February 22, 2026 - The First Sunday in Lent

Lectionary Readings

Gracious God, grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things that we can, and the wisdom to know the difference ☩ in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Hearing things you like about people you don’t.” That’s one definition of gossip – hearing things you like about people you don’t. Now, I’m from the South, where gossip could be an Olympic sport, as long as you know how to use the phrase “bless their heart.” Another way of defining gossip would be “talking about, instead of talking with.” This morning’s texts from Genesis and Matthew show us dangers of gossiping about God; of talking about God instead of with God.

February 18, 2026 - Ash Wednesday

Lectionary Readings

In the name of God ☩ Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

One word that describes the modern world is “escapism.” I remember when our youngest daughter was younger, we’d ask her to do a chore and a few minutes later, she’d be off doing something else. When we’d remind her about the neglected chore, she’d say, “Sorry, I’m just so distractable.” And that’s not only true of toddlers who don’t want to clean their rooms, it’s true of us all. We’re all looking for an escape.

February 1, 2026 - Septuagesima

Lectionary Readings

Keep us forever grounded in your blessing, O God of love. Amen.

Faith is a dialogue; a conversation between Creator and Creation. In Genesis, we read that God created not with the snap of the fingers, or by assembling various parts, or by a thought, but with a word – “Let there be.” God spoke to nothingness and nothing responded by becoming something. God’s relationship with Israel is rooted in speech to Abraham, Rebekah, Moses, Deborah, Daniel, Isaiah, and Micah. One way of understanding the faith of Israel is as a holy conversation with God.