March 2009 Archives

Fill My Cup, Lord, with Courage

Mark 5:21-43

March 21, 2009

Rev. Nancy Pfaltzgraf

The little country schoolhouse was heated by an old-fashioned, pot-bellied coal stove. Two brothers had the job of coming to school early each day to start the fire and warm the room before the teacher and their classmates arrived. 

One morning when gasoline had been mistakenly delivered instead of kerosene there was a horrible explosion and the schoolhouse was engulfed in flames. One brother died and the other had major burns over the lower half of his body.

Fill My Cup, Lord...with Freedom!

Mark 2:1-12

Rev. Nancy Pfaltzgraf

What an amazing story -an eager crowd; a dynamic preacher sharing eternal truths with hungry hearts; a nameless man -unable to get to Jesus no matter how much his heart might long for the encounter; four determined seekers who worked together to overcome great obstacles so their friend could meet Jesus; and religious officials who could not see the new thing God was doing in their midst. This cast of characters each plays a role in the unfolding drama that marks the coming of the reign of God into our lives and our world. It is a powerful story of faith and forgiveness, of freedom and healing, of empowerment and grace. It is a troubling story that raises as many questions as it answers. Yet, it is a story that can fill the cup of our lives and set us free to be the community that God dreams we can become.

Fill My Cup, Lord ... with Peace!

March 4:35-41

First Sunday in Lent

March 1, 2009

Rev. Nancy Pfaltzgraf