Sept. 14, 2008 Pastor Charlie "Appreciating & Respecting" As we read this text, we are surprised to find Paul inviting tolerance. I don't know about you, but I generally expect Paul to give a firm "yes" or "no" to situations that arise. But he doesn't in this case. The people in a congregation were each judging the other as wrong. Paul wants them to respect each other and not judge the other.
Sept. 21, 2008 Pastor Vonna Thomas "Scandalous Grace!" Our scripture passage this week is challenging. It's the parable Jesus teaches of the workers in the vineyard. Some are hired at dawn to work a day's wages. Some are hired at different times of the day...even up to an hour before quitting time. Then comes the surprise ending. All are paid the same. Where is the justice in that? How would we feel if we were the workers who started at dawn and worked hard all day only to be paid the same. I invite you to read the passage from Matthew 10:1-16 and see what resonates with you. Maybe God will surprise us all.
