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: 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: 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:
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:
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
SERMON: The Transformation of Love.
In my final sermon for St. John’s United Church of Christ, I build off of the sermon series of God’s Economy, thinking about how the world will change forever post-pandemic, and what will be my final word for the church. Short version: LOVE is the final word. The very definition of love is being transformed… Read More
SERMON: The Economy of “LOVE”
Continuing in the series on the KINGDOM ECONOMY, this week we look at the Economy of LOVE. How do we live from a place of love, instead of a place of fear? You can watch the sermon here:
BLOG: Legacy of an Ally
” he may be a white man, but he sure does have a black heart” Read More
BLOG: Community, not membership.
LET’S BE A COMMUNITY OF FAITH Membership and community have some basic fundamental differences: Membership is exclusive … Community is inclusive. Membership is closed… Community is open. Membership says “do you belong?”… Community says “you belong here.” Membership has limited resources… Community has unlimited potential. Membership lives in scarcity… Community lives in abundance. Membership requires buy… Read More
SERMON: Be a Doer
“A faith that is pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their times of distress” Read More
SERMON: Table Manners
“if you’re enemy is hungry, feed them.” Read More
SERMON: At Table with Our Enemies
“love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” Read More
SERMON: Hospitality, with Mercy
Audio of sermon preached for St. John’s UCC, Bongards, MN. September 15, 2019. Listen here: Hospitality, With Mercy. From the Fall 2019 sermon series Room At the Table: The Hospitality Scriptures.
Cathy Mia Kolwey 