jesus’ words and concluded he was alive but
March 28, 2021
Recognition
A grand entrance does not presage an easy visit. The raucous demonstration touched off by Jesus’ arrival makes the knowledge he carries that much heavier. Recognizing Jesus on Palm Sunday gives us what we
Descendant
Our idea of who is welcome to be friends or family tends to place many on the outside. Jesus placing Zacchaeus not only on the inside but as a model of Abraham’s inheritance scandalizes
February 28, 2021
Third Day Story
The “third day story” is where nuance and detail and understanding are brought into a narrative. Jesus urges his followers to get past the breaking news and ground themselves in the ultimate purpose of
If You Want To Know
Our desire to have a holy or pure experience of God is punctuated by the clashing experience of real life. Being immersed in the light-cloud of God opened a window for the disciples to
January 31, 2021
Jesus Begins
When we are at inaugural moments we hang on every word of the one who is beginning. The hometown pleasure of the listeners to Jesus “inaugural sermon” gives way to rage when he makes
December 27, 2020
Essential Workers
Rebroadcast of Rev Matt’s meditation on “Essential Workers” from our Christmas Eve 2020 Candlelight service. With Laura Intravia and the Center Church Choral Ensemble.
God, With You
When our plans are derailed by circumstances beyond our control it’s natural to feel isolated and alone. Mary’s (and Elizabeth’s) story is one of derailment and a new path walked with God’s Holy Spirit.
Joy, Forever
A “new normal” that normalizes separation and oppression and poverty for ordinary people is no normal at all. Isaiah the 3rd outlines a norm that rebuilds from the rubble and lifts up the crushed
Extravagant Mercy
The question about when we can get back to real worship in our real church sanctuaries has led to real disorientation and harm. Joel’s word is that God offers us covenant love and extravagant
November 29, 2020
It Got Real
We may treat rules and regulations and laws as necessary but irrelevant details until we find them applying to us. It was Darius who found himself bound by a seemingly-harmless decree that put Daniel
Preach It, Jonah!
In the aftermath of a stunningly divisive time we still have the matter of people who want to skewer us. Jonah does not have a choice about going to Ninevah and even couches God’s