Far From the Shallows Now

Pastor's reflection after our delightful Christmas Program, "A Star is Born" at St. Paul's UCC in Downers Grove.

"Far From the Shallows Now" podcast

Ready

Sermon podcast from yesterday's Second Sunday of Advent service at St. Paul's UCC in Downers Grove, IL.  Luke 3:1-6.

It is too easy to define everything as good or bad, left or right, Christian or unchristian . . .
It’s too easy to bend the Bible so that it fits our agenda. 

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"Ready" podcast

There's More to the Story: Looking Inward

Sermon podcast from this past Sunday at St. Paul's UCC in Downers Grove.  Interim Illinois Conference Minister Rev. Justo Gonzalez is the guest preacher. Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 21:25-36. Yes. Sometimes life sucks.

Video sermon preview (Kirk)
"There's More to the Story: Looking Inward" podcast

Reign

Sermon podcast from today at St. Paul's UCC in Downers Grove, IL.  John 18:33-37.  Stop pursuing money and power and domination while you’re wrapping yourself with a flag or a cross!

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"Reign" podcast

Peace

Sermon podcast from yesterday at St. Paul's UCC in Downers Grove, IL. 1 Samuel 1:4-20. Painting all people of an entire culture or skin color or religion or nationality with one brush does not help.  And violence met with violence only produces more violence. Threats of violence and getting tough only produce more violence.  Terror met with terror only produces more terror. War met with war only produces more war.  We have to work for a better way, a better future, rooted in peace.


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"Peace" podcast

Turn It Up!

Sermon podcast from yesterday at St. Paul's UCC in Downers Grove, IL. Yes. The title is a nod to the date (11/11) and Spinal Tap.

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"Turn it Up!" podcast

Wherever

Sermon podcast from yesterday at St. Paul's UCC in Downers Grove, IL.  Mark 12:38-44.  Jesus called out those who were not only marginalizing, but also exploiting the powerless in society.

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"Wherever" podcast

Heart

Sermon podcast from today's Reformation Sunday service at St. Paul's UCC in Downers Grove, IL. Mark 10:46-52

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"Heart" podcast

Hope and a Future

Sermon podcast from today at St. Paul's UCC in Downers Grove, IL.  Jeremiah 29:1-15. How about working together for the common good instead of doing what benefits the powerful?

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"Hope and a Future" podcast

Do

Sermon podcast from this past Sunday at St. Paul's UCC in Downers Grove, IL. Mark 10:17-31. What does it mean to look beyond money?

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"Do" Podcast