Sermon-ish Thing: The True Act of God

As Hurricane Irene stomped her way up through Vermont on Sunday, people in Montpelier were urged to stay in their homes if possible, and my lay leader, guest preacher, and I made the decision to cancel the worship service at Trinity UMC. I did, however, record a video message and upload it to the church's…

Sermon: Rock and Roll

"Rock and Roll" (August 21, 2011) We have perhaps always assumed that Jesus is speaking only to Peter in this passage, but what if the words are meant for us as well? What if we too are called to be a rock on which Christ builds the church, the one who are entrusted with the…

Sermon: Stepping Out in Faith

"Stepping Out in Faith" (August 7, 2011) Peter responds to Jesus' invitation and steps out of the boat into the water, only to find himself beginning to sink. We can relate to that, because sometimes when we try to move forward, we find ourselves sinking instead. However, like Peter, if we call out to Christ,…

Sermon: I’m not letting go

"I'm not letting go" (July 31, 2011) Stubborn, frustrated, and at the end of his rope, Jacob wrestles with God (or a God-stand-in), and lives to tell about it. Can we trust that God allows our questions, our struggles, our insistence in drawing blessing from hardship? Can we believe that God will never let us…