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,…
Tag: sermon
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…
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…
What is blocking the flow of love?
Preacher: Jenn Hosler Scripture: Psalm 51:1-2, 6-12; Isaiah 58:1-12; James 5:1-9, 13-16 A few weeks ago, I attended a retreat in Florida at a Catholic retreat center. I wasn’t surewhat to expect for myself at this retreat. I didn’t come in with any specific hopes, though I knewa dedicated time for renewal and spiritual growth…
Carried in Our Belovedness
Guest Preacher: Julia Baker Mark 3:20-35; Psalm 130 Years ago in a poetry class I was given a prompt to write a letter to America. I chafed at the initial assignment. Immediately all my social critique about our capitalist society with a deeply ingrained military industrial complex and colonizing global presence whooshed into view. As…
Of Service and the Border: The Gospel call to action and proclamation
Preacher: Pastor Nathan Hosler, PhD Date: February 4, 2024 Scripture: Mark 1:21-39, Isaiah 40:21-31 We gathered at the border. Tall, slated fence at our backs. Beyond that a dirt road flanked by razor wire. In the razor wire, clothing. Pulled from people struggling across. And beyond that, the Rio Grande. We gathered to pray, recount stories,…
Jonah and the….Mercy of God
Preacher: Pastor Nathan Hosler, PhD Date: January 21, 2024 Scripture: Jonah 3:1-5, Jonah 3:10, Mark 1:14-20 The fish was huge! It was, at least, big enough for us to keep and eat—(I didn’t really like it as a child). If I say, “Jonah and the….” How do you fill in? Jonah and the big fish or…
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…
Advent 2023 – In Bethlehem, Christmas is Canceled
Preacher: Pastor Nathan Hosler, PhD Date: December 3, 2023 Scripture: Mark 13: 24-37, Psalm 80 Munther Isaac is the pastor of the Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem—the Bethlehem. His family and the Palestinian Christian community trace their history back, literally, to the beginning. The Church of the Brethren has sought to read the New Testament…
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 