Sermons for February 2021


Testing

Sun, February 21, 2021; Isaiah 58:6–7; Mark 1:9–15
A sermon preached by Rev. Jane McBride
First Congregational Church of MN, UCC

As is characteristic in Mark’s Gospel, we have only this brief and mysterious account of the time Jesus spent in the desert wilderness: “And the Spirit immediately drove [Jesus] out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tested by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on… Read More

In a New Light

Sun, February 14, 2021; Mark 9:2–9
A sermon preached by Rev. Jane McBride
First Congregational church of MN, UCC

I’ve lived close to the Mississippi River most of my life. The river is an anchor, a solace, a companion, a teacher. The river provides my drinking, bathing, cooking and gardening water. She is, literally, my life. I grew up in La Crosse, WI, another river town. I have a vivid memory of how, at… Read More

Healing Reciprocity, Mutual Flourishing

Sun, February 7, 2021; Mark 1:29–39
A sermon preached by Rev. Jane McBride
First Congregational church of MN, UCC

The doorbell rang at church. The young woman standing at the door said the pantry was empty, and she wondered if we had more food. So I invited her inside to choose some items from our supply. We got to talking—about her struggles to make ends meet while working and going to school, about walking… Read More