In Batavia, our trend of meal-centric scripture continues. This week, what happens when our meal companions aren't our closest beloved, but are, instead, one of them? We know how much a meal means - which means it's easy to be disturbed by those we love eating with an "other" - even an enemy.

And in Dundee, we're exploring meals, too - specifically, communion. We always pray that this holy meal might make us "salt and light and leaven." Salt and light, yes. But leaven? How so? And when does Jesus tell us to be leaven? Well, if you've ever wanted to nerd out about rising agents (and beat a great metaphor into the ground!), then you've come to the right place.

Sorry we're a week late in posting! But here's a reflection on various bible passages, exploring in particular the nature of prayer: is it getting God to do what we want? Is it beseeching a heavenly parent with a list of demands? And if not, what is it?

Our story today is that of Abraham and Sarah extending extravagant hospitality to a trio of traveling strangers, who turn out to be Divine. And, of course, there is blessing in the hospitality...not earned, but freely given, like the meal itself. It's a joyous, celebratory, funny tale about the gift that is welcome.

Trigger Warning: Includes a brief discussion of sexual violence around the Sodom and Gomorrah story that follows.

Two separate paths again today...one about Mental Illness and Mental Health, and one about the Spirit moving and working in the world, even when we're maybe not ready. Both firmly anchored in the testimony and witness of our Scriptures where, we believe in faith, the Spirit always has been at work, and continues to be. Join us to see what might be afoot.

It's the fourth Sunday after Easter, and we are talking sheep, shepherds, and disciples this week, with two different but connected paths. The first is the story of the resurrection of Tabitha by Peter in the Book of Acts. And the other is a meditation on Shepherd Leadership in John 10. The convergence of the twain? A life lived in love and grace, perhaps. Join us as we continue in this season to celebrate resurrection.

Two weeks after Easter, and John is still telling us resurrection stories! Which, of course, is only appropriate, because the new life we find in Christ isn't limited to one day once a year. This Sunday is an amalgam of references to other Gospel stories, the reconciliation of Peter, and the commissioning of him and the others to the work of the Kingdom. It's a lot...but the overarching theme is new life, rebirth, resurrection. Happy Easter indeed!

It's a Jesus Christ Superstar moment..."The rocks and stones themselves would start to sing!" Luke's version of the Triumphal Entry is on the pod today. There are no palms, no hosannas, no donkey, but there is resistance, and protest, and challenge all in the shouting and the silence. Both can be sacred and necessary in their moment, and yet both can also be counterproductive in others. How do we know when to lift our voices, and when to be still? Join us for this deep dive into Palm Sunday.

Zacchaeus is the story this week, the story of a rich tax collector who climbs a tree just to see Jesus. Again, we think we know what this story is about, but do we really? Is it about repentance? Coming back to your true self? Or not judging the life and work of another? Maybe, like our theme this entire Lent has suggested, it is all of these things, and more, a nuanced tale about the complexities of life in general, and the life of faith in specific.