Sermons
Peace be with you
By Roy Stetler
April 7, 2024
The picture is daffodils mingled with hellebore–a toxic plant also known as lenten rose, Christmas rose–but which is not a rose. The white patch in the background is Sierra making sure the stubby pasture grass doesn’t get too long. In the Gospel of John chapter 20 the risen Jesus meets his followers and summarizes the future of their life together.…
Resurrection Journey
By Roy Stetler
April 1, 2024
The faithful women will care for Jesus’ body, anoint it respectfully, lovingly, with gratitude to God for their all too short time with him. Grief, shock, numbness, deep dread—all so overwhelming. They must go on, Jesus would want them to keep up the labor of love. The sun rises as they walk. This time the anointing with spices and perfume…
A home in the Cross
By Roy Stetler
March 29, 2024
Jesus taught and healed folks as they were–to be, to become, to live in love. All along, Jesus answered God’s call with a resounding “Yes!” Then, at the cross, he entrusted the outcome of his ministry back to God and to those who were willing to participate. Jesus releases it all, because the time has come for him not only…
Good Company
By Roy Stetler
March 28, 2024
In one last moment of fellowship and teaching, the message of Maundy Thursday is clear. Jesus invites his closest followers to follow his example of humble service in love. He washes their feet. They are to do likewise. Serving generously will set his followers free. When they are sorely tested by Jesus’ death and absence, their faith will be strengthened…
Certain Confusion
By Roy Stetler
March 24, 2024
If we walk with the disciples this holy week as if it were all brand new to us, this is a truly confusing week: The poor, common folk welcoming Jesus to Jerusalem, the upset-table chaos in the temple, a new teaching of compassionate servanthood, a new application of the seder meal’s invitation to freedom, Jesus being handed over to a…
Refocus
By Roy Stetler
March 4, 2024
The temple leaders of Jesus’ day were distracted by competing concerns related to the oppressive Roman occupation. Its main function as house of prayer and school of the Scriptures was lost. The behavior at the temple was shocking enough for Jesus that he decides to speak up with action. Jerusalem’s leaders have neglected their call and responsibility. His rage momentarily…
Take up the cross life
By Roy Stetler
February 25, 2024
Jesus’ words in Mark 8:31-38 (deny yourself, take up your cross, follow me) remind us that we gain by letting go in love, rather than by grasping in anxious fear. His language is stark. There are no shortcuts. If we seek the benefits of discipline and healthy relationships but are unwilling to commit ourselves to the disciplined work of faithfulness,…
Remember you are dust
By Roy Stetler
February 14, 2024
Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent) is a fresh start in faith—in humble prayer. Waiting with God. Listening. Placing ourselves before God, humbly, honestly. The first step is honesty with ourselves. The merciful love of God—grace—sets us free to pray. . .into the presence of God. No facades, only simple honesty. Ash reminds us that we are dust. We are…
Practice what you are
By Roy Stetler
February 12, 2024
Jesus is transfigured in divine light (Mark 9) with Elijah and Moses. With that vision Jesus’ followers encounter the ancient prophetic tradition of compassionate justice and faithful kindness. The divine voice snaps them out of the ecstasy of the vision and refocuses their attention on Jesus, who prayerfully listens to God and the prophets. The curious transfiguration account is more…
Waiting for Strength
By Roy Stetler
February 4, 2024
(Isaiah 40) Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. . .with wings like eagles. After teaching and healing in the synagogue, Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law from a fever. Word spreads and people bring their sick and demon possessed to Jesus, for healing. The next morning, well before sunrise, Jesus goes out by himself to practice Isaiah 40. …
Dignity Restored
By Roy Stetler
January 28, 2024
When a man in the synagogue (Mark 1) loses control of his body and voice, Jesus acts decisively to restore his dignity. He confronts the oppressor and firmly pushes back. “No. Be silent and come out of him!” By his compassionate action and teaching, Jesus invites the man and the village to a new practice of respect and freedom. They…
Rebellious prophet
By Roy Stetler
January 21, 2024
When Jonah proclaims that God’s judgment is about to be unleashed on Nineveh because of its greedy, unjust practices beyond its borders, the king and people repent in sackcloth and ashes. Jonah’s glee is turned to frustration and rage with Nineveh’s new faith. Then, God also repents, turns from the promised punishment, and forgives Nineveh. Jonah rolls his eyes, and…
