Recently, I discovered the works of the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks whose writing has been a blessing to me. This is especially true of his book, “Judaism’s Life-Changing Ideas: A Weekly Reading of the Jewish Bible.“ His reflections on Metzora were so timely for me and I believe important for everyone after a year like … More A Positive Word
The reports coming in about the current mental health of people during this time of uncertainty and isolation is not good. We are under a real threat to our wholistic well-being and we are threatened by the virus. Here is what I hear and see. We are hurting…suffering in private, but also very visible ways. … More A Powerful Word
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Matthew 5 I wrestle with this teaching. Not that I don’t agree with it or aspire to live it. I wrestle with the weight of what Jesus says in this teaching. He is making the case that one can only truly understand and embrace the mercy … More In Need of Mercy
we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. (Galatians 2:16) Is this the point to this life summed by obeying a set of rules from a divine power or is it about understanding that God loves us? This is struggle happens in every … More A Disciple’s Life
How Ellen and former President Bush reminded us that kindness matters. … More Love your Frenemy
“Everything is a mess, and I just want to start this day/week/month/life over. I can’t shake this feeling that I am a shadow of what I really want to be today. Why is everyone else succeeding with their best life and I … just feel off.” These are the words I hear and read all … More Darkness in the Light
We can all agree that the world would be a better place if everyone tried to be kind. When Jesus preached that we should not judge others is that the same thing? Today we explore Jesus’ challenge to all who will listen about love. Material20190120105833 from First Presbyterian Church on Vimeo.
When someone asks you to describe your ideal “home” what do you say? What makes it feel like “home” for you? There is something about that place that we all desire, especially at this time of year, but we are not always able to find it. We talk about the “home” we get, make, and … More Sermon “I Will Bring You Home”
How can we be thankful during times of suffering and acts of horror? Can God create hope in the midst of darkness? thankful time 11 from First Presbyterian Church on Vimeo.
Have you ever stopped to consider that you are a child of God? What does this do to your outlook on the day? How does this change the way you see yourself? What about anger? Certainly it is necessary and useful. Can it become a trap? We consider these questions and more in the sermon … More Sermon on John’s First Letter
Rev. Shawn J. Smith 