Happy New Year! I know, I’m a little early on the well wishes according to our secular calendar. But, by the church calendar, this coming Sunday is the last one of the year. Traditionally, the new church year begins with the first Sunday of Advent, the 4-week season leading up to Christmas. Much like its secular sibling, the church new year is a time when Christians historically were challenged to...  Read More

WelcomeWelcome to Part 4 of our series in the book of Job. In the past three weeks we have considered some of the uneasy questions about God which Job’s story presents to us. Why do bad things happen, especially why do bad things happen to good people? Does suffering have some kind of purpose or reason? Is God fair or just? And those questions give rise to so many others and to many deep feelings ...  Read More

Recently, I was talking to a person who was working their way through the grief of losing someone they love. We were talking about what has helped them the most and they said, “people just showing up to hang out with me.” It reminded me that presence is powerful. This fall, we have been studying the book of Job at The Gathering. Most of the book is about Job’s friends trying to make him feel bette...  Read More

WelcomeIn the first part of this sermon series, we looked at the story of Job and the question, “Will we receive good from God but not also receive bad?” In part 2 we looked at the first conversation between Job and Eliphaz focusing on the question, “What is the purpose of suffering?” This week we are moving on in the conversation between Job and his friends to ask the question, “Is God fair or ju...  Read More

I have been reflecting a lot this week about the importance of the church. In the wake of our national election, we once again see the divisions of our country laid bare. Some people are celebrating, others grieving, some excited, and others scared. Looking at the electoral map and exit polls, we see that we are divided by geography, income, education, race, gender, as well as by our politics. It ...  Read More

WelcomeLast week we began our study of Job with an overview of his story. Job was a very successful man – loved and respected by his family, well thought of in his community and among his employees and servants, and a man of great material means.  When suddenly, for no apparent reason, he lost everything, including his health. After what may have been years of suffering and loss, all was restored....  Read More