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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.  […]

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 […]

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 […]