Category: Uncategorized
“Back to Basics”
The Beatitudes offer an even, level place where we can return to basics. Amid the violence that breaks in upon us to threaten inward peace, these eight blessings from God flow down to us and uplift us... Read More
“To Whom Do You Belong?”
A slow reading of the sermon title, “To Whom Do You Belong?” With these two foundational prayers for the two traditions that are part of my life: Take, O Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memor... Read More
“The Curve of Emptying”
Two of the three Jewish celebrations find their corresponding Christian celebration: Passover – Easter; “First Fruits” – Pentecost. Today is Day Two of an eight-day festival. W... Read More
“Ponder a Punch Line”
Parables, like jokes, have punch lines. Feel the punch at the end of this familiar parable which is so much like other punches we receive in life. This Spanish saying will help. “Calladita se ve má... Read More
“AS We Forgive”
We seek to stretch the “AS” in the phrase from the Lord’s Prayer, “AS we forgive those…” The story of Joseph and the Parable of Jesus about Forgiveness are the two ... Read More
“How Not to Take for Granted”
Enthusiastic sharing of quotations from the book, “The Dawn of a Mindful Universe” by Marcelo Gleiser. Readings from Colossians and Ephesians form the ground of the mystery and the source ... Read More
“Joy in Suffering: How?
How we can experiences joy in sustaining God’s love in our hearts no matter want pain we may be going through.... Read More
“Beckoned Beyond Your Boat”
A joyful celebration of the Baptism of Jaxson and Chase Stolz offers the opportunity to find personal meaning in the Gospel of Jesus walking on the water. The beckoning of Jesus to Peter to step beyon... Read More
“After This: WHAT?”
Whatever is your “NOW” in you life’s movement, the Holy Spirit can move you to deeper, more joyous spaces when you stop and listen in the silence.... Read More
“A Worship Service with Music, Readings and Prayer”
July 30th was the fifth Sunday of that month. We have a custom at Matawan UMC to present a special program of music and readings in those months with five Sundays.To view the video with the lyrics of ... Read More
Weeds in the Soul
I propose that there are two tracks in today’s Gospel. One is a vast, comprehensive level of wheat and weeds as Jesus envisions. The other track is our own souls where weeds fester among the good wh... Read More
“The Word Made Flesh in YOU!”
A refreshing understanding of the Parable of the Sower.... Read More
“Gliding into the Kingdom”
Gently acknowledge the emotions that you have, whether positive or negative. Do not wrestle with them. Step back, and pray to the Holy Spirit, “We have a situation here!” Let the Holy Spir... Read More
Images of Mutuality
Various images offered to capture the intent of our Creator in sharing Divine Love with us. We return this love to our Creator through love and care for one another.... Read More
From Cross to Sword
Various images of how the cross became the sword over the centuries. Godfrey of Bouillon wore the Jerusalem Cross on his chest in the First Crusade in 1096; Pastor Nick has worn this image in a neckla... Read More
“Heaven’s Grand Opening”
The gift of Jesus refusing to resist the forces of darkness that pressed against him in his death, brought the power of the Resurrection which is now ours. Peter Paul Ruben’s great painting of S... Read More
“What’s In the Way?”
The story of the woman with the issue of blood offers itself as a powerful image of overcoming what is in your way preventing you from coming close to Jesus? Audio of the sermon... Read More
The Season of the Spirit
Introducing the Season of Pentecost as away to be “in” a season, and not “after,” as in so many Sundays “after” Pentecost. A key concept expressed is “uncondi... Read More
Grounded in the Spirit
When the ground beneath your feed isn’t enough to feel safe, the Holy Spirit is there to make what feels groundless, grounded in the Spirit’s love and the fruits of the Spirit.... Read More
The Power of Waiting
We often wait tapping our foot with impatience. We live in an instant information word: Enter something into Google, and there it is! We are prone to instant gratification. Spiritual waiting is very d... Read More
“Spirit and Mother”
Scripture: Psalm 139:7-18 John 14:15-21 Sermon: “Spirit and Mother” Baptism of Vinh Felix Nguyen Audio of the sermon is below.... Read More
“God’s Positioning System”
We’ve become accustomed to setting WAZE or other GPS apps to feel convident that we will be led to the destination we wish. God’s Positioning System is different. We never leave the present mo... Read More