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October 24, 2021 Rev. Mark Seifried online Lordship Psalm 2 You may be an ambassador to England or France You may like to gamble, you might like to dance You may be the heavyweight champion of the world You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls But you’re gonna have to serve Continue reading …
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October 17, 2021 Rev. Mark Seifried online Wisdom on High Psalm 37, 1-13 We have health facilities in just about every city. Why then are [so many] people still sick and suffering? Churches, synagogues, mosques and other faith communities are prevalent throughout most regions. Why then are so many living without hope and spiritual support? Continue reading …
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October 10, 2021 Rev. Mark Seifried online Praise Psalm 145 Mary Oliver has done so much for my soul over the years – turning observations of ordinary things and everyday experiences into praise. So it goes in her poem called Just Rain.[1] I hope it blesses you as we ponder all the rain we have Continue reading …
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September 26, 2021 Rev. Mark Seifried online The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth Matthew 5:5 What can be said about meekness in a culture where everyone thinks they are right, where my ideas, the books I read, the politics of my posse, and where social theories we have accepted as part of the American dream Continue reading …
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September 26, 2021 Rev. Mark Seifried online Joy Overflowing Matthew 5:11-12 A congregation I served a number of years ago was a lovely community. Truth be told, each church I serve abounds with blessings. Some are easier to love than others. Each has its unique character. Each has different ways of approaching and offering ministry. Continue reading …
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September 26, 2021 Rev. Mark Seifried online Common as Grass Matthew 5:10 I studied theology with a Pentecostal scholar named Samuel Solivan. He introduced me to a number of Latin American and Black liberation theologians. After digesting them, I came to understand that if Jesus was to be the savior of the world, then privileged Continue reading …
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“Home” by Warsan Shire Note: The language in this poem is tough to read and process. Some of the words used are vulgar slang to depict the reality that immigrants face. We need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable in order to be transformed. no one leaves home unless home is the mouth of Continue reading …
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August 1, 2021 Rev. Mark Seifried online Love Unexpressed Matthew 5:4 His wife died a difficult death, protracted over months. I don’t want to focus on her disease and death, though. I want to focus on what happened with Grandpa before and after Grandma’s death. I should share a bit of background: Grandpa began his Continue reading …
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August 22, 2021 Rev. Mark Seifried online Mercy Matthew 5:7 The Talmud, which is a primary source for rabbinical teaching and Jewish law, has a great little story known as “the Wounded Healer.” It goes something like this:[1] There once was a rabbi who wanted to know when the Messiah would come and how he Continue reading …
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August 15, 2021 Rev. Mark Seifried online Righteousness Matthew 5:6 I am often asked how and why I shifted from being a professional chef and running restaurants to becoming a minister only to work for an unstable institution which feels like it’s in free-fall. The institution to which I am referring is the church, by Continue reading …