Sermons from January 2024
Words of Encouragement for the Pastoral Transition
In our story today, Jesus pauses on his way to heal a little girl so that he can attend to a desperate woman. During the pause the little girl dies, but Jesus then raises her from death. Pastor Tom reflects on how we as a church never stop our ministry but sometimes we do have to take time to focus on immediate needs that demand our attention. Doing so faithfully, positively, and gratefully will result in us doing greater things…
The Anti-Occupation and Anti-Colonization Polemic Thinly Veiled in the Story of the Gerasenes Demoniac
It would be easy to hear the story of the exorcism of the Gerasene demoniac as an ancient story about mental health. It can be that. And, if we pay attention to Mark’s clues we will hear that it is a strong message against violent occupation and colonization then and now. Further, it challenges us to consider what we are willing to pay in wealth and privilege in order to live in the Kin-dom of God.
Allowing God’s Callings to Take Root in Us
The Parable of the Sower is interpreted in the Gospel of Mark as a parable about different kinds of people receiving the Gospel differently. Pastor Tom suggests we think of the sower’s seed as the many ways God calls us in our lives, and the different soil as all being inside each of us. Which of God’s callings are finding the good soil in you right now. Which seeds are preparing you to receive their calling in the future? –…
The Rebellious Love of Jesus
Watch Govans’ own Akilah Atkinson’s sermon on the rebellious love of Jesus and how modeling this type of love can transform your world.