Getting to Empty: Unbound

Scripture: John 11:1-45Jesus goes to his friends Mary and Martha at the death of their brother, Lazarus. Like us, Mary and Martha are sure that their grief could have been avoided. But Jesus sits with them and weeps at the reality of their loss… and then, something changes.

Getting to Empty: High Expectations

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13A young shepherd is called to be a King… and so we still look to one who we call a “Good Shepherd” to lead us. But what is it about these workers in the flock? Is leadership just directing the path? Or could it be that leading also contains listening to the … Read more

Getting to Empty: The Weight of Water

Scripture: John 4:5-42Jesus meets a Samaritan Woman at a well, and notices the weight that her story—or rather, the story others have told of her—has weighed her down. In seeing her, naming her, and offering her his presence and blessing, he calls a powerful new preacher into the world. What stories must we set down … Read more

Getting to Empty: Night Lights and New Birth

Scripture: John 3:1-17A wise one called Nicodemus comes looking for Jesus, but perhaps uncertain if he can leave his position and power behind. How are we being invited to be “born again” continually, releasing what has been to move more and more lovingly into what may be in God?

Getting to Empty: Trees, Towers, and the Center of Self

Scripture: Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7, Matthew 4:1-11What really happened in the Garden? Did humanity start with a story of disobedience, or maybe distrust? Did we leave a paradise with us at the center, or a web of mutuality and connection? As we begin Lent, Jesus resists the temptation to center self, and reconnects us to the … Read more