Worship

We value the traditions of Word and Sacrament and the ways they connect us to all those who have honored faith before us. But we also remember to laugh, sing, and share in our imperfections.

Worship may mean many things for many people. The diversity of people’s circumstances as they walk in the door is unknown to us, but known to God who loves us just as we are, wherever we are.

Our hope is that people feel warmly welcomed by the congregation and held by God in God’s sanctuary. The sanctuary is a space that embraces all differences among us, as part of God’s celebration of diversity. The sanctuary is a place that gives us rest from the weariness of whatever life brings. The sanctuary is a place we give thanks and find ourselves returned to wholeness and held in peace.

The connection we have as God’s creation is inextricable, and the world is in need of more compassion, empathy, and love. Worship is a place to nurture and grow together in Christ as we sing, praise, and humbly thank the God who brings peace. We are then charged with the task of sharing that wholeness and peace with others as we go back into the world.

Find out more about how we worship.

In the 1970s came a television show unlike any show before it. The name of that show was All in the Family, and its protagonist was Archie Bunker. Norman Lear was the producer of that show and used the series to portray the many challenges and controversies facing the United States during that time.

In some ways, we have progressed as a country, no longer comfortable with much of the language and dialogue portrayed in the show. But in other ways, we are still holding the same arguments we did over 50 years ago.

I have a friend who sat with Norman Lear at a celebrity luncheon. According to my friend, Mr. Lear said the writers of the show would often equate Edith’s character with Jesus. So while debating how Edith might react or what she might do, the writers would often ask, “Well, what would Jesus do?” Because, like Jesus, Edith loved everyone, even the bigoted, racist, and intolerant Archie Bunker.

Archie thought of himself as a Christian. But how do we define Christian? Is it enough to hold beliefs but not put them into action? Are our intentions enough or do we have a responsibility to behave in certain ways, even when we don’t want to? And when we say we love our neighbor, are we required to love people like Archie?

Through the comparison of history, our challenges then and now, our Christian lens, and the comedy of the brilliant Norman Lear, who radically changed the nature of television, we will explore these questions.

Pastor Nicole

WORSHIP

PAST SERMON SERIES

Is Archie Bunker a Christian?

Advent 2022