Sermons preached at Jubilee United Church in Toronto, Ontario.
Celebrating Thanksgiving in Canada, Rev. Norm Seli engages with Jesus at "The Bread of Life" (John 6:25-35) and if anyone really appreciates the Gospel stories in 2019. Is church over? Is God done? Norm then reflects on Psalm 100 and the promise that God's love endures and that God is faithful to all generations.... In that, he finds cause for Thanksgiving.
Rev. Norm Seli engages with the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16:19-31) although much of story is pretty obvious (rich people go to hell), Norm still wonders if there might be something more to this parable. He's also rather concerned about a chasm that cannot be crossed...
Rev. Seli engages in the tiny parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin told by Jesus in Luke's Gospel (15:1-10) and wonders what happens to the lost sheep and the coin after they are found? (Mint jelly may be involved).
Do we really want to be found?
Rev. Norm Seli takes some time to wonder about Paul's letter to Philemon. Although it lacks any groundbreaking theology or faithful revelation, it just might hold the clue to building and maintaining the kingdom of God. (How's that for drama?!)
Rev. Anne Dionisio explores the Gospel (Luke 14:1-14) and Paul's letter to the Hebrews (13:1-16) and wonders about how and which way we are supposed to go? Is it simply about a check list and being good?
Rev. Norm Seli imagines an evening in which he plays guitar with Jesus and they talk about the time that Jesus healed a woman on the Sabbath (Luke 13:10-17) - Jesus tells us more about the woman and makes the case for living our lives as gift, Norm argues for the importance of taking time to really appreciate that gift and navigate this life... Who wins the argument? You'll have to listen.
Rev. Norm Seli wonders about the nature of faith. From Hebrews 11 and "things unseen" to Isaiah 1:1-20 facing God's anger and being invited to "argue it out" with God, Rev. Seli has some definite ideas about the truth of faith and it's importance in 2019.
Rev. Norm Seli engages with Jesus' parable of the man who builds new barns (Luke 12:13-21) and wonders, "What is enough?" Aside from recognizing the wisdom of Jesus' parable, he also wonders about what God is doing the story?
Up and coming preacher, Jess Swance, a candidate for ministry in the United Church of Canada (from Jubilee United Church), engages with Amos 8:1-12 and Luke 10:38-42 and introduces us to Love.
Engaging with Luke 10:25-37 and drawing on the scholarship of Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, Rev. Anne Dionisio wonders about the parable of the Good Samaritan.
