Luke 4:31-44

Luke 4: 1-13

In the second in the series "Faith, Hope and the Force," looking at the life & ministry of Jesus through the lens of Star Wars, we look at the sacrament of baptism.   There is an ancient Christian catechism that refers to baptism as a “visible sign of invisible grace.”  By the power of God, we are surrounded and upheld every day.  Sounds a little like the Force, doesn't it?  

There is something powerful that happens in the waters of baptism.  In baptism, the old self-centered life is set aside and a new life of trust in God begins. Jesus' baptism is more than just an affirmation of who he is. It's also an affirmation of who each and every one of us is, as well. We are reminded of who we are and whose we are.

Luke 3:15-22

In Russ' first sermon in the series, "Faith, Hope & The Force," we are introduced to a young Luke Skywalker who longs for something greater in his life, sensing that he has been set apart for something more.  Do you ever sense that about your own life?  Do you ever sense that God has bigger dreams for you?  That, as Parker Palmer says, "the life you are living is not the life that wants to live in you"?  Then this sermon is for you.

Luke 2:41-52

As you begin a new year, may you accept the past for what it was is.  May you celebrate what needs to be celebrated and grieve what needs to be grieved.  And then, may you receive from God a new spirit: one for Here. Now. Today.

John 1:10-18