Rev. Beth Buckingham-Brown and the should-be-Rev. Lisa Larges reflect on their parallel journeys walking the troubled waters of the Presbyterian debate on inclusive ordination standards. Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33.

Guest Preacher Talitha Phillips discusses two parallel Bible stories — manna in the desert and the feeding of the five thousand — and asks: who are we in these stories, and what do they tell us about nourishment, sharing, and community?

Rev. Beth invites the congregation to help create a parable on the theme “the realm of God is like…” Scripture: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-49

Reflecting on the parable of the weeds, Matthew 13: 24-30, and 36-43, Rev Beth challenges the congregation to consider our own “Wheatiness” and “Weediness” and to ask ourselves in what ways we nurture growth and in what ways we are getting in the way.

Guest preacher Rev. Dr. Carol Miles discusses the ‘Parable of the Rich Man’ in the context of Ecclesiastes, reminding us of the core message of both: do not worry, enjoy your life, and depend on God.

On More Light Sunday, Rev. Beth discusses Abraham’s near-sacrifice of Isaac, and how that lesson can be applied to the current tragedy of LGBT children being ‘sacrificed’ by their parents because they believe it’s the Christian thing to do.

On Trinity Sunday, Talitha Phillips reminds us that the word “Trinity” is not found in the Bible and tells the stories of these ways of knowing God.

On Graduation Sunday, Rev. Beth gives her ‘commencement speech’, reminding us all to be like compost for the world: adding richness and life to everything around us.

Kim Rankin, MPC Music Director, discusses the challenges of J.S. Bach’s life– and his tendency to immerse himself in them– to set the context for the MPC Choir’s performance of his Mass in G.

Rev. Beth considers predictions of Judgement Day this coming Saturday: the historical background, the key players in the current situation, some reasons for its popularity, and how progressive churches (such as MPC) can respond.