Lectio Divina Led by Jennifer Hosler Isaiah 12:1-6; Zephaniah 3:14-20; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18 This is the third Sunday of Advent. Traditionally, the theme for this Sunday is Joy. Joy or rejoice is seen throughout several of our lectionary scriptures. For our candle lighting, we read a passage from Isaiah, which is read today in…
Tag: Jennifer Hosler
Not Alone, With the Spirit of Power and Love
Scriptures – John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15; Acts 2:1-21 Jennifer Hosler Who here regularly celebrates Christmas? Who here regularly celebrates Easter? Who here regularly celebrates Pentecost? In my household, we don’t yet have any Pentecost traditions and I think I’d like to change that. Shane Claiborne and his wife Katie Jo celebrated by breathing fire – at…
Welcomed into the Family of God, without Discrimination
Jennifer HoslerActs 10:1-48 (lectionary was 10:44-48) In the past two years, we have undertaken congregational processes to specifically consider how our congregation could become publicly inclusive of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer individuals (LGBTQ+). For many years, our congregation has been functionally inclusive in many ways. We’ve had LGBTQ+ persons involved in worship leading,…
Bisan, Poppies, Bluebells, and the Resurrection: Wildflowers along the Path
Preacher: Rev Jennifer Hosler, PhD Date: April 7, 2024 Scripture: Luke 24:13-35; Romans 8:18-25 We hike almost every Saturday. Since the beginning of the pandemic, most of our Saturday hikes have been along the Potomac Heritage Trail, a footpath managed by the National Park Service along the Potomac River. There were many times during the…
Hosanna – Save Us!
Preacher: Rev. Jennifer Hosler, PhD Date: March 17, 2024 It was desolate and lonely. A few chirping birds. Some wild mustard growing along the edge of a fence. Numerous CCTV security cameras peering down at me. Just three weeks ago, I hiked up and then walked down the Mount of Olives and made my way to…
Following Jesus with Sumud (steadfastness)
Preacher: Rev. Jennifer Hosler, PhD Date: March 17, 2024 Scripture: Luke 9:51-62 Two weeks ago, I worshipped with our siblings in Christ in Bethlehem, Palestine, at the Lutheran Christmas Church, where Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac is the pastor. This beautiful church at the top of the old city of Bethlehem is home to about 200 Palestinian Christian…
The Risk of Following Jesus
Preacher: Rev. Jennifer Hosler, PhD Date: February 25, 2024 Scripture: Mark 8:27-38 The past two weeks, I was part of a multifaith action called the Pilgrimage for Peace. It was led and cosponsored by Faith for Black Lives, Rabbis for Ceasefire, CAIR Philadelphia, the National Council of Churches, Hindus for Ceasefire, and many other congregations or…
Joy and Weeping (Epiphany)
Preacher: Rev. Jennifer Hosler, PhD Date: January 7, 2024; Epiphany Sunday Scripture: Matthew 2:1-18 If you’d like to watch a video of this sermon, you can find it here. This weekend is a weekend of milestones and markers, some joyful and many somber. Orthodox Christmas is celebrated today, as our Eastern Christian siblings in Christ observe…
Voices that We Do Not Expect
Preacher: Pastor Jennifer Hosler, PhD Date: December 10, 2023 Scripture: Mark 1:1-8, Luke 1:39-55 I learned a new word recently: muzak. I was reading a Bethany Theological Seminary update email with a reflection by President Jeff Carter that included this word, discussing the saturation of stores with Christmas background music during this season. Momentarily puzzled, I…
Who You Are and Whose You Are
Preacher: Pastor Jennifer Hosler, PhD Date: November 19, 2023 Scripture: I Thessalonians 5:1-28 May the Words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer. – Psalm 19:14 Preaching is a curious thing. Preaching is more than public speaking. Not only is there…
Washington City Church of the Brethren 