Drew Downs
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Fear
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1 min read
Leaning in, not overcoming “Do not be afraid.” Jesus says this constantly. Often when the proverbial horse has left the barn. Telling us to not be afraid when we already are seems a bit…harsh. And ridiculous. “Oh, OK! I’ll just switch this off… [ click ] There. Not afraid. Phew!” But Jesus isn’t asking us…
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Jesus Keeps Teaching
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8 min read
Jesus teaches about God’s dream for creation, even as those closest to him misunderstand. Even as we misunderstand.
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After the Interruption
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5 min read
This past week, we celebrated Holypalooza for the eighth time in nine years. It was a celebration full of emotion as we long for “normal” and celebrate this joyous opportunity. It also represented a shift in direction; the natural evolution of time and circumstance. The vision of its three founding pastors (now long gone from…
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Repentance
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1 min read
We are already turning The word repent means to turn and go another way. In Mark, we see that repentance is the driver of Jesus’s ministry and the very mantle he takes up from John the Baptizer. It is also what Jesus demonstrates in Mark 8, when he rebukes Peter for getting between him and…
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Failing the Pop Quiz
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8 min read
“Get behind me, Satan!” is one of the most shocking phrases in the gospels. It is also one of the most revealing.
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Without Fear and Longing
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3 min read
For SundaySixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Collect O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.Amen. Reading…