Author: Michael K. Marsh
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What’s Your Here And Now Christmas Story?
You know the usual Christmas story (Luke 2:1-20). It happened “in those days” when Emperor Augustus issued a decree to “all the world.” He was pretty full of himself. It happened “in that region” where shepherds were living in the fields and working the night shift. They were neither imperial nor august. They were, rather, Read more
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Managing The Advent Crisis
In my previous post I suggested that Advent is less about a countdown to Christmas and more about a crisis. I’m not talking about our usual understanding of crisis as one of those “Aw, shhhiiioot!!” events in which something has gone wrong. I’m talking about the older, original understanding of the word. It comes from Read more
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The Crisis Of Advent
My post from a few days ago, Advent Truth, was the first in almost six months. During that time some of you may have wondered, “What happened to Mike?” A few of you emailed or left a comment asking that question. It’s a good question and one I’ve been asking myself. So, what happened? In Read more
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Advent Truth
These words from The Rev. Allan Boesak may be familiar to you. Over the years I have often posted them during Advent. There is a timeless quality about them in the way they speak to the realities of our lives today and the world in every generation. This year, however, they feel and sound to Read more
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Declaring How Much God Has Done – A Retirement Sermon On Luke 8:26-39
Several weeks ago I looked to see what the readings would be for today, my last Sunday to preach as your priest. My first thought when I read today’s gospel (Luke 8:26-39) was, Aw, come on God, really? The Gerasene demonic? An exorcism for my last Sunday? My second thought was, Am I the one Read more
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The Ending of a Pastoral Relationship
All: For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) V: So teach us to number our days:R: That we may apply our hearts to wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)Let us pray. O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred Read more
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What Is Your Deathbed Prayer? – A Sermon On John 17:20-26
Most of you won’t be surprised when I tell you that I’m going to begin with a couple of questions. You might, however, be surprised or even startled by the questions. Don’t try to immediately answer them. I’ll give you a moment to sit with them. Just pay attention and see what they bring up Read more
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“As Soon As…” – A Sermon On John 5:1-9
For thirty-eight years the man in today’s gospel (John 5:1-9) has sat on his … mat. That’s a long time. Every day for thirty-eight years doing the same old things. Waiting. Watching. Hoping. Wondering if today is the day. Sitting on his mat has become a way of life for this man. His life is Read more
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Love Abhors A Vacuum – A Sermon On John 13:31-35
“Where I am going, you cannot come,” Jesus says to his disciples in today’s gospel (John 13:31-35). It’s the night of the last supper and Jesus knows his time to depart this world has come. “Little children,” he says to them, “I am with you only a little longer.” Peter wants to know where Jesus is Read more
Interrupting the Silence 