The Word at Shalom

March 20, 2022: ”Break Out!”

Cornering a wild animal is very dangerous. Seeking to escape, the animal can lash out. Peter is much like a cornered animal in this text, first resorting to violence and then utterly denying his Lord. But can we blame him? Is Peter not like us? And what does Jesus do for us when we are cornered? Pastor David preaches, "Break Out!", based on John 18:1-27.

March 13, 2022: ”The Courage to Love”

The story of Jesus washing his disciples' feet might strike us as a tender story of loving service (which it certainly is). But it is far more than that. While betrayal and denial are operative in the room, Jesus puts his own safety second to his love for his disciples. What kind of gritty courage does it take to love someone who might reject you? Why would Jesus love like this? And what does this mean for how Jesus loves us and how we are called to love? Pastor David preaches, "The Courage to Love", based on John 13:1-17.

March 6, 2022: ”The Question”

When Lazarus dies, Jesus inexplicably tarries. Why doesn't he come quickly when his dear friend is so ill? Such a question is not just on Mary and Martha's heart; it is perhaps the perpetual human question. What does it mean for Jesus to delay healing for Lazarus? Why does he weep even though he already knows what he will do? And what good news does this passage have for us in our most painful moments? This first Sunday of Lent, Pastor David preaches, "The Question", based on John 11:1-44.

March 2, 2022: ”Keeping the Wolf from the Door”

After healing the man born blind, Jesus tells the religious leaders that he is the Good Shepherd of the sheep. This might mean a couple things: first, that Jesus protects his people, but also that Jesus leads his people out into a wider world full of danger. What does it mean to trust Jesus in a world where danger and death are very real? And why can't Christians just stay huddled away from the world? Pastor David preaches, "Keeping the Wolf from the Door" for Ash Wednesday, based on John 10:1-18.

February 27, 2022: ”True Sight”

This Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday, when Jesus reveals his glory on the mountaintop. However, John's Gospel has no mountaintop. There is no traditional transfiguration story in his Gospel. But there is transfiguration. What happens when the light of the world changes the way an entire community "sees" someone? And why do some refuse to perceive someone in a new light? Come hear more in Pastor David's sermon, "True Sight", based on John 9:1-41.

February 20, 2022: ”Throw Out Your Checklist”

There was a problem with Jesus. He was from Galilee and everyone knew it. He didn't check the boxes for a proper messiah. But Jesus cares little for our expectations and asks us to consider one question: Where do we find life? And how can we find it when we are so concerned with our own expectations? Pastor David preaches, "Throw Out Your Checklist", based on John 7:37-52. 

February 13, 2022: ”You Are What You Eat”

Consumption is part of our American way of life. Sometimes it's framed as a patriotic duty (especially around Black Friday). But we consume much more than food or consumer goods. We also consume news, books, art, movies, and Tik Tok videos, just to name a few things. But what we ingest has a direct effect on all aspects of our health. When Jesus tells us to consume him, is that really any more shocking than what our culture asks us to consume? And what are the consequences of consuming Jesus as opposed to everything else? Pastor David preaches, "You Are What You Eat", based on John 6:35-59.

February 6, 2022: ”The Power to Be”

The word "power" often has a negative connotation. We might think of the powers that be or someone's lust for power. Politicians or ultrarich CEOs might come to mind. But power itself is just about the ability to do something. And two men in this week's gospel find themselves utterly powerless: a royal official and a paralyzed man. How does Jesus respond to their (and our) powerlessness? What new power does Jesus give?  Pastor David Fleener preaches, "The Power to Be", based on John 4:43-5:18.

February 5, 2022: Ron Fenelon funeral

Pastor David Fleener's sermon for Ron Fenelon's funeral service.

January 30, 2022: ”The Wrong in Being Right”

Pastor David Fleener preaches on the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4:1-42.