The Word at Shalom

January 1, 2023, Christmas 1: ”Skeletons in Jesus’ Closet”

While we might expect Jesus' family to be a paragon of virtue, Matthew's genealogy shows quite the opposite. Jesus' ancestors include heroes of faith, but also include outsiders (including five unusual, extraordinary women), thieves, liars, and even Gentiles. What does such a rogues' gallery say about how God works? Pastor David preaches, "Skeletons in Jesus' Closet", based on Matthew 1:1-17.

December 25, 2022, Christmas Day: ”Look at the Map”

Pastor David ponders John's Christmas story in a sermon titled, "Look at the Map", based on John 1:1-14.

December 24, 2022, Christmas Eve: ”Peace of the World, Peace of the Christ”

Pastor David ponders the difference between the peace of Christ and the peace of Caesar in a sermon titled, “Peace of the World, Peace of the Christ”, based on Luke 2:1-20. 

December 18, 2022, Advent 4: ”Dreamworld”

Often, we think little of our dreams. Those who take their dreams seriously are sometimes thought to be naive or detached from reality. However, Scripture knows of several dreamers who carried out God's will in the world. Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus, is one of these dreamers. What happens in Joseph's dreams? How does he respond? And how can the church learn from Joseph's example? Pastor David preaches "Dreamland" based on Isaiah 7:10-16 and Matthew 1:18-25. 

December 14, 2022, Advent Evening Prayer: ”The Upside-Down Kingdom”

Pastor David preaches on the angel's song in Luke 2:8-14. This is the third of a four-part series, "Songs of Hope in Luke's Gospel".

December 7, 2022, Advent Evening Prayer 2: ”A Different Kind of Power”

Pastor David preaches on Luke 1:39-55, which includes the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth and the Magnificat.

December 4, 2022, Advent 2: ”Solidarity”

Esther lived a life of luxury. She had been made queen by King Ahasuerus and enjoyed the protection and comforts of the palace. However, there was a price for this luxury. She was insulated and isolated from her own Jewish people. In fact, to become queen in the first place, she hid her identity as a Jew. So when her uncle Mordecai comes with terrible news of a plot to kill all Jews, Esther weighs her options. Does she join in solidarity with her people at great risk to herself? Or does she keep her head down? What do Esther's choices have to do with Advent, God's actions in our world, and the church's call today? Pastor David preaches "Solidarity" based on Esther 4:1-17.

November 30, 2022, Advent Evening Prayer 1: ”Free to Serve”

Pastor David preaches a brief sermon on Zechariah's song, Luke 1:59-79. This is the first in a four-week series, "Songs of Hope in Luke's Gospel".

November 27, 2022, Advent 1: ”Confronting God”

The prophet Habakkuk's complaint is an ancient and yet timely one. In violent times, why does it seem like God isn't listening? As we begin another Advent season in a violent world, we may have the same question. How do we live in and relate to a world where violence runs amok? How do we relate to God in such a world? Pastor David preaches "Confronting God" based on Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4; 3:17-19.

November 13, 2022, Pentecost 23: ”What’s the Church For?”

In an age of megachurches and celebrity pastors, it can be easy for small congregations to feel dismissed and without a sense of purpose. However, as Micah shows, great things can indeed come from small places. What is the purpose of the small congregation now? And how can we stay focused on our mission? Pastor David preaches "What's the Church For?" based on Micah 1:1-5; 5:2-5a; 6:6-8.