Easter

In John’s account of the discovery of Jesus’ resurrection Mary Magdalene sees Jesus but thinks he is the gardner. She pleads with him asking him to tell her where he has taken Jesus’ body. He speaks one word to her, “Mary” and she sees who it is she is speaking to. She calls him “Teacher” and he responds “Do not hold on to me but go to back to our community.” It seems that comprehending and interpreting the resurrection is not work best done alone.

Update: Audio

Palm Sunday

Our Palm Sunday tradition is to begin worship by gathering on the front steps of the church and processing into the sanctuary while singing “All Glory, Laud and Honor.”

The main point of my sermon that Jesus decision to enter Jerusalem was not a heedless act but a conscious decision, a decision that was representative of, and consistent with, the whole of Jesus life. It was was a decision to serve rather than be served. It was a decision to hang out with the common folk rather than to be seen with the captains and the kings. It was a decision to seek out places of struggle rather than avenues of escape. He made these choices in order to plant seeds of hope in the heart and mind of every person.

Three sentences sum up the essence of Palm Sunday. He walked toward us. He walked with us. He walked for us.

Update: Pastor Hopkins’ sermon is here.

March 9th, 2008

Greetings…

The audio for the sermon by Sandra Lee is here. It also includes the introduction given by Pastor Hopkins.