08Dec 2020 by Ana Arias

Sermon From November 22

Communion, Deacon, Sermons, Uncategorized, Worship
Matt 25:31-46 Sheep and Goats  Our Gospel is from the 25th chapter of Matthew. Today is Christ the King Sunday.  It is also last day of the church calendar.  Next Sunday we begin a new church year with Advent!   On this day we celebrate the Reign of Christ.  While it is true that we remember that Christ is our King every Sunday – on this Sunday we make special efforts to affirm that statement.  All the other empires that might strive to assert their power over us – the financial markets, political realms, or status symbols that hope for our supreme allegiance – they do not hold dominance.  Instead we end our church year declaring that Christ is our King!  God is sovereign ruler of our lives. Time and again,…
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11Sep 2020 by Ana Arias

Sermon from September 6, 2020

Deacon, Sermons, Worship
Matthew 18: 15-20 and Romans 13: 8-14 There is a saying that we have 2 ears and 1 mouth because we are to listen twice as much as we speak.   It is advice that is good for me – for all of us.  It is also hard to do.  Listening, really listening, is difficult.  There is another saying:  Whenever two or more are gathered … it can be really hard to get along!   These two clever sayings likely go hand in hand.  So, what does Jesus say?  Well, first, that God will be present in the gathering of people.  Whether that get-together is congenial or not, God is present.  Also, that we are to listen to one another when there is conflict.  Four times in the first 3 verses in…
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10Jul 2020 by Ana Arias

Sermon from June 14, 2020

Deacon, Faith, Hope, Sermons, Uncategorized, Worship
2nd Sunday After Pentecost, Year A First reading Genesis 18:1-15,21:1-7; Psalm 116:1-2,12-19; Second reading Romans 5:1-8; Gospel Matthew 9:35-10:8   God, I humbly come before you asking for the courage to speak your word to the people, even when it might be uncomfortable.  I ask that you put your word in the hearts of those who hear me – the word that they need to hear, which may not be the words that I speak.  May we all be moved to action as your disciples.   Amen A quick review of the previous chapters of Matthew shows us that Jesus has been very busy.  He has preached about everything from divorce to giving to the needy, from anger to loving your enemies.  He has taught the disciples how to pray.  Jesus…
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19Feb 2020 by Ana Arias

The sacredness of holy communion

Communion, Deacon, Newsletter
Most Sundays, after serving communion to the congregation, Pastor Kirsten and I serve one another.  This is an intentional theological statement.  We are servants of Christ and, by our calling, we are your servants.  Servants are fed last.  I find this part of the service to be very sacred.  As we “clean up” after the meal, the final act is to put the pall (the cloth covering) over the bread and wine.  I can’t tell you why, but when the cloth hangs in the air for just a moment before being caught by the assisting minister, it is a very spiritual moment for me.  Maybe I feel the fluttering of the wind of the Spirit at that instant.  Maybe it marks the end of a deeply meaningful meal.  I’m not…
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28Jan 2020 by Ana Arias

Sermon January 19, 2020

Deacon, Sermons
Gospel: John 1: 29-42 Come and See! Is the exclamation of my young nephew as we explored the tide pools in search of living creatures.  I don’t know who took more delight in it all – he or I? Come and See! Is what my daughter says to me as she shows me her latest amazingly decorated cake.  I’m likely more proud of her works of art than she is – I’ve got photos! Come and See! Is what I say to my neighbor who is curious about what all the trucks and contractors have been doing in our home.  I can’t wait to show it off to everyone! Come and See!  It is all that Jesus said.  It is his answer to the questioning disciples of John. Come and…
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17Dec 2019 by Ana Arias

Sermon for December 15 2019

Advent, Deacon, Hope, Sermons
Gospel:  Matthew 11:2-13 Are you the one to come, or are we to wait for another? We know the question.  We form it often in a multiple of ways: Is this the solution to my problem, or do I wait and keep looking?Are you the right person/partner/applicant/spouse, or do I wait and choose someone else?Am I making the right decision, or do I wait for more answers?Is this the cure for my illness, or do I wait for the next option? Do we wait for something bigger/better/newer/more promising to come along?  Do I exercise patience Lord  OR  is this one in front of me THE one? Just last week we heard how confident John the Baptist had been in his bold proclamation.   Out in the wilderness, he was so convinced…
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