Rev. Zach

Sermon Delivered August 26, 2012  Psalm 34:15-22 Ephesians 6:10-20 John 6:56-69 Some things in life are simply unacceptable. People all have their thresholds, though. For example, there are some people who will send back an overcooked steak in a restaurant and some who will not. Everyone has his own reason. Maybe you feel that you should get what you are paying for. Maybe you don’t want to cause trouble. Maybe you want to be helpful by making sure the management and kitchen know the quality of their product. Maybe you’re with a group and you don’t want to hold anyone up. As for me, I used to be a lot more picky about it than I am now. Part of me hopes that I am not jinxing myself or the lunch bunch [group that meets monthly in local restaurants]  today, but I do believe that in this context coincidence is easier to justify theologically than instant karma. God’s love and activity is both bigger and more particular than my sandwich. I am certain that God’s influence is in...

First Presbyterian Church - Lafayette, Louisiana January 22, 2012 - Epiphany (3B) Jonah 3:1-5, 10 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20 I would imagine that most of you have had - at some point in your life - a pet. Not everyone enjoys the burdens and blessings brought on by taking one of God’s creatures into their care. Those who do are either really good at faking it or truly appreciative of the love they receive from an animal. Owning a pet is somewhat of a luxury, of course. There are many nations and cultures that think we are nuts for treating animals as family members. Americans spent around 50 billion on their pets last year - a figure that has continued to climb regardless of the economy. Pets, in our culture, fall somewhere between a connection with God’s creation and a hubristic expression of vanity - and sometimes it is a little bit of both. I say this as a new pet owner, having recently acquired/rescued a “designer dog” from ARF-LA. Being a rescued dog, Emma Jane is a...

First Presbyterian Lafayette, Louisiana Year C, Ordinary 18 8/01/10 What comes to mind when I say the word “ possessed ”? For many of us who grew up after the advent of such horror films like “ The Amityville Horror ” or “ The Exorcist ,” the word possession can bring up some uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. Perhaps if I ask the question a little differently it might change some of your reactions. What if the word is instead “ possession ”? Now what comes to mind? We live in a world defined by things, for the most part, or by the activities that result in things. Our identities are often more attached to achievements than relationships. Sure, we begin conversations with “What kind of work do you do?” But chances are that those conversations aren’t going to go very far unless the “doing” that is described has some kind of value to us. This is nothing new, literature and social commentary about this goes back to the origin of society and recorded history. John Calvin ...

First Presbyterian, Lafayette Louisiana Year C, Ordinary 17 7/25/10   Today's texts speak of something that fascinates me, the idea of talking directly to God.   We find this more in the Old Testament than the New, for in the New Testament Jesus becomes the presence of God for all time and space.   In the past I have asked people in classes and conversations to tell me if they feel they have ever experienced God's presence directly.   Not many people are willing to say they have.   Perhaps in church we might, but what if you were talking with a friend who is having a tough time in life.   Maybe they've had a difficult medical diagnosis or they have a child or grandchild going through some difficult times.   Take your pick because life is full of it: divorce, job loss, illness, the economy, ecology, politics...   Now, I imagine that most of us make the assumption that God is a part of these things and in the midst of all of our joys and suffering.     ...

"Sacrifice" Journey of Faith - Part Two Ruth 1:18-19 Philippians 2:5-11 This is the second sermon in a series titled “Journey of Faith.” My first sermon was on calling. We looked at the call of Matthew and talked about finding the connection between the world’s greatest need and your greatest joy. Greg Garis, our Interim Presbytery Exec. Followed it with a sermon on Jacob wrestling with God. He reminded us to Go for it, and claim the blessing that comes from wrestling with God even if we walk away limping. Today we are considering the story of Ruth and Naomi as well as one of the earliest confessions of faith in Christian tradition. As we continue in this journey together, let us pause for a word of prayer. Lord, silence in us all competing thoughts and concerns, that nothing ring true in this place but the sound of your light in a darkened world. And Lord, if there are any words spoken or considered that are not in keeping with your truth, strike them q...