The bread of recognition brings us the implications of the Resurrection. The act that we’ve spent these past three weeks trying to understand comes to be lived and re-lived in our ritual act of a communal meal. Preached May 4, 2014 in Ankeny UCC Sermon Text: Luke 24:13-35
Tag: Ankeny
Running to Resurrection
Preached April 20 (Easter!), 2014 in Ankeny UCC by Nathan Willard Sermon Text: John 20:1–18 Mary was so overcome by the disappearance of Jesus that she ran back to the other disciples, who likewise ran back to the tomb. What does the resurrection compel us to do? What are we running to?
Kingdoms of Love and Fear
Ahaz seeks comfort from his prophet Isaiah. Isaiah provides the reassuring messages that Ahaz’s enemies will be destroyed, but as we look back on further events, we see that there is no peace in violent destruction. We look forward to a life built on God’s love, rather than on the hope of violence. Sermon Text… Continue reading Kingdoms of Love and Fear
Prophetic Imperfection
A homily delivered December 15, 2013 at Ankeny UCC. Sermon text Matthew 11:2-11 Where do we find our comfort and value? Do we look to the palaces of the mighty, or to the rough imperfections of the prophets? Where do we find our truth today? In the approval of those with higher status, or in… Continue reading Prophetic Imperfection
The Polk County Wilderness
A sermon preached at Ankeny UCC on December 8, 2013 John the Baptist’s life in the margins, among a marginal people, and their vision for the future calls us to wonder where the unheard voices in our own lives might be. What drives people to the wilderness, and how can we bring them back in?… Continue reading The Polk County Wilderness