In the Parish Rev. Brian O. Bennett

Reading: Mark 12: 38-44, 1 Kings 17:8-16The story of the widow giving her last two coins to the treasury is not necessarily a model for us, but a reminder for Jesus of his own story. 

Reading: John 8:31-36Reformation Sunday is often a day of celebration for Lutherans. Such a day often leads us to forget the truth about our Christian life. 

Reading: Mark 10:35-45In the midst of ambitious disciples, Jesus lays out what ambition looks like in the Kingdom. 

Readings: Mark 10:17-31Here we have some of the longest accounts of Jesus' teaching in Mark's gospel. And it focuses on money, a favorite among Jesus and the prophets, and a topic we all would rather avoid. 

Readings: Genesis 2:18-24; Mark 10:2-16God creates human community in Genesis and Jesus upholds a Kingdom-formed community based in mercy and grace as a witness to God's love in the world. 

Reading: Mark 9: 30-37Jesus follows God's lead of caring for the poor and outcast more that those who exist in positions of power. Not because they are loved more, but because God seeks to redeem all creation, not just the VIPs. Jesus invites us into that life.