Jesus tells a parable about a king who throws a party. But there’s a problem. Nobody comes! And what does the king do in response? He burns down the whole town. Ouch. Throughout the centuries, many Christians have interpreted this parable as a story of divine judgment. If you reject God’s party, God will act…
One of the big problems with American Christianity is that we have overly spiritualized Jesus. From his teachings about the Kingdom of God to his parables to his miracles, American Christianity has trained us to believe Jesus was talking about a place you go after you die. Today is Just Peace Sunday throughout the United…
These times are tough. But together, we are tougher. Fires, pandemics, racism, corrupt politicians. Many are asking, “Is this the Apocalypse?” Maybe. But hope rises. “Because it’s Portland everyone is stepping up.” – Erika Beseda, Clackamas UCC member Prelude Adam: God be with you. All: And also with you. Welcome and Announcements – Adam Ericksen…
Today we will hear Jesus’ teachings on nonviolent conflict resolution. Could you use a little conflict resolution these days? We will also celebrate Communion, so we invite you to get a piece of bread and juice (or whatever you’d like). Everyone is welcome to participate in Communion. For example, if you are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Straight, Atheist, Agnostic, Pagan, Jewish,…
Welcome to Worship! We invite you to prepare your hearts and minds for worship with this prelude music. Prelude Adam: God be with you. All: And also with you. Welcome and Announcements – Adam Ericksen Lighting of the Peace Candle – Ellery and David Palanuk Ellery: Our tradition at CUCC is to light a peace…
In our passage today from Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus gives Peter a new name – the Rock. But Peter is a strange person to name the Rock. Peter is not solid. He repeatedly fails. The Rock has cracks. But maybe that’s the point of Christian spirituality. Like Peter, we all have cracks. And maybe that’s the…
Welcome to worship! Did you know that even Jesus had to deal with cultural bias? No matter who you are, you are invited to worship because the Realm of God is always expanding beyond our human boundaries. For example, some people ask how can any church be open and affirming of our LGBTQIA siblings? And…
Today we will hear a story where the disciples call Jesus the “Son of God.” This is not merely pious religious language. This is political. In the ancient Roman Empire, the Caesar was called the “Son of God.” It was a political statement of divine power. And that political statement led to oppression. The early…
Sunday, August 2, 2020 The Politics of the Gospel Prelude Adam: God be with you. All: And also with you. Welcome and Announcements – Adam Ericksen Lighting of the Peace Candle – Amira Stanley and Adam Adam: Our tradition at CUCC is to light a peace candle at the beginning of each worship service…
Do you know how so much of Christianity is based on excluding others who “don’t belong”? That’s not really Christian. Welcome to worship, everyone. You are loved. You belong. Prelude Adam: God be with you. All: And also with you. Welcome and Announcements – Adam Ericksen Lighting of the Peace Candle – Amira Stanley and Adam Adam: Our…