Every religious and cultural tradition in history has a way of dealing with the difficult issue of death. Our scripture readings today are two examples from our Christian tradition. The gospel of John story of Jesus and Lazarus suggests that it is possible to bring someone back from the dead, … Read More
Be Careful What You Ask For The Rev. Keenan Kelsey Noe Valley Ministry Presbyterian Church October 28, 2018 TEXT: Mark 10:46-52 46 They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. 47 When he … Read More
Isaiah 58: 1-12 (from The Message) 1-3 “Shout! A full-throated shout! Hold nothing back—a trumpet-blast shout! Tell my people what’s wrong with their lives, face my family Jacob with their sins! They’re busy, busy, busy at worship, and love studying all about me. To all appearances they’re a nation of … Read More
~ Mark 10:13-16 ~ The chairman of the “Decency and In-order” committee had his hands full. “Ma’am, you can’t bring your child in here. The Master is too busy talking to the adults.” “Hey, you kids. Stop that running around. Don’t you have any respect?” “Sir, I know you … Read More
~ Psalm 100/Mark 10:37-45 ~ On occasion, when I’m out and about with minister colleagues, at Presbytery meetings or with friends on vacation, I might tell them about one of the biggest challenges I face as pastor of Noe Valley Ministry. The challenge? De-Lording scripture texts! With astonishment they ask, … Read More
~ Mark 9:30-37/1 Corinthians 1:19-31 ~ Flying across the country at 30,000 feet when suddenly the plane hits turbulence, jerks violently and drops precipitously. Spontaneously I pray, “God save us!” When the plane finally lands I heave a sigh of relief, thanking God for the protection. But then … Read More