Preacher: Dana Cassell Scripture: Galatians 5:1, 13-25 I had the chance to talk with my friend Mandy this week, who is the pastor at the Manassas Church of the Brethren right down the road. I’d heard a little about what’s going on at Manassas – actually, when I wrote on Substack a few weeks ago…
Category: sermon
God, What Would You Have Us Know Today?
Preacher: Julia Baker Scripture: Luke 8:26-39 The author Elizabeth Gilbert has a practice where she writes letters from God to herself writing at the top of the page — “What would you have me know today”?” I have done this practice over the last years, finding it especially helpful when the press of the world…
Transdimensional Liminal Space
Preacher: Rev. Jenn Hosler Scripture: Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53 A liminal space – an in-between, transition time. The Latin word ‘limen’ means “threshold.” Liminal spaces are spaces of possibility, uncertainty, uneasiness, and opportunity. When there is a break between the old and new, when the old is no longer valid or functioning and…
The Spirit of Delight
Preacher: Dana Cassell Scripture: Provers 8:1-4, 22-31 A long time ago, in the spring of 2020, a beloved congregant named Nancy included me on a poetry chain mail letter. I don’t really participate in chain letters, but I love poetry and I loved Nancy, who had been a steadfast supporter of me and my ministry,…
Greater Works- Spirit Fire
Preacher: Rev. Nate Hosler Scripture: John 14:8-17, 25-27; Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Today we mark Pentecost—the coming of the Comforter-Helper-Advocate—to the disciples. Having come in power, the Holy Spirit empowers and compels the disciples to go out and continue to the work of Jesus. Today we read our scripture passages and reflect. There will…
Stand, Receive my peace, hear the YES
Preacher: Julia Baker Scripture John 5: 1-9 & Acts 16:9-15 There is a type of essay called a braided essay. Where you weave three or more strands of story or reflection together — each strand might seem unrelated, or only loosely tied — but there is trust that through the weaving they will shimmer off…
Demonstration Plots
Preacher: Dana Cassell Scripture: Revelation 21:1-6 A few years ago, I started working for Brethren Volunteer Service on a very specific project: to start new BVS intentional community houses. These would be places around the country, connected with local congregations, where volunteers would work in the community at volunteer projects, but also agree to spend…
Breakfast with Jesus
Preacher: Rev. Jenn Hosler Scripture: John 21:1-19 Our scripture today is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. I’ll talk more about how and why it is meaningful, but the short answer is because, in John 21, we have resurrected Jesus cooking breakfast. Who here regularly eats breakfast? (no judgment if you don’t) Who…
Peace Be With You
Preacher: Dana Cassell Scripture: John 20: 19-31 Last summer, I had the chance to travel to Alaska. My parents invited me to join them, my aunt and uncle and several other retired couples on an Alaskan cruise. They invited my sister, too, but she declined, so I got to bring my good friend Sharon along,…
Jesus: Drama Queen, True King
Preacher: Rev. Nate Hosler Scripture: Luke 19:28-40 Protests are often a bit of a parade—at times a party of defiance. Banners colorfully display and boldly pronounce a challenge, a rallying cry, a lament, a celebration. They may dramatically re-enact or process solemnly. At times they use religious themes or observances—our family has taken to calling…
Washington City Church of the Brethren 