Rev. Danielle K Bartz November 28, 2021 Luke 1:26-38 “Wonder of Wonders” A friend of mine loves to remind me that whenever angels appear in the Bible, they do not appear as cute little rosy-cheeked cherubs with feathered wings, halos, and harps. In fact, in each instance when an angel’s physical appearance is described, it is clear they […]
Worship for November 21, 2021
Rev. Danielle K Bartz November 21, 2021 John 18:33-37 “Thy Kingdom Come…” Most churches today are recognizing Reign of Christ Sunday, otherwise referred to as Christ the King Sunday. It is an odd day in the liturgical calendar – the calendar that marks the seasons of the church. It is essentially New Year’s […]
Worship for November 14, 2021
Rev. Danielle K Bartz November 14, 2021 Mark 13:1-8 “Pull Back the Veil” Every few years, a similar human interest story makes the rounds on the news. A construction site somewhere in the world comes across a long forgotten ruin or artifact. I remember how interested I was a few years ago when a […]
Worship for November 7, 2021
Rev. Danielle K Bartz November 7, 2021 John 11:32-44 “Jesus Wept” “What happens after we die?” This is a question children and adults alike ask. I have heard it asked in the midst of grief, and I have heard it asked quietly, thoughtfully, and bravely by those who are simply wondering what comes […]
Worship for October 31, 2021
Rev. Danielle K Bartz October 31, 2021 Mark 12:28-34 “The Stories We Love to Tell” I think it may be written somewhere in Minnesota law that each year we are obligated here in the state to mention the Halloween Blizzard of ’91. As this is the 30th anniversary, I have been seeing quite […]
Worship for October 24, 2021
Rev. Danielle K Bartz October 24, 2021 Jeremiah 29:10-14 “A Future with Hope” Earlier this year on Easter Sunday morning, I cried as I drove to the church. I didn’t want to face another empty sanctuary, I didn’t want to preach the miracle of resurrection into a camera. I wanted to see your […]
Worship for October 17, 2021
Rev. Danielle K Bartz October 17, 2021 Mark 10:35-45 “The Upside-Down World of Jesus” Prior to taking the position here as your pastor, most of you know I worked for the national setting of the United Church of Christ in the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries. One of my primary areas […]
Worship for October 10, 2021
Rev. Danielle K Bartz October 10, 2021 Mark 10:17-31 “Possible” 20th century American monk Thomas Merton was beloved in his time and continues to be after his death, for his wisdom and spiritual writings. His life renewed a deep interest in monastic living, mysticism, and the intersection of social justice and faith. […]
Worship for October 3, 2021
Rev. Danielle K Bartz October 3, 2021 Mark 10:13-16 “Like a Child” Years and years ago, during a Communion worship at my home congregation, my younger cousin, Ross, joined my mom and me. Ross didn’t really grow up in a church – his family having moved on from their Catholic one when he […]
Worship for September 26, 2021
Rev. Danielle K. Bartz September 26, 2021 Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 20-22 “…Perhaps” In the mid-1850’s, a cholera epidemic struck St. Louis, MO and its surrounding communities. The epidemic was particularly deadly for the (largely) German immigrant community as they were much poorer and didn’t have access to adequate healthcare. As a result of […]