Love’s Judgment by Rev. Leah Goodwin

Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of […]

Woman, Wings, Dragon, Earth by Shada Sullivan

Originally preached at the NewChurch Live Women’s Summer vespers, June 18th, 2012. (Thanks go to Anita Dole’s study guide for inspiration…) Welcome everyone.  Tomorrow is June 19th, a very special day in the New Church.  We will be celebrating a new connection between God and humanity; we will be celebrating God’s incredible mercy and love; […]

The Prodigal Son and Pinocchio by Rev. Emily Jane Lemole

Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him.  Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it.  Let’s have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”  (Luke 15:22-23) Our inner […]

Helen Keller – A Woman of Faith and Action by Anna Woofenden

“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do something I can do.” ― Helen Keller A young child. A water pump. A child who is blind and deaf. A teacher who persistently spells. W-A-T-E-R Into the hand of the […]

Traveling Lightly, or Putting Down the Cabbages by Rev. Leah Goodwin

In the world of transportation, of movement between places, two types of people exist: those who travel lightly, and those who fairly emphatically do not. I make this claim as an unashamed member of the latter camp, part of that group of reluctant nomads whose tents are pitched swiftly and nests feathered thoroughly, who break […]

Fear Not by Rev. Alison Longstaff

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7) This weekend, we have been exploring the Book of Revelation. We spent some time exploring the […]

You are a Pumpkin/Being Emptied Out by Anna Woofenden

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Psalm 30:11 When I hear these familiar lines, I’m drawn to the second-half of the equation. Let’s talk about the dancing and this joy-filled clothing. You brought me up from the grave, you spared me from going down into the […]

The Lord is my Shepherd by Rev. Julie Conaron

If we look back on our lives we are often able to see the way the Lord has lead us: often like a shepherd leads his sheep. And sheep are not easy creatures to look after. As one shepherd described it: “sheep are high-maintenance creatures,” which is certainly what we often are as human beings! […]

An Unlikely Love Song by Rev. Leah Goodwin

Maybe Isaiah got the words wrong. After all, this is not how love songs are supposed to go. Love songs are supposed to make us feel warm and beautiful and blessed, and sometimes teary. They are supposed to remind us of life’s goodness. Whether remembering the past or hoping for the future or just reflecting […]