God isn't loud. God is often hidden, but very present and active. The book of Esther shows us what living faithfully means in a practical sense. And on this weekend of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it also reminds us that the Good News is not that America is great or doomed. Instead, the Good News is that God acts and the people society walks past survive. The reading comes from Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, 29-32.

Life doesn't come with a manual of how things are supposed to go. And while that may be frustrating at times, it is also a blessing. Because if there was a manual, then we'd be judged on how well we stuck to it. Instead God gives grace freely and in unfair ways. The sermon is based on 1 Timothy 1:12-17.

In Ruth 2 we hear about Ruth gleaning in the field. And Boaz goes beyond the requirements of the law. Gleaning isn't just a way to provide for the poor and marginalized. Gleaning also raises a question as to why there are poor among the community in the first place and what are we called to do in light of that reality. The sermon is in response to Ruth 2:1-23

We're starting a sermon series on the book of Ruth. Ruth's story is full of difficulties and blessings. And through it all, Ruth remains faithful. Given our own circumstances of difficulties, the book of Ruth offers us Good News. The sermon is based on Ruth 1:1-22.

The story of Pentecost is familiar to Christians. The Spirit comes in ways that cannot be ignored. Some respond with excuses. Maybe it's fear, maybe it's not wanting to deal with a new reality. Others respond by asking an honest question - what does this mean? When the Spirit shows up, new life shows up. New opportunities show up. The sermon is based on Acts 2:1-21.

This past weekend, two gatherings of Christians came together. One focused on dominion and domination, using religion to impose upon others. The other focused on the question of how we love our neighbor. Paul's letter to the church in Philippi reminds us that the Lord we serve emptied himself to love others, not dominate them. The sermon is based on Philippians 2:1-13.

Paul's letter to the Philippians is his most joyful letter in spite of his circumstances of being imprisoned. In some ways, Paul's world is like our alone - power arrangements designed to make you feel alone and that there is no hope. Yet, Paul reminds us that we are never alone, regardless of the circumstances. The sermon is in response to Philippians 1:1-18a.

In our reading we hear about the calling of Saul to proclaim the Gospel. There's plenty of pre-call Saul energy in the world right now. It's the reliance on certainty and control. And it is destructive. And Jesus interrupts this, offering Saul a new path forward. And he does the same for each of us. The sermon is based on Acts 9:1-19.