So this passage (Numbers 11) is perhaps a good pandemic reference for us.

The Holy Spirit is poured out on those even if they’re not present,

And if we hold this as true, we can say that communion 

(mediated by the Holy Spirit) is also valid if we’re scattered all about.

So the Feast of the Ascension should be important to us as worshipping Christians, but it isn’t.

 

Why not?

I think part of it, is that it’s an awkward story for us 

modern enlightened people.

Fifth Sunday of Easter
Scripture: John 14:1-7

 

Escape Rooms 

An activity growing in popularity these days is something called an escape room.  You have to solve clues to get out a room. It’s not meant to be a scary experience. It’s meant to engage your mind and the strength of the team you are working with. The goal:...

God is a source of comfort, not just in theory, but in real situations, 

like what we are in today.

Luke 24: 13-35

What have you discovered along the way? 

We knelt at the cross. Ran to the tomb. Today we walk on the road to Emmaus.
While we’re often in a hurry to get to the destination, some of the most profound moments are stops or challenges along the way, those planned or spontaneous.  Moments where a connection is made...

Paradoxically, it is the Doubting disciple who gets the most attention. 

It is the hurting, isolated disciple with whom Jesus spends the most time.

Perhaps important to acknowledge
is that we are in a time very similar to the very first Easter!

Easter 2020 is like Easter 33,

Where the disciples were huddled together in fear.

Things were deadly quiet. Things were weird and strange.

Hi children of God,

 

I am so glad you joined us this morning.  Happy Easter to you! 

 

What’s that word we look forward to saying on Easter?

Yes, you’ve got it. Alleluia!  Alleluia means, Praise the Lord.

 

Now I want you to say, Alleluia, as loud as you can.

 

Ready, set, GO! 

 
Okay. I...

Jesus lived his life, died and rose so that we all would receive God’s love,

and that Jesus would be in us, in our hearts.

Jesus did what he did, so that we would know him and thereby know God.

Because when we see Jesus, we see God!

Introduction: 

This morning, there are three parts to my reflection. The first is based on the scripture narratives of today, and the overarching narratives of our faith life. The second part is comprised of words of hope, prayer and lament for you. The third part is an audio clip from some of our children here at St. Matthews.  ...