Rev. Timothy J. Ensworth
In common (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Proverbs 22:2
September 6, 2015
It doesn’t take many words to make a telling point. How about ten?
Come down off the cross,
we can use the wood.
Did you hear John sing those words? One of my favorite musicians, Sarah Jarosz, recorded this song, and from the first time I heard it, I have been struck by these two lines:
Come down off the cross,
we can use the wood.… Continue reading ...
What about you? (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Mark 8:27-30
September 13, 2015
Hope is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all
(Emily Dickinson)
The wings of hope carry us, soaring high above the driving winds of life.
(Ana Jacob)
Meanwhile, these three remain: faith, hope, and love.… Continue reading ...
Not everybody can be first, but everybody can be last (Click in the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Mark 9:33-37
September 20, 2015
When they reached the house, Jesus asked them, “So, what were you guys arguing about along the way?”
Dead silence. Nobody said anything, because they had been arguing about who was the greatest!
Jesus looked around at them and then said, “Come here. … Continue reading ...
Bigger than we think (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Mark 9:38-41
September 27, 2015
Giving a drink of water. It’s a simple act, but that is why it is so powerful, because it is so simple. No hidden agendas. No mixed motives. No quid pro quo. You just offer a drink of water, because you want to, because it is needed. … Continue reading ...
Let go (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Mark 10:13-16
October 4, 2015
Jesus was angry. His disciples were turning people away. They were turning people away and scolding them for trying to bring their children to Jesus to bless them, and that made Jesus mad!
Jesus was angry! Hear him! It’s not (gentle voice):
Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.… Continue reading ...
Let go (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Mark 10:17-31
October 11, 2015
Is it easy? Is it easy to enter the kingdom of God?
Oh, yes! It is easy, so very easy! This is the seed of hope that is planted in each of you, that it is easy, that you do not have to do anything at all to enter the kingdom of God. … Continue reading ...
You don’t know what you are asking for (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Mark 10:32-45
October 18, 2015
Trust in the promise …
When you don’t, you need security fences, safety nets, back-up plans, reinforcements.
When you don’t, you need to build walls. high and thick, and you need to keep a close eye on your enemies and carefully screen your friends.… Continue reading ...
Your faith has made you well (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Mark 10:46-52
October 25, 2015
Bartimaeus was loud. I am quiet.
Bartimaeus was aggressive. I am restrained.
Bartimaeus was demanding. I am acquiescent.
Bartimaeus was impudent. I am polite.
Bartimaeus was blind. I can see.
Bartimaeus had faith. And I …… Maybe I am the one who cannot see.… Continue reading ...
You are not far (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Mark 12:28-34
November 1, 2015
You are not far from the kingdom of God.
How I wish it were true! But we seem far, so very far from that day. So very far from the day when wolves and sheep live together in peace. So very far from the day when swords are hammered into plows. … Continue reading ...
Two little copper coins (Click on the sermon title for a .pdf copy)
Mark 12:41-44
November 8, 2015
Which hand has the penny in it? Both! I have two pennies, two little copper coins in my hands, just like she did, just like you do. Take out your coins. Put them in your hands. Look at them. Admire them. Cherish them.… Continue reading ...