Audio

“A House of Cedar” (2 Samuel 7:1-14)

Rev. Leia Rose Battaglia

David, now settled in a kingly house of cedar, wants to build God a house, but God has never lived in a house because God is everywhere. What roles do buildings play in our faith and our understanding of living out God's dreams for creation?

“How Does a Weary World Rejoice? We Acknowledge Our Weariness.” (Luke 1:5-23)

Rev. Leia Rose Battaglia

As Advent begins, we start by acknowledging the weariness, grief, rage, and hopelessness we carry—and we also affirm that we are made for joy.

“The Apocryphal Story of Susanna”

Rev. Leia Rose Battaglia

Today, Pastor Leia has chosen to share the story of Susanna; a story found in chapter 13 of the book of Daniel in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles, but that is NOT found in our Protestant Bibles. It's a story about integrity and courage and trust in God, a story in which justice prevails and sexual predators are brought to justice. Whether or not this story belongs in the Christian canon has long been a subject of debate, but it is still a story worth sharing and remembering.

“Hunger No More” (Revelation 7:9-8:1)

Rev. Leia Rose Battaglia

As we celebrate All Saints Day, Pastor Leia reflects on the great cloud of witnesses who have helped to shape our faith and also on the surreal imagery of the letter of Revelation.

“The Gospel According to Mary of Magdala”

Rev. Leia Rose Battaglia

Every year, Pastor Leia creates a costume for a Biblical character--this year's story is that of Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus' most supportive and loyal disciples, despite the centuries of cultural baggage that have become attached to her name and legacy.

“Practice Generosity, part iv: Share Power” (Luke 18:18–30)

Rev. Leia Rose Battaglia

What does it mean to practice generosity? In the last of a four-part series, we consider what it means to share power, like how Jesus once invited a wealthy young ruler to bridge societal divides and create a more just society. What are the powers that you have? How can you share them with this church and with our community?

“Practice Generosity, part ii: Share Wisdom” (Acts 18:1–4, 24–28)

Rev. Leia Rose Battaglia

What does it mean to practice generosity? In the second of a four-part series, we consider what it means to share wisdom, like how Paul encouraged his friends and students to share and spread the gospel. The Word of God is like a seed, and when we share wisdom and love, we help that seed to grow in others and in ourselves.

“Practice Generosity, part i: Share Resources” (Luke 10:25–37)

Rev. Leia Rose Battaglia

What does it mean to practice generosity? In the first of a four-part series, we consider what it means to share resources, like when a Samaritan man helped a Jewish stranger and challenged us all to reconsider how we define "neighbor" and how "dangerous unselfishness" (as Dr King phrased it) can break open our worldviews. If you want to read the full speech by Dr Martin Luther King, Jr that Pastor Leia read a few short lines from, you can find it here: https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkivebeentothemountaintop.htm

“And My Father’s Hand Was Trembling” (Genesis 22:1-14)

Rev. Leia Rose Battaglia

Today, Leia tackles the difficult story of the time when Abraham took his beloved son Isaac up a mountain and was prepared to kill him as a sacrifice, until the voice of an angel broke through and stayed his hand. How can we be a voice for peace in the world?

“Honor” (Matthew 12:46-50)

Rev. Leia Rose Battaglia

What does it look like to treat someone with honor and dignity? How can we honor and care for not only for people in our families of origin but all older or vulnerable people in the chosen family that Jesus invites us to be a part of?