First Presbyterian Church Of San Anselmo

Power-over wants us to stay quiet and lukewarm. That's how power stays in power. In the complexity of life, God is near, encouraging and empowering us to stand where we know we ought to stand.

At the midpoint of the year, we pause to refresh and reset, returning to the 7 spiritual practices that ground us in the new thing God is doing in every new day.

The wild hope of our imagination finds its sure footing in Jesus Christ, the one who enters into the deep suffering of the world and is sovereign from there.

God’s healing imagination comes to life in our collaboration and cooperation – inviting us to an economy of mutuality and a politics of compassion and freedom.

Beyond the caves and fear of domination, God empowers us to imagine and create a world better, brighter, and more beautiful than the struggle and suffering we are experiencing now.

God is willing to re-order the world to seek out and welcome everyone who is far from home. The Story of the Prodigal Son says to us: No matter where we are on the journey – no matter how far from home – no matter who we are – no matter what we’ve done – there is One who is willing to bring us back home.

 In bewildering times, empowered by the Spirit, “what we can do” is the steady work that flows out of our baptism. 

In baptism, we enact what has always been true: God loves and welcomes everyone.

With the women at the empty tomb, we proclaim this Resurrection truth: Everything that lies ahead is life.

On Palm Sunday, as we turn toward the cross, Jesus joins us in the deep suffering of the world, with tender mercy there, too.

As Mary anoints Jesus, they embody for us a world based on sharing, reciprocity, and tender mercy.

We consider the call of the Parable of the Lost Son, with Rev. Floyd Thompkins preaching (Pastor, St Andrew Presbyterian Church, Marin City)

In our fear, God comes to us with the gifts of presence and possibility for a future in which we are not alone.

Our world these days can feel utterly disorienting. As we cry out in lament, we find God not far off, but near... in the midst of the suffering, joining our lament, and calling us into life. Psalm 22 invites us to lament (loudly); to listen for lament (the suffering of the world); and to draw near (to God and to each other).

In his testing in the wilderness, Jesus turns from evil and turns toward the Way that will lead to the cross – a way that leads us to life.

The glory of God in Jesus comes to life on the mountain top, and in everyday acts of healing, and in us.

In a world fueled by enmity and retribution, Jesus commands love: Love God. Love others. Love yourself. Love your enemy. Love everyone. No exceptions.

In these days of turmoil, God’s grace meets us where we are and empowers us to be both humble and bold, in the name of Jesus.