From Rev. Erik Kara of Christ Trinity Church Sheffield, MAAugust 20, 2019His church purchased rainbow colored Adirondack chairs to place in the yard besidethe church as a symbol of their openness and welcome to all persons. A simplegesture with no fanfare. Here’s what happened.“Since "The Chairs"; were placed in front of our church, a few … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: September 2019
Blog
Wisdom in Ecclesiastes
Continuing our discussion on wisdom, we turn to the book of Ecclesiastes. Its critical voice finds flaws in the teachings of Proverbs. Life brings inexplicable challenges. How does one continue to strive for wisdom in the confusion of events that seem beyond our control? When all seems "Hevel": unclear as if obscured by a veil … Continue reading Wisdom in Ecclesiastes
Pastor’s Corner for July 2019
I know, it’s Summer. I should be reveling about the beauty and warmth of this season. But, it seems to me as we begin our time together that Spring is more fitting a metaphor. Gardening and Spring Cleaning have similar early stages. Spring is usually the time for tilling and planting – garden work. It’s … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner for July 2019
Wisdom in Proverbs
So Sunday, we started looking at wisdom. Where does it come from? Why is it wisdom anyway? I invited people, during worship, to share with us what words of wisdom their parents and grandparents passed on to them. You know, like: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush A penny saved … Continue reading Wisdom in Proverbs
Wisdom Series: Beginning July 7th!
References to wisdom, knowledge and common sense seem to be popping up in the media almost daily. So, what's the difference - or is there a difference - between 'everyday' wisdom and Biblical wisdom. Let's find out. Our Summer Sermon Series on Wisdom in the Bible begins July 7th! Check out this video teaser from … Continue reading Wisdom Series: Beginning July 7th!
Pastor’s Corner: May 2019
Now, where did I put that book? I was sure I put it in the green briefcase so I’d be sure to have it when I got to People’s. Argh! It’s in the other briefcase next to the chair out in Union. Or at least, I think it is? Where’s my green capris? I was … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: May 2019
It Lifts
by Rev. Erik Karas It is not like Evil to make a mistake. Yet that is what he has done. His greed has shown his hand. With Pittsburgh, New Zealand, Sri Lanka. It was greed that did it. It was Evil treating us all as equals that tore off his mask! You can see … Continue reading It Lifts
Pastor’s Corner: April 2019
So, last week the Spirit lead me and my sermon down a different path than I had planned. We were looking at Lukewarm Faith. Jesus doesn’t mention lukewarm faith anywhere in the Gospels. Instead, He teaches by example what a vibrant, “enflamed” life of faith looks like. It’s after Jesus’ death and resurrection and the … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: April 2019
Pastor’s Corner: January 2019
I had hoped to write a piece on the delightful contrast of Silver and Blue or White and Blue - winter colors for me. Contrasts that when held together present as beauty. Or does the beauty glisten through the contrast - seeing both colors for what they are, as separate and equal, as well as … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: January 2019
Pastor’s Corner: December 2018
This new liturgical year leaves the stark; in-your-face style of Mark’s Gospel and enters the justice-seeking compassion of Luke’s. Our real world situations have been emotionally and spiritually exhaustive this past year. Luke’s Gospel comes as a much needed reprieve with a clearer message of hope, a clear message of where to look for God’s … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: December 2018
John Street United Methodist Church 