Words of reassurance. Songs of hope and inspiration. The GreatOutDoors. In times that are tumultuous, uncertain and challenging. Words walk with us. May these words in the post, the words of Scripture, the words in music walk with you as we walk alongside one another this week. Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. A Mighty Fortress is our God- Martin Luther based that hymn upon this psalm. This video is comprised of a virtual choir from 3

Vicious cycle. No way out. Can’t win for losing. Round in circles. Stuck. Darned if you do, darned if you don’t. Between a rock and a hard place. Trapped. Entrapment. It’s where our gospel for this weekend starts. We meet Jesus in Matthew 22:15-20 with competing forces (Pharisees and Herodians) joining together to entrap Jesus in what he says. The miracles, healings, and wisdom teachings have created crowds proclaiming him as King, Messiah, the Chosen One of God. Jesus has p

She was so proud to show me the photo of her in a very special sari. She was all smiles both as she showed me the picture and in the picture of her getting ready for the wedding. It was a big deal. This was a major event. In her late 80’s Agnes Mae looked fantastic decked out in the special attire for her great granddaughter’s wedding. This weekend in Matthew 22 we hear Jesus tell a parable of a king who invited guests to a wedding banquet for his son. They didn't show. They

Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ ~Matthew 21:37 Respect. When you read this verse in context in the parable you find out that there isn't any respect. Not even for the son. This weekend, as we hear Jesus’ parable of the “Wicked Tenants” I invite you to consider what/whom do you respect? Is respect given, earned, deserved? Always the word "respect" brings to mind the Aretha Franklin song in the video at the top of this post. In our recent