Matthew 4: 12-23
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

NPR runs a radio program called “This I Believe.”  The basic idea of the program is to give voice to the convictions of all sorts of people.  Many of the stories are about overcoming tragedy or adversity.  Like the story about a woman who was violently attacked by an intruder in her home, only to learn how to embrace life more fully as a result.  Or the woman who mourned the suicide of her son, until she began to emulate the joy he had at meeting new people.  Or the man who was wounded in war, but found the will to live when he heard Christmas carols piped over the hospital’s PA system.
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John 1: 29-42
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper

One of the words used in the Bible to describe the church is “ekklesia.”  We have words in English that relate back to that ancient Greek word: words like ecclesiastic, which is a seldom used word for a member of the clergy.  The word ekklesia means a gathering of the summoned, or a called-out assembly.  I’ve always been fond of that definition of church – the idea being that church is whoever shows up after you send out the summons.  The implication of this word is that church is composed of people who have been called.  I find that fascinating to consider.    This early word for church defined church as a community of people who shared one thing in common – it wasn’t what they believed, or what they thought, or what they said, or what they wore, or what family they came from, or what ideas they had – it was simply that God had called them out to gather together. (more…)

Recently, my brother gave a talk at the school where he teaches reflecting on his experience as a football player in a Texas high school.  Since I recently reflected on my experience in Texas sports (and yes, I did play football too!) I thought some of you might find this interesting. At the very least it might explain some of my stranger personality traits.

Not so very long ago, I attended Memorial High School in Houston, Texas. It’s a large public school with about 2000 students. Today, since I know everyone is interested in the topic, I’d like to tell you a little bit about the Memorial Mustang football program in the late 80s and early 90s. Many of you may have seen or read the book, movie, or TV show Friday Night Lights, which all shed some light on high school football in Texas. For fans of the TV show, I was a lot like the character Riggins back in the day. (more…)

Matthew 3: 13-17
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper
In moments of self-doubt, I like to pause and reflect upon my high school athletic career.  Sure, the man in front of you this morning may resemble an out-of-shape sluggard, but once upon a time I was quite an athlete.  You may think it’s a bit pathetic to relive my past glories, but there are times when I need something to remind me that I was not always so out-of-shape. (more…)

Matthew 2: 1-12
Rev. Bryan Travis Hooper
Today we observe Epiphany.  Epiphany commemorates the arrival of the magi to the manger of Christ, offering to him their gifts from distant lands.  The word “Epiphany” simply means an appearance of God – and so today, God in the form of Jesus appeared to the magi.  Epiphany has been defined by tradition as the 12th day after Christmas, which is always January 6.  But January 6 only falls on a Sunday every so often, so we often overlook Epiphany.  Today then has presented us with a golden opportunity to talk a bit about this special day. (more…)