RoboPreacher

when everything else broke A sermon on St. Paul's (better) communion sermon : If you had to describe yourself in one word, do you think you could do it? And if not, why not? * Alright . Let’s have a little participation . Stick out your thumb. Now hold it up. But hold your thumb horizontally . Like this . Ok. Now, on the count of five , I want you to put your thumb up if you could describe yourself in one word. And conversely , I want you to put your thumb down if you don’t think you can describe yourself in one word. Got it? Ok. Here we go. On the count of five . 1, 2, 3, 4, 5! Go! *Interesting. Keep them up. Now take a look around. See what your friends said.   There. Now you have something to talk about during coffee hour or on your way home. You’re welcome. …It’s curious , though, isn’t it? On the one hand, who we are is always just sort of there for all the world to see. But on the other hand, the particulars of our personality never seem to hold still when we try and p

round and round you're turning me A sermon on Paul's (non) practice of collecting compensation : Have you heard of Stockholm Syndrome ? The term comes from a real -life 1973 bank heist in, you guessed it, Stockholm, Sweden. What happened was the robbers, in a bid to secure their escape, took four of the bank employees hostage .   In the end, though, it was all for naught . The scheme was foiled when authorities released tear gas via a hole drilled from an apartment above  the bank. Happily, everyone was rescued. In fact, none of the hostages were even injured during the harrowing rescue.   Strangely , though, afterward, not a single one of the hostages would testify against the robbers. In fact, if the hostages held any ill will, it was to the authorities , not the robbers themselves! Some of the hostages even went so far as to raise money for their captives’ defense !   A quick online search will tell you Stockholm Syndrome is a coping mechanism or an emotional res

i really want to roll with you a sermon on S. Paul's perfect opening salvo of 1 Corinthians : How’s it going ? How did last week go ? And how do you feel about this upcoming one? Or, what about you ? How are you ? I mean, really , how are you?   Or, what about that old question? You know, the one clergy used to ask, but now , for whatever reason, never seem to anymore. You know the question. How is it with your soul ? Well, how is it? I mean it! How goes it? Take a moment to consider the inquiry. Whichever one you like, too. As it suits you. How are you ? How’s life ? How’s your soul ? Well? Honestly, you probably won’t be asked to consider your interior life this week. What’s more, you won’t be asked in a place like this . This is a space that’s as sacred as it is safe . You’re in practically the ideal place to consider how it’s going. Not only are you protected , eternity itself is also shedding its indelible light upon your reflections.   Not bad. Huh? But that’s not all,