Jim McDonald's blog

Typically, when I read through a scripture passage for preaching, I get bored. Not because I'm a rebellious type, though I guess I am of sorts, but more because I'm always looking for fresh ways to explore meaning. So after reading Matthew 13:1-9, The Parable of the Sower, for this week's sermon, "Random," I wondered what would happen if I lopped off the interpretation of this parable and just focused on the story, hence the term random. And there came a sermon.

This Sunday, we'll be rejoicing in God's creation with an Environmental Stewardship focus, "A New Heaven and a New Earth." Our scripture, Luke 24:34-48, gives us a glimpse of the Risen Christ empowering his disciples to be bearers of forgiveness and new life for the whole world.

At the 8:15 service, the message will look at that passage in the light of caring for God's gift of the earth; and how the dedication of individuals, like Rachel Carson, author of the ground-breaking 1960 book "Silent Spring" opened the way for us all to join in that important work of environmental care.

Wow! Thank you to all who made our Easter celebration such a success - from our ushers who welcomed both members and visitors while trying to find seats for everyone, to those working the parking lot trying to park cars, to all the musicians who prepared long and hard for this special day. Also a very special thank you to the Worship work area for getting all of the lilies to face forward and blow their trumpets high, and generally making the sanctuary look beautiful.

It's been somewhat of a quiet week here at church with Spring Break in full swing. Greta and I have enjoyed some free weeknights, but know that everything will pick up again as families return to town and we get ready for Easter.

To help us prepare for Easter, this Sunday I will preach on part of the story from John 18, which tells of the arrest, betrayal and sentencing of Jesus. We will listen to Pontius Pilate ask Jesus, "What is Truth?" and we will explore just what truth may be. At the 9:30 service, we will welcome back our Chapel Choir from their Spring Break tour.

As I look out my window this morning, I can see a lawn maintenance truck cleaning up the park across the street, taking advantage of the nice, spring-like weather. It reminded me that the weatherman is, once again, predicting snow in a few days time. The problem with predicting the weather is that it's becoming much like the evening news - a lot of sound and flurry without any significance.

It was great to see so many come out for Ash Wednesday Service and many thanks to the chefs for cooking up a remarkable meal at our Wednesday Family Meal. This week we waltzed back toward winter on Thursday, but we must admit we've been, luckily, out on the dance floor with spring these last two weeks.

This Sunday we will celebrate communion at all three worship services. I will preach on Isaiah 55 as well as Matthew 4. I will address the issue of hunger; the kind of hunger that no amount of food ever satisfies. I want to address what the band U2 spoke about with their lyrics,

We have had many moments this February to experience the warmth and beauty of sunshine as bright rays of light have unexpectedly descended upon us during this normally bleak and gray season. An unexpected ray of light is the topic of my sermon this Sunday as I will share the story of Jesus' transfiguration on the mountain before Peter, James and John from Matthew 17.

As Valentine's Day approaches we are inundated with visions of love. While this love tends to focus on one special someone, we can also take the opportunity to reflect on all those we love in our life, to make sure that we remember how important our interpersonal relationships are. To remember to Love Our Neighbor.

This Sunday, and for the next several Sundays, we will be taking a fresh look at the powerful words of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew, chapters 5, 6, and 7. These well-known teachings have comforted and perplexed, humbled and empowered people for centuries - and they still do. They are glimpses of what it is like to live in the Light of the Kingdom of God here and now.

We'll start off with the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-10, and see how those surprising words about what makes for a "blessed life" turn our world's assumptions upside-down.

Earlier this week, college football completed its season with a surprising finish in the final minutes. Sometimes in life, things do take us by surprise. John the Baptist was surprised that Jesus asked him to baptize him. After all, this was Jesus. But why would Jesus need to be baptized? What does it mean that God got wet with mud between his toes and fully put on our humanity? What does it mean that Jesus got immersed in the river and we get immersed in Jesus? Together in worship this Sunday we will think together through some of these ideas.