by Kent French, August 25, 2022
Summer Worship Series: New Beginnings This summer, we learn more about the faith lives of our members as they reflect on what it means to embark on new beginnings. Jesus liked to eat. More than that, he liked eating with other people. His friends, followers, strangers on the road, perceived enemies, he sat down with all of them. And in the intimate act of sharing a meal, he saw into the heart of his companions and helped them see themselves and their lives in new ways. There’s a reason that we commemorate his ministry with the holy meal of communion…or… Read More
by Amy Norton, August 18, 2022
Summer Worship Series: New Beginnings This summer, we learn more about the faith lives of our members as they reflect on what it means to embark on new beginnings. One “new beginning” we’re in the midst of is troubleshooting and tweaking our sound system and livestream; we’re grateful for your patience and understanding as we work to have everything shored up and in ship-shape by September! This Sunday, United Parish high-schooler Kendall B. will offer a homily she wrote reflecting back on a six week, 3,000 mile bike trip she made last summer, pedaling from the coast of Georgia to Santa Monica,… Read More
by Susan DeSelms, October 28, 2021
Dear United Parish Family, This Sunday, we are talking about the Negro Spiritual and its role in our lives as Christians. This Little Light of Mine, Honey in the Rock, Go Tell it On the Mountain, Were You There When They Crucified My Lord – these and hundreds of others are part of the canon known to most Black Americans as Negro Spirituals. To most white Americans, they are African American Spirituals, or simply Spirituals. This Sunday, we are launching a brand new racial justice initiative centered on the musical legacy of enslaved Africans, and their descendants. Unlike other hymns and… Read More
by Kent French, March 09, 2017
There’s an old spiritual with the words: Now there was a man of the Pharisees, His name was Nicodemus and he didn’t believe. The same came to Christ by night. Wanted to be taught out of human sight. Nicodemus was a man who desired to know how a man can be born when he is old. Christ told Nicodemus as a friend, “Man you must be born again.” Said, “Marvel not, man, if you wanna be wise, Repent, believe and be baptized”. It’s a paraphrase of this week’s Gospel, the story of Nicodemus, an established priestly leader coming to figure… Read More
