Online Services

What's the next step for a white American Presbyterian Evangelical? God put us here and now, and Acts 2 and Revelation 7:9 among others say running away isn't our calling. A couple of ideas from this pastor, which start with more than a little listening, and a dash of courage.

P.S. Jemar Tisby, author of 'The Color of Compromise' is coming out with 'How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey towerd Racial Justice' in January 2021. He gives us plenty to think about until then.

Music today: 'Strange Fruit', Billy Holiday, 1939. Chilling and essential.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1hm5fxJEkY

'What's Going On', Marvin Gaye, 1971. Both Holiday and Gaye risked their careers to release these songs, some of the most important of the last century.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-kA3UtBj4M

'It's Not Working (The Truth)', Propoganda, 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-kA3UtBj4M

'Let a person examine themselves, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.'(1 Cor. 11:27-29) In the old days, the pastor would provide the exam. Here's a contemporary approach to help us prepare.

Music today: Liz Vice, 'Empty Me Out.' When we recognize we're buried, raised, and glorified with Christ, we're able to pass along a message that's contagious in the best possible way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR1MoY3DCu8
Jess Ray, 'Too Good' - Part of the exam involves recognizing our need in receiving the unbelievable grace Jesus offers us. 'It may be too good to be understood, but it's not too good to be true.'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qihXzKaUN4g

The Lord's Supper: a 'visible sign of an invisible grace.' A great definition for our minds. What about for our hearts?
Let's take a look at Luke 22:14-20 and Jesus' desire to be with his disciples.

Music today: John Michael Talbot, 'I Am the Bread of Life'
Protestants and Catholics can enjoy this beautiful meditation on what Jesus gives us through his spiritual presence at the table.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uhk42nq1jwE

'Ascension Day: When Jesus started working from home.'
Not only is the first meme I've ever seen on the subject, it's the first time I've thought about the subject for awhile. Then again, I'm an American. Let's look at Acts 1:6-11.

Music today: Iris DeMent, 'God Walks the Dark Hills'
An acquired taste, perhaps, but I find the lyrics (and this performance) deeply meaningful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OGq4EXaXTM