Sunday sermons from Montclair Presbyterian Church of Oakland, CA. We are a family of open-hearted, open-minded, joyfully imperfect people. We know and share the radical hospitality of God. Affirming God’s love for the whole world, we work and pray for peace, justice and reconciliation. We are as contrary as Jesus.
Rev. Ben Daniel preaches on Palm Sunday about the importance of speaking truth at great personal cost, both in Jesus’ time and in our own tense and dangerous political climate.
Guest preacher Geoff Browning (peacemaking advocate for the Presbytery of San Jose) discussed the nature of peacemaking… and then the power went out, so we have no recording of his sermon. If you’d like to read more of his thoughts on peacemaking, his writings are available online: “The Prince of Peace is not the God of War” on Tikkun Daily, and “The…
Rev. Talitha Aho speaks to us as Mary of Bethany, showing her to be a person of great spirit and perception, and much more than just “Lazarus’ sister”.
Rev. Dr. Eugene Park, guest speaker from San Francisco Theological Seminary, speaks about ancient issues in Christian Theology as they are experienced today.
Scripture: Luke 4:1-13 Drawing upon the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, Rev. Aho talks about how Jesus responds to the tests as a model for us in our lives, and invites us to rest in the grace of having enough.
Admitting that he plans to view the big professional football game with friends today, Rev. Daniel contrasts Christian such concepts of Beauty, the Good, Truth with the uglier realities of current-day football. Scripture Luke 9:28-36
Noting that in scripture God is represented as capable of changing God’s mind, Talitha Aho, Coordinator for Children, Youth and Family Life, talks about the importance of change.
music by Randall Thompson, poem by Robert Frost Kim Rankin Conducting the Montclair Presbyterian Church Choir Marcia Roy, piano
Rev. Melinda draws upon Luke 14 to show how being in a church is like playing jazz: it takes practice, preparation, humility, generosity, and a hospitality of spirit.
Rev Beth reflects on her experiences–and invites other participants to do the same–during MPC’s August outreach at the local farmer’s market, asking the question: what do we have to offer the world?