John 3: 14-21
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper
I was in grade school back in the day when we still had to memorize multiplication tables. I don’t know- maybe grade school kids still have to do that – though I’m getting the impression that that kind of rote information is now being implanted in their brains by a computer chip or something. Anyway, we had to actually memorize all the multiplication tables and we had to prove that we had memorized them by taking timed tests. Not only did we have to memorize them, we had to be able to recall the right answers within a certain time limit. Now, my mother was a math teacher at the high school, so one would assume that I would possess certain mathematical aptitudes. But when it came to these multiplication table tests, I could not handle the pressure. Now, if you did not get all the answers correct in the allotted time, you were required to take the test home to your parents for their signature. (more…)

John 2: 13-22
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper
One of the biggest problems a church our size and in our situation has is leadership fatigue.  This is because of two basic facts: we don’t have enough leaders to go around, and the challenge we face is huge.  If we faced a smaller challenge, we would tax our leadership less.  And if we had more leaders, we’d spread the burden around.  So today, I want to talk to you about leadership.  I want to talk to you about what we need as a church – not just here, but what we need as a church in any community.  And I want to invite you to become a leader – to respond to the need, not only of your church, but of your community as well. (more…)

Mark 8: 31-38
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

One of the things I fail to fully understand in this world is the nature of suffering. What I don’t understand is why there is so much suffering. I also don’t understand why some people seem to suffer disproportionately, and others seem to suffer less. I suppose these are mysteries, not to be understood. (more…)

Mark 1: 9-15
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper
In Mark’s gospel, one moment Jesus is presumably ecstatic as he hears God’s voice from heaven say, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And then, the very next moment, that same God is driving him out to the wilderness, where he is tempted by Satan. Such a dramatic shift, and it happens so fast. (more…)

Meeting approximately once a month, our book group reads a book of mutual interest, usually dealing in some way with themes of spirituality, religion, or social justice. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, April 2 at 7pm in the church parlor. We will be discussing “Meeting Jesus Again For The First Time“ by Marcus Borg. Please join us with a well read copy of the book and be ready to participate in a meaningful discussion. To learn more about our book group or about the next book, please go to the “Go Deeper” section of the web page.