The Word at Shalom

January 26, 2025, Epiphany 3C: "No Favorites"

When Jesus returned home, the townspeople had expectations of him. They hoped that he would do the same miracles as he had done elsewhere, perhaps more. However, Jesus not only refuses to accede to their expectations of him, he also points out their prejudices. How does Jesus point to a broader good news for everyone? And why do the residents of Nazareth take this inclusivity (mistakenly) as bad news for themselves? What is God’s vision for His beloved community and how can we live into it today? Pastor David preaches “No Favorites”, part of a series called The Beloved Community, based on 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a and Luke 4:14-30.

January 19, 2025, Epiphany 2C: "Grace upon Grace"

Jesus’s first sign—turning water into wine—can seem awfully strange on the surface. Why would Jesus address his mother so curtly? Why provide wine for drunk wedding guests? Why not do something that might have a little more impact—say, turning stones into bread for all the hungry children of the world? But if we look deeper and less literally, we see something in this sign at the heart of Jesus’s mission and the mission of the church? What is it? Come hear more this Sunday as Pastor David preaches “Grace Upon Grace” based on John 2:1-11. This is the first in a seven-part sermon series called The Beloved Community.

January 12, 2025, Baptism of our Lord: "Named"

For fifty-odd years, Jewish captives lived in Babylon. The first generation had mostly died and a new generation had risen. They had been raised on stories of the glory of old Jerusalem, especially its Temple and king. Now, it appeared that God had abandoned them. How does Isaiah assure them of God’s care and love, whatever may happen? And what does it mean that God remembers us when we suffer bad things? Pastor David preaches “Named” based on Isaiah 43:1-7 and Luke 3:21-22. 

December 29, 2024, Christmas 1C: "A Few of My Father's Things"

In the ancient world, children were scarcely seen as persons. They existed for the benefit of their parents, usually their fathers. But twelve-year-old Jesus shows us a revolutionary side of childhood. How does this episode in the Temple continue to fulfill Mary’s song? When Jesus says he is “among [his] Father’s things”, what is he talking about? What are these things and how do they impact our life? Pastor David preaches, “These Are a Few of My Father’s Things” based on Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Colossians 3:12-17; and Luke 2:41-52. 

December 24, 2024, Christmas Eve: "A New Future"

Preaching texts:

Isaiah 9:2-7

Titus 2:11-14

Luke 2:1-20

December 22, 2024, Advent 4C: "Unknown Power"

When Mary visits Elizabeth, she may not have known what kind of greeting she would receive. Indeed, Mary may have had to leave town as news of her pregnancy spread. Would her cousin welcome her? Or condemn her? How does Elizabeth and Mary’s Spirit-given faith give them power to not only face the world’s challenges, but also to give shape to God’s future? And how can our faith give shape to the world? Pastor David preaches “Unknown Power” based on Luke 1:39-55. 

December 1, 2024, Advent 1C: "A Calm Watchfulness"

With all the stress in our lives, we can be tempted to tune out the world, self-medicating with behaviors, substances, or food. However, this ultimately does not lead to greater health for ourselves or our communities. How does Jesus address his disciples in his own historical time? Why remain alert, as he says, for his return when it hasn’t happened in its fullness? Pastor David preaches “A Calm Watchfulness” based on Luke 21:25-36. 

November 24, 2024, Reign of Christ: "End of Empire"

Jesus's trial before Pilate is more than a mere courtroom scene. It is the portrayal of two realms, one false and one true. Pilate's false realm is that of empire, steered by fear, domination, and exploitation. Jesus is both herald and ruler of a new realm, governed by values of mercy, forgiveness, truth, and love, all of which are foreign to Rome. What does it mean to live in Jesus's realm when we also have a foot in that of empire? How does Jesus free us from the values of empire to live according to the values of his reign? And why are we often so frightened to live according to Jesus's way? Pastor David preaches "Empire's End" based on Daniel 7 and John 18:33-37.

November 17, 2024, Pentecost 26B: "Something New Is Coming!"

When Jesus prophesies the Temple’s destruction to an awestruck disciple, his words must have landed like a ton of bricks. The Temple was not just the central worship place in 1st century Judaism; it was the center of Jewish identity. The end of the Temple would have portended the end of the world. However, Jesus isn’t so much speaking about an ending as he is about a new beginning. What kind of beginning is Jesus talking about? And how can we take courage when we go through frightening times? Pastor David preaches “Something New Is Coming!” based on Mark 13:18. 

November 10, 2024, Pentecost 25B: "A Leap of Faith"

When Elijah happens upon a destitute foreign widow during a famine, he makes an audacious (and possibly offensive) request that she feed him before she feeds herself and her son. Yet, something within her moves her to do so, trusting his promise that the oil and flour will last. Why does she take such a leap of faith? How can we trust God when all we might see is scarcity? And how can we as church together take such leaps for the good of our neighbors? Pastor David preaches “A Leap of Faith” based on 1 Kings 17:8-16.