Whose Rule? We use the phrase “Kingdom of God” often – but where is the Kingdom? Jesus invited his followers to see the Kingdom all around them, and in themselves. Perhaps a clearer term might be “Reign of God.” Where is the Lord of Love reigning? Well, right here and right now, both within us and all around us. But…
What We Could Be It’s easy for us to imagine going back to the ‘good old days’ – a time we imagine as simpler, more faithful, and better. Followers of Jesus are susceptible to this idea – that with each passing year we stray farther from the faith and success of our ancestors. But, of course, our ideas about how good…
The Cost of Love What does it mean to be the church? Why should you give your money, your time, and your energy to the church? Psalm 146 reminds us of God’s ongoing work for justice, and the call for us to commit ourselves to this divine work. And a famous story in the Gospel of Mark about a woman…
For These Saints For All Saints Day we honor the beloved members of our congregation who have died in the last year, giving thanks for their lives and the legacy they have left. We’ll read the names of our congregation’s beloved members, and we’ll light a candle to symbolize the eternal light of God’s love. We remember and give thanks…
Love Knows No Boundaries There are no borders in the Kingdom of Heaven, no divisions between “us” and “them.” Rather, God’s divine love removes the boundaries we’ve drawn and invites us to live in deep connection with all of God’s children. Pastor Clay and Pastora Keren Rodriguez of Aloha UMC will be preaching together and reflecting on the ways that…
Bigger Than Us World Communion Sunday is a celebration of the global Church – a reminder of the gift of the variety of cultures, languages, and peoples of the church. In the rich tapestry of the Church, we can see God’s desire for our world – an interwoven community where our diversity is the very source of our strength and…
We Belong Together We’ll be welcoming new members into LOUMC, including a celebration of the sacrament of baptism. And in the vows we make together, we’ll remember that this community is a gift of God to us. And we’ll remember that, in Christ we belong to one another. Join us live at 10:00 on September 29 or watch the replay…
But Why Here? There are dozens of churches in Lake Oswego, and hundreds more within an easy driving distance. Why are we part of THIS congregation? What is it that makes LOUMC distinctive? Should we even TRY to be different? And why can’t all the churches just get together? Join us live at 9:00 on September 22 or watch…
“John Who Now?” What are United Methodists? What makes us distinct? What do we believe? And what’s all this weirdness about “going on to perfection?” Is this John Wesley guy actually helpful when it comes to being a faithful Christian? (He is.) Join us live at 9:00 on September 15 or watch the replay any time after. Download the…
What’s This All For? What is all this church stuff for? Why do we gather in worship? Why have a building? Why read and study Scripture together? Why have small groups, or ministry teams, or a staff, or ESPECIALLY why have a pastor? What does it even mean to be a church? What does it mean to be the Church?…
Dirty Words The Pharisees and Scribes confront Jesus about the disciples not properly washing their hands. Jesus turns the tables on them (of course) and challenges their understanding of sin and holiness. Jesus teaches that it is our own hearts that are the source of sin, not something outside of us that defiles us. Humans love to focus on the…
Disarmed Paul encourages the Ephesians to put on the whole armor of God – but he’s using language subversively here. The armor Paul suggests is not armor at all. Instead, it is righteousness, peace, truth, faith… Paul is perhaps suggesting that to be a follower of the Prince of Peace requires us to live differently. We may not wear armor these…
