Harvard Avenue Christian Church

text :: 1 Samuel 3: 1 – 10 // Do you read Scripture primarily for information or transformation? Do you imagine it as a text book or a love letter? There is room for both realities, of course, but in creating a sacred rhythm between God and follower of God, it is good to consider […]

text :: Mark 6:7-13 and 30-32 // When is the last time you were quiet enough to hear your own heart beat? To feel it? Sense itsrhythm as if your very soul was trying to show itself to you in a marvelous and tangible way? Parker Palmer suggests “the soul is like a wild animal—tough, […]

text :: Mark 10: 46 – 52 // Richard Rohr says, “A good journey begins with knowing where we are and being willing to go someplace else.” The sacred season of Lent always affords us such an opportunity. What is your deepest spiritual desire? Do you long for more? The movement from desire to discipline […]

text :: Matthew 23:1-12 theme verse :: “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12) // In the Middle Ages, a common food eaten by those with little economic means included deer innards. It was made into a pie, of sorts, and became known as […]

text : Matthew 14: 13 – 21 theme verse : “Jesus said, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’” (Mt 14:16) // Upon welcoming guests in their home, many say, “We practice an open fridge policy –please help yourself!” Some have taken this hospitality to the next level. In some neighborhoods […]

text : Psalm 127:1-2; Romans 8:35-39 theme verse : “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, willbe able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our […]

text :: Exodus 17: 1 – 7 theme verse :: “Moses called the place Massah because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, ‘Is the Lord among us or not?’”(Exodus 17:7) //  Watching paint dry or grass grow were often sayings dropped when people were describing less-than-exciting experiences. Today’s culture supports immediate gratification and […]

text : John 16:29-33 theme verse : “In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33b) //  Do you know courage when you see it? Some people possess the abilities to approach physical challenges with a sense of fearlessness. And yet the ability to override fear is not […]

text : Luke 4:21-30 theme verse : “When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage.” (Luke 4:28) // The major themes of 2018, according to those who study the frequency of cultural conversation, include immigration, the #MeToo movement, possible Russian interference in the 2016 election and –fake news. The idea of […]

text : 1 Samuel 18:1-5 theme verse : “Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.” (1 Samuel 18:3) // An ancient philosopher said, “There are only two people who can tell you the truth about yourself—an enemy who has lost his temper and a friend who loves […]

text : 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 theme verse : “Fool! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.” (1 Corinthians 15:36) // 27,339. That’s the number of Starbucks in the world… for now. The world is enamored with a pricey cup of coffee, free wifi and a chance to people watch from […]

text : Isaiah 60:1-6 theme verse : “Arise, shine; for your light has come…” (Isaiah 60:1) // “Glory is God’s style.” Christian writer Frederick Buechner offers this gem. When the Bible tells us that “the heavens are telling the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1), it is saying that the heavens are revealing God’s style: sunsets, […]

text :: Matthew 13: 45-46 theme verse :: “On finding a pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Mt 13:46) As we enter a time when millions of people will make resolutions for the New Year, we are met with a parable that Jesus tells about a […]

text :: Luke 2: 1 – 20 theme verse :: “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host…” (Luke 2:13) // Sometimes standing isn’t possible. It is often pain or sadness or exhaustion that “takes your legs out from under you.” Sometimes it’s prayer that drives us to our knees […]

text :: Luke 2: 1 – 20 theme verse :: “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host…” (Luke 2:13) // Sometimes standing isn’t possible. It is often pain or sadness or exhaustion that “takes your legs out from under you.” Sometimes it’s prayer that drives us to our knees […]

CHRIST IS BORN IN BETHLEHEM a traditional cantata in concert Kelly Ford, director of traditional worship Deborah Gist, reader Rev Mark Briley, liturgist

CHRISTMAS IN TUNE V A Rising Worship Concert Isaac Herbert – The Rising Band Leader  

text :: Luke 1:39-45 theme verse :: “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” (Luke 1:45) // “You better sing!” is the encouragement of Jennifer Hudson, one of four coaches on The Voice, when she is really moved by a contestant’s singing. […]

text: Acts 27: 13 – 20 // The Blue Christmas service is an annual evening of worship where space is created where it’s okay to say ‘This season is hard.’ Whether carrying grief into this holiday; or dealing with loss of a job, relationship, self-confidence, or direction; or sitting in uncertain health in your own […]

text : Luke 1:68-79 theme verse : “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us…” (Luke 1:78) // PEACE SUNDAY. The Christian liturgical year has long pointed us toward peace on the second Sunday of Advent. Peace really deserves more than one focal Sunday but we’ll light […]