Sabbath – My Pastoral Ponderings

Posted on June 1, 2024May 31, 2024 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 3 Comments

The Gift of Sabbath: My Sermon on Deuteronomy 5:12-15 and Mark 2:23-3:6

Jesus said: “The Sabbath was made for humankind and not humankind for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27 “Observe the Sabbath day,” we are told in Deuteronomy 5:12, “and keep it holy.” But what does that mean? In today’s gospel reading (Mark 2:23-3:6), we see that Jesus and the Pharisees do not agree about this basic commandment.…

Posted on July 17, 2021July 16, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 6 Comments

Resting with Jesus: My Sermon on Mark 6:30-34

In a world that is busier than ever, Jesus invites us come and find rest. Here is my sermon on Mark 6:30-34.

Posted on October 21, 2020October 21, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 11 Comments

The Habit of Worship

Here I ponder the important habit of worship, a vital way to "remember the sabbath day and keep it holy." This pandemic is making it more difficult than ever to hold onto this faith-nurturing and life-giving habit.