The Word at Shalom

November 6, 2022, All Saints Sunday: ”Mundane Miracles”

The great general Naaman was insulted. He had journeyed far to be cured of his skin disease, yet, the prophet Elisha wouldn't even come out to greet him. Elisha simply told him, through a messenger, to wash in the Jordan to be healed. The miracle wasn't happening according to his expectations. We can be similarly tempted when God doesn't act according to our expectations. How does God often act in our world? And how can we see it? Pastor David preaches "Mundane Miracles" based on 2 Kings 5:1-19a.

October 30, 2022, Reformation Sunday: ”Know Your Unknowns”

At the beginning of his reign, Solomon inherited a kingdom plagued by insurrection. He knows reformation is needed, but doesn't have the personal resources to do it. How does Solomon address his lack of ability to care for his people's needs? And what lesson is there for the church today? Pastor David preaches "Know Your Unknowns" based on 1 Kings 3:3-28

October 23, 2022, Pentecost 20: ”Actions Matter”

Long after Joshua's charge to the Israelites at Shechem, God made good on the promise to make God's people prosper. The tribes were united. King David was at the height of his powers. Yet, David was soon to throw not only himself, but the people into trouble and turmoil. Where did David go wrong? What warning is there to the church today? And where is God's grace in terrible situations? Pastor David preaches, "Actions Matter", based on 2 Samuel 11 and 12 and Matthew 5:27-30. Content warning: The reading and sermon acknowledge the reality of sexual assault. 

October 16, 2022, Pentecost 18: ”Our Story”

Stories are powerful. They shape how we see reality. The stories we tell ourselves can make or break our relationships with our congregation, community, or families. So, what does healthy storytelling look like? How did Joshua retell Israel's story so that they would remember who and whose they were? Pastor David preaches, "Our Story", based on Joshua 24:1-26.

October 9, 2022, Pentecost 18: ”How to Avoid Tyranny in 10 Steps”

According to Freedom House, a U.S.-funded research and advocacy organization for democracy and human rights, democratic institutions have declined around the world for the past 16 years. In their place, authoritarian regimes have sprung up, from both the right and the left. For many, the world is a more frightening place than it was just a few years ago. However, this is far from humanity's first tangle with authoritarianism. Back in Exodus, God gave the fledgling nation of Israel, who just escaped the tyrant Pharaoh, 10 Commandments to avoid falling back into tyranny. How do the 10 Commandments preserve human freedom? And when we inevitably fail, how does God pick up the pieces? Pastor David preaches, "How to Avoid Tyranny in 10 Steps", based on Exodus 19:1-7, 20:1-17.

September 25, 2022: Pentecost 16, Narrative Lectionary 103

Poor Joseph. He was sold into slavery in Egypt, where despite his great success at managing Potiphar's household, ended up in prison, the victim of assault and a false accusation. The text tells us that God was loyal to Joseph. But what kind of loyalty is this that permits an innocent man to be punished? What does it mean for Joseph to be the next in line as the instrument of God's blessings? Pastor David preaches "#Blessed, Part 2" based on Genesis 39:1-23.

September 24, 2022: Jack Engdahl

Pastor David preaches the sermon for Jack Engdahl's funeral. Obituary here.

September 18, 2022: Pentecost 15, Narrative Lectionary 102

Several years ago, "#blessed" became popular on social media. However, instead of an humble acknowledgement of unearned blessings, it became a symbol of power and privilege. What is the difference between blessing and privilege? What does it mean for God to bless Abraham? And how does God bless us? Pastor David preaches, "#Blessed", based on Genesis 12:1-9.

September 11, 2022: ”Chaos and Covenant”

Most people 30 and over can tell you where they were when they heard about 9/11, just as older generations could tell you the same about the JFK assassination or Pearl Harbor. Such moments are chaotic, shattering the known world overnight. However, chaos has reared its ugly head from the beginning of creation. In the Flood story, God responds to the proliferation of chaotic human evil by unleashing the forces of chaos on the world. There is mercy, though, in the midst of terrible judgment. And more importantly, God appears to change God's orientation to human beings entirely. How does God "change"? And what hope and peace can we find when the forces of chaos threaten to overwhelm us? Pastor David preaches "Chaos and Covenant" based on Genesis 6:5-22; 8:6-12; 9:8-17

September 4, 2022, Pentecost 13: ”Love and Marriage”

Frank Sinatra sang, "Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage....you can't have one without the other." However, for most of recorded history this wasn't so. Marriage was used to forge alliances between families, create new business opportunities, and fulfill social obligations. This was as true among the ancient Hebrews as it was among other peoples. However, there is a type of love in Boaz and Ruth's marriage that is far more powerful and permanent than fleeting romantic love. What is this love? And how does this love mirror the love that Christ has for his church? Pastor David preaches "Love and Marriage" based on Ruth 4:1-22.