Category Archives: justice

Sermon on how to make life easier for folks on the margins

It was a real gift to preach in Redding, CA in July. What a great community, with a history of LGBTQ+ inclusion. After preaching this sermon, I was told by a couple in the church that they were ready for my sermon because they had watched the Netflix stand up special Nanette by Hannah GadsbyContinue reading “Sermon on how to make life easier for folks on the margins”

Sermon at Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church on the very first church in Acts

I remember studying this passage with evangelical friends in college who said how much they loved it; it sounds like communism BUT NOT COMMUNISM BECAUSE IT IS ABOUT JESUS. They worshipped a profoundly capitalist Jesus and this passage was a real struggle for them. It was a gift to share some reflections on what thisContinue reading “Sermon at Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church on the very first church in Acts”

“Jesus Christ for President,” a sermon for Reign of Christ Sunday, First Christian Church of Concord, 11/26/17

I have been in the justice movement for a long time. I do work on the hard edges. And yet until last year I never thought I would have to preach about fascism. I am glad Woody Guthrie gave me some insight into the subject.  The scripture for today was Matthew 25:31-46. 31“When the SonContinue reading ““Jesus Christ for President,” a sermon for Reign of Christ Sunday, First Christian Church of Concord, 11/26/17″

“Give Me Oil in my lamp,” a sermon at Broadmoore Presbyterian Church, 11/19/2017

This message was based on the gospel passage about the 10 bridesmaids, 5 of whose oil lamps burn out and they miss out on the big party. I hope that if you’re worried about getting all the details right in order to do good, this message will be an encouragement to you. Plus, I sing.Continue reading ““Give Me Oil in my lamp,” a sermon at Broadmoore Presbyterian Church, 11/19/2017″

“Fear and Bad Behavior” A sermon at Lafayette Christian Church 10/1/17

My sermons keep getting shorter. This sermon includes the scripture reading and intro. The passage is about Moses getting water from the rock when his people are thirsty, but also about how our fear causes us to do harm when it remains unchecked.

“The Back-to-Egypt Committee,” a sermon at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 24 September 2017

This sermon was based on the lectionary passage Exodus 16:2-15, where the Israelites who have just been led out of enslavement in Egypt complain that Moses has brought them there to die and how good they had it back in Egypt where there was really good stew and housing. My pastor used to call theseContinue reading ““The Back-to-Egypt Committee,” a sermon at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 24 September 2017″

The Power of Symbols When People Seek to Make Us Hide

I’m excited to be speaking at a remarkable church in Ft. Worth this weekend about intersectionality. I’m even more excited about how much intentional hospitality they have already shown me. I don’t know if it’s that it’s this church or that it’s Texas or that it’s healthy church or that their pastor told them toContinue reading “The Power of Symbols When People Seek to Make Us Hide”