Mark 1: 9 – 15 – Jill A. Kirchner-Rose, MDIV, DMIN – We begin a 40 day Lenten journey modeled after Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness. The Lenten season is a time of intentionality as we cultivate meaningful connection with the Divine. The contemplative life can move us to deeper connection; it is a kind of “silent gazing on God,” an…
"That Church"
"That Church"
Sermons by Jill A. Kirchner-Rose, MDIV, DMIN
Ash Wednesday – 2 Corinthians 4: 8 – 9, Jill A. Kirchner-Rose, MDIV, DMIN
Scripture: Mark 1: 21 – 28 Jill A. Kirchner-Rose, MDIV, DMIN – Mark 1: 21 – 28 – February is Black History Month; it is a month in which we honor the remarkable contributions of African-Americans. These contributions literally transformed the society in which we live. This Sunday we will honor Rosa Parks who took a stand by taking a seat. She…
1 Sam 3: 1 – 10 Jill A. Kirchner-Rose, MDIV, DMIN – Dismay, terror, mourning, rage…these are the emotions I experienced as I watched our Capitol attacked on January 6th. I felt a deep pain that I knew could boil over into hatred if I let it. Yet, this past week I was reminded of MLK’s words, “Hate cannot drive out hate,…
Matthew 2: 1 – 12 Jill A. Kirchner-Rose, MDIV, DMIN – Everything changes in Bethlehem. Once we experience Divine Love, we cannot see the world the same again. We cannot go home the same way. The shepherds may have taken the same road there, but the way home was different. The Magi were warned in a dream to “leave by another route.”…
Scripture: John 1: 1 – 5 – Rev. Sarah Averette-Phillips and Rev. Jill Kirchner-Rose — In the Gospel of John, the author proclaims, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” In a Zoom call, Pastors Sarah Averette-Phillips and Jill Kirchner-Rose reflect on the year and question whether the light still shines… especially in 2020. After all,…
Fourth Sunday of Advent – This year join the RUCC Youth Group and Friends on a warm and often humorous journey through the Christmas Story. We have a large, delightful cast. Also: piano accompaniment by Sophia Ohanian!
Luke 1: 39 – 56 Jill A. Kirchner-Rose, MDIV, DMIN We continue with our sermon series entitled, “Those Who Dream.” Ultimately, dreams sow joy, even if that joy doesn’t immediately spring forth. Sowing seeds into the soil always feels risky and feeble. How can something so small become something so beautiful, so big, and so nourishing? Like Mary, we are called to…
Mark 1: 1 – 8 Jill A. Kirchner-Rose, MDIV, DMIN – Every year on our way to Christmas we confront this strange-looking man in the wilderness with his uncombed hair, uncut nails, wild honey dripping off his scraggly beard and the smell of insects on his breath. His diet consisted of locusts. John the Baptist clothes himself in camel’s hair. He wore…
Isaiah 9: 2 – 7; Isaiah 40: 1 – 5 Jill A. Kirchner-Rose, MDIV, DMIN Everything starts with a dream. The prophets, the psalmists, John the Baptist, Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph, Simeon, Anna, the shepherds and the Magi—they were all dreamers. They listened deeply to God’s dreams for the world. During this Advent season, we are encouraged to listen to God’s dreams, too.…