Down to the River to Pray

The prophet Jeremiah wrote a letter to people from his community who were living in exile. They did not want to be in Babylon, but sometimes people get caught up in world events and end up where they wouldn't have chosen to go. Jeremiah doesn't pretend they aren't in exile.

Two women, a child, a sword, and a freshly-anointed king. When everything’s on the line, what truly moves your heart? Come remember the saints and gather at God's table this All Saints Sunday.

The prophet Samuel warned the people Israel: Kings are takers. The king will take your sons, your daughters, your fields, your produce, your servants, your herds, your flocks. Power doesn’t always corrupt; corruption is a byproduct when a person in power is arrogant instead of grateful.

Like the family stories we tell again and again, retelling our congregation’s “origin story” can reveal our core values and key commitments as people of faith, remind us of our own courage and calling, and invite us to recommit to following God’s purposes in our lives.

Which is more faithful to God's Word: posting the Ten Commandments in a public school, or gyrating our groove things to C+C Music Factory's biggest hit? Let’s explore what the commandments are for, and what a handful of people writing new moral code for artificial intelligence might still learn from a mountain?

Communion reminds us that we cannot do life alone. And in today's scripture passage, Jethro reminds Moses that he cannot lead alone either. We are made for community. So join us around the Lord's Table and help us build community!

The stories of our ancestors in faith in scripture remind us that God's call on our lives does not guarantee an easy path. This week, we'll consider the story of Joseph, who faced great challenges and trials, and who also saved his people. Where is God in our lives?

Occasionally, our paths are clear and direct. Most often, though, my path has been circuitous, with fits and starts. It's easy to get bogged down and discouraged when the path is not straight and clear. We'll hear of Abram's journey by stages, and consider where God is in the midst of our own journeys.

Our story from Genesis is an ancient story, seeking to make sense of human evil and divine presence in the midst of us. Out of the destruction of the flood, God offers a rainbow as a promise, as a reminder of the covenant. What does it mean to be people in covenant relation with God? With each other?