The Rev. Phil Brochard

In her farewell sermon last week, Emily Hansen Curran shared a personal transformation from culture-war Christianity to a love-centered faith, which deeply moved her father, Randy. He responded by publicly confessing his own past rigidity and thanking the church for helping him rediscover love and grace. Their story of reconciliation paralleled Jesus’ parable of the barren fig tree, reminding the congregation of the importance of nurturing relationships, not cutting them off. The sermon calls for patient love over certainty and judgment, affirming that fruit can still be born in the most unlikely soil.

Emily Hansen Curran

The speaker confesses their past as a devoted Republican, raised to believe in a Christian culture war. Over time, they realized that political victories do not equate to living out Christianity. Instead of seeking power, they argue, believers should follow Jesus' example of love and service. Drawing from scripture, they emphasize that Christian citizenship is in heaven, not in earthly political struggles. They challenge the audience to replace a mindset of "winning" with one of love, justice, and humility, cautioning against the dangers of prioritizing dominance over discipleship.

the Rev. Phil Brochard

The speaker recalls a fear they had 25 years ago about losing themselves in New York City while attending seminary. Looking back, they realize that their time there—especially during 9/11—tested and shaped them. This connects to Deuteronomy, where the Israelites preserve their identity through remembrance and action. Likewise, during Lent, Jesus is tested in the wilderness, refusing to use power for personal gain but staying connected to God and humanity. We, too, face tests in daily life, sometimes failing. Lent reminds us to turn back, reclaim who we are, and take action—feeding neighbors, sharing power, and standing with others in times of crisis.

Michael Drell

the Rev. Emily Boring

Karl Barth, a Swiss theologian, preached in Basel Prison between 1954 and 1964, finding deep meaning in bringing the gospel to the outcasts of society. He focused on the idea that looking to Christ brings radiance and removes shame, emphasizing joy and divine light rather than suffering. The sermon then explores the Transfiguration, where Jesus’ face and clothing shine gloriously before Peter, James, and John. This event, echoing Moses’ radiant face after encountering God, reveals that divine presence is not confined to sacred spaces but is always with us. Peter’s desire to build dwellings reflects humanity’s longing to preserve divine encounters, but Christ’s presence ensures God dwells among us always. In Christ, we shine—not by our own efforts, but by reflecting his divine radiance.

Harlowe Zefting

the Rev. Emily Boring

the Rev. Phil Brochard

the Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers

the Rev. Phil Brochard

the Rev. Michael Lemaire

the Rev. Phil Brochard

the Rev. Emily Boring

Harlowe Zefting

the Rev. Emily Boring

the Rev. Phil Brochard

the Rev. Michael Lemaire

the Rev. Phil Brochard

the Rev. Emily Boring

the Rev. Phil Brochard