This week, I got to preach a word for our Community Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service. It was a reflection on sharing our stories, making room at the table, and not worrying about what the future holds. You can listen here: https://www.youtube.com/live/rvZffKy-UX8?si=5GzLZd0Sd2dJRMiG
BLOG: Where are the Good Samaritans Now?
When we talk about the good Samaritans in today’s world, it is a cliche about a helpful and charitable person. Who are the Good Samaritans? They are the ones who make an effort — sometimes going out of their way — to help others, especially the down trodden or less fortunate. We want to be… Read More
BLOG: You won’t find me at the Foot of the Cross.
Yesterday as I was driving in my car, a new song came on the radio that I had never heard before. And as I listened to the chorus if it, my stomach tightened into a knot. The words repeated over and over …’there is room for more at the foot of the cross… there’s room… Read More
SERMON: Who will You Invite to Dinner?
This past Sunday we continued through the gospel of Luke in pursuit of God’s justice, looking at Luke 17: 5-10, and asking who will we invite to dinner? You can watch here:
SERMON: Where is that Rich Man Now?
What does it mean to pursue God’s justice in the world? Can we even agree on what God’s justice is? At Waconia Moravian, we started a sermon series about pursuing God’s justice… and yesterday was week one, with the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16: 19-31). You can watch here:
SERMON: Who Will We Become?
On September 21st, I had the privilege of being installed as the next pastor of Waconia Moravian Church in Waconia, MN. It was a beautiful day, and lots of people participated in helping make the service special. As I step into this position, I challenged the congregation to imagine “Who We Might Become?” together. (Sermon… Read More
BLOG: Grief is IN-N-OUT
Son: “Mom, can we go to In and Out for lunch? I really want to go there while we are here, near one.” Mom: “Sure. what makes you want to go there? We have never been there before.” Son: “Jade loved In-n-Out. She researched it. She knew everything about it. All the options. All the… Read More
BLOG: Who am I a Neighbor to?
A Midrash On The Good Samaritan. With a heart that is breaking for the flooding deaths in Texas, the lack of care by our governmental leaders, and the silence of our Christian community, I am considering once again the parable of the Good Samaritan. Religious officials ask Jesus what is the greatest commandment. Jesus responds,… Read More
SERMON: Welcome, Beloved.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of guest preaching at Meetinghouse Church, Edina, MN. The theme was around their core value of “Welcome, Beloved.” The sermon starts at the 20:00 minute mark.
SERMON: Loving Enemy
In these days of deeply divided times, the command to love our enemy gets harder and harder. I had the opportunity to reflect on this command when I guest preached at Meetinghouse Church two weeks ago. You can listen to the sermon here:
SERMON: Illuminating the Word, Made Flesh
Last Sunday, December 22, 2024, I had the privilege of guest preaching at Meetinghouse Church, with a meditation about John 1: 1-14. You can listen to it here, the message starts at the 27:50 mark:
SERMON: Unexpected Visitors
To kick off Advent, I was invited to guest preach at Meetinghouse Church on December 1, 2024. The sermon starts at the 22:50 mark. You can watch it here:
SERMON: Write It on our Hearts
Last Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, I had the privilege of guest preaching at Meetinghouse Church in Edina, MN. The scripture for the message was Deuteronomy 6: 4-9, often called The Shema. Sermon starts at the 27 min. mark:
Fearless: A eulogy in tribute to Ruth L. Nelson
On November 13, 2024, at Fourth Church in Chicago, I had the honor and privilege of eulogizing my longtime friend Ruth. For inspiration, I used the scripture: 1 John 4: 16 – 19 So we have known and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide… Read More
SERMON: A Call to Radical Welcome
Yesterday, I had the privilege of guest preaching at Meetinghouse Church, MN. It was a risky, but timely message about welcoming the stranger (Matthew 25). You can listen here:
SERMON: Why We Lack Understanding.
This past Saturday I had the pleasure of doing pulpit supply for the Spirit of Peace UCC church in Minnetonka, MN. The sermon was based on Mark 9:30-37 You can listen here:
LITANY: An Affirmation of Commitment
(inspired by Ephesians 4) Litany of Commitment to One Another One: Holy God, we come from north and south, from east and west To gather in praise and in worship of You ALL: To worship one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and parent to us all Who is above all, and through… Read More
LITURGY: A Prayer for a Church in Conflict (2)
Holy God, be with us this day. May our wrestlings lead us to redemption, may our wonderings lead us to mercy. Let our empathy surpass our righteousness; let our commitment to covenant overcome our attachment to division. In our efforts to build community, may we let go of our need to stand in judgment. In… Read More
Cathy Mia Kolwey 