This Sunday, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage in the USA, and Psalm 146 is a Song of Hope in the eternal return of the dynamic becoming of life. The 2022 Hispanic Manifesto states the following about social injustice in the USA: “We Latinos have been and will continue to be a strong force that boosts this country forward. Sadly, we are not recognized. The general population fails to notice. Non-Hispanic Americans know we exist, but they haven’t really heard us. They know we are here, but for them, we are invisible.” Psalm 146 offers a sweetness about life that is worth identifying. This Sunday, let us consider the connection between Hispanic Heritage and the call to end poverty to regenerate our ecosystems for the liberation of life and the common good. How can we move from isolated communities to communities of communities?

Part I (Cherry) We are beginning to emerge from a liminal space and time during which the COVID pandemic has turned our lives upside down. Rabbi Arthur Waskow refers to this as “The Great Pause.” As often happens in liminal times, visions were born; seeds were planted. Now we begin to reap what we have sown. How have we at SFBC used this time? Will our harvest sustain us? Today we celebrate the great Mystery which interbreathes us and brings from every bulb a flower. Alleluia! Part II (Pastor Mario) I invite you to consider the following questions: What does it mean to gather in the Spirit as The Beloved Community that follows the Way of Jesus to share grief and praise and journey with the Love of The Universe, who invites us to heal and regenerate life? What does it mean in the intimacy of the table to welcome the unveiling of life and find hope to take action? ~ Pastor Mario and Cherry Johnson

At SFBC we talk a lot about being a place of home. As we move forward I to the future, what does that mean? We will look together at the “lost and found” scriptures from Luke 15 as we wonder where lost things go, how being found works, and what it means to create, and be, home for each other. Join us for homecoming Sunday. It wouldn’t be the same without you there. You are welcome here.

Our lesson for this week is found in Luke 14: 1, 7-14. Here, Jesus invites his disciples to consider the importance of the wisdom of equality: Contrary to the evil of domination based on superiority, the beloved community must be constructed based on the concept that we all are equal. Thus everyone must be welcomed as they are. Jesus is inviting his disciples and us to consider the origin of life and creation where we all share the same source, and thus we all are equally vital despite how we may look or how many possessions we have. The wisdom of equality reminds us that to build a beloved community, we must include everyone, including our planet. What does it mean to awake to this aspect of the teachings of the wisdom of Jesus, realizing that there is no planet B? How can we continue to be like sunshine on a rainy day in our community today? Let us ponder these questions as we gather this coming Sunday, September 4th, to worship our common source of life.

Last week Pastor Patricia challenged us to consider the invitation of Jesus to minister to those who many leaders ignore. This week we are thinking of Luke 14:1,7-14, a call to radical change. Jesus gives us his perspective of what kind of commitment His followers must have if they want to gather and form the beloved community. Given the urgency of the moment when our common home is at a dangerous moment due to the evil of domination, we are invited today to consider committing to taking every little step and action we can have at hand to construct the beloved community of Jesus despite any opposition. I invite you to explore the following question during our Sunday Sermon: Why do serving the poor, feeding the hungry, educating the children, picking up the trash in our streets, driving less, eating plants, and conserving water indeed become radical acts that require a radical commitment? Remember: You are doing this to Me and thus, to Mother Earth!

In our text Jesus sees a woman who had been bent over for 18 years. She never asked to be healed of her condition, but Jesus could see it was debilitating and he healed her. She immediately began to praise God for her healing. On Sunday we will explore how we are bent and at times broken by the concerns of the world. It is comforting to know that the Holy One sees our condition and wants us to be healed. Although we may be healed of our brokenness and have a new outlook on life, not everyone will be as excited as we are. In spite of our detractors, we must praise God and get on with living.

When I was growing up in the Midwest, I learned how to interpret the skies on a summer afternoon to watch for tornadoes. If there was that greenish tinge, and torrential rain, and wind that mysteriously stopped...look out. In the Scripture passage today, Jesus reprimands his listeners for knowing how to interpret the skies, but not knowing how to interpret the present times. That doesn’t mean that he wanted everyone to go all in on “Left Behind” interpretation towards the end times, but it does mean that Jesus was frustrated that folks around him didn’t see what he was seeing. I wonder now at how we are interpreting the times we are in? There are many signs around us of a world in turmoil...so how are we responding? What are we choosing to pay attention to, and what do we turn away from in discomfort? How do we wrestle with the division that may come (is already here?) from following the Way of Jesus and doing justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with the Holy? Join us on Sunday as we ponder these questions and more as a faith community and family of the one called the Christ.

This week we will explore another part of the same chapter of warnings and encouragement Luke 12:32-40. Here Jesus continues to invite us to trust not material wealth but God, where we will find reasons to regenerate our hope and be ready to face life's adversities as climate change. Let us not forget that great movements started with two or three people gathering and hoping for regeneration. What does it mean for us here at SFBC to be inspired when we pay attention to the power our planet has to regenerate, the passion and commitment of our young, and the potential and urgency to take action collectively?

This week, we are exploring Luke 12:13-21. What does it mean to follow Jesus and his perspective on money? Our love for the accumulation of money (greed) is being identified as "the elephant in the room in our modern society", linked to the injustice of poverty and the destruction of our common home, evident in increasing climate change and the destruction of the ecosystems that sustain life as we know it. Let us explore what options we can find in Jesus' teachings to transform our understanding of money as beloved communities working together towards saving our common home, planet earth. Can we do the same, as Seattle First Baptist Church, here and now and in this time?

Though perhaps not many of us have been in a storm at sea, or risked our lives in danger of shipwreck, we certainly know what it is to be in the storms of life. In the midst of a storm, the apostle Paul led the sailors in his company to break bread together. What do we do when we are struck with the storms of life? Trust in God, have fellowship together and break bread together. How do we have do the same as Seattle First Baptist Church, here and now and in this time?

As we move through our culture, what idols or shrines do we notice? Perhaps you’ve noticed shrines to commercialism, professional athletes, entertainers, and social media. Some would say our country idolizes guns, workaholics, and Christian nationalism. Today we explore why those professing to be followers of Jesus must proclaim the good news of the God we know, who fashioned the universe after Godself. Now is the time to name the unknown god, and make known God’s passion for justice, right relationships, forgiveness and love.

This week we consider Acts 16: 16-40, where “the new Saul,” the Apostle Paul, a follower of Jesus the Liberator (Luke 4:14-21), finds himself in a struggle with the powers that be. This means that Paul will have to face and resist the spirit of the rulers of this world or the “spirit of domination” that inhabits all oppressive systems. Let us come together and explore the mission of the liberation of life in this intriguing passage of our Christian Sacred Book.

Pastor Anita leads us in our Pride Sunday worship, celebrating our LGBTQIA+ siblings and the gift they are to the world. How has SFBC been, and how can it be, in the right place at the right time as a place of hospitality and belonging — a place of home — for LGBTQIA+ followers of the Way of Jesus? Where is God is calling you, and calling us as an SFBC family, to minister to those who need a message of inclusion and abundant love from the Holy?

After Pentecost, the new church community in Jerusalem had more than enough resources to meet everyone’s needs and they actually took care of one another. Can we even imagine a world like that? We are more willing to share with those we know and love, which requires us to be in relationship with our neighbors. Living in relationship and in community also calls for honesty. We will briefly look at how material possessions can distract us from serving God.

Today is Pentecost. We fill the sanctuary with the colors of the flames of the Holy Spirit as together we consider what the Spirit is doing among us. We unite our voices in the songs of the Holy Spirit, and Pastor Anita leads us in wondering what it truly means to have our “hearts be set on fire” for justice.

Following the devastating mass shooting at Robb Elementary School on May 24, and on the heels of the shooting on May 14 at Tops Friendly Market in Buffalo, NY, we gather for a service of lament and action. We remember those precious children of God killed by gun violence, cry out with psalms and prayer and song, and hold each other as we move forward into resolute action.

There is so much grief and violence and hardship in the world right now, so how do we respond as people of faith? Well, we might not have all the answers, but one thing we do know is that we must center our hearts on God’s peace, which is a profound peace that is different from the world’s peace.

Historically, the Church has struggled being a place of welcome for all people. Too often clerical leaders have sought to maintain strict exclusionary rules to their sacred club. Being told we do not meet the criteria to be at God’s sacred table is spiritually devastating and according to this text, ungodly. All are worthy to be at the table of grace and mercy.

Pastor Anita preaches on John 10:22-30. In this story, people ask Jesus to tell them “plainly” who he is and what he is about … but we know from living in this world that nothing is “plain” when it comes to the Bible. Pastor Anita leads us in considering what our words and actions reveal about our core beliefs and identities as followers of the Way of Jesus.

Pastor Anita preaches about the Easter story found in Matthew 28:1-10, when the women come to the tomb in the pre-dawn dark and receive a message from the heavenly messenger: “He is not here! Do not be afraid!” The scripture says they experienced “fear and great joy” at the glorious mystery of Easter morning. And isn’t that just how we feel sometimes, balancing between fear and joy, sadness and celebration?

Palm Sunday is a day of rejoicing with a hint of sorrow around the edges. Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, but there was tension in the air during his procession. We will look at the tension we wrestle with on Palm Sunday and the emotions we bring to Holy Week.

Pastor Anita leads us in exploring the tenderness of Mary’s anointing of Jesus’ feet in John 12. How do we feel about the embodiment of Jesus, the sensory nature of this story, and the fact that we ourselves have bodies?

Who counts in a community? Does a certain group count more or less than others? Who do we see, and who do we take for granted? Pastor Anita leads us in revisiting Luke chapter 15 and the parable of the man with two sons, also known as the prodigal son. You may think you know this parable, but think again… are you taking it for granted?

We must honor our time of preparation. We are not wasting time when we prepare for our next season. Others may not understand our process, but in due season, we will be prepared to endure the unexpected or to graciously receive that which was hoped for.

Pastor Anita leads us in considering Mark 16:9-15, and introduces the Lenten theme of Simple Joys of Grace. What would it be like to take the “great commission” that Jesus gave his disciples and witness to the world through acts of simplicity, joy, and grace?

Today we remember the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountaintop. Along with the story of the Transfiguration,we will explore the cosmic poetry in John 1. We will consider how words can transform us and transfigure our relationships with each other and the Holy.

In our world today there are so many issues deserving our attention that we can become paralyzed and do nothing. Our challenge is to move beyond feeling bad and to take action.

Today, we will consider what about Jesus’ identity and words made him unwelcome in the place that nurtured him. We will wonder together about if there are people or needs or messages that we are not open to receiving simply because we know too much or have preconceived notions about the issue. We will challenge each other to keep our hearts soft so that we can be moved by the Spirit of God, which Isaiah, quoted in Luke 4 says, “is upon [us]…to proclaim good news…[and] preach liberation.”

Pastor Tim’s final sermon at SFBC comes from the beginning of the gospel of John and the water-into-wine story in John 2. In the texts from Year W, it is paired with a reading from the Song of Songs, an erotic love poem in the Hebrew Bible that doesn’t get near enough attention. Love, like good wine, ages beautifully. Which is why poet Robert Browning could write: Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be …

Knowing our roots and the branches of our family tree can bring meaning and purpose to our lives. Our baptisms prepare us for the purposeful and at times painful work of ministering with others.

What can a caring community accomplish? So much, if we only take the steps to make it possible. Pastor Anita preaches on Mark 1:29-31, the story of Jesus healing Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. Together we will explore how this simple 3-verse story provides a blueprint for pastoral care and community care.

On this weekend celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it is easy to quote Dr. King. But quoting Dr. King and claiming Dr. King is a long way from committing ourselves to continue Dr. King’s legacy. If we have found ways to make Dr. King comfortable, perhaps it is time to see him in the light of John the Baptist, one who “cries out in the wilderness to prepare the way and to make God’s paths straight or true.” Perhaps there is some repentance to be made before there can be reconciliation.

This story of Jesus in the Temple is the bridge text between Jesus as an infant and the adult Jesus who is about doing the work of the Holy One. This story calls us to prepare for the journey ahead, and it reminds us that unusual wisdom can reside in those we least expect—even in our children.

Today we sing beloved carols and think together about the genealogy of Jesus as told in the gospel according to Matthew. Even though many readers skim over the lo-o-ooooong list of names, we will find some gems of wisdom in this list.

Lovely though the music of this season is, it is more than entertainment. It is a call to present ourselves to what Howard Thurman calls, “the work of Christmas.” Hear that call with Hannah and Samuel and Mary and Joseph. And I hope we hear you say: “Here I am.”

As we again await the coming of the Holy One we must get our hearts and minds in a place to receive a sacred gift. What might we do to sanctify ourselves as we birth something new, individually and as a congregation?

Advent calls us to slow down, and spend time wondering — asking questions, yes, but more so rest in being in awe of the magnificent Creation around us. How wonder-full is this world, if we only slow down to take note for a moment. Let’s consider the stories of Sarah and Elizabeth as we pause to exclaim the wonder of the Holy Mystery in this Advent season.

This year, we will be using a new Lectionary created by Hebrew Bible Scholar Dr. Wilda C. Gafney. It’s "Year W: A Woman’s Lectionary for the Whole Church". So, this Advent we will hear again the story of Mary, but in a duet with her ancestors, Hagar and Sarah and Samson’s mother and Hannah. They all have a lot in common. But each one has her own story. Just like you!

This has been one of those weekends where the sermon that Dr. Hunter had prepared got tossed out because she needed to address the injustice that took place on November 19. The not guilty verdict on all counts for Kyle Rittenhouse threw many of us off center. We may be distracted in our worship or confused in worship. And that is OK, for we are not called to worship with perfection, but to make a joyful noise.

My lexicon of popular music is pretty short. But there have been popular songs that have intrigued and inspired me; like R.E.M.’s “The End of the World as We Know it,” first released in November 1987 and re-released in December 1991. In a lot of ways, the 1980s were the end of the world as I knew it: coming out, leaving a community of faith that I had known all my life, creating and losing a long-term relationship. Even moving from my beloved Chicago to Seattle in 1996 felt like the end of the world I knew. So I was intrigued by the second line of R.E.M.’s title, “And I feel fine.” It’s the end of the world and I feel fine? Perhaps the song is a soundtrack for Jesus’ words in Mark 13.1-8 about war and natural disasters and suffering. Because the end, he says, “is but the beginning of birth pangs.” Could there possibly be any good news in the end of the world as we know it? Join us this Sunday as we wonder together.

This All Saints’ Day, Pastor Anita preaches on Mark 12: 38-44, a story that is usually told to encourage people to tithe. But is there more in Jesus’ observation of the widow who gives all she has? What do we have to give at SFBC—our tithes, yes, but also our time, energy, passion, care, prayer and more. Let us worship together and share communion as we talk about all of the ways we give—of ourselves and of our community—to this world.

For all the talk about the Bible as a book of answers, it would be more accurate to say that it is a book of questions – big ones, deep ones, powerful ones. Jesus is always asking questions and being asked them. Some of the questions people ask Jesus are intended to score points or to humiliate this upstart Rabbi with apparently no official religious training. Jesus turns most of these questions back on themselves. That is how Mark 12 begins. But by verses 28-34, there is a consensus on the question of which commandment is the greatest. Jesus says: “You shall love the Lord your God … and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Finally! An answer everyone agrees on. But, sadly, “after that no one dared to ask him anything” (vs. 34). I have always thought these are some of the saddest words in the Bible. The people have Rabbi Jesus right there and they stop asking questions? There are so many questions left to ask. But they lost their nerve. This Sunday we reflect together on “Daring to ask Questions.”

The story of Bartimaeus is a familiar biblical story. Bartimaeus was blind and called out to Jesus for healing. Jesus heard him and responded to his need. What we may not have noticed in this story is that the crowd initially discouraged Bartimaeus from seeking healing. I wonder if there are occasions in our faith journey where we discourage those searching for healing and wholeness? We will explore this theme on Sunday.

Mark’s gospel gets a little jumbled after the story of the Transfiguration at the beginning of Mark 9. There is misunderstanding. Failed healings by the disciples and powerful healings by someone who is not part of the inner circle. Jesus seems to be hiding out from the crowd while he talks to his disciples about welcome. It looks like there is a theme starting about children that stretches into Mark 10. But that theme gets interrupted by some drastic words about cutting off limbs or being “thrown into hell.” Where is this all going? One scholar suggests that the connection is about inclusivity and boundaries – about inviting in and “cutting off.” It makes me wonder about drawing lines. What lines don’t need to be drawn? What lines – for the safety, healing, and peace of others – need to be? The sermon that is evolving feels like a dangerous one. Drawing lines is always dangerous. Lines have consequences. Please join me in the conversation on Mark 9.38-50 this Sunday as think about “drawing lines.”