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Staff Trax

If We Believe

I do not know about you, but when we read this week’s Gospel reading (John 11:32-44) in staff meeting, I was drawn to the section that if we believe, we will see the glory of God and that God always hears us. Our prayers will always get an answer, whether it be yes, no, or not now.

The crowd questioned Jesus, saying that if he could open the eyes of a blind man, he could have healed…

Blessed to Be a Blessing

As we prepare to remember and give thanks for the blessings in our lives this November, I am reminded of the text from Hebrews 13:16: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Yet, the invitation to generosity can make a lot of us uncomfortable. Is it because the truth of God’s abundance challenges worldly messages of scarcity?…

A Servant’s Heart

At the end of this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus reiterates what he said at the end of last week’s Gospel in Mark 10:31, “But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

James and John come before Jesus with an arrogant request, asking to be seated at his right and left. They want to be closest to him.

Instead of granting their request, Jesus repeats what…

We Are Connected

Meaningful connection is formed when we bravely share our truth.

Between services that the youth led on Oct. 6, they discussed connection in Sunday school. I’m completely biased, but I think this group of kids is an amazing example of connection and community! I was so proud of their leadership in worship on Sunday, not only their choices of scriptures, prayers, and songs, but also their…

The Left Turn

I know that the Staff Trax normally discusses either personal things or the Gospel, but this week I am taking a left turn and looking at the New Testament and not the Gospel reading. This week, the New Testament verses are from Hebrews.

In the beginning, Hebrews 1:1-4 it talks about how in the Old Testament days, the people of God heard from prophets, but now we hear from Christ. Isn’t that…

Justice Work Is Hard …

On Sept. 17 the Good Faith Network, including many of you, attended the Lenexa City Council meeting to advocate for a Special Use Permit (SUP) for a Homeless Services Center. At 1:30 a.m. the council voted, 5 to 2, and denied the SUP. I was disappointed; our neighbors in this county desperately need this center, and this opportunity slipped away.

I have had many of you share with me…

The Gospel Knows No Borders

The comment, “The Gospel knows no borders,” underscores what it means to be the body of Christ in the world. Though territorial boundaries, political divisions, and differences of language, culture, and ethnicity may separate us, our Christian faith proclaims that we are part of something much larger — the body of Christ united in God’s mission for the world.

The opportunity to travel…

Patriot Day

Yesterday was Patriot Day. Three months after the 2001 terrorist attacks, Congress approved a joint resolution designating Sept. 11 as Patriot Day. Every year, we pause to remember the lives lost and changed on that late summer morning. It was established to honor the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and recognize the brave first responders who risked their lives that day. Some came…

Miracle Worker

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus said to a Syrophoenician woman, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.” Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go — the demon has left your daughter.” So she went home, found the child…

Salem Responds

If you were in worship on Sunday, Aug. 25, you heard an impassioned request by Renee Loya to show up for an important meeting the very next night. Sixteen Salem mission partners and friends did, and many of them agreed to help me write my Staff Trax this week. I want to thank Renee, Pastor Jon, Jenn, Jim, Cathy, Chris, Jen, Janice, Matt, and Lorel for giving me their perspectives and allowing me…

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