It is natural to get frustrated when we sense that expectations are not clear. Whether in work, relationships with others, in civic life, and in our lives with God it is normal to wonder - what is required of us? This week a prophet answers this ancient question and yet the answer has become so quotable that it might be losing its edge. What does it mean to DO justice, LOVE mercy, and WALK humbly?

What is Required of Us? - January 29, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

The late Pope Benedict was called “God’s Rottweiler” when he headed the office that promoted strict adherence to doctrine. But in fact this man possessed a sweeping intellect that was tempered by a humility and kindness. Early in his ministry he wrote an “Introduction to Christianity” and in this weeks sermon Dr. Keck will detail how Benedict saw believers and doubters as as far more united in common cause than we imagine - we are all seeking to understand the infinite.

When Rottweilers Are Sweet and Cuddly:  The Surprising Gentleness of Pope Benedict - January 22, 2023 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

We know that each of us has ways of looking at the world, ways of thinking about things, ways of learning, and that those shape our imaginations, perceptions, and opinions. We know that even in our most intimate relationships there will be disagreements and yet why are we having such a struggle remaining united in the midst of our difference? How do we go beyond toleration and move into deep kinship? How can difference in community become a strength?

United in Disagreement - January 22, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

At the very center of what we call church is a living reality of the Christ - a love that can transform lives. There is so much talk these days about how people are frustrated with organized religion, but church is not supposed to be “organized religion”(whatever that is). Church is supposed to help manifest the peace and love of Christ. Join Dr. Keck to explore the essence of church and how Dr. Martin Luther King knew what it was.

It ain’t called Churchianity! - January 15, 2023 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

We often hear about "following Jesus." Long ago some interested in discipleship were curious also, they had heard the rumors as to who Jesus was, when Jesus asked them what they wanted, he invited them to find out for themselves. Maybe you too are curious, what might it mean to follow Jesus? Come and see!

What are we looking for? - January 15, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

The baptism of Jesus is not just a key moment in his ministry but in Matthew's gospel is a key moment into the liberating power of the gospel. This moment of initiation, incorporation, and inspiration manifests for us who Jesus is and who we are, our liberation tied up to our belovedness, our chosenness, our being, the voice of divine life making it plain, why does it become so complicated? Join Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas in worship this week!

We are Beloved Ones - January 08, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

In this weeks digital sermon, Dr. Keck will explore what makes Jesus the most heroic hero of all. This brief message will span the vast time epochs of ancient creation myths, to Homer, to the marvel universe and somehow land right back in the gospel itself.

The Best Superhero of All - January 8, 2023 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

The Gospel of Matthew account of the birth of Jesus reads like an action movie. An evil mastermind (Herod) is out to kill Jesus, and there is horrible collateral damage as many others are killed. The intrepid power couple - Joseph and Mary - go on the run with their baby. The scenes goes international as they escape to Egypt. And then finally make their way back home and the best super hero franchise ever has begun. Dr. Keck will explore this amazing tale and then shift to the adventure/action movie that will be 2023.

Jason Bourne, Mission Impossible and the baby Jesus - January 01, 2023 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

The New Year is often a time of making promises, resolutions, for a better us. This week a very difficult scripture reminds us that a better year is not about a better us but about a different lens for seeing the world, the lens of God's kingdom. In order to see in this way we must first take inventory, make a judgement, then be willing to see in this new way, that's the kind of new us that the Gospel calls us to!

What are we promising? - January 1, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos

Christmas at FP - December 25, 2022 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

In this final week of Advent, Dr. Keck will speak about two beautiful words in Scripture: Logos and Shalom which he believes should not be translated into the english WORD and PEACE. Once translated they lose their mystery and majesty. And our faith must remain mysterious and majestic.

Logos and Shalom - December 18, 2022 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

Mary's encounter with the angel Gabriel gives us an important point of reference to begin the difficult conversations around bodily autonomy, the role of the state in regulating bodies, and the Christian faith. How can people of faith approach these issues with compassion, nuance, and openness? Is there just one "Christian" response? Pastor Huertas in worship this Sunday!

Let it Be With Me: Bodily Autonomy, Difficult Realities,  and the Christian Faith - December 18, 2022 - Rec. Juan Carlos - Sermon

In the book of Isaiah the ancient Hebrews are yearning for a return from exile. But what if they returned to their homeland and were no better as persons? In the New Testament, the people are waiting for a savior to reclaim the Davidic kingship, but what if they win political control but their hearts are left untransformed? This Sunday Dr. Keck will explore what a true “quality of life” looks like.

Quality of Life - December 11, 2022 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

Economic struggles have been a reality in our world from the beginning of time. Economic models have developed over the years and our own -- mixed economy with a strong capitalist bent -- has become sacro-saint in our culture. What does our faith have to say in the midst of our current economic landscape? How can we be agents of a more just economic life? Join Pastor Huertas in worship this Sunday!

Gospel Economics: Inflation, Gas Prices, and Market Uncertainty - December 11, 2022 - Rev. Juan Carlos

As we continue preparing for the coming of the Christ child we recognize that often our world does not mirror the world that Christ promises. This week prophets prod us to remember what that world should look like, and convict us into recognizing our being complicit in the ways things are instead of the ways things should be. If we pay attention the good news is that we can become participants in the way of the kin-dom, in a vision like no other. Join Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas for worship this weekend!

A Pluriversal Way: Every Nation, People, Tribe, and Language - December 4, 2022 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

Our New Testament was written in Greek, but we began to translate it into English in the 1500’s. This allowed the bible to be read by each person on their own. As wonderful as that was, serious misunderstandings can take place when an English word is placed over the original text. This week Dr. Keck explores how our ideas of hell, sin and even God were made askew by the act of translation itself.

Lost in Translation - December 4, 2022 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

In this first week of Advent, the Apostle Paul tells us that the time is near, and there is no time like the present to have a growth spurt and become more like Jesus. Exploring Pauls complex use of the word sarx (flesh) and modern personality theory, Dr. Keck will try to define what it would mean to “put on our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Less Ego, More Jesus - November 27, 2022 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine our headlines have been filled with the latest on the frontlines. Images of the horrors of war and the human response have filled our notifications and often fill us with despair. And yet we know that though Ukraine is the latest country facing these realities it is not the only one. What is the good news in the midst of this? What do we do as those who believe in one who is the "prince of peace?" Join Pastor Huertas for worship this weekend!

War No More: Ukraine, Yemen, & other Hotspots - November 27, 2022 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

Caesar Augustus had a title (Augustus) become part of his very name. So too, Jesus had a title become part of his own name (Christ). This weekend Dr. Keck will explore the power and the beauty of the spiritual title “Christ.” Join us for worship!

The Greatest Name of All - November 20, 2022 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

So many things in our lives compete for our ultimate attention, captivate our imaginations, and guide the way we look at the world. In a season where so many of us are rethinking what we invest our lives in and how we live into the future, what would it look like for our lives to be shaped by an ultimate allegiance to the way of Christ? Join Pastor Huertas online this weekend for worship! Join Pastor Huertas online for worship this weekend!

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