Lessons From Springtime
April 15, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert Luke 24:13-35 Today we share a beloved story from Luke’s Gospel of the travelers on the road to Emmaus. There were actually ten or so encounters with Jesus after the Resurrection and this is a favorite. One of the companions is Cleopas and the other is not named;…
We Are Easter People
April 8, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert Our reading today from John’s Gospel is the familiar story of when Jesus’ disciples are reunited with him after the resurrection. Thomas is not there to witness this firsthand and so, across the years, he has become known as doubting Thomas. Of course, he represents each of us…
Love Is Always Stronger
Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert Matthew 28: 1-10 Happy, Happy Easter! We gather this morning to remember that first Easter so long ago, and yet, in the history of our planet, not so very long ago. We come to rejoice in the fact that God’s ways are not our ways, that…
Easter Sunrise Reflection
Easter Sunrise, Sunday, April 1, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert Since this moment (the resurrection), the universe is no longer what it was; nature has received another meaning; history is transformed and you and I are no more, and should not be anymore, what we were before. ~Paul Tillich So what do I believe…
Why So Utterly Alone?
March 25, 2018 (Palm Sunday) — Rev. Paula Norbert In our reading today, we remember the last night that Jesus spent with his disciples, when he invites three of them to accompany him to the Garden at Gethsemane while he spends some time in prayer. He anticipates what he will soon be facing and he…
Why Suffering?
March 18, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert The Apostle Paul writes in his second letter to the Corinthians today, “Blessed be the God of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation…
To Whom Am I Neighbor?
March 11, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert We find ourselves today on the fourth Sunday in Lent, this time of daylight lengthening, a particular time in the church calendar when we reflect upon the stories of Jesus and what meaning they have for our own lives today. The reading from Mark today is a short…
Written On Our Hearts
March 4, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 No longer…
Part of Me is Dead But Can be Found
February 25, 2018 — Rev. Nancy Bancroft Rev. Paula sent me her sermon, and gave me permission to read it or do something of my own. I felt that I couldn’t do it justice and decided to share my own reflections about the readings. But I’ve borrowed the stories that she offered and would like…
Transfiguration Mountaintop Moments
February 11, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert Our reading today reminds us of the important moment when Jesus invites a few of his followers to join him up on the mountaintop where they will be amazed and changed by what they witness. It is life changing for them, and it probably inspired them even more…