the Rev. Phil Brochard

Harlowe Zefting

This sermon reflects on eschatology, exploring how Jesus describes the world's suffering as the "birth pangs" of a new creation. It emphasizes the "already and not yet" tension of God's promise, encouraging Christians to act against pain and oppression while awaiting the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan. Despite fear and anxiety, the message is one of hope, imagination, and active faith in God’s unfolding renewal.

The Rev. Emily Boring

This sermon was preached the Sunday after the 2024 presidential election. The Rev. Emily Boring draws on the themes of light, resilience, and justice, encouraging the congregation to reflect on how Christ’s teachings call them to protect the vulnerable, stand against injustice, and find unity amid divisive times. Using the story of the widow’s humble offering, she urges followers to examine their actions, advocating for compassion, solidarity, and active faith. The sermon ends with an invitation to hold vigil in community, embodying enduring love and hope.

the Rev. Phil Brochard

This sermon examines how eternal life, a promise held by believers now, can coexist with death. Using the story of Lazarus, Phil+ reflects on Jesus’s grief and anger toward death, showing God’s empathy with human sorrow. Drawing on Sandra Schneiders, the sermon urges believers to avoid despair, embracing life together in faith, love, and unity amidst division and loss. Jesus's command to unbind Lazarus symbolizes the need for communal support, suggesting that eternal life is lived through shared hope and mutual care.