Given by Rev. Madison Shockley December 24, 2021 We gather together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. There is no greater hope than that embodied in a newborn baby. There is something sacred as we look into their eyes. They embody all our family's hopes and dreams for a better future. In the Bible, the [...]
Given by Rev. Madison Shockley December 19, 2021 Today we hear one of the birth narratives. Luke's version differs from Matthew's. These are not historical accounts. The purpose for Luke's narrative is so the readers understand the meaning of Jesus from birth until death. The birth of Jesus accomplishes the task of letting the poor [...]
Given by Rev. Dr. Beth Johnson August 22, 2021 Our guest speaker is from Palomar Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Vista. In this troubled world, we must band together. By doing so, we find hope. Hope can show up even in the face of despair. Hope is waiting to be found. It shows up in small [...]
Given by Rev. Madison Shockley June 13, 2021 Our reading talked about Jesus teaching the crowd with a sermon of parables. Jesus always had a revolutionary message in his parables. He taught against the status quo. One of these parables was about the mustard seed, a small seed that grows into a large plant. Parables [...]
Given by Rev. Madison Shockley January 3, 2021 Happy New Year everyone! Never has there been a more anticipated new year than 2021. Quoting the poet, Kahlil Gibran, Rev. Shockley describes how our sorrow relates to joy. The deeper the sorrow, the greater the feelings of joy. New Year's Day is a turning point. We [...]
Given by Rev. Madison Shockley December 13, 2020 According to our reading, John was sent by God as a witness so others could believe in the Light. Jesus and John the Baptist are linked. Many mistook John for the messiah. Both were prophets preaching redemption and the arrival of a new world order, the empire [...]
Given by Rev. Madison Shockley December 6, 2020 This time last year, we had no idea of the coming pandemic and what we would need to endure as a result. We have missed family gatherings, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, funerals, and religious celebrations. Our social connections have been limited. Too many have been robbed of their [...]
Given by Jude Johnson May 10, 2020 Happy Mother's Day to all! During this period of reflection, we examine our relationship with God and each other. This is an extraordinary time. Many are dealing with the fear of being sick. Many have lost income and/or jobs. Some are dealing with death and grief. Anxiety is [...]
Given by Rev. Madison Shockley March 29, 2020 Today's scripture speaks of a valley of dry bones. As Ezekiel prophesied to the bones, they came alive. They represented the House of Israel who were homeless and without hope. God will bring you home and give you hope. The words from the prophet, Ezekiel, are just [...]
Given by Rev. Madison Shockley March 15, 2020 Our celebration today is unique. We are trying to follow the precautions so all worshipers are safe. Rev. Shockley is committed to being here each Sunday even if others cannot. As the Gospel says, all we have is hope. The Spirit has brought us the words we [...]
Given by Rev. Madison Shockley December 15, 2019 The question today is why is Mary so happy? Her joy is so great that her very soul magnifies the Lord. Few have felt such deep joy. Looking at her life, she should have been miserable. She was a young teenager, set to marry an older man, [...]
Given By Rev. Steve Meineke June 10 2018 Our reading from 2 Corinthians has Paul assuring the church in Corinth that the power of God is in the spirit of the community and provides them with hope that will outlast any problems. Paul understood the power of community to create hope. Everyone deserves a physical [...]
Given By Rev. Madison Shockley December 17, 2017 Rejoice! Our long period of suffering is over! Our punishment is over! This is the good news from our reading today. The spirit of the Lord was upon the prophet Isaiah. He brought a message of hope to the people of Israel. The oppressed will be relieved, [...]
Pilgrim Church 60th Anniversary Dinner Part II of Richard Scheer October 21, 2017 [...]
https://vimeo.com/226575986 Given By Rev. Madison Shockley July 16, 2017 Today's reading describes the confrontation between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees which originated the saying, " A house divided cannot stand." Casting out demons was a common part of Jesus's ministry. This passage describes how many, even his pwn family, had thought he had lost [...]
https://vimeo.com/224382316 Given By Rev. Madison Shockley July 2, 2017 The saying "There is always a ram in the bush" is a piece of folklore. One has to be familiar with the story of Abraham and his son, Isaac, to understand the meaning of this saying. This story follows last week's passage where Abraham sends Hagar [...]
