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

“Come Away and Rest”

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 July 21, 2024 “Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’” (Mark 6:31a) I first heard a story something like the one I’m about to share, years ago. It felt like a good one to share today…You can see if you agree.Continue reading ” “Come Away and Rest” “

“Take Courage”

Mark 6:14-29 July 14, 2024 “When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.” (Mark 6:29) As I was looking at my email inbox one day last week, I saw a subject line that captured my attention. It said “Faith and Lemonade.” I didn’t recognize theContinue reading ““Take Courage””

“The Way of Jesus”

Ezekiel 2:1-5 July 7, 2024 “The descendants are impudent and stubborn. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a prophet among them.” (Ezekiel 2:4,5) OnContinue reading ““The Way of Jesus””

“POWER!”

Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 August 28, 2022 “Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured.Continue reading ““POWER!””

“Do You See That Star?”

Matthew 2:1-12 Epiphany Sunday – January 9, 2022 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:1-2a, NRSV) As I’ve been considering this passage, I can’t helpContinue reading ““Do You See That Star?””

“4th Sunday of Advent: Love (WHAT Is It??)”

Luke 1:39-55 December 19, 2021 “ And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” (Luke 1:45, NRSV) Last Sunday I observed that there were only 14 days until Christmas. Actually, there were actually only 13 days! I’m either worse at math thanContinue reading ““4th Sunday of Advent: Love (WHAT Is It??)””

“3rd Sunday of Advent: Joy (Where Is It??)”

Zephaniah 3:14-20 December 12, 2021 “The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; [God] will rejoice over you with gladness, [God] will renew you in [God’s] love; [God] will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival.” (Zephaniah 3:17-18a, NRSV) Last Sunday I observed that thereContinue reading ““3rd Sunday of Advent: Joy (Where Is It??)””

2nd Sunday of Advent: Peace (Where Is It??)

Luke 1:68-79 December 5, 2021 “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79, NRSV) Last Sunday I observed that there wereContinue reading “2nd Sunday of Advent: Peace (Where Is It??)”

1st Sunday of Advent: Hope (Where Is It??)

Jeremiah 33:14-16; Luke 21:25-36 November 28, 2021 “The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.” (Jeremiah 33:14) “There will be…on the earth distress among nations…. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raiseContinue reading “1st Sunday of Advent: Hope (Where Is It??)”

Happy Reformation Sunday!

Matthew 5 “You have heard that it was said…but I say to you…” (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 31-34, 38-39, 43-44(!), NRSV) Having grown up United Methodist, and thus not within the Reformed tradition, I did not hear much about Reformation Sunday. In fact, I don’t ever remember hearing anything about Reformation Sunday! But then again, mostContinue reading “Happy Reformation Sunday!”