Rev. Zach

2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33      Ephesians 4:25-5:2      John 6:35, 41-51 A few weeks ago I began a four-part series on gratitude based on reflections on the lectionary in conversation with the book, Gratitude – The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks , by Diana Butler Bass. You may or may not remember that I’m calling this series “Gratefully Alive,” and yes, the pun is intended . It may or may not have been a good idea to interrupt that series with a guest preacher last week, but I think we all enjoyed learning more about our Living Waters project in Cuba. Since our readings repeatedly remind us that Jesus is the bread of life this month, it certainly didn’t hurt to hear that he is the living water for the world – then and now. In case you are like me and you find that a few nights’ sleep may challenge your immediate recall of the past, I’ll remind you where we left off. We started out talking about the connection between grace a...

2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33     Psalm 130:1-8     Ephesians 4:25-5:2     John 6:35, 41-51 Our scripture passages speak to us today of things that are both terrible and wonderful.  They speak to us of consequences that are immediate and eternal.  And they remind me of a time when I had the opportunity to sit before a judge who was dispensing wisdom and mercy. On this particular occasion, my dear wife had been in a fender bender that was the result of a momentary misunderstanding of the actions of the driver in front of her and a confusing traffic pattern.  On advice from others, she decided to go to court and plead “no contest,” as this was a minor offense on an otherwise spotless driving record.  I came with her – expecting to do some work while we waited – and found the bailiff to be quite clear in the expectation that my open note pad was not welcome.  Instead, I enjoyed one of the most interesting days of listening to...