Compassion – Rev. Deborah Beloved Church (aka "Pastor Deb")

“Go and BE Disciples!”

“…yes, each person is doing the best they can at any given moment, [AND] all people everywhere, including here, including all of us, have been hurt by something or someone, even if that hurt was not intended… All people everywhere, including here, including all of us, have been wounded in our innermost being, even as we have been loved…

It’s the reality of the fallen human condition.

And, all people in all places, including here, including each of us, desperately long to be deeply seen and known, and loved exactly as we are…”

“Any Takers?”

Acts 17:22-31; John 14:15-21 May 14, 2023 At the beginning of our time together this morning, I shared that I had an amazing experience on the Presbyterian Peacemaking trip: “Native Lands of the Southwest: The Doctrine of Discovery and its Impact.” [April 28 – May 7, 2023] And that is absolutely true. It was incredible. SoContinue reading ““Any Takers?””

“Showing Our Scars”

John 20:19-31 April 16, 2023 “After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord….Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answeredContinue reading ““Showing Our Scars””

“Christ In Disguise”

Matthew 25:31-46 October 2, 2022 World Communion Sunday “And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25:40, NRSV) This is a familiar passage to many–this description of the separating ofContinue reading ““Christ In Disguise””

“What To Do With an Encounter With God??”

Luke 9:28-43 February 27, 2022 When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. (Luke 9:36, NRSV) As I did a few weeks ago, I’m going spend a little time this morning imagining with you what all ofContinue reading ““What To Do With an Encounter With God??””

“Small Change, Big Difference”

Luke 13:18-21 October 17, 2021 “Jesus said, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.’ And again heContinue reading ““Small Change, Big Difference””

“Whole and Healed”

“Are any among you suffering? Are any cheerful? Are any among you sick?” In those three questions, pretty much all possible states of existence are covered! And in response to all three of them, James says, effectively, “Turn to God. Remember God. Call on your faith.” As part of a community of faith….

“You must understand this, my beloved…”

“You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness.” (James 1:19-20, NRSV) A few days ago, as I was thinking about the idea of listening, I remembered hearing something, not too long ago, about someone being assaulted atContinue reading ““You must understand this, my beloved…””

“Blessed By Hard Battles”

Matthew 5:1-12 Rev. Deborah Church Worley February 2, 2020 White Rock Presbyterian Church When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Continue reading ““Blessed By Hard Battles””