Today’s sermon is a short play by Rev. Ben, in which a reading of the Pentecost story leads to a lively discussion among the congregants about the importance of listening to the Spirit, especially when she speaks to us in ‘exotic’ languages from far off lands.

Following Isaiah 2:2-5 (“swords into plowshares”), Rev. Ben encourages us to defetishize militarism and to direct resources and respect toward all those who contribute patriotically to peace.

Interpreting the Acts story of the Macedonian Call, Rev. Ben delivers the good news: we need to be prepared to be surprised by how our dreams come true.

What are we to make of the miracles in the Bible? Ben’s thinking has evolved – from seeing them as proof that the performer of miracles were righteous, to a test of faith, to an indication that Jesus is still with us.

On an Earth Day Easter, Rev. Ben encourages us to find the miracle of resurrection in the continual rebirth all around us, and to plant seeds of our own.

Rev. Ben preaches on the story of Mary and the expensive perfume, connecting it to the tricky question of when it’s OK to be extravagantly faithful in the face of poverty. Read John 12:1-8 on Bibles.org

Rev. Ben wrestles with the concept of sin, showing how it can and should lead to transformation, connection, and renewal. Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 on Bibles.org

Rev. Ben wrestles with Luke’s story of the fig tree, finding that sometimes a lack of meaning and resolution can lead to a greater truth. Read Luke 13:6-9 on Bibles.org

Rev. Ben preaches on Luke 13:31, a reading that is often used to justify antisemitism, connecting it instead to the importance of actively supporting both Jewish and Muslim communities. Read Luke 13:31-35 on Bibles.org

On the first Sunday of Lent, Rev. Ben urges us to choose not to engage in temptations and distractions that degrade our society and our planet.