Preacher: Tom Zucconi Scripture uses an abundance of clothing metaphors or illustrations to make a point: having been baptized into Christ, we are now “dressed in our Sunday best,” wearing the power and grace of Jesus like a runway boss–wow! One might also say that clothes are an outward expression of the inward person. From …
Podcast Archives:
Good Friday: For You, For Me
Preacher: Tom Zucconi Text: Various Good Friday continues the three-day observance (Triduum) of Christ’s Passover, marking the day of his crucifixion. As such, it is a day for repentance of sin, focus on the cross, and restrained joy for our redemption. In keeping with this auspicious day, elaborate words of praise are omitted and the altar remains bare. The …
Maundy Thursday: Sovereign Servanthood
Text: John 13 Preacher: Pastor Tom Zucconi The name Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin word “mandatum,” which means “commandment.” It is taken from Jesus’ words to his disciples in John 13:34: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love …
He Hears, We Wait
Palm Sunday is historically a day of triumph, a glance at the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem amongst all the fanfare and celebration. But what the crowd doesn’t know, however, is that they misunderstand the timetable. Where there was a rush to kingship, they will have to wait. Where there was a rush to triumph, there first awaited a tragedy. Jesus did what the Father called him to do, but he prayed and taught along the way. He also waited. He waited and suffered. God’s answer was not in the immediacy of the moment like the crowd wanted, but it was on the horizon. If only the crowd was able to look a few days ahead—if only you and I can look a few days ahead. Perspective is key! This morning, we join the crowd and pray our perspective is a godly, Christ centered one!
Servants are the Real Rulers
Texts: Exodus 12 and Mark 10 Preacher: Tom Zucconi In this final Sunday before Holy Week we see an interesting contrast between the restrictions on participation in the Passover Meal (Exodus 12) vs Jesus’ comments to the disciples and participation in his Kingdom (Mark 10). Where one is restrictive and exclusive, the other is invitational …
The Sustaining Light of Christ
Preacher: Tom Zucconi Text: John 3 The prophet Isaiah writes, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2) Deep darkness and a great light. The words of the prophet are words that take us from hopelessness to assurance …
Why Self-Help Doesn’t Work
Preacher: Ken Haupt Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18-30 Theme: In this morning’s second reading, the Apostle Paul is writing to the church at Corinth, a bustling, cosmopolitan city in Greece. Many members of the Corinthian church were gentiles who had been brought up in Greco-Roman culture and schooled in Greek philosophy. Greek philosophers believed that their wisdom …
A Wrong Righteousness is No Righteousness
To obey outwardly is one thing. To believe inwardly is another. At one point in our lives, we have all grudgingly gone along with something so as to avoid the negative consequences of non-compliance.
First Sunday in Lent
This past year has been a “Year of Ash.” Between the pandemic, political unrest, and now the Texas deep freeze, we don’t need anymore reminders of death, disappointment, or decay. What we need is Easter!
Ash Wednesday
Lent begins with a solemn call to fasting and repentance as we begin our journey to the baptismal waters of Easter. During Lent, the people of God reflect on the meaning of their baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection. The sign of ashes suggests our human mortality and frailty. What seems like an ending is really an invitation to make each day a new beginning, in which we are washed in God’s mercy and forgiveness. With the cross on our brow, we long for the spiritual renewal that flows from the springtime Easter feast to come. Welcome to all who worship on-line with us this evening!
