Pearl Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Pearl Church preaching team
Sermons at Pearl seek to engage the ancient stories, poems, and letters in the Bible through imaginative oration that rouses our wholeness as human beings. The act of the sermon at Pearl is space to ponder the sacred, opportunity to consider the mystery and love of God, and provocation to slow down, to think deeply, and to be stirred and inspired to bountifully live.
Preaching: Cheri Gilbert
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church to hear from the members of our Oversight Team. The Oversight Team’s role is to ensure that we are cultivating our rhythms according to our values. This team also oversees our practices, bylaws, budget, and pastors. Each week a different Oversight Team member takes a turn to share, which gives us a chance to learn about their life and to hear what they dream of for Pearl.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church to hear from the members of our Oversight Team. The Oversight Team’s role is to ensure that we are cultivating our rhythms according to our values. This team also oversees our practices, bylaws, budget, and pastors. Each week a different Oversight Team member takes a turn to share, which gives us a chance to learn about their life and to hear what they dream of for Pearl.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
In Eastertide, we ponder the mystery of resurrection. Like the flowers bursting out again in spring, like the Spirit hovering over chaos and nurturing creation, like the Christ rising from the tomb on the third day—even so, we often bear witness to new, fruitful ways of living coming to life out of the darkest places. In this series, we will explore the way our disintegrated and disregulated attempts to cope with life, can become invitations into wise, honest, human ways of flourishing.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
In Eastertide, we ponder the mystery of resurrection. Like the flowers bursting out again in spring, like the Spirit hovering over chaos and nurturing creation, like the Christ rising from the tomb on the third day—even so, we often bear witness to new, fruitful ways of living coming to life out of the darkest places. In this series, we will explore the way our disintegrated and disregulated attempts to cope with life, can become invitations into wise, honest, human ways of flourishing.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
In Eastertide, we ponder the mystery of resurrection. Like the flowers bursting out again in spring, like the Spirit hovering over chaos and nurturing creation, like the Christ rising from the tomb on the third day—even so, we often bear witness to new, fruitful ways of living coming to life out of the darkest places. In this series, we will explore the way our disintegrated and disregulated attempts to cope with life, can become invitations into wise, honest, human ways of flourishing.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
In Eastertide, we ponder the mystery of resurrection. Like the flowers bursting out again in spring, like the Spirit hovering over chaos and nurturing creation, like the Christ rising from the tomb on the third day—even so, we often bear witness to new, fruitful ways of living coming to life out of the darkest places. In this series, we will explore the way our disintegrated and disregulated attempts to cope with life, can become invitations into wise, honest, human ways of flourishing.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
In Eastertide, we ponder the mystery of resurrection. Like the flowers bursting out again in spring, like the Spirit hovering over chaos and nurturing creation, like the Christ rising from the tomb on the third day—even so, we often bear witness to new, fruitful ways of living coming to life out of the darkest places. In this series, we will explore the way our disintegrated and disregulated attempts to cope with life, can become invitations into wise, honest, human ways of flourishing.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
Note: Early in the sermon, we played a short video clip which you can see here.
In Eastertide, we ponder the mystery of resurrection. Like the flowers bursting out again in spring, like the Spirit hovering over chaos and nurturing creation, like the Christ rising from the tomb on the third day—even so, we often bear witness to new, fruitful ways of living coming to life out of the darkest places. In this series, we will explore the way our disintegrated and disregulated attempts to cope with life, can become invitations into wise, honest, human ways of flourishing.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
In Eastertide, we ponder the mystery of resurrection. Like the flowers bursting out again in spring, like the Spirit hovering over chaos and nurturing creation, like the Christ rising from the tomb on the third day—even so, we often bear witness to new, fruitful ways of living coming to life out of the darkest places. In this series, we will explore the way our disintegrated and disregulated attempts to cope with life, can become invitations into wise, honest, human ways of flourishing.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Carlos Fernandez
Today is the Sixth Sunday in Lent, traditionally called “Palm Sunday.” It marks the beginning of Holy Week, which is the final week of Lent. This Sunday commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, before his arrest on Maundy Thursday, and his crucifixion on Good Friday. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the people greeted him by joyfully shouting hosanna–Hebrew for “deliver us”–and waving palm branches–a traditional sign of victory.
This week we hear from Carlos Fernandez, who leads us in reflection on our identity as Beloved of God. In tumultuous times, a good grasp on our identity as God’s beloved is essential to our well-being and capacity to be a presence of restoration in the world.
Preaching: Mike Roth
In the deconstruction of violent and dominion Christianity we necessarily tear down that which does harm. However, this process can leave us bereft of language that assists us in making sense of our lives and world. This sermon series intends to thoughtfully reconstruct a Christian vocabulary of suffering that can help us to ponder, name, and discuss the very real difficulties that we face. Our hope is that by reconstructing a vocabulary of suffering we can enter more deeply and honestly into that which causes us sorrow and pain. For truly, it is by entering into death that new life is made possible.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
Note: in this sermon, we reference a few different videos which you can watch on YouTube. We recommend you do so before listening, to avoid spoilers!
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Selective Attention Test
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Whodunnit?
In the deconstruction of violent and dominion Christianity we necessarily tear down that which does harm. However, this process can leave us bereft of language that assists us in making sense of our lives and world. This sermon series intends to thoughtfully reconstruct a Christian vocabulary of suffering that can help us to ponder, name, and discuss the very real difficulties that we face. Our hope is that by reconstructing a vocabulary of suffering we can enter more deeply and honestly into that which causes us sorrow and pain. For truly, it is by entering into death that new life is made possible.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
In the deconstruction of violent and dominion Christianity we necessarily tear down that which does harm. However, this process can leave us bereft of language that assists us in making sense of our lives and world. This sermon series intends to thoughtfully reconstruct a Christian vocabulary of suffering that can help us to ponder, name, and discuss the very real difficulties that we face. Our hope is that by reconstructing a vocabulary of suffering we can enter more deeply and honestly into that which causes us sorrow and pain. For truly, it is by entering into death that new life is made possible.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
In the deconstruction of violent and dominion Christianity we necessarily tear down that which does harm. However, this process can leave us bereft of language that assists us in making sense of our lives and world. This sermon series intends to thoughtfully reconstruct a Christian vocabulary of suffering that can help us to ponder, name, and discuss the very real difficulties that we face. Our hope is that by reconstructing a vocabulary of suffering we can enter more deeply and honestly into that which causes us sorrow and pain. For truly, it is by entering into death that new life is made possible.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
In the deconstruction of violent and dominion Christianity we necessarily tear down that which does harm. However, this process can leave us bereft of language that assists us in making sense of our lives and world. This sermon series intends to thoughtfully reconstruct a Christian vocabulary of suffering that can help us to ponder, name, and discuss the very real difficulties that we face. Our hope is that by reconstructing a vocabulary of suffering we can enter more deeply and honestly into that which causes us sorrow and pain. For truly, it is by entering into death that new life is made possible.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Jen Johnson
This Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday, the last week in Epiphany before we enter the season of Lent. This special feast commemorates the miraculous change in Jesus’ appearance when he unveiled his glory on the Mount of Transfiguration. As the fulfillment of Epiphany’s longing, the transfiguration reveals not only the glory of Jesus’ way of life in the world, but it also casts vision for all that we can become, in the midst of what we are.
This Sunday we get to hear from Pearl member Jen Johnson. At the culmination of the season of Epiphany, celebrating the light of Christ, we pause at this mysterious moment where the light gets very very bright, and yet we’re not quite sure what we’re looking at. In this mystery, we explore how we can hold space for these tender moments of “becoming” in our own lives and the lives of others.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Divine Love that is revealed in the incarnation of Christ. This incarnation of the Infinite is full of surprises. Perhaps most surprising is that we see God, in Jesus, not being served but serving; not being sacrificed to but becoming sacrifice. Rather than seeing God as a guest who we attend to and serve, the incarnation encourages the sight of God inviting, feeding, and befriending—climactically providing a supper of self-giving for every person. The way of Jesus, then, invites us into similar transformation—from guests who find warm welcome at Jesus’ Common Table to partners passionate about making warm welcome for others.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Divine Love that is revealed in the incarnation of Christ. This incarnation of the Infinite is full of surprises. Perhaps most surprising is that we see God, in Jesus, not being served but serving; not being sacrificed to but becoming sacrifice. Rather than seeing God as a guest who we attend to and serve, the incarnation encourages the sight of God inviting, feeding, and befriending—climactically providing a supper of self-giving for every person. The way of Jesus, then, invites us into similar transformation—from guests who find warm welcome at Jesus’ Common Table to partners passionate about making warm welcome for others.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Divine Love that is revealed in the incarnation of Christ. This incarnation of the Infinite is full of surprises. Perhaps most surprising is that we see God, in Jesus, not being served but serving; not being sacrificed to but becoming sacrifice. Rather than seeing God as a guest who we attend to and serve, the incarnation encourages the sight of God inviting, feeding, and befriending—climactically providing a supper of self-giving for every person. The way of Jesus, then, invites us into similar transformation—from guests who find warm welcome at Jesus’ Common Table to partners passionate about making warm welcome for others.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Divine Love that is revealed in the incarnation of Christ. But even more astonishing is the invitation of the Incarnation, to ourselves become alight with Divine Love as we learn to walk in ways that make for peace and justice. The poet Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote that the just one “justices; keeps grace: that keeps all his goings graces; acts in God’s eye what in God’s eye” they are—Christ. In this series, we set out to explore the “graces” that make for justice: benevolence, humility, attention, and hope. Our conversation partners will be the minor prophets, whose cries for justice are invitations to cultivate characters that will keep all our goings graces.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Please note: due to technical issues, the recording quality is poorer for this week’s sermon.
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Divine Love that is revealed in the incarnation of Christ. But even more astonishing is the invitation of the Incarnation, to ourselves become alight with Divine Love as we learn to walk in ways that make for peace and justice. The poet Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote that the just one “justices; keeps grace: that keeps all his goings graces; acts in God’s eye what in God’s eye” they are—Christ. In this series, we set out to explore the “graces” that make for justice: benevolence, humility, attention, and hope. Our conversation partners will be the minor prophets, whose cries for justice are invitations to cultivate characters that will keep all our goings graces.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Divine Love that is revealed in the incarnation of Christ. But even more astonishing is the invitation of the Incarnation, to ourselves become alight with Divine Love as we learn to walk in ways that make for peace and justice. The poet Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote that the just one “justices; keeps grace: that keeps all his goings graces; acts in God’s eye what in God’s eye” they are—Christ. In this series, we set out to explore the “graces” that make for justice: benevolence, humility, attention, and hope. Our conversation partners will be the minor prophets, whose cries for justice are invitations to cultivate characters that will keep all our goings graces.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Divine Love that is revealed in the incarnation of Christ. But even more astonishing is the invitation of the Incarnation, to ourselves become alight with Divine Love as we learn to walk in ways that make for peace and justice. The poet Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote that the just one “justices; keeps grace: that keeps all his goings graces; acts in God’s eye what in God’s eye” they are—Christ. In this series, we set out to explore the “graces” that make for justice: benevolence, humility, attention, and hope. Our conversation partners will be the minor prophets, whose cries for justice are invitations to cultivate characters that will keep all our goings graces.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Jen Johnson
This week following Christmas, we hear from Pearl Church member Jen Johnson about the tender work of coming to accept and receive the invitations that arise within the circumstances of our real lives.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
To feel, anything, is to be alive. Feelings are a central part of our humanity. Their significance is clearly attested to in the life of Jesus, the Infinite wrapped in flesh, feeling—happiness, sadness, worry, anger, despair, vulnerability, peace, amazement… Unfortunately, in comparison to thinking, western thought has minimized feelings as insignificant, disgraced them as childish, and devalued them as inferior. Because of this, many of us have inherited a tumultuous relationship with feelings. Throughout Advent, a season marked by longing, we intend to celebrate, embrace, and plumb the depths of a few consequential feelings. Our Advent hope is that come Christmas morning, a gift is born: the incarnation of feelings in our selves, relationships, and life with God.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
To feel, anything, is to be alive. Feelings are a central part of our humanity. Their significance is clearly attested to in the life of Jesus, the Infinite wrapped in flesh, feeling—happiness, sadness, worry, anger, despair, vulnerability, peace, amazement… Unfortunately, in comparison to thinking, western thought has minimized feelings as insignificant, disgraced them as childish, and devalued them as inferior. Because of this, many of us have inherited a tumultuous relationship with feelings. Throughout Advent, a season marked by longing, we intend to celebrate, embrace, and plumb the depths of a few consequential feelings. Our Advent hope is that come Christmas morning, a gift is born: the incarnation of feelings in our selves, relationships, and life with God.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
To feel, anything, is to be alive. Feelings are a central part of our humanity. Their significance is clearly attested to in the life of Jesus, the Infinite wrapped in flesh, feeling—happiness, sadness, worry, anger, despair, vulnerability, peace, amazement… Unfortunately, in comparison to thinking, western thought has minimized feelings as insignificant, disgraced them as childish, and devalued them as inferior. Because of this, many of us have inherited a tumultuous relationship with feelings. Throughout Advent, a season marked by longing, we intend to celebrate, embrace, and plumb the depths of a few consequential feelings. Our Advent hope is that come Christmas morning, a gift is born: the incarnation of feelings in our selves, relationships, and life with God.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
To feel, anything, is to be alive. Feelings are a central part of our humanity. Their significance is clearly attested to in the life of Jesus, the Infinite wrapped in flesh, feeling—happiness, sadness, worry, anger, despair, vulnerability, peace, amazement… Unfortunately, in comparison to thinking, western thought has minimized feelings as insignificant, disgraced them as childish, and devalued them as inferior. Because of this, many of us have inherited a tumultuous relationship with feelings. Throughout Advent, a season marked by longing, we intend to celebrate, embrace, and plumb the depths of a few consequential feelings. Our Advent hope is that come Christmas morning, a gift is born: the incarnation of feelings in our selves, relationships, and life with God.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
As we enter another tumultuous political season, it is all too easy to get caught up in headlines, polls, and the divisive rhetoric everywhere on display. Amid all the frenzy of campaigns and candidates, an unlikely Biblical text calls us to pull back the curtain on reality, and to center ourselves in a way that truly makes for peace. The Book of Revelation—much misunderstood, much misused, full of visions of dragons and beasts—is actually a subversive, political text, calling the church to resist the siren call of Empire, and to stay faithful to the Lamb-like way of Jesus. In this series, we will seek to understand this text, not as a timeline of supposed future events, but as an unveiling of civic life, helping form our imagination and discernment in our political, religious, and economic life together. Our hope is to lower election anxiety, and turn instead to the hope of a city that is like a garden at peace.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
As we enter another tumultuous political season, it is all too easy to get caught up in headlines, polls, and the divisive rhetoric everywhere on display. Amid all the frenzy of campaigns and candidates, an unlikely Biblical text calls us to pull back the curtain on reality, and to center ourselves in a way that truly makes for peace. The Book of Revelation—much misunderstood, much misused, full of visions of dragons and beasts—is actually a subversive, political text, calling the church to resist the siren call of Empire, and to stay faithful to the Lamb-like way of Jesus. In this series, we will seek to understand this text, not as a timeline of supposed future events, but as an unveiling of civic life, helping form our imagination and discernment in our political, religious, and economic life together. Our hope is to lower election anxiety, and turn instead to the hope of a city that is like a garden at peace.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
As we enter another tumultuous political season, it is all too easy to get caught up in headlines, polls, and the divisive rhetoric everywhere on display. Amid all the frenzy of campaigns and candidates, an unlikely Biblical text calls us to pull back the curtain on reality, and to center ourselves in a way that truly makes for peace. The Book of Revelation—much misunderstood, much misused, full of visions of dragons and beasts—is actually a subversive, political text, calling the church to resist the siren call of Empire, and to stay faithful to the Lamb-like way of Jesus. In this series, we will seek to understand this text, not as a timeline of supposed future events, but as an unveiling of civic life, helping form our imagination and discernment in our political, religious, and economic life together. Our hope is to lower election anxiety, and turn instead to the hope of a city that is like a garden at peace.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth, Zach Holz, Vivi Parecki
The Festival of All Saints celebrates the faithful women and men, known and unknown, past and present, whose lives have been marked by the love and grace of God. It is an opportunity for us, as a church, to thank God for them and to remember the roles they have played in bringing Divine Love into our lives and into this world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
As we enter another tumultuous political season, it is all too easy to get caught up in headlines, polls, and the divisive rhetoric everywhere on display. Amid all the frenzy of campaigns and candidates, an unlikely Biblical text calls us to pull back the curtain on reality, and to center ourselves in a way that truly makes for peace. The Book of Revelation—much misunderstood, much misused, full of visions of dragons and beasts—is actually a subversive, political text, calling the church to resist the siren call of Empire, and to stay faithful to the Lamb-like way of Jesus. In this series, we will seek to understand this text, not as a timeline of supposed future events, but as an unveiling of civic life, helping form our imagination and discernment in our political, religious, and economic life together. Our hope is to lower election anxiety, and turn instead to the hope of a city that is like a garden at peace.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
The slides for this sermon are available to download here.
As we enter another tumultuous political season, it is all too easy to get caught up in headlines, polls, and the divisive rhetoric everywhere on display. Amid all the frenzy of campaigns and candidates, an unlikely Biblical text calls us to pull back the curtain on reality, and to center ourselves in a way that truly makes for peace. The Book of Revelation—much misunderstood, much misused, full of visions of dragons and beasts—is actually a subversive, political text, calling the church to resist the siren call of Empire, and to stay faithful to the Lamb-like way of Jesus. In this series, we will seek to understand this text, not as a timeline of supposed future events, but as an unveiling of civic life, helping form our imagination and discernment in our political, religious, and economic life together. Our hope is to lower election anxiety, and turn instead to the hope of a city that is like a garden at peace.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
As our community continues to transition from deconstruction to reconstruction, from a focus on what we are not toward a focus on what we are, we dream of a church that holds up the ancient and historic way of Jesus that is worthy of being embraced. The way of Jesus casts vision for a flourishing life. It is life so immersed in Divine Love that our daily lives are transfigured: no longer are strangers to be feared, they are family to know; no longer is change threatening, it is an opportunity to evolve; no longer is self-giving burdensome duty, it becomes an opportunity to share God’s love that has filled our hearts to overflowing. Family, evolution, the expression of love—these are distinctive of Jesus’ way that, in this series, we will dream about deepening into.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
As our community continues to transition from deconstruction to reconstruction, from a focus on what we are not toward a focus on what we are, we dream of a church that holds up the ancient and historic way of Jesus that is worthy of being embraced. The way of Jesus casts vision for a flourishing life. It is life so immersed in Divine Love that our daily lives are transfigured: no longer are strangers to be feared, they are family to know; no longer is change threatening, it is an opportunity to evolve; no longer is self-giving burdensome duty, it becomes an opportunity to share God’s love that has filled our hearts to overflowing. Family, evolution, the expression of love—these are distinctive of Jesus’ way that, in this series, we will dream about deepening into.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
As our community continues to transition from deconstruction to reconstruction, from a focus on what we are not toward a focus on what we are, we dream of a church that holds up the ancient and historic way of Jesus that is worthy of being embraced. The way of Jesus casts vision for a flourishing life. It is life so immersed in Divine Love that our daily lives are transfigured: no longer are strangers to be feared, they are family to know; no longer is change threatening, it is an opportunity to evolve; no longer is self-giving burdensome duty, it becomes an opportunity to share God’s love that has filled our hearts to overflowing. Family, evolution, the expression of love—these are distinctive of Jesus’ way that, in this series, we will dream about deepening into.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
As our community continues to transition from deconstruction to reconstruction, from a focus on what we are not toward a focus on what we are, we dream of a church that holds up the ancient and historic way of Jesus that is worthy of being embraced. The way of Jesus casts vision for a flourishing life. It is life so immersed in Divine Love that our daily lives are transfigured: no longer are strangers to be feared, they are family to know; no longer is change threatening, it is an opportunity to evolve; no longer is self-giving burdensome duty, it becomes an opportunity to share God’s love that has filled our hearts to overflowing. Family, evolution, the expression of love—these are distinctive of Jesus’ way that, in this series, we will dream about deepening into.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
As our community continues to transition from deconstruction to reconstruction, from a focus on what we are not toward a focus on what we are, we dream of a church that holds up the ancient and historic way of Jesus that is worthy of being embraced. The way of Jesus casts vision for a flourishing life. It is life so immersed in Divine Love that our daily lives are transfigured: no longer are strangers to be feared, they are family to know; no longer is change threatening, it is an opportunity to evolve; no longer is self-giving burdensome duty, it becomes an opportunity to share God’s love that has filled our hearts to overflowing. Family, evolution, the expression of love—these are distinctive of Jesus’ way that, in this series, we will dream about deepening into.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
In 2023, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a statement declaring a new epidemic—not a new strain of COVID or the flu, but rather loneliness. In this sermon, our aim is to normalize our experiences of loneliness and to explore how we as a community can respond to the epidemic of loneliness and provide a place for connection and belonging to flourish.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church to hear from the members of our Oversight Team. Each week a different Oversight Team member takes a turn to share, which gives us a chance to learn about their life and to hear what they dream of for Pearl. The Oversight Team’s role is to ensure that we are cultivating our rhythms according to our values. This team also oversees our practices, bylaws, budget, and lead pastor.
This week we hear from Tym Andrews, sharing about his story of finding belonging and his hopes for Pearl Church to be a welcoming community for all.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church to hear from the members of our Oversight Team. Each week a different Oversight Team member takes a turn to share, which gives us a chance to learn about their life and to hear what they dream of for Pearl. The Oversight Team’s role is to ensure that we are cultivating our rhythms according to our values. This team also oversees our practices, bylaws, budget, and lead pastor.
This week we hear from Leah Griffin, sharing on the theme of “identities” and their hope that Pearl Church is and continues to be a community people are proud to be a part of.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church to hear from the members of our Oversight Team. Each week a different Oversight Team member takes a turn to share, which gives us a chance to learn about their life and to hear what they dream of for Pearl. The Oversight Team’s role is to ensure that we are cultivating our rhythms according to our values. This team also oversees our practices, bylaws, budget, and lead pastor.
This week we hear from Valinda Harlan, sharing her heart for Pearl to be a place where we can be renewed in our minds, feel radical love in our hearts, and be a family of action animated by love.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church to hear from the members of our Oversight Team. Each week a different Oversight Team member takes a turn to share, which gives us a chance to learn about their life and to hear what they dream of for Pearl. The Oversight Team’s role is to ensure that we are cultivating our rhythms according to our values. This team also oversees our practices, bylaws, budget, and lead pastor.
This week we hear from Cheri Gilbert about her heart for community at Pearl Church.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Mike & Asher Roth
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church to hear from the members of our Oversight Team. Each week a different Oversight Team member takes a turn to share, which gives us a chance to learn about their life and to hear what they dream of for Pearl. The Oversight Team’s role is to ensure that we are cultivating our rhythms according to our values. This team also oversees our practices, bylaws, budget, and lead pastor.
This week we hear from Mike Roth and his son, Asher, as Mike reflects on his hear for families at Pearl Church.
Preaching: Mike Roth
If you grew up in the church, chances are that you attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) during summer break. For one warm week you sat on green grass, drank apple juice, and ate graham crackers while an adult used the Flannelgraph to teach you stories from the Bible. For many, these stories sit deep in our consciousness. For some, these stories scared us into Christian faith. This sermon series intends to explore a handful of VBS stories told to children. However, rather than scary storytelling as a motivational tool, this series intends to elevate loving storytelling that bears the weight of good authority and inspires us into ever-deepening Christian faith.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
If you grew up in the church, chances are that you attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) during summer break. For one warm week you sat on green grass, drank apple juice, and ate graham crackers while an adult used the Flannelgraph to teach you stories from the Bible. For many, these stories sit deep in our consciousness. For some, these stories scared us into Christian faith. This sermon series intends to explore a handful of VBS stories told to children. However, rather than scary storytelling as a motivational tool, this series intends to elevate loving storytelling that bears the weight of good authority and inspires us into ever-deepening Christian faith.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
If you grew up in the church, chances are that you attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) during summer break. For one warm week you sat on green grass, drank apple juice, and ate graham crackers while an adult used the Flannelgraph to teach you stories from the Bible. For many, these stories sit deep in our consciousness. For some, these stories scared us into Christian faith. This sermon series intends to explore a handful of VBS stories told to children. However, rather than scary storytelling as a motivational tool, this series intends to elevate loving storytelling that bears the weight of good authority and inspires us into ever-deepening Christian faith.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
If you grew up in the church, chances are that you attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) during summer break. For one warm week you sat on green grass, drank apple juice, and ate graham crackers while an adult used the Flannelgraph to teach you stories from the Bible. For many, these stories sit deep in our consciousness. For some, these stories scared us into Christian faith. This sermon series intends to explore a handful of VBS stories told to children. However, rather than scary storytelling as a motivational tool, this series intends to elevate loving storytelling that bears the weight of good authority and inspires us into ever-deepening Christian faith.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
Note: this sermon references clips from the show “We’re Here”, on HBO, Season 4, episodes 5 and 6. The clips are not included in the sermon audio.
If you grew up in the church, chances are that you attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) during summer break. For one warm week you sat on green grass, drank apple juice, and ate graham crackers while an adult used the Flannelgraph to teach you stories from the Bible. For many, these stories sit deep in our consciousness. For some, these stories scared us into Christian faith. This sermon series intends to explore a handful of VBS stories told to children. However, rather than scary storytelling as a motivational tool, this series intends to elevate loving storytelling that bears the weight of good authority and inspires us into ever-deepening Christian faith.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
If you grew up in the church, chances are that you attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) during summer break. For one warm week you sat on green grass, drank apple juice, and ate graham crackers while an adult used the Flannelgraph to teach you stories from the Bible. For many, these stories sit deep in our consciousness. For some, these stories scared us into Christian faith. This sermon series intends to explore a handful of VBS stories told to children. However, rather than scary storytelling as a motivational tool, this series intends to elevate loving storytelling that bears the weight of good authority and inspires us into ever-deepening Christian faith.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
If you grew up in the church, chances are that you attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) during summer break. For one warm week you sat on green grass, drank apple juice, and ate graham crackers while an adult used the Flannelgraph to teach you stories from the Bible. For many, these stories sit deep in our consciousness. For some, these stories scared us into Christian faith. This sermon series intends to explore a handful of VBS stories told to children. However, rather than scary storytelling as a motivational tool, this series intends to elevate loving storytelling that bears the weight of good authority and inspires us into ever-deepening Christian faith.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
If you grew up in the church, chances are that you attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) during summer break. For one warm week you sat on green grass, drank apple juice, and ate graham crackers while an adult used the Flannelgraph to teach you stories from the Bible. For many, these stories sit deep in our consciousness. For some, these stories scared us into Christian faith. This sermon series intends to explore a handful of VBS stories told to children. However, rather than scary storytelling as a motivational tool, this series intends to elevate loving storytelling that bears the weight of good authority and inspires us into ever-deepening Christian faith.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
On this Trinity Sunday, Pastor Ben Conachan uses the lens of queer theology to consider the Trinity, as we discover God overturning boundaries and inviting us into the strange and unexpected depths of Divine Love.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Note: there are several film clips omitted from the recording of this sermon, from the movie Amelie.
Feast Days are specific days of the year in the liturgical calendar that mark significant Christian moments, which hold particular meaning. Two of these important Feasts include Ascension of the Lord and Pentecost. Ascension of the Lord recalls Jesus’ ascent into heaven where he is seated at the right hand of God; Pentecost recalls the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ followers. Ascent and descent; eternal life and inspired life. This sermon series aims to celebrate these feasts through film that illuminates the eternality of love and the goodness of inspiration.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Note: the film clip referenced in this sermon is from the movie Big Night, beginning at 1:33:37 where one brother says, “okay, good” to 140:35 which pictures a sunrise.
Feast Days are specific days of the year in the liturgical calendar that mark significant Christian moments, which hold particular meaning. Two of these important Feasts include Ascension of the Lord and Pentecost. Ascension of the Lord recalls Jesus’ ascent into heaven where he is seated at the right hand of God; Pentecost recalls the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ followers. Ascent and descent; eternal life and inspired life. This sermon series aims to celebrate these feasts through film that illuminates the eternality of love and the goodness of inspiration.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
Written in the first decades of the early church’s life, the epistle to the Colossians holds out a vision of life in Christ that is simple, hopeful, and above all, good. In our exploration of this text, we aim to celebrate the way of Jesus that bears good and beautiful fruit—wisdom, unity, fullness, life—and that opens doors to encourage ongoing discovery of ever more goodness. Our hope is that this series helps us to hold our lives with joy, peace, gratitude, simplicity and hope.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Written in the first decades of the early church’s life, the epistle to the Colossians holds out a vision of life in Christ that is simple, hopeful, and above all, good. In our exploration of this text, we aim to celebrate the way of Jesus that bears good and beautiful fruit—wisdom, unity, fullness, life—and that opens doors to encourage ongoing discovery of ever more goodness. Our hope is that this series helps us to hold our lives with joy, peace, gratitude, simplicity and hope.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Written in the first decades of the early church’s life, the epistle to the Colossians holds out a vision of life in Christ that is simple, hopeful, and above all, good. In our exploration of this text, we aim to celebrate the way of Jesus that bears good and beautiful fruit—wisdom, unity, fullness, life—and that opens doors to encourage ongoing discovery of ever more goodness. Our hope is that this series helps us to hold our lives with joy, peace, gratitude, simplicity and hope.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
The slides for this sermon can be downloaded here.
Written in the first decades of the early church’s life, the epistle to the Colossians holds out a vision of life in Christ that is simple, hopeful, and above all, good. In our exploration of this text, we aim to celebrate the way of Jesus that bears good and beautiful fruit—wisdom, unity, fullness, life—and that opens doors to encourage ongoing discovery of ever more goodness. Our hope is that this series helps us to hold our lives with joy, peace, gratitude, simplicity and hope.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
Written in the first decades of the early church’s life, the epistle to the Colossians holds out a vision of life in Christ that is simple, hopeful, and above all, good. In our exploration of this text, we aim to celebrate the way of Jesus that bears good and beautiful fruit—wisdom, unity, fullness, life—and that opens doors to encourage ongoing discovery of ever more goodness. Our hope is that this series helps us to hold our lives with joy, peace, gratitude, simplicity and hope.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
This Easter Sunday we bask in the goodness of life, in all of its splendor.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
The word “disappointment” refers to the sorrow that we often feel as a result of our unfulfilled hopes or expectations. But is sorrow the only outcome of disappointment? According to the Season of Lent and way of Jesus, difficult human experiences—even death itself—are imbued with unexpected surprises and possibilities. During this Season of Lent we’ll explore the life of Moses and his many disappointments. We’ll make space to lament our own experiences of disappointment while being intentional to consider the potential gifts that disappointment affords. Our desire is that this series grows our capacity to hold both sorrow and hope, in the midst of the sincere disappointment that we all encounter.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The word “disappointment” refers to the sorrow that we often feel as a result of our unfulfilled hopes or expectations. But is sorrow the only outcome of disappointment? According to the Season of Lent and way of Jesus, difficult human experiences—even death itself—are imbued with unexpected surprises and possibilities. During this Season of Lent we’ll explore the life of Moses and his many disappointments. We’ll make space to lament our own experiences of disappointment while being intentional to consider the potential gifts that disappointment affords. Our desire is that this series grows our capacity to hold both sorrow and hope, in the midst of the sincere disappointment that we all encounter.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
The word “disappointment” refers to the sorrow that we often feel as a result of our unfulfilled hopes or expectations. But is sorrow the only outcome of disappointment? According to the Season of Lent and way of Jesus, difficult human experiences—even death itself—are imbued with unexpected surprises and possibilities. During this Season of Lent we’ll explore the life of Moses and his many disappointments. We’ll make space to lament our own experiences of disappointment while being intentional to consider the potential gifts that disappointment affords. Our desire is that this series grows our capacity to hold both sorrow and hope, in the midst of the sincere disappointment that we all encounter.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The word “disappointment” refers to the sorrow that we often feel as a result of our unfulfilled hopes or expectations. But is sorrow the only outcome of disappointment? According to the Season of Lent and way of Jesus, difficult human experiences—even death itself—are imbued with unexpected surprises and possibilities. During this Season of Lent we’ll explore the life of Moses and his many disappointments. We’ll make space to lament our own experiences of disappointment while being intentional to consider the potential gifts that disappointment affords. Our desire is that this series grows our capacity to hold both sorrow and hope, in the midst of the sincere disappointment that we all encounter.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
Stories of Disappointment
The word “disappointment” refers to the sorrow that we often feel as a result of our unfulfilled hopes or expectations. But is sorrow the only outcome of disappointment? According to the Season of Lent and way of Jesus, difficult human experiences—even death itself—are imbued with unexpected surprises and possibilities. During this Season of Lent we’ll explore the life of Moses and his many disappointments. We’ll make space to lament our own experiences of disappointment while being intentional to consider the potential gifts that disappointment affords. Our desire is that this series grows our capacity to hold both sorrow and hope, in the midst of the sincere disappointment that we all encounter.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The word “disappointment” refers to the sorrow that we often feel as a result of our unfulfilled hopes or expectations. But is sorrow the only outcome of disappointment? According to the Season of Lent and way of Jesus, difficult human experiences—even death itself—are imbued with unexpected surprises and possibilities. During this Season of Lent we’ll explore the life of Moses and his many disappointments. We’ll make space to lament our own experiences of disappointment while being intentional to consider the potential gifts that disappointment affords. Our desire is that this series grows our capacity to hold both sorrow and hope, in the midst of the sincere disappointment that we all encounter.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Throughout its long history, the Christian community has pondered a set of mysteries drawn from the life of Jesus. Mystery—this word, in its ancient sense, points toward something hidden, a dawning awareness that unfolds only slowly through musing, reflection, pondering. In this sense, these Christian treasures—Incarnation, Atonement, Resurrection, Trinity—are not fixed dogmas with singular meaning. In this series we will explore how these evocative images continue to disclose new meaning today, illuminating our lives as we hold the story of Jesus in conversation with our evolving understanding of justice, goodness, and reality itself.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
The images mentioned in this sermon can be viewed here.
Throughout its long history, the Christian community has pondered a set of mysteries drawn from the life of Jesus. Mystery—this word, in its ancient sense, points toward something hidden, a dawning awareness that unfolds only slowly through musing, reflection, pondering. In this sense, these Christian treasures—Incarnation, Atonement, Resurrection, Trinity—are not fixed dogmas with singular meaning. In this series we will explore how these evocative images continue to disclose new meaning today, illuminating our lives as we hold the story of Jesus in conversation with our evolving understanding of justice, goodness, and reality itself.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
The Christian Mysteries
Throughout its long history, the Christian community has pondered a set of mysteries drawn from the life of Jesus. Mystery—this word, in its ancient sense, points toward something hidden, a dawning awareness that unfolds only slowly through musing, reflection, pondering. In this sense, these Christian treasures—Incarnation, Atonement, Resurrection, Trinity—are not fixed dogmas with singular meaning. In this series we will explore how these evocative images continue to disclose new meaning today, illuminating our lives as we hold the story of Jesus in conversation with our evolving understanding of justice, goodness, and reality itself.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Throughout its long history, the Christian community has pondered a set of mysteries drawn from the life of Jesus. Mystery—this word, in its ancient sense, points toward something hidden, a dawning awareness that unfolds only slowly through musing, reflection, pondering. In this sense, these Christian treasures—Incarnation, Atonement, Resurrection, Trinity—are not fixed dogmas with singular meaning. In this series we will explore how these evocative images continue to disclose new meaning today, illuminating our lives as we hold the story of Jesus in conversation with our evolving understanding of justice, goodness, and reality itself.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
The Joyful Mysteries refer to a collection of five meditations in the Rosary. These meditations follow the life of Mary as she accepts Jesus into her very body, visits her relative Elizabeth, gives birth to Jesus, presents Jesus in the temple, and finds Jesus in the temple. This sermon series intends to explore a pattern of creativity toward which this collection of mediations point—a pattern that we can find within our own experiences of creativity. For certainly, the Divine invites us all into creating goodness with our lives. And this goodness can take on many forms, whether that be the creation of an idea, a project, or even a child. It’s our sincere hope that this sermon series nurtures joyful acceptance of that which we’re being invited to create, as well as gratitude, thrill, and ultimately release, by following Mary in sharing our creative expressions with the world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
The Joyful Mysteries refer to a collection of five meditations in the Rosary. These meditations follow the life of Mary as she accepts Jesus into her very body, visits her relative Elizabeth, gives birth to Jesus, presents Jesus in the temple, and finds Jesus in the temple. This sermon series intends to explore a pattern of creativity toward which this collection of mediations point—a pattern that we can find within our own experiences of creativity. For certainly, the Divine invites us all into creating goodness with our lives. And this goodness can take on many forms, whether that be the creation of an idea, a project, or even a child. It’s our sincere hope that this sermon series nurtures joyful acceptance of that which we’re being invited to create, as well as gratitude, thrill, and ultimately release, by following Mary in sharing our creative expressions with the world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
You can view the art referred to in this sermon here.
The Joyful Mysteries refer to a collection of five meditations in the Rosary. These meditations follow the life of Mary as she accepts Jesus into her very body, visits her relative Elizabeth, gives birth to Jesus, presents Jesus in the temple, and finds Jesus in the temple. This sermon series intends to explore a pattern of creativity toward which this collection of mediations point—a pattern that we can find within our own experiences of creativity. For certainly, the Divine invites us all into creating goodness with our lives. And this goodness can take on many forms, whether that be the creation of an idea, a project, or even a child. It’s our sincere hope that this sermon series nurtures joyful acceptance of that which we’re being invited to create, as well as gratitude, thrill, and ultimately release, by following Mary in sharing our creative expressions with the world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Joyful Mysteries refer to a collection of five meditations in the Rosary. These meditations follow the life of Mary as she accepts Jesus into her very body, visits her relative Elizabeth, gives birth to Jesus, presents Jesus in the temple, and finds Jesus in the temple. This sermon series intends to explore a pattern of creativity toward which this collection of mediations point—a pattern that we can find within our own experiences of creativity. For certainly, the Divine invites us all into creating goodness with our lives. And this goodness can take on many forms, whether that be the creation of an idea, a project, or even a child. It’s our sincere hope that this sermon series nurtures joyful acceptance of that which we’re being invited to create, as well as gratitude, thrill, and ultimately release, by following Mary in sharing our creative expressions with the world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Joyful Mysteries refer to a collection of five meditations in the Rosary. These meditations follow the life of Mary as she accepts Jesus into her very body, visits her relative Elizabeth, gives birth to Jesus, presents Jesus in the temple, and finds Jesus in the temple. This sermon series intends to explore a pattern of creativity toward which this collection of mediations point—a pattern that we can find within our own experiences of creativity. For certainly, the Divine invites us all into creating goodness with our lives. And this goodness can take on many forms, whether that be the creation of an idea, a project, or even a child. It’s our sincere hope that this sermon series nurtures joyful acceptance of that which we’re being invited to create, as well as gratitude, thrill, and ultimately release, by following Mary in sharing our creative expressions with the world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
Christ the King Sunday is the climax and conclusion of the Church’s liturgical journey through the life of Christ and the Gospel message. Before we begin the church year anew, we pause today to celebrate Christ’s peaceful reign.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
We inhabit an era of unprecedented change. New ideas, new technologies, new discoveries, and new challenges seem to come one after the other, exciting and disorienting and sometimes disturbing. And as Christianity itself evolves, what anchors us, here and now, in communion with followers of Jesus across the world and the ages? In this series, we will consider two embodied practices, known as “sacraments,” handed down through the centuries—baptism and eucharist. These ancient, enacted rituals help root us as participants in the Christian way, giving us incarnate experience of identity and inclusion.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
We inhabit an era of unprecedented change. New ideas, new technologies, new discoveries, and new challenges seem to come one after the other, exciting and disorienting and sometimes disturbing. And as Christianity itself evolves, what anchors us, here and now, in communion with followers of Jesus across the world and the ages? In this series, we will consider two embodied practices, known as “sacraments,” handed down through the centuries—baptism and eucharist. These ancient, enacted rituals help root us as participants in the Christian way, giving us incarnate experience of identity and inclusion.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth, Valinda Harlan, Carlos Fernandez
The Festival of All Saints celebrates the faithful women and men, known and unknown, past and present, whose lives have been marked by the love and grace of God. It is an opportunity for us, as a church, to thank God for them and to remember the roles they have played in bringing Divine Love into our lives and into this world.
This morning, we have the opportunity to hear from Valinda Harlan and Carlos Fernandez as they share stories of lives that have drawn them, personally, deeper into Divine Love.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
The notion of evolution precedes science. In its earliest form, evolution, from the Latin evolutio, referred to “unrolling,” meaning opening out or development. This idea—that life, this world, people, and even consciousness are ever-becoming—is consistent with what we see when we look back at human history. Over time, earlier forms of anything that continues to exist have developed and diversified. With this in mind, this sermon series has three aims. First, it intends to explore the development and diversification of Christian thought. Second, it will trace the roots of contemporary Christian thought in the ancient heart and way of Jesus. Third, it will celebrate the evolution of Divine Love, which is always propelling humankind forward into ever-more love and inclusion.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The notion of evolution precedes science. In its earliest form, evolution, from the Latin evolutio, referred to “unrolling,” meaning opening out or development. This idea—that life, this world, people, and even consciousness are ever-becoming—is consistent with what we see when we look back at human history. Over time, earlier forms of anything that continues to exist have developed and diversified. With this in mind, this sermon series has three aims. First, it intends to explore the development and diversification of Christian thought. Second, it will trace the roots of contemporary Christian thought in the ancient heart and way of Jesus. Third, it will celebrate the evolution of Divine Love, which is always propelling humankind forward into ever-more love and inclusion.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
The notion of evolution precedes science. In its earliest form, evolution, from the Latin evolutio, referred to “unrolling,” meaning opening out or development. This idea—that life, this world, people, and even consciousness are ever-becoming—is consistent with what we see when we look back at human history. Over time, earlier forms of anything that continues to exist have developed and diversified. With this in mind, this sermon series has three aims. First, it intends to explore the development and diversification of Christian thought. Second, it will trace the roots of contemporary Christian thought in the ancient heart and way of Jesus. Third, it will celebrate the evolution of Divine Love, which is always propelling humankind forward into ever-more love and inclusion.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
The notion of evolution precedes science. In its earliest form, evolution, from the Latin evolutio, referred to “unrolling,” meaning opening out or development. This idea—that life, this world, people, and even consciousness are ever-becoming—is consistent with what we see when we look back at human history. Over time, earlier forms of anything that continues to exist have developed and diversified. With this in mind, this sermon series has three aims. First, it intends to explore the development and diversification of Christian thought. Second, it will trace the roots of contemporary Christian thought in the ancient heart and way of Jesus. Third, it will celebrate the evolution of Divine Love, which is always propelling humankind forward into ever-more love and inclusion.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The notion of evolution precedes science. In its earliest form, evolution, from the Latin evolutio, referred to “unrolling,” meaning opening out or development. This idea—that life, this world, people, and even consciousness are ever-becoming—is consistent with what we see when we look back at human history. Over time, earlier forms of anything that continues to exist have developed and diversified. With this in mind, this sermon series has three aims. First, it intends to explore the development and diversification of Christian thought. Second, it will trace the roots of contemporary Christian thought in the ancient heart and way of Jesus. Third, it will celebrate the evolution of Divine Love, which is always propelling humankind forward into ever-more love and inclusion.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Pearl Leadership Team
It’s an annual tradition at Pearl to take the Sunday after Labor Day for our Fall Launch. Our ministry leaders share our dreams and hopes for the next year, and the ways that you can be involved in what we are doing as a community.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
After necessarily deconstructing Christianity that’s based on biblical inerrancy, Divine wrath, and exclusion in Jesus’ name, people often find themselves asking, “Why should I be Christian?” This important question comes from a place that is much deeper than cynicism. It’s an honest question. Why—if the Bible isn’t inerrant, God is love, and Jesus’ table is open to every person—should anyone identify as a Christian today, in 2023? This sermon series will explore non-violent and non-dominion reasons for being deeply, yet humbly Christian, today.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
After necessarily deconstructing Christianity that’s based on biblical inerrancy, Divine wrath, and exclusion in Jesus’ name, people often find themselves asking, “Why should I be Christian?” This important question comes from a place that is much deeper than cynicism. It’s an honest question. Why—if the Bible isn’t inerrant, God is love, and Jesus’ table is open to every person—should anyone identify as a Christian today, in 2023? This sermon series will explore non-violent and non-dominion reasons for being deeply, yet humbly Christian, today.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
After necessarily deconstructing Christianity that’s based on biblical inerrancy, Divine wrath, and exclusion in Jesus’ name, people often find themselves asking, “Why should I be Christian?” This important question comes from a place that is much deeper than cynicism. It’s an honest question. Why—if the Bible isn’t inerrant, God is love, and Jesus’ table is open to every person—should anyone identify as a Christian today, in 2023? This sermon series will explore non-violent and non-dominion reasons for being deeply, yet humbly Christian, today.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
After necessarily deconstructing Christianity that’s based on biblical inerrancy, Divine wrath, and exclusion in Jesus’ name, people often find themselves asking, “Why should I be Christian?” This important question comes from a place that is much deeper than cynicism. It’s an honest question. Why—if the Bible isn’t inerrant, God is love, and Jesus’ table is open to every person—should anyone identify as a Christian today, in 2023? This sermon series will explore non-violent and non-dominion reasons for being deeply, yet humbly Christian, today.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
After necessarily deconstructing Christianity that’s based on biblical inerrancy, Divine wrath, and exclusion in Jesus’ name, people often find themselves asking, “Why should I be Christian?” This important question comes from a place that is much deeper than cynicism. It’s an honest question. Why—if the Bible isn’t inerrant, God is love, and Jesus’ table is open to every person—should anyone identify as a Christian today, in 2023? This sermon series will explore non-violent and non-dominion reasons for being deeply, yet humbly Christian, today.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Pastor Mike reflects on his season of sabbatical, and the invitation to the gentle and kind way of Divine Love.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
As we near the twenty-third anniversary of Pearl Church at the beginning of August, this week Pastor Ben reflects on the story of Pearl and the faithfulness of being willing to change course.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
Each week we begin and end our services reminding ourselves that our truest animation—the motivation which most richly moves us into goodness—is Divine Love. In this sermon we explore three poems and three stories which illustrate the invitation, movement and deepening of Divine Love in the midst of our ordinary lives.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Constantino Khalaf
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church to hear from the members of our Oversight Team. Each week a different Oversight Team member takes a turn to share, which gives us a chance to learn about their life and to hear what they dream of for Pearl. The Oversight Team’s role is to ensure that we are cultivating our rhythms according to our values. This team also oversees our practices, bylaws, budget, and lead pastor.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Rachel Marble
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church to hear from the members of our Oversight Team. Each week a different Oversight Team member takes a turn to share, which gives us a chance to learn about their life and to hear what they dream of for Pearl. The Oversight Team’s role is to ensure that we are cultivating our rhythms according to our values. This team also oversees our practices, bylaws, budget, and lead pastor.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Cheri Gilbert
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church to hear from the members of our Oversight Team. Each week a different Oversight Team member takes a turn to share, which gives us a chance to learn about their life and to hear what they dream of for Pearl. The Oversight Team’s role is to ensure that we are cultivating our rhythms according to our values. This team also oversees our practices, bylaws, budget, and lead pastor.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Carrie Kondor
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church to hear from the members of our Oversight Team. Each week a different Oversight Team member takes a turn to share, which gives us a chance to learn about their life and to hear what they dream of for Pearl. The Oversight Team’s role is to ensure that we are cultivating our rhythms according to our values. This team also oversees our practices, bylaws, budget, and lead pastor.
Note: the song referenced in this sermon is "Laugh at all my Dreams" by Lara Downes.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
In her memoir, The Writing Life, Annie Dillard muses: “How we spend our days is of course how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour and that one is what we are doing.” And we could add, what we do with this hour and that one, is sacred ground. What can feel mundane and ordinary to us—getting rest, doing work, eating meals, and paying attention—all this is truly the daily place where we can encounter the Holy. With the help of ancient voices from the monastic tradition, this series at the start of Ordinary Time will explore the common experiences of life, where we can welcome the Divine into the texture of our ordinary world.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
In her memoir, The Writing Life, Annie Dillard muses: “How we spend our days is of course how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour and that one is what we are doing.” And we could add, what we do with this hour and that one, is sacred ground. What can feel mundane and ordinary to us—getting rest, doing work, eating meals, and paying attention—all this is truly the daily place where we can encounter the Holy. With the help of ancient voices from the monastic tradition, this series at the start of Ordinary Time will explore the common experiences of life, where we can welcome the Divine into the texture of our ordinary world.
The icon referenced in this sermon can be viewed here: The Trinity, by Kelly Latimore
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
In her memoir, The Writing Life, Annie Dillard muses: “How we spend our days is of course how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour and that one is what we are doing.” And we could add, what we do with this hour and that one, is sacred ground. What can feel mundane and ordinary to us—getting rest, doing work, eating meals, and paying attention—all this is truly the daily place where we can encounter the Holy. With the help of ancient voices from the monastic tradition, this series at the start of Ordinary Time will explore the common experiences of life, where we can welcome the Divine into the texture of our ordinary world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Note: Due to technical issues, we do not have a sermon recording for this week. Please find the transcript of this sermon below!
I. ALL HOURS ARE SACRED
Well, the last few weeks have been warm! I’ve really enjoyed this turn toward summer weather. I feel all the knotted tension of bracing against the cold and rain releasing, and the days seem to spread out the way I used to sprawl on the grass as a child with a book in endless summer hours. To me there’s something magic about these warm, long days, as if every hour lights up with sacred delight. Maybe the longer days make us more aware of how we spend each hour, since it seems we suddenly have so many more of them.
In her memoir, The Writing Life, Annie Dillard muses: “How we spend our days is of course how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour and that one is what we are doing.” And we could add, what we do with this hour and that one, is sacred ground.
What can feel mundane and ordinary to us—getting rest, doing work, eating meals, and paying attention—all this is the daily place where we can encounter the Holy. Over the next few weeks, this sermon series as we turn toward Ordinary Time will explore the common experiences of life, where we can welcome the Divine into the texture of our ordinary world.
That’s not always easy, is it? I mean, take a moment with me and just think back over the last year. Think on some of the good moments, the joyful moments, the moments that you felt alive and energized and engaged. and now, think on some of the hard times, the griefs and losses and pains and disappointments. We’ve all felt them this year, haven’t we? And also—those forgettable days, the ones that were just lather, rinse, repeat, the ones where nothing really seemed to happen at all and you just got through it.
Now, if we were to take those moments and plot them on a chart —say, make high peaks for the moments where you felt alive and engaged with the world, and low valleys where you were just getting by or disengaged—and let’s say we wanted to point to the moments that were sacred. Where would you point? Probably those big moments, some good, some bad, but vivid.
Oh, but weren’t the rest of those hours sacred too—because they were yours, and they are part of you? My hope is that in our time together over the next few weeks, we are reminded that our actual lives—as we are now living them, as we are now—are already flooded with the divine, full of the sacred. The Benedictine monastic tradition has a saying: “Ora et labora,” prayer and work. It’s a shorthand reminder—prayer and work, the sacred and the mundane, go hand in hand and it is all sacred.
II. PLAY IS HARD FOR US
Over the next four weeks we will consider the sacred place of these different kinds of hours in our lives—hours of rest and play; hours of creative work; hours of relationship and hospitality; hours of attending to the Divine. They all have their place and most likely, whether we notice or not, they’re all already in the texture of the lives we’re already living.
But we start with hours of rest and play this week, because I suspect that among us, these are some of the hardest for us to accept as sacred - and that hours of play and rest are those that we are most tempted to omit.
Dr. Stuart Brown is the founder of the National Institute of Play (sounds like a fun job, right?) and has invested his life in studying play and its effects on animals and humans of every age. He defines play as “anything that is spontaneously done for its own sake… (play) appears purposeless and produces pleasure and joy.”
It’s that appearance of purposelessness that makes resting and playing hard for us. We don’t do purposeless well.
I had a roommate in college who was better at doing nothing than anyone I have ever met. I say this with respect and admiration. I would come home and he would be lying with his back on the couch, feet on the wall behind the couch, walking his bare feet back and forth on the wall in an arch for hours, doing nothing, until every so often I would have to wash the rainbow of dirty footprints off the wall.
Me on the other hand: my roommates used to play a game, where they would intentionally create little messes around the house—a picture tilted on the wall, a jar left on the counter, dishes put away in the wrong cabinet—and then I’d get home and they’d watch me run around fixing it all. I couldn’t sit still!
Even my forms of resting slowly morphed into work. As a child I loved to read more than anything; I used to scale the jungle gym in the playground and sit up there reading a book where no one would bother me at recess. I read widely, anything I could get my hands on, no plan, just because I delighted in discovery of stories and facts. But as I grew older I came to feel that if I was reading, I should be reading serious things, theology and philosophy, and I should be taking notes—and reading just became one long continual preparation for future sermons.
There is a real irony that we can turn our rest itself into work, so that even taking time off of our work is seen as important so that we can be even more efficient when we return to work! But this sharply undercuts the importance and goodness of rest in our lives.
III. RESTFUL RELATIONSHIP TO SELF
Times of playfulness and purposeless delight are crucial for our flourishing—for healthy relationship to ourselves, for healthy relationship to the Divine, and for healthy relationship with others around us.
Playfulness and rest allow us to develop a healthy relationship to ourselves.
In his studies at the National Institute of Play, Stuart Brown studied the play behavior of laboratory rats. These rats love to wrestle and pin each other down, rough-and-tumble play. Brown’s team found that,
if the laboratory investigator stops the rats specifically from playing, there are some dire consequences. They do not socialize normally. They can’t recognize friend from foe… animals and humans who are deprived of it, are fixed and rigid in their responses to complex stimuli. They don’t have a repertoire of choices that are as broad as their intelligence should allow them to have. And they don’t seek out novelty and newness.
It turns out that playfulness is an essential part in developing and maintaining our adaptability, our capacity to be creative and curious about the world around us. An ongoing practice of play keeps our resilience levels high, and exposes us to ideas and possibilities that wouldn’t have occurred to us if we kept our noses to the grindstone.
Perhaps some of you have had this experience, which is common for me when writing: I don’t know how to approach a certain section, feel stuck, the words aren’t flowing—so I walk away, go on a walk, do something physical. And after a while, I’ll find ideas bursting out—because my mind and body wanted freedom for coming at the problem from different angles.
Playfulness doesn’t just develop our capacity for adaptability and curiosity as children; again, Stuart Brown notes that research has shown,
the human being really is designed biologically to play throughout the life cycle. … From my standpoint as a clinician, when one really doesn’t play at all or very little in adulthood, there are consequences: rigidities, depression, lack of adaptability, no irony … things that are pretty important, that enable us to cope in a world of many demands.
So, playfulness and rest are essential for healthy relationship to ourselves in developing our resilience. But it is also essential for healthy relationship to ourselves in that we come to fuller self-knowledge when we allow ourselves to play.
Brown encourages us to watch children play: “if you just observe them, and don’t try and direct them, and watch what it is they like to do in play, and get some sense of how their temperament intermixes with their play desires, you often will see a key to their innate talents… And that this is nature’s way of sort of saying this is who you are and what you are.”
It is when we open ourselves to curiosity and try new things that we find, “oh! I didn’t know I enjoyed that!” Whether it’s trying a new dish, jumping into a new activity or game, or opening a book about an unknown topic—this free-ranging playfulness is where we meet ourselves and surprise ourselves.
Of course, for this to be true, we have to release ourselves from the very adult demand that we do things correctly. This is really hard, because as adults we forget how we learned everything we now know—by trying lots of things that didn’t work until we stumbled our way into what does work. So embracing playfulness returns us to a healthier relationship to ourselves—one of patience, curiosity, and compassion.
IV. RESTFUL RELATIONSHIP TO DIVINE
But playfulness and rest aren’t just important for our relationship to ourselves—they are also crucial for healthy relationship to the Divine.
And at the heart of this is the vital theological idea that God takes days off. Let me repeat: God takes days off.
This is a central part of the creation poem of Genesis 1-2—after finishing all the work, God rested on the seventh day. And this turns out to be an essential image of God for us to hold on to.
The Hebrew Scriptures are bookended by two experiences of trauma—the people in Egypt, and the people in Babylon. Slavery and exile. And in both these situations, the people are presented with stories about the gods, stories told by Egypt and by Babylon.
The scholar Walter Brueggemann points out that, “What (these gods) all have in common is that they are confiscatory gods who demand endless produce and who authorize endless systems of productions that are, in principle, insatiable.” (Sabbath as Resistance, 2)
The Egyptian gods, and the Babylonian gods, were gods who needed to be served. The whole mythology around these gods is that they create humans to meet their needs, and they are never satisfied.
And so a counter-story and counter-practice develops in the Hebrew culture—the idea that their God is easily satisfied. That their God doesn’t need the work of human lives. That this God is so far from demanding, this God can take a day off and rest. This is expressed in the practice of Sabbath, which is the divine invitation to join in the sacredness of rest and delight.
Now of course Sabbath has come down to us through the lens of things you’re not supposed to do on Sundays—but this wasn’t the intent. The intent, as Jesus recognized and taught, is for us—humans aren’t made to fulfill the demands of sabbath but rather sabbath is there for us.
You see, if God can take a nap every week, then maybe we can too. Maybe this God won’t drive us into the ground with demands that we do more or do better. As Brueggemann comments:
The divine rest on the seventh day of creation has made clear (a) that YHWH is not a workaholic, (b) that YHWH is not anxious about the full functioning of creation, and (c) that the well-being of creation does not depend on endless work.
Just think about that: the Divine is not a workaholic. The Divine is not anxious about the world.
What would it be like, for you, to relate to a God who is just not worried? Not in a hurry to get something out of your life, not demanding anything? What if, in fact, God is really easily satisfied, so much so that God is happy to take the Divine hands off and relax?
Wouldn’t that tell us that we are in a world that is much safer than we fear? That our well-being is not at risk the way we tend to believe?
And wouldn’t that tell us that our playfulness, curiosity, joy and delight, are just as much of a treasure as anything we accomplish or get done?
We don’t need to be legalistic about keeping a day as sabbath, if it’s not practical for our lives—but what we don’t want to lose is the regular embodiment of this vision—that rest is a divine priority, and that God is really delighted by our playfulness.
V. RESTFUL RELATIONSHIP TO OTHERS
So—playfulness and rest open the door for healthy relationship to ourselves and to the Divine. But they also help us sustain healthy relationship with those around us—our neighbors, our family and friends, and even those far spread across the globe.
This morning we read from Deuteronomy, where we find the familiar call to keep the Sabbath, but Deuteronomy adds an important clarification about why:
But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, or your son or your daughter, or your male or female servant, or your ox or your donkey, or any of your livestock, or the resident alien in your towns, so that your male and female servant may rest as well as you. Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.
There’s an addition here from how this command was first stated in Exodus: Deuteronomy insists that a core part of this Sabbath practice is not just so that we can rest, but so that those who we depend on can rest as well. So Sabbath is not just about our relationship to self or relationship to God, but how we see and relate to those around us.
Have you ever had a boss who was just go-go-go and demanded that everyone else keep up - late nights, work weekends! If that boss can’t manage their own compulsion to produce and work, then neither can anyone else in the company!
Part of playfulness and rest is accepting limits, accepting that we have done enough and we have enough and we can rest now. And that lets others around me off the hook. Just as God being restful and non-anxious lets us off the hook of trying constantly to please and satisfy God, our own non-anxious presence can invite others into rest, too. If I can accept that I have enough and have done enough, I can rest and so can you. I can let my spouse off the hook of producing for me 24/7. I can let my friends and family have days off and I will be okay.
More extended—if I am restful and can be content, then I don’t need to constantly acquire and therefore I don’t need others to constantly work to provide my needs.
While I was writing this sermon I paused to order something on Amazon. And—would you believe—they could get it to me that very day! But at what cost? How many people need to run around at top speed to fulfill my desires? How many employees aren’t given adequate rest just so I can get my delivery today? I can get this tomorrow, please have a bathroom break.
I’m not saying it’s morally wrong to use same-day delivery. But it is true that if we cultivate a rested, playful, contented way of being in the world, we will tend not to demand that others bend over backwards to fulfill our desires now. Our own capacity to have the buffer of rest, creates room for others to rest as well. And, inter-connected as we all are now in this global economy, it is not going too far to say that our ability to be contended and rest here, can lower the demand for people all across the world to work ceaselessly.
VI. CURIOSITY ABOUT REST
Playfulness and space for rest help us develop a healthier relationship with ourselves, a healthier relationship with the Divine, and a healthier relationship with those around us. And while observing a sabbath isn’t a law that should crush us—the wisdom of living into our hours of playfulness and rest is plentiful.
I expect that today we are all in different places in our hours of rest. Maybe you’re in a season where rest seems really hard to come by and you’ve been cranking hard for a long time. That’s ok—there are seasons where that’s true. Maybe you have little ones and the idea of rest sounds lovely but far off in the distance. Believe it or not this season will end. Maybe you have space for rest in your life but you always feel guilty about it, like you should probably be doing something productive. Maybe playfulness feels difficult to you—it does for me. It can be vulnerable to play, to try something new, to let yourself go. Or maybe you’re a rock star at play—maybe you should have given this sermon instead of me.
Wherever we find ourselves today, my hope is that we can stir up curiosity and awareness around play, around rest. May we begin to see play and rest, not as time stolen or snatched from productivity, a guilty pleasure, or a luxury we can’t afford, but as part of the good ebb and flow of human flourishing. And may we rest with the Divine who rests alongside us.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Eastertide is a celebration of resurrected life, which is very much the same thing as human flourishing. Central to human flourishing are Eastertide expressions such as hospitality, hope, charity, mindfulness, and mercy. However, according to evolutionary psychology, values like these aren’t easy to embody. Woven into our DNA is the natural selection of traits that have preserved our lineage over millennia. Yet, as evolutionary psychology notes, some evolutionary behaviors hold no benefit in current environments, and may even harm the pursuit of human flourishing. With this in mind, this sermon series will explore some of the inherent psychological barriers that can hinder human flourishing such as tribalism, pleasing, criticism, and the insatiable desire for more. And through the lens of neural plasticity, which is very much the same thing as repentance, we’ll be encouraged to have our minds—very literally—resurrected into new life.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Eastertide is a celebration of resurrected life, which is very much the same thing as human flourishing. Central to human flourishing are Eastertide expressions such as hospitality, hope, charity, mindfulness, and mercy. However, according to evolutionary psychology, values like these aren’t easy to embody. Woven into our DNA is the natural selection of traits that have preserved our lineage over millennia. Yet, as evolutionary psychology notes, some evolutionary behaviors hold no benefit in current environments, and may even harm the pursuit of human flourishing. With this in mind, this sermon series will explore some of the inherent psychological barriers that can hinder human flourishing such as tribalism, pleasing, criticism, and the insatiable desire for more. And through the lens of neural plasticity, which is very much the same thing as repentance, we’ll be encouraged to have our minds—very literally—resurrected into new life.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Eastertide is a celebration of resurrected life, which is very much the same thing as human flourishing. Central to human flourishing are Eastertide expressions such as hospitality, hope, charity, mindfulness, and mercy. However, according to evolutionary psychology, values like these aren’t easy to embody. Woven into our DNA is the natural selection of traits that have preserved our lineage over millennia. Yet, as evolutionary psychology notes, some evolutionary behaviors hold no benefit in current environments, and may even harm the pursuit of human flourishing. With this in mind, this sermon series will explore some of the inherent psychological barriers that can hinder human flourishing such as tribalism, pleasing, criticism, and the insatiable desire for more. And through the lens of neural plasticity, which is very much the same thing as repentance, we’ll be encouraged to have our minds—very literally—resurrected into new life.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
Eastertide is a celebration of resurrected life, which is very much the same thing as human flourishing. Central to human flourishing are Eastertide expressions such as hospitality, hope, charity, mindfulness, and mercy. However, according to evolutionary psychology, values like these aren’t easy to embody. Woven into our DNA is the natural selection of traits that have preserved our lineage over millennia. Yet, as evolutionary psychology notes, some evolutionary behaviors hold no benefit in current environments, and may even harm the pursuit of human flourishing. With this in mind, this sermon series will explore some of the inherent psychological barriers that can hinder human flourishing such as tribalism, pleasing, criticism, and the insatiable desire for more. And through the lens of neural plasticity, which is very much the same thing as repentance, we’ll be encouraged to have our minds—very literally—resurrected into new life.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Eastertide is a celebration of resurrected life, which is very much the same thing as human flourishing. Central to human flourishing are Eastertide expressions such as hospitality, hope, charity, mindfulness, and mercy. However, according to evolutionary psychology, values like these aren’t easy to embody. Woven into our DNA is the natural selection of traits that have preserved our lineage over millennia. Yet, as evolutionary psychology notes, some evolutionary behaviors hold no benefit in current environments, and may even harm the pursuit of human flourishing. With this in mind, this sermon series will explore some of the inherent psychological barriers that can hinder human flourishing such as tribalism, pleasing, criticism, and the insatiable desire for more. And through the lens of neural plasticity, which is very much the same thing as repentance, we’ll be encouraged to have our minds—very literally—resurrected into new life.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
The Bible—this library of ancient documents, written over centuries by many authors—presents the modern reader with significant challenges. Inspired by the beauty of a psalm or the mercy of Jesus’ words, we turn the page only to read something that feels violent or backward. How can we hold this text as sacred story when much of what we find in its pages is clearly not good?
In this series, we aim to hold the Bible as a library with a trajectory. As humanity grows and its apprehension of God becomes richer, we see a record of movement forward from sacrifice to gift, from vengeance to mercy, from exclusion to inclusion, from ideas of divine violence to demonstration of divine solidarity. We’ll explore how passages that seem violent to us today, represented a move forward in the author’s time and culture—and how these stories can inspire us to look for where the Divine beckons us forward, today.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
The Bible—this library of ancient documents, written over centuries by many authors—presents the modern reader with significant challenges. Inspired by the beauty of a psalm or the mercy of Jesus’ words, we turn the page only to read something that feels violent or backward. How can we hold this text as sacred story when much of what we find in its pages is clearly not good?
In this series, we aim to hold the Bible as a library with a trajectory. As humanity grows and its apprehension of God becomes richer, we see a record of movement forward from sacrifice to gift, from vengeance to mercy, from exclusion to inclusion, from ideas of divine violence to demonstration of divine solidarity. We’ll explore how passages that seem violent to us today, represented a move forward in the author’s time and culture—and how these stories can inspire us to look for where the Divine beckons us forward, today.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Bible—this library of ancient documents, written over centuries by many authors—presents the modern reader with significant challenges. Inspired by the beauty of a psalm or the mercy of Jesus’ words, we turn the page only to read something that feels violent or backward. How can we hold this text as sacred story when much of what we find in its pages is clearly not good?
In this series, we aim to hold the Bible as a library with a trajectory. As humanity grows and its apprehension of God becomes richer, we see a record of movement forward from sacrifice to gift, from vengeance to mercy, from exclusion to inclusion, from ideas of divine violence to demonstration of divine solidarity. We’ll explore how passages that seem violent to us today, represented a move forward in the author’s time and culture—and how these stories can inspire us to look for where the Divine beckons us forward, today.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Bible—this library of ancient documents, written over centuries by many authors—presents the modern reader with significant challenges. Inspired by the beauty of a psalm or the mercy of Jesus’ words, we turn the page only to read something that feels violent or backward. How can we hold this text as sacred story when much of what we find in its pages is clearly not good?
In this series, we aim to hold the Bible as a library with a trajectory. As humanity grows and its apprehension of God becomes richer, we see a record of movement forward from sacrifice to gift, from vengeance to mercy, from exclusion to inclusion, from ideas of divine violence to demonstration of divine solidarity. We’ll explore how passages that seem violent to us today, represented a move forward in the author’s time and culture—and how these stories can inspire us to look for where the Divine beckons us forward, today.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
The Bible—this library of ancient documents, written over centuries by many authors—presents the modern reader with significant challenges. Inspired by the beauty of a psalm or the mercy of Jesus’ words, we turn the page only to read something that feels violent or backward. How can we hold this text as sacred story when much of what we find in its pages is clearly not good?
In this series, we aim to hold the Bible as a library with a trajectory. As humanity grows and its apprehension of God becomes richer, we see a record of movement forward from sacrifice to gift, from vengeance to mercy, from exclusion to inclusion, from ideas of divine violence to demonstration of divine solidarity. We’ll explore how passages that seem violent to us today, represented a move forward in the author’s time and culture—and how these stories can inspire us to look for where the Divine beckons us forward, today.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
The Bible—this library of ancient documents, written over centuries by many authors—presents the modern reader with significant challenges. Inspired by the beauty of a psalm or the mercy of Jesus’ words, we turn the page only to read something that feels violent or backward. How can we hold this text as sacred story when much of what we find in its pages is clearly not good?
In this series, we aim to hold the Bible as a library with a trajectory. As humanity grows and its apprehension of God becomes richer, we see a record of movement forward from sacrifice to gift, from vengeance to mercy, from exclusion to inclusion, from ideas of divine violence to demonstration of divine solidarity. We’ll explore how passages that seem violent to us today, represented a move forward in the author’s time and culture—and how these stories can inspire us to look for where the Divine beckons us forward, today.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by difference, riven by power structures that alienate and marginalize. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God listens attentively to the voice of cries from the wilderness. In showing mercy to the oppressed, God is revealed to them in ways the powerful do not know, so that our salvation is wrapped up into listening to their voices.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to theological voices that cry out from the wildernesses of oppression and injustice in our society. We will train our attention on global voices that articulate the theological vision of the oppressed. This week, we consider the voice of Womanist Theology.
Interested in reading more from this voice? You can find recommended books here.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by difference, riven by power structures that alienate and marginalize. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God listens attentively to the voice of cries from the wilderness. In showing mercy to the oppressed, God is revealed to them in ways the powerful do not know, so that our salvation is wrapped up into listening to their voices.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to theological voices that cry out from the wildernesses of oppression and injustice in our society. We will train our attention on global voices that articulate the theological vision of the oppressed. This week, we consider the voice of Indigenous Theology that calls us to the Harmony Way.
Interested in reading more from this voice? You can find recommended books here.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by difference, riven by power structures that alienate and marginalize. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God listens attentively to the voice of cries from the wilderness. In showing mercy to the oppressed, God is revealed to them in ways the powerful do not know, so that our salvation is wrapped up into listening to their voices.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to theological voices that cry out from the wildernesses of oppression and injustice in our society. We will train our attention on global voices that articulate the theological vision of the oppressed. This week, we consider the voice of Indigenous Theology that calls us to the Harmony Way.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by difference, riven by power structures that alienate and marginalize. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God listens attentively to the voice of cries from the wilderness. In showing mercy to the oppressed, God is revealed to them in ways the powerful do not know, so that our salvation is wrapped up into listening to their voices.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to theological voices that cry out from the wildernesses of oppression and injustice in our society. We will train our attention on global voices that articulate the theological vision of the oppressed. This week, we consider the voice of Indigenous Theology that calls us to the Harmony Way.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by difference, riven by power structures that alienate and marginalize. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God listens attentively to the voice of cries from the wilderness. In showing mercy to the oppressed, God is revealed to them in ways the powerful do not know, so that our salvation is wrapped up into listening to their voices.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to theological voices that cry out from the wildernesses of oppression and injustice in our society. We will train our attention on global voices that articulate the theological vision of the oppressed. This week, we continue to consider the implications of Black Theology for our engagement with “gospel” and “atonement”.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by difference, riven by power structures that alienate and marginalize. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God listens attentively to the voice of cries from the wilderness. In showing mercy to the oppressed, God is revealed to them in ways the powerful do not know, so that our salvation is wrapped up into listening to their voices.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to theological voices that cry out from the wildernesses of oppression and injustice in our society. We will train our attention on global voices that articulate the theological vision of the oppressed.
This week, across the power-divide of race, we will hear the witness of Black theology to the God who liberates.
Preaching: Mike Roth
On this first day of the new calendar year, Pastor Mike Roth reflects on the meanings of repentance—coming home to our truest selves.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
“Let every heart prepare him room!” As we draw near to the Feast of the Incarnation, the songs we sing in this season stir up our longing to experience the peaceful presence of God-with-us. This Advent, we will be exploring four ancient practices which help us awaken to the Divine, who is pleased to dwell among us. By reconsidering rest, prayer, fasting and forgiveness, this series aims to hold up wise ways of making space for Christ in the goodness of our ordinary days.
You can also download our Advent Devotional, which connects to this sermon series and to our kids’ Sunday programs.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
“Let every heart prepare him room!” As we draw near to the Feast of the Incarnation, the songs we sing in this season stir up our longing to experience the peaceful presence of God-with-us. This Advent, we will be exploring four ancient practices which help us awaken to the Divine, who is pleased to dwell among us. By reconsidering rest, prayer, fasting and forgiveness, this series aims to hold up wise ways of making space for Christ in the goodness of our ordinary days.
You can also download our Advent Devotional, which connects to this sermon series and to our kids’ Sunday programs.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
“Let every heart prepare him room!” As we draw near to the Feast of the Incarnation, the songs we sing in this season stir up our longing to experience the peaceful presence of God-with-us. This Advent, we will be exploring four ancient practices which help us awaken to the Divine, who is pleased to dwell among us. By reconsidering rest, prayer, fasting and forgiveness, this series aims to hold up wise ways of making space for Christ in the goodness of our ordinary days.
You can also download our Advent Devotional, which connects to this sermon series and to our kids’ Sunday programs.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
“Let every heart prepare him room!” As we draw near to the Feast of the Incarnation, the songs we sing in this season stir up our longing to experience the peaceful presence of God-with-us. This Advent, we will be exploring four ancient practices which help us awaken to the Divine, who is pleased to dwell among us. By reconsidering rest, prayer, fasting and forgiveness, this series aims to hold up wise ways of making space for Christ in the goodness of our ordinary days.
You can also download our Advent Devotional, which connects to this sermon series and to our kids’ Sunday programs.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
Christ the King Sunday is the climax and conclusion of the Church’s liturgical journey through the life of Christ and the Gospel message. Its purpose is to celebrate the culmination of Christ as king and his completion of the renewed creation that marks the fullness of his kingdom.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
On this last Sunday of Ordinary Time, we reflect on the goodness of the Gospel.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth, Irvin Brown, Jen Johnson, Tym Andrews
The Festival of All Saints celebrates the faithful women and men, known and unknown, past and present, whose lives have been marked by the love and grace of God. It is an opportunity for us, as a church, to thank God for them and to remember the roles they have played in bringing God’s kingdom into our lives and into this world. This year, we heard reflections from Pearl members Irvin Brown, Jen Johnson and Tym Andrews.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Bible is full of ideas that blossom—from germination in Genesis to fruition in Revelation. At times, these ideas are grounded in metaphors that can be traced throughout the Bible. With this in mind, this sermon series will explore the development of a few core metaphors by paying particular attention to water, breath, fire, and tree throughout the scriptures. Our hope for this sermon series is that the goodness and beauty of biblical imagery rouses our imagination and nurtures our flourishing.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Bible is full of ideas that blossom—from germination in Genesis to fruition in Revelation. At times, these ideas are grounded in metaphors that can be traced throughout the Bible. With this in mind, this sermon series will explore the development of a few core metaphors by paying particular attention to water, breath, fire, and tree throughout the scriptures. Our hope for this sermon series is that the goodness and beauty of biblical imagery rouses our imagination and nurtures our flourishing.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Bible is full of ideas that blossom—from germination in Genesis to fruition in Revelation. At times, these ideas are grounded in metaphors that can be traced throughout the Bible. With this in mind, this sermon series will explore the development of a few core metaphors by paying particular attention to water, breath, fire, and tree throughout the scriptures. Our hope for this sermon series is that the goodness and beauty of biblical imagery rouses our imagination and nurtures our flourishing.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
The Bible is full of ideas that blossom—from germination in Genesis to fruition in Revelation. At times, these ideas are grounded in metaphors that can be traced throughout the Bible. With this in mind, this sermon series will explore the development of a few core metaphors by paying particular attention to water, breath, fire, and tree throughout the scriptures. Our hope for this sermon series is that the goodness and beauty of biblical imagery rouses our imagination and nurtures our flourishing.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Bible is full of ideas that blossom—from germination in Genesis to fruition in Revelation. At times, these ideas are grounded in metaphors that can be traced throughout the Bible. With this in mind, this sermon series will explore the development of a few core metaphors by paying particular attention to water, breath, fire, and tree throughout the scriptures. Our hope for this sermon series is that the goodness and beauty of biblical imagery rouses our imagination and nurtures our flourishing.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
As many of us return to more consistent pace and pattern after summer, it can be helpful to remember and reflect upon why we do what we do here at Pearl Church. This sermon series therefore intends to remind us of the rhythms that we are intentionally cultivating together. And we hope that this series encourages engagement in our Rhythms, as they become, over time, deeply embedded ways of being more fully human in this world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
As many of us return to more consistent pace and pattern after summer, it can be helpful to remember and reflect upon why we do what we do here at Pearl Church. This sermon series therefore intends to remind us of the rhythms that we are intentionally cultivating together. And we hope that this series encourages engagement in our Rhythms, as they become, over time, deeply embedded ways of being more fully human in this world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
As many of us return to more consistent pace and pattern after summer, it can be helpful to remember and reflect upon why we do what we do here at Pearl Church. This sermon series therefore intends to remind us of the rhythms that we are intentionally cultivating together. And we hope that this series encourages engagement in our Rhythms, as they become, over time, deeply embedded ways of being more fully human in this world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
As many of us return to more consistent pace and pattern after summer, it can be helpful to remember and reflect upon why we do what we do here at Pearl Church. This sermon series therefore intends to remind us of the rhythms that we are intentionally cultivating together. And we hope that this series encourages engagement in our Rhythms, as they become, over time, deeply embedded ways of being more fully human in this world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
As many of us return to more consistent pace and pattern after summer, it can be helpful to remember and reflect upon why we do what we do here at Pearl Church. This sermon series therefore intends to remind us of the rhythms that we are intentionally cultivating together. And we hope that this series encourages engagement in our Rhythms, as they become, over time, deeply embedded ways of being more fully human in this world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Each year around Labor Day we take time to look over the story of the Bible, exploring this library of ancient, messy, intriguing and sacred stories that ground our community. This sermon explores the books in the Bible that move the chronological story forward.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Constatino Khalaf
Note: this sermon references the song “My Sweet Lord” by George Harrison, which is not included in the recording due to licensing. It can be found here on Spotify.
t's an annual tradition at Pearl Church for our Oversight Team to share their hearts for our church during the month of August. Each week a different Oversight Team member will take their turn, giving us a chance to hear what they dream of for Pearl. This week, we hear from Oversight Team member Constantino Khalaf.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Carrie Kondor
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church for our Oversight Team to share their hearts for our church during the month of August. Each week a different Oversight Team member will take their turn, giving us a chance to hear what they dream of for Pearl. This week, we hear from Oversight Team member Mike Roth.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church for our Oversight Team to share their hearts for our church during the month of August. Each week a different Oversight Team member will take their turn, giving us a chance to hear what they dream of for Pearl. This week, we hear from Oversight Team member Rachel Marble.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Rachel Marble
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church for our Oversight Team to share their hearts for our church during the month of August. Each week a different Oversight Team member will take their turn, giving us a chance to hear what they dream of for Pearl. This week, we hear from Oversight Team member Rachel Marble.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Linda Bergquist
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church for our Oversight Team to share their hearts for our church during the month of August. Each week a different Oversight Team member will take their turn, giving us a chance to hear what they dream of for Pearl. This week, we hear from Oversight Team member Linda Bergquist.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Megilloth is a Hebrew word that refers to“The five Scrolls,” which were read in synagogues on five annual Jewish holidays:
Song of Songs during Passover
Ruth during Pentecost
Esther during Purim
Lamentations during the Ninth of Ab
Ecclesiastes during the Feast of Booths
It’s generally understood that a major shift in the observances of Israel’s festivals took place in the 7th century when localized agricultural celebrations were transformed into national celebrations, which required a pilgrimage to the central sanctuary. This move toward a theological rendering of the year was an effort to encourage a ritual ordering of time that reflected Israel’s loss of monarchy and its experience of exile in Babylon. In this way, Israel’s ritual observances became a means for establishing an orderly rhythm for the life of the community. While observing these sacred days and seasons, Israel gathered from all the villages of Palestine and from across the roads of the diaspora to remember who they were, to find motivation and direction for continuing their lives of faith, and to orient their lives in the words of scripture and the deeds of God.
Similarly, as we meet together this summer—throughout our Christian Season of Ordinary Time —we intend to learn from these Five Scrolls in order to remember who we are, to find motivation and direction for continuing our lives of faith, and to orient our lives in the words of scripture and the deeds of God.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Megilloth is a Hebrew word that refers to“The five Scrolls,” which were read in synagogues on five annual Jewish holidays:
Song of Songs during Passover
Ruth during Pentecost
Esther during Purim
Lamentations during the Ninth of Ab
Ecclesiastes during the Feast of Booths
It’s generally understood that a major shift in the observances of Israel’s festivals took place in the 7th century when localized agricultural celebrations were transformed into national celebrations, which required a pilgrimage to the central sanctuary. This move toward a theological rendering of the year was an effort to encourage a ritual ordering of time that reflected Israel’s loss of monarchy and its experience of exile in Babylon. In this way, Israel’s ritual observances became a means for establishing an orderly rhythm for the life of the community. While observing these sacred days and seasons, Israel gathered from all the villages of Palestine and from across the roads of the diaspora to remember who they were, to find motivation and direction for continuing their lives of faith, and to orient their lives in the words of scripture and the deeds of God.
Similarly, as we meet together this summer—throughout our Christian Season of Ordinary Time —we intend to learn from these Five Scrolls in order to remember who we are, to find motivation and direction for continuing our lives of faith, and to orient our lives in the words of scripture and the deeds of God.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
Megilloth is a Hebrew word that refers to“The five Scrolls,” which were read in synagogues on five annual Jewish holidays:
Song of Songs during Passover
Ruth during Pentecost
Esther during Purim
Lamentations during the Ninth of Ab
Ecclesiastes during the Feast of Booths
It’s generally understood that a major shift in the observances of Israel’s festivals took place in the 7th century when localized agricultural celebrations were transformed into national celebrations, which required a pilgrimage to the central sanctuary. This move toward a theological rendering of the year was an effort to encourage a ritual ordering of time that reflected Israel’s loss of monarchy and its experience of exile in Babylon. In this way, Israel’s ritual observances became a means for establishing an orderly rhythm for the life of the community. While observing these sacred days and seasons, Israel gathered from all the villages of Palestine and from across the roads of the diaspora to remember who they were, to find motivation and direction for continuing their lives of faith, and to orient their lives in the words of scripture and the deeds of God.
Similarly, as we meet together this summer—throughout our Christian Season of Ordinary Time —we intend to learn from these Five Scrolls in order to remember who we are, to find motivation and direction for continuing our lives of faith, and to orient our lives in the words of scripture and the deeds of God.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Megilloth is a Hebrew word that refers to“The five Scrolls,” which were read in synagogues on five annual Jewish holidays:
Song of Songs during Passover
Ruth during Pentecost
Esther during Purim
Lamentations during the Ninth of Ab
Ecclesiastes during the Feast of Booths
It’s generally understood that a major shift in the observances of Israel’s festivals took place in the 7th century when localized agricultural celebrations were transformed into national celebrations, which required a pilgrimage to the central sanctuary. This move toward a theological rendering of the year was an effort to encourage a ritual ordering of time that reflected Israel’s loss of monarchy and its experience of exile in Babylon. In this way, Israel’s ritual observances became a means for establishing an orderly rhythm for the life of the community. While observing these sacred days and seasons, Israel gathered from all the villages of Palestine and from across the roads of the diaspora to remember who they were, to find motivation and direction for continuing their lives of faith, and to orient their lives in the words of scripture and the deeds of God.
Similarly, as we meet together this summer—throughout our Christian Season of Ordinary Time —we intend to learn from these Five Scrolls in order to remember who we are, to find motivation and direction for continuing our lives of faith, and to orient our lives in the words of scripture and the deeds of God.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Megilloth is a Hebrew word that refers to“The five Scrolls,” which were read in synagogues on five annual Jewish holidays:
Song of Songs during Passover
Ruth during Pentecost
Esther during Purim
Lamentations during the Ninth of Ab
Ecclesiastes during the Feast of Booths
It’s generally understood that a major shift in the observances of Israel’s festivals took place in the 7th century when localized agricultural celebrations were transformed into national celebrations, which required a pilgrimage to the central sanctuary. This move toward a theological rendering of the year was an effort to encourage a ritual ordering of time that reflected Israel’s loss of monarchy and its experience of exile in Babylon. In this way, Israel’s ritual observances became a means for establishing an orderly rhythm for the life of the community. While observing these sacred days and seasons, Israel gathered from all the villages of Palestine and from across the roads of the diaspora to remember who they were, to find motivation and direction for continuing their lives of faith, and to orient their lives in the words of scripture and the deeds of God.
Similarly, as we meet together this summer—throughout our Christian Season of Ordinary Time —we intend to learn from these Five Scrolls in order to remember who we are, to find motivation and direction for continuing our lives of faith, and to orient our lives in the words of scripture and the deeds of God.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Today, the first Sunday after Pentecost, we celebrate Trinity Sunday, a feast day the universal Church has commemorated since 1334 A.D. In one sense, every Sunday is a festival of the Trinity because the whole Trinity is at work in every moment, brooding over chaos and calling forth life, catching creation up into the dance of renewal and transformation. Co-equal, self-giving, mutually loving, the ancient picture of the Trinity as a dancing circle, perichoresis, invites all humanity into the all-inclusive feast of belonging.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
The Feast of Pentecost (from the Greek pentekoste, meaning“fiftieth”) is the culmination of our Easter celebration. On the fiftieth day of Easter, God sends his Holy Spirit to empower human beings to embody Jesus’ loving way of life in the world. The Church is now to be the new body of Christ, filled with his life through the gift of the Spirit. Today, we celebrate the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Season of Easter and the Gospel of John are both celebrations of life. In his attempt to celebrate life, John intentionally mimics the creation account of Genesis. However, in John, rather than seven days of creation, which conclude with God resting, seven miracles are followed by the resurrected Jesus who meets with and talks to Mary Magdalene in a garden. The imagery of Jesus and Mary in a garden is a picture of new life in a new world that slowly builds in John’s gospel, miracle by miracle. Throughout the Season of Easter, this sermon series titled New Creations will explore the goodness of Jesus’ life in this world, one miracle at a time.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Season of Easter and the Gospel of John are both celebrations of life. In his attempt to celebrate life, John intentionally mimics the creation account of Genesis. However, in John, rather than seven days of creation, which conclude with God resting, seven miracles are followed by the resurrected Jesus who meets with and talks to Mary Magdalene in a garden. The imagery of Jesus and Mary in a garden is a picture of new life in a new world that slowly builds in John’s gospel, miracle by miracle. Throughout the Season of Easter, this sermon series titled New Creations will explore the goodness of Jesus’ life in this world, one miracle at a time.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
The Season of Easter and the Gospel of John are both celebrations of life. In his attempt to celebrate life, John intentionally mimics the creation account of Genesis. However, in John, rather than seven days of creation, which conclude with God resting, seven miracles are followed by the resurrected Jesus who meets with and talks to Mary Magdalene in a garden. The imagery of Jesus and Mary in a garden is a picture of new life in a new world that slowly builds in John’s gospel, miracle by miracle. Throughout the Season of Easter, this sermon series titled New Creations will explore the goodness of Jesus’ life in this world, one miracle at a time.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Season of Easter and the Gospel of John are both celebrations of life. In his attempt to celebrate life, John intentionally mimics the creation account of Genesis. However, in John, rather than seven days of creation, which conclude with God resting, seven miracles are followed by the resurrected Jesus who meets with and talks to Mary Magdalene in a garden. The imagery of Jesus and Mary in a garden is a picture of new life in a new world that slowly builds in John’s gospel, miracle by miracle. Throughout the Season of Easter, this sermon series titled New Creations will explore the goodness of Jesus’ life in this world, one miracle at a time.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Note: due to a technical error, the sermon recording for this week is currently unavailable. The manuscript for this sermon can be downloaded here.
The Season of Easter and the Gospel of John are both celebrations of life. In his attempt to celebrate life, John intentionally mimics the creation account of Genesis. However, in John, rather than seven days of creation, which conclude with God resting, seven miracles are followed by the resurrected Jesus who meets with and talks to Mary Magdalene in a garden. The imagery of Jesus and Mary in a garden is a picture of new life in a new world that slowly builds in John’s gospel, miracle by miracle. Throughout the Season of Easter, this sermon series titled New Creations will explore the goodness of Jesus’ life in this world, one miracle at a time.
Preaching: Mike Roth
New Creations
The Season of Easter and the Gospel of John are both celebrations of life. In his attempt to celebrate life, John intentionally mimics the creation account of Genesis. However, in John, rather than seven days of creation, which conclude with God resting, seven miracles are followed by the resurrected Jesus who meets with and talks to Mary Magdalene in a garden. The imagery of Jesus and Mary in a garden is a picture of new life in a new world that slowly builds in John’s gospel, miracle by miracle. Throughout the Season of Easter, this sermon series titled New Creationswill explore the goodness of Jesus’ life in this world, one miracle at a time.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Season of Easter and the Gospel of John are both celebrations of life. In his attempt to celebrate life, John intentionally mimics the creation account of Genesis. However, in John, rather than seven days of creation, which conclude with God resting, seven miracles are followed by the resurrected Jesus who meets with and talks to Mary Magdalene in a garden. The imagery of Jesus and Mary in a garden is a picture of new life in a new world that slowly builds in John’s gospel, miracle by miracle. Throughout the Season of Easter, this sermon series titled New Creationswill explore the goodness of Jesus’ life in this world, one miracle at a time.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Conachan
In the early church, the Apostles’ Creed was used as a catechism for those who were baptized. Thus, its language was central to Christian imagination. Throughout Lent, our Animating Images sermon series intends to recapture ancient Christian imagination by engaging the Apostles’ Creed. However, rather than using the creed to explicate faith, this series will invite us to ponder creedal statements as icons that animate our lives by Divine Love.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
In the early church, the Apostles’ Creed was used as a catechism for those who were baptized. Thus, its language was central to Christian imagination. Throughout Lent, our Animating Images sermon series intends to recapture ancient Christian imagination by engaging the Apostles’ Creed. However, rather than using the creed to explicate faith, this series will invite us to ponder creedal statements as icons that animate our lives by Divine Love.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
In the early church, the Apostles’ Creed was used as a catechism for those who were baptized. Thus, its language was central to Christian imagination. Throughout Lent, our Animating Images sermon series intends to recapture ancient Christian imagination by engaging the Apostles’ Creed. However, rather than using the creed to explicate faith, this series will invite us to ponder creedal statements as icons that animate our lives by Divine Love.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
The season of Lent is a period of 40 days (not counting Sundays) in which we resolve, again, to participate in Jesus’ passion. In doing so, we journey on a divine path that chooses suffering over violence, sacrifice over safety, and generous love over self-love. As we walk this path we bear witness to many unexpected surprises. Chief among them all is this ancient Christian truth: difficulty and sorrow are not ways unto death, but rather, they are ways through death and into new life.
In the early church, the Apostles’ Creed was used as a catechism for those who were baptized. Thus, its language was central to Christian imagination. Throughout Lent, our Animating Images sermon series intends to recapture ancient Christian imagination by engaging the Apostles’ Creed. However, rather than using the creed to explicate faith, this series will invite us to ponder creedal statements as icons that animate our lives by Divine Love.
Preaching: Mike Roth
In the early church, the Apostles’ Creed was used as a catechism for those who were baptized. Thus, its language was central to Christian imagination. Throughout Lent, our Animating Images sermon series intends to recapture ancient Christian imagination by engaging the Apostles’ Creed. However, rather than using the creed to explicate faith, this series will invite us to ponder creedal statements as icons that animate our lives by Divine Love.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
In the early church, the Apostles’ Creed was used as a catechism for those who were baptized. Thus, its language was central to Christian imagination. Throughout Lent, our Animating Images sermon series intends to recapture ancient Christian imagination by engaging the Apostles’ Creed. However, rather than using the creed to explicate faith, this series will invite us to ponder creedal statements as icons that animate our lives by Divine Love.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Today is Transfiguration Sunday. This special feast commemorates the miraculous change in Jesus’ appearance when he unveiled his glory on the Mount of Transfiguration. As the fulfillment of Epiphany’s longing, the transfiguration reveals not only the glory of Jesus’ way of life in the world, but it also casts vision for all that we can become, in the midst of what we are.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by difference, riven by power structures that alienate and marginalize. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God listens attentively to the voice of cries from the wilderness. In showing his mercy to the oppressed, God is revealed to them in ways the powerful do not know, so that our salvation is wrapped up into listening to their voices.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to theological voices that cry out from the wildernesses of oppression and injustice in our society. We will train our attention on global voices that articulate the theological vision of the oppressed. From the United States, we listen to the voice of Mujerista theology, giving voice to the Latina experience of God. From Korea, we listen to Minjung theology, the exploited who see the Suffering Servant among them. From India, we listen to Dalit theology, the “untouchables” who belong at the table of the Kingdom of God.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by difference, riven by power structures that alienate and marginalize. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God listens attentively to the voice of cries from the wilderness. In showing his mercy to the oppressed, God is revealed to them in ways the powerful do not know, so that our salvation is wrapped up into listening to their voices.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to theological voices that cry out from the wildernesses of oppression and injustice in our society. We will train our attention on global voices that articulate the theological vision of the oppressed. From the United States, we listen to the voice of Mujerista theology, giving voice to the Latina experience of God. From Korea, we listen to Minjung theology, the exploited who see the Suffering Servant among them. From India, we listen to Dalit theology, the “untouchables” who belong at the table of the Kingdom of God.
Preaching: Mike Roth
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by difference, riven by power structures that alienate and marginalize. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God listens attentively to the voice of cries from the wilderness. In showing his mercy to the oppressed, God is revealed to them in ways the powerful do not know, so that our salvation is wrapped up into listening to their voices.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to theological voices that cry out from the wildernesses of oppression and injustice in our society. We will train our attention on global voices that articulate the theological vision of the oppressed. From the United States, we listen to the voice of Mujerista theology, giving voice to the Latina experience of God. From Korea, we listen to Minjung theology, the exploited who see the Suffering Servant among them. From India, we listen to Dalit theology, the “untouchables” who belong at the table of the Kingdom of God.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Note: Due to a technical issue, the recording quality for this week’s sermon is very poor. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by difference, riven by power structures that alienate and marginalize. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God listens attentively to the voice of cries from the wilderness. In showing his mercy to the oppressed, God is revealed to them in ways the powerful do not know, so that our salvation is wrapped up into listening to their voices.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to theological voices that cry out from the wildernesses of oppression and injustice in our society. We will train our attention on global voices that articulate the theological vision of the oppressed. From the United States, we listen to the voice of Mujerista theology, giving voice to the Latina experience of God. From Korea, we listen to Minjung theology, the exploited who see the Suffering Servant among them. From India, we listen to Dalit theology, the “untouchables” who belong at the table of the Kingdom of God.
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by difference, riven by power structures that alienate and marginalize. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God listens attentively to the voice of cries from the wilderness. In showing his mercy to the oppressed, God is revealed to them in ways the powerful do not know, so that our salvation is wrapped up into listening to their voices.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to theological voices that cry out from the wildernesses of oppression and injustice in our society. We will train our attention on global voices that articulate the theological vision of the oppressed. From the United States, we listen to the voice of Mujerista theology, giving voice to the Latina experience of God. From Korea, we listen to Minjung theology, the exploited who see the Suffering Servant among them. From India, we listen to Dalit theology, the “untouchables” who belong at the table of the Kingdom of God.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
In Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by difference, riven by power structures that alienate and marginalize. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God listens attentively to the voice of cries from the wilderness. In showing his mercy to the oppressed, God is revealed to them in ways the powerful do not know, so that our salvation is wrapped up into listening to their voices.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to theological voices that cry out from the wildernesses of oppression and injustice in our society. We will train our attention on global voices that articulate the theological vision of the oppressed. From the United States, we listen to the voice of Mujerista theology, giving voice to the Latina experience of God. From Korea, we listen to Minjung theology, the exploited who see the Suffering Servant among them. From India, we listen to Dalit theology, the “untouchables” who belong at the table of the Kingdom of God.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mindy Durias
Womanist theology is a form of reflection that places the religious and moral perspectives of women at the center of its method. It intentionally engages theological problems such as class, gender, and race. Furthermore, womanist theology intends to reimagine old religious language and symbols to give them depth, texture, and relevance for today.
Womanist theology is a helpful corrective for the Season of Advent, which has traditionally focused on male characters. For example, Joseph and Zechariah, the shepherds, the Magi, and even the angels, are said to be male. These characters quickly become the focus of most Advent storytelling. However, to be clear, without women, there is no Season of Advent. This sermon series will therefore highlight women in the biblical account throughout the life of Jesus, primarily during the days leading up to his birth. It will elevate their experiences and perspectives, thereby shining Advent-light into darkness that is often neglected in Christian imagination.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Womanist theology is a form of reflection that places the religious and moral perspectives of women at the center of its method. It intentionally engages theological problems such as class, gender, and race. Furthermore, womanist theology intends to reimagine old religious language and symbols to give them depth, texture, and relevance for today.
Womanist theology is a helpful corrective for the Season of Advent, which has traditionally focused on male characters. For example, Joseph and Zechariah, the shepherds, the Magi, and even the angels, are said to be male. These characters quickly become the focus of most Advent storytelling. However, to be clear, without women, there is no Season of Advent. This sermon series will therefore highlight women in the biblical account throughout the life of Jesus, primarily during the days leading up to his birth. It will elevate their experiences and perspectives, thereby shining Advent-light into darkness that is often neglected in Christian imagination.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Womanist theology is a form of reflection that places the religious and moral perspectives of women at the center of its method. It intentionally engages theological problems such as class, gender, and race. Furthermore, womanist theology intends to reimagine old religious language and symbols to give them depth, texture, and relevance for today.
Womanist theology is a helpful corrective for the Season of Advent, which has traditionally focused on male characters. For example, Joseph and Zechariah, the shepherds, the Magi, and even the angels, are said to be male. These characters quickly become the focus of most Advent storytelling. However, to be clear, without women, there is no Season of Advent. This sermon series will therefore highlight women in the biblical account throughout the life of Jesus, primarily during the days leading up to his birth. It will elevate their experiences and perspectives, thereby shining Advent-light into darkness that is often neglected in Christian imagination.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Womanist theology is a form of reflection that places the religious and moral perspectives of women at the center of its method. It intentionally engages theological problems such as class, gender, and race. Furthermore, womanist theology intends to reimagine old religious language and symbols to give them depth, texture, and relevance for today.
Womanist theology is a helpful corrective for the Season of Advent, which has traditionally focused on male characters. For example, Joseph and Zechariah, the shepherds, the Magi, and even the angels, are said to be male. These characters quickly become the focus of most Advent storytelling. However, to be clear, without women, there is no Season of Advent. This sermon series will therefore highlight women in the biblical account throughout the life of Jesus, primarily during the days leading up to his birth. It will elevate their experiences and perspectives, thereby shining Advent-light into darkness that is often neglected in Christian imagination.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
The scriptures tell a story that begins with God placing two people in a garden and instructing them to multiply, to steward creation, and to cultivate the land. At the end of the story, the very end, these two have multiplied into a throng of humanity, and all of creation—which began in a garden—is cultivated into a heavenly kingdom marked by peace. It is a world in full bloom.
But how exactly do we help move the world forward, toward the peace of God? This sermon series will address obstacles that hinder movement toward a world in full bloom. However, rather than focus on obstacles alone, this series will seek to elevate ways of being that help to nurture a community of peace, into which Christ invites every person.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The scriptures tell a story that begins with God placing two people in a garden and instructing them to multiply, to steward creation, and to cultivate the land. At the end of the story, the very end, these two have multiplied into a throng of humanity, and all of creation—which began in a garden—is cultivated into a heavenly kingdom marked by peace. It is a world in full bloom.
But how exactly do we help move the world forward, toward the peace of God? This sermon series will address obstacles that hinder movement toward a world in full bloom. However, rather than focus on obstacles alone, this series will seek to elevate ways of being that help to nurture a community of peace, into which Christ invites every person.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The scriptures tell a story that begins with God placing two people in a garden and instructing them to multiply, to steward creation, and to cultivate the land. At the end of the story, the very end, these two have multiplied into a throng of humanity, and all of creation—which began in a garden—is cultivated into a heavenly kingdom marked by peace. It is a world in full bloom.
But how exactly do we help move the world forward, toward the peace of God? This sermon series will address obstacles that hinder movement toward a world in full bloom. However, rather than focus on obstacles alone, this series will seek to elevate ways of being that help to nurture a community of peace, into which Christ invites every person.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Four years and eight months ago we began dealing with the difficulty of a president who preferred cynicism, marginalization, othering, and violence as means to leading our country. Eighteen months ago we began dealing with Covid 19 and the havoc it’s wreaked on our world and individual lives. And fifteen months ago we began newly waking to white supremacy and systemic racism in our country. In the midst of it all, we’ve marched, screamed, voted, scoured for toilet paper, sown masks, choked on smoke, experienced power outages, and felt, perhaps more than ever before, at the end of ourselves. In light of all that we’ve been facing, many of us are feeling untethered and are wondering, “What is this?” and “Where am I?” and even “Who am I?” When life feels like a ship riding out a wild storm, we risk being tossed to and fro, without any sight of the end. However, below the surface, at the soul level of who we want to be is the clear and steady guidance of our values, which reflect the life of Jesus who invites us into his way of being in the world. It’s our sincere hope that this sermon series on our community’s values can cast an elevated vision for the kind of life that we desire to embody, no matter what we face in life.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Four years and eight months ago we began dealing with the difficulty of a president who preferred cynicism, marginalization, othering, and violence as means to leading our country. Eighteen months ago we began dealing with Covid 19 and the havoc it’s wreaked on our world and individual lives. And fifteen months ago we began newly waking to white supremacy and systemic racism in our country. In the midst of it all, we’ve marched, screamed, voted, scoured for toilet paper, sown masks, choked on smoke, experienced power outages, and felt, perhaps more than ever before, at the end of ourselves. In light of all that we’ve been facing, many of us are feeling untethered and are wondering, “What is this?” and “Where am I?” and even “Who am I?” When life feels like a ship riding out a wild storm, we risk being tossed to and fro, without any sight of the end. However, below the surface, at the soul level of who we want to be is the clear and steady guidance of our values, which reflect the life of Jesus who invites us into his way of being in the world. It’s our sincere hope that this sermon series on our community’s values can cast an elevated vision for the kind of life that we desire to embody, no matter what we face in life.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
Four years and eight months ago we began dealing with the difficulty of a president who preferred cynicism, marginalization, othering, and violence as means to leading our country. Eighteen months ago we began dealing with Covid 19 and the havoc it’s wreaked on our world and individual lives. And fifteen months ago we began newly waking to white supremacy and systemic racism in our country. In the midst of it all, we’ve marched, screamed, voted, scoured for toilet paper, sown masks, choked on smoke, experienced power outages, and felt, perhaps more than ever before, at the end of ourselves. In light of all that we’ve been facing, many of us are feeling untethered and are wondering, “What is this?” and “Where am I?” and even “Who am I?” When life feels like a ship riding out a wild storm, we risk being tossed to and fro, without any sight of the end. However, below the surface, at the soul level of who we want to be is the clear and steady guidance of our values, which reflect the life of Jesus who invites us into his way of being in the world. It’s our sincere hope that this sermon series on our community’s values can cast an elevated vision for the kind of life that we desire to embody, no matter what we face in life.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Four years and eight months ago we began dealing with the difficulty of a president who preferred cynicism, marginalization, othering, and violence as means to leading our country. Eighteen months ago we began dealing with Covid 19 and the havoc it’s wreaked on our world and individual lives. And fifteen months ago we began newly waking to white supremacy and systemic racism in our country. In the midst of it all, we’ve marched, screamed, voted, scoured for toilet paper, sown masks, choked on smoke, experienced power outages, and felt, perhaps more than ever before, at the end of ourselves. In light of all that we’ve been facing, many of us are feeling untethered and are wondering, “What is this?” and “Where am I?” and even “Who am I?” When life feels like a ship riding out a wild storm, we risk being tossed to and fro, without any sight of the end. However, below the surface, at the soul level of who we want to be is the clear and steady guidance of our values, which reflect the life of Jesus who invites us into his way of being in the world. It’s our sincere hope that this sermon series on our community’s values can cast an elevated vision for the kind of life that we desire to embody, no matter what we face in life.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Four years and eight months ago we began dealing with the difficulty of a president who preferred cynicism, marginalization, othering, and violence as means to leading our country. Eighteen months ago we began dealing with Covid 19 and the havoc it’s wreaked on our world and individual lives. And fifteen months ago we began newly waking to white supremacy and systemic racism in our country. In the midst of it all, we’ve marched, screamed, voted, scoured for toilet paper, sown masks, choked on smoke, experienced power outages, and felt, perhaps more than ever before, at the end of ourselves. In light of all that we’ve been facing, many of us are feeling untethered and are wondering, “What is this?” and “Where am I?” and even “Who am I?” When life feels like a ship riding out a wild storm, we risk being tossed to and fro, without any sight of the end. However, below the surface, at the soul level of who we want to be is the clear and steady guidance of our values, which reflect the life of Jesus who invites us into his way of being in the world. It’s our sincere hope that this sermon series on our community’s values can cast an elevated vision for the kind of life that we desire to embody, no matter what we face in life.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Four years and eight months ago we began dealing with the difficulty of a president who preferred cynicism, marginalization, othering, and violence as means to leading our country. Eighteen months ago we began dealing with Covid 19 and the havoc it’s wreaked on our world and individual lives. And fifteen months ago we began newly waking to white supremacy and systemic racism in our country. In the midst of it all, we’ve marched, screamed, voted, scoured for toilet paper, sown masks, choked on smoke, experienced power outages, and felt, perhaps more than ever before, at the end of ourselves. In light of all that we’ve been facing, many of us are feeling untethered and are wondering, “What is this?” and “Where am I?” and even “Who am I?” When life feels like a ship riding out a wild storm, we risk being tossed to and fro, without any sight of the end. However, below the surface, at the soul level of who we want to be is the clear and steady guidance of our values, which reflect the life of Jesus who invites us into his way of being in the world. It’s our sincere hope that this sermon series on our community’s values can cast an elevated vision for the kind of life that we desire to embody, no matter what we face in life.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Four years and eight months ago we began dealing with the difficulty of a president who preferred cynicism, marginalization, othering, and violence as means to leading our country. Eighteen months ago we began dealing with Covid 19 and the havoc it’s wreaked on our world and individual lives. And fifteen months ago we began newly waking to white supremacy and systemic racism in our country. In the midst of it all, we’ve marched, screamed, voted, scoured for toilet paper, sown masks, choked on smoke, experienced power outages, and felt, perhaps more than ever before, at the end of ourselves. In light of all that we’ve been facing, many of us are feeling untethered and are wondering, “What is this?” and “Where am I?” and even “Who am I?” When life feels like a ship riding out a wild storm, we risk being tossed to and fro, without any sight of the end. However, below the surface, at the soul level of who we want to be is the clear and steady guidance of our values, which reflect the life of Jesus who invites us into his way of being in the world. It’s our sincere hope that this sermon series on our community’s values can cast an elevated vision for the kind of life that we desire to embody, no matter what we face in life.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Chuck Tsen
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church for our Oversight Team to share their hearts for our church during the month of August. Each week a different Oversight Team member will take their turn, giving us a chance to hear what they dream of for Pearl.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Each year around Labor Day we take time to look over the story of the Bible, exploring this library of ancient, messy, intriguing and sacred stories that ground our community. This second part of two explores the books in the Bible that move the chronological story forward.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Each year around Labor Day we take time to look over the story of the Bible, exploring this library of ancient, messy, intriguing and sacred stories that ground our community. This first part of two explores the books in the Bible that don’t move the chronological story forward.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church for our Oversight Team to share their hearts for our church during the month of August. Each week a different Oversight Team member will take their turn, giving us a chance to hear what they dream of for Pearl.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church for our Oversight Team to share their hearts for our church during the month of August. Each week a different Oversight Team member will take their turn, giving us a chance to hear what they dream of for Pearl.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Linda Bergquist
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church for our Oversight Team to share their hearts for our church during the month of August. Each week a different Oversight Team member will take their turn, giving us a chance to hear what they dream of for Pearl.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
It's an annual tradition at Pearl Church for our Oversight Team to share their hearts for our church during the month of August. Each week a different Oversight Team member will take their turn, giving us a chance to hear what they dream of for Pearl.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
As we celebrate Pearl Church’s twentieth anniversary, Pastor Mindy Durias hosts a conversation with members throughout our community’s growth and transformation to reflect on their experiences and our shared life together.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
For the last six months we participated in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, which culminated in theological concepts such as ascension, pentecost, and trinity. Now, for the next six months, the church calendar invites us to intentionally exist in a season known as “Ordinary Time.” During this season of the church we are invited to grow and to cultivate life in the world. To use Jesus’ language, we are invited to participate in a kingdom like heaven. But what exactly is a kingdom like heaven? This series will observe several parables in the book of Matthew in which Jesus likens—rather than defines—a kingdom called “heaven” to the complexity and mystery of human activity such as scattering seed, resting in trees, finding treasure, and casting nets. By exploring these parables it is our sincere hope to encourage a community that more fully embodies a kingdom like heaven, which gestures toward the mystery of God and life of Christ in this world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
For the last six months we participated in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, which culminated in theological concepts such as ascension, pentecost, and trinity. Now, for the next six months, the church calendar invites us to intentionally exist in a season known as “Ordinary Time.” During this season of the church we are invited to grow and to cultivate life in the world. To use Jesus’ language, we are invited to participate in a kingdom like heaven. But what exactly is a kingdom like heaven? This series will observe several parables in the book of Matthew in which Jesus likens—rather than defines—a kingdom called “heaven” to the complexity and mystery of human activity such as scattering seed, resting in trees, finding treasure, and casting nets. By exploring these parables it is our sincere hope to encourage a community that more fully embodies a kingdom like heaven, which gestures toward the mystery of God and life of Christ in this world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
For the last six months we participated in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, which culminated in theological concepts such as ascension, pentecost, and trinity. Now, for the next six months, the church calendar invites us to intentionally exist in a season known as “Ordinary Time.” During this season of the church we are invited to grow and to cultivate life in the world. To use Jesus’ language, we are invited to participate in a kingdom like heaven. But what exactly is a kingdom like heaven? This series will observe several parables in the book of Matthew in which Jesus likens—rather than defines—a kingdom called “heaven” to the complexity and mystery of human activity such as scattering seed, resting in trees, finding treasure, and casting nets. By exploring these parables it is our sincere hope to encourage a community that more fully embodies a kingdom like heaven, which gestures toward the mystery of God and life of Christ in this world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
For the last six months we participated in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, which culminated in theological concepts such as ascension, pentecost, and trinity. Now, for the next six months, the church calendar invites us to intentionally exist in a season known as “Ordinary Time.” During this season of the church we are invited to grow and to cultivate life in the world. To use Jesus’ language, we are invited to participate in a kingdom like heaven. But what exactly is a kingdom like heaven? This series will observe several parables in the book of Matthew in which Jesus likens—rather than defines—a kingdom called “heaven” to the complexity and mystery of human activity such as scattering seed, resting in trees, finding treasure, and casting nets. By exploring these parables it is our sincere hope to encourage a community that more fully embodies a kingdom like heaven, which gestures toward the mystery of God and life of Christ in this world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
For the last six months we participated in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, which culminated in theological concepts such as ascension, pentecost, and trinity. Now, for the next six months, the church calendar invites us to intentionally exist in a season known as “Ordinary Time.” During this season of the church we are invited to grow and to cultivate life in the world. To use Jesus’ language, we are invited to participate in a kingdom like heaven. But what exactly is a kingdom like heaven? This series will observe several parables in the book of Matthew in which Jesus likens—rather than defines—a kingdom called “heaven” to the complexity and mystery of human activity such as scattering seed, resting in trees, finding treasure, and casting nets. By exploring these parables it is our sincere hope to encourage a community that more fully embodies a kingdom like heaven, which gestures toward the mystery of God and life of Christ in this world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
For the last six months we participated in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, which culminated in theological concepts such as ascension, pentecost, and trinity. Now, for the next six months, the church calendar invites us to intentionally exist in a season known as “Ordinary Time.” During this season of the church we are invited to grow and to cultivate life in the world. To use Jesus’ language, we are invited to participate in a kingdom like heaven. But what exactly is a kingdom like heaven? This series will observe several parables in the book of Matthew in which Jesus likens—rather than defines—a kingdom called “heaven” to the complexity and mystery of human activity such as scattering seed, resting in trees, finding treasure, and casting nets. By exploring these parables it is our sincere hope to encourage a community that more fully embodies a kingdom like heaven, which gestures toward the mystery of God and life of Christ in this world.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Today Pastor Mike shares about the work of Pearl, which is to express a sacred story, extend a common table, which animate life by divine love.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
Today, the first Sunday after Pentecost, we celebrate Trinity Sunday, a feast day the universal Church has commemorated since 1334 A.D. In one sense, every Sunday is a festival of the Trinity because the whole Trinity is at work in every moment, brooding over chaos and calling forth life, catching creation up into the dance of renewal and transformation. Co-equal, self-giving, mutually loving, the ancient picture of the Trinity as a dancing circle, perichoresis, invites all humanity into the all-inclusive feast of belonging.
Images referenced in the sermon can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/5jgmi7aq8m100di/Trinity%20icons.pdf?dl=0
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Feast of Pentecost (from the Greek pentekoste, meaning“fiftieth”) is the culmination of our Easter celebration. On the fiftieth day of Easter, God sends his Holy Spirit to empower human beings to embody Jesus’ loving way of life in the world. The risen and ascended Lord is no longer present to the Church in the body of his flesh; the Church is now to be the new body of Christ, filled with his life through the gift of the Spirit. Today, we celebrate the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mindy Durias
As we draw near to the culmination of Eastertide at Pentecost, we commemorate the Ascension of the Lord, which marks Jesus’ rising to heaven and sitting at the right hand of the Father. On this day, we remember Christ who has overcome darkness and death, and been raised to new life!
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Throughout the season of Easter, the Church intentionally abides in a garden full of hope and possibility, wondering, “What might grow up, here?” and “What good can be done, now?” With these important Easter questions in mind, this sermon series will explore the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts to try and better understand Jesus’ good gospel. Through the lens of these various books, we hope to more fully appreciate Jesus’ life, into which he invites every person.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Throughout the season of Easter, the Church intentionally abides in a garden full of hope and possibility, wondering, “What might grow up, here?” and “What good can be done, now?” With these important Easter questions in mind, this sermon series will explore the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts to try and better understand Jesus’ good gospel. Through the lens of these various books, we hope to more fully appreciate Jesus’ life, into which he invites every person.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Throughout the season of Easter, the Church intentionally abides in a garden full of hope and possibility, wondering, “What might grow up, here?” and “What good can be done, now?” With these important Easter questions in mind, this sermon series will explore the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts to try and better understand Jesus’ good gospel. Through the lens of these various books, we hope to more fully appreciate Jesus’ life, into which he invites every person.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Throughout the season of Easter, the Church intentionally abides in a garden full of hope and possibility, wondering, “What might grow up, here?” and “What good can be done, now?” With these important Easter questions in mind, this sermon series will explore the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts to try and better understand Jesus’ goodgospel. Through the lens of these various books, we hope to more fully appreciate Jesus’ life, into which he invites every person.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Throughout the season of Easter, the Church intentionally abides in a garden full of hope and possibility, wondering, “What might grow up, here?” and “What good can be done, now?” With these important Easter questions in mind, this sermon series will explore the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts to try and better understand Jesus’ goodgospel. Through the lens of these various books, we hope to more fully appreciate Jesus’ life, into which he invites every person.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Throughout the season of Easter, the Church intentionally abides in a garden full of hope and possibility, wondering, “What might grow up, here?” and “What good can be done, now?” With these important Easter questions in mind, this sermon series will explore the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts to try and better understand Jesus’ goodgospel. Through the lens of these various books, we hope to more fully appreciate Jesus’ life, into which he invites every person.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Throughout the Season of Lent, the Church intentionally walks with Jesus through experiences of suffering and death. However, ultimately, this annual journey of descent culminates in resurrection, which encourages our lenten pilgrimage to see what gifts and lessons may be found in the darkness.
This year, rather than exploring experiences of suffering and death that culminate in resurrection, we’re considering violence in religious story-telling, which finds its end, not in resurrection, but in the perpetuation of increased violence. The past few years our country has been witness to a president whose stories have harmed—more than anyone else—the marginalized among us, and these stories have found residence in the hearts of Christians, evangelicals in particular. This sermon series will deconstruct religious stories that give rise to bad news, misogyny, bigotry, and tribalism in Jesus’ name. But rather than concluding in deconstruction, this series intends to reimagine these same stories so that they more thoughtfully and reasonably cohere with Jesus who declares, “The favor of the Lord upon you.”
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
Throughout the Season of Lent, the Church intentionally walks with Jesus through experiences of suffering and death. However, ultimately, this annual journey of descent culminates in resurrection, which encourages our lenten pilgrimage to see what gifts and lessons may be found in the darkness.
This year, rather than exploring experiences of suffering and death that culminate in resurrection, we’re considering violence in religious story-telling, which finds its end, not in resurrection, but in the perpetuation of increased violence. The past few years our country has been witness to a president whose stories have harmed—more than anyone else—the marginalized among us, and these stories have found residence in the hearts of Christians, evangelicals in particular. This sermon series will deconstruct religious stories that give rise to bad news, misogyny, bigotry, and tribalism in Jesus’ name. But rather than concluding in deconstruction, this series intends to reimagine these same stories so that they more thoughtfully and reasonably cohere with Jesus who declares, “The favor of the Lord upon you.”
Preaching: Mike Roth
Throughout the Season of Lent, the Church intentionally walks with Jesus through experiences of suffering and death. However, ultimately, this annual journey of descent culminates in resurrection, which encourages our lenten pilgrimage to see what gifts and lessons may be found in the darkness.
This year, rather than exploring experiences of suffering and death that culminate in resurrection, we’re considering violence in religious story-telling, which finds its end, not in resurrection, but in the perpetuation of increased violence. The past few years our country has been witness to a president whose stories have harmed—more than anyone else—the marginalized among us, and these stories have found residence in the hearts of Christians, evangelicals in particular. This sermon series will deconstruct religious stories that give rise to bad news, misogyny, bigotry, and tribalism in Jesus’ name. But rather than concluding in deconstruction, this series intends to reimagine these same stories so that they more thoughtfully and reasonably cohere with Jesus who declares, “The favor of the Lord upon you.”
Preaching: Mike Roth
Throughout the Season of Lent, the Church intentionally walks with Jesus through experiences of suffering and death. However, ultimately, this annual journey of descent culminates in resurrection, which encourages our lenten pilgrimage to see what gifts and lessons may be found in the darkness.
This year, rather than exploring experiences of suffering and death that culminate in resurrection, we’re considering violence in religious story-telling, which finds its end, not in resurrection, but in the perpetuation of increased violence. The past few years our country has been witness to a president whose stories have harmed—more than anyone else—the marginalized among us, and these stories have found residence in the hearts of Christians, evangelicals in particular. This sermon series will deconstruct religious stories that give rise to bad news, misogyny, bigotry, and tribalism in Jesus’ name. But rather than concluding in deconstruction, this series intends to reimagine these same stories so that they more thoughtfully and reasonably cohere with Jesus who declares, “The favor of the Lord upon you.”
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mindy Durias
Throughout the Season of Lent, the Church intentionally walks with Jesus through experiences of suffering and death. However, ultimately, this annual journey of descent culminates in resurrection, which encourages our lenten pilgrimage to see what gifts and lessons may be found in the darkness.
This year, rather than exploring experiences of suffering and death that culminate in resurrection, we’re considering violence in religious story-telling, which finds its end, not in resurrection, but in the perpetuation of increased violence. The past few years our country has been witness to a president whose stories have harmed—more than anyone else—the marginalized among us, and these stories have found residence in the hearts of Christians, evangelicals in particular. This sermon series will deconstruct religious stories that give rise to bad news, misogyny, bigotry, and tribalism in Jesus’ name. But rather than concluding in deconstruction, this series intends to reimagine these same stories so that they more thoughtfully and reasonably cohere with Jesus who declares, “The favor of the Lord upon you.”
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Throughout the Season of Lent, the Church intentionally walks with Jesus through experiences of suffering and death. However, ultimately, this annual journey of descent culminates in resurrection, which encourages our lenten pilgrimage to see what gifts and lessons may be found in the darkness.
This year, rather than exploring experiences of suffering and death that culminate in resurrection, we’re considering violence in religious story-telling, which finds its end, not in resurrection, but in the perpetuation of increased violence. The past few years our country has been witness to a president whose stories have harmed—more than anyone else—the marginalized among us, and these stories have found residence in the hearts of Christians, evangelicals in particular. This sermon series will deconstruct religious stories that give rise to bad news, misogyny, bigotry, and tribalism in Jesus’ name. But rather than concluding in deconstruction, this series intends to reimagine these same stories so that they more thoughtfully and reasonably cohere with Jesus who declares, “The favor of the Lord upon you.”
Preaching: Mike Roth
Throughout the Season After the Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by religious difference. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God is made manifest through a diversity of mediums.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to other religious traditions. After declaring the light of God upon all people and laying a theological framework for particularity amidst plurality, we will train our attention on three particular sacred stories—Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism. Each sacred story will be expressed by a religious leader who will speak to us out of their own tradition while making connections to values we at Pearl hold dear—gratitude, inclusion, integration, peace, renewal, and transformation. Our hope for this series is to encourage understanding, empathy, appreciation, and connection to our religious neighbors who, alongside us, seek out the light of the Divine.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Rabbi Michael Cahana
Throughout the Season After the Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by religious difference. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God is made manifest through a diversity of mediums.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to other religious traditions. After declaring the light of God upon all people and laying a theological framework for particularity amidst plurality, we will train our attention on three particular sacred stories—Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism. Each sacred story will be expressed by a religious leader who will speak to us out of their own tradition while making connections to values we at Pearl hold dear—gratitude, inclusion, integration, peace, renewal, and transformation. Our hope for this series is to encourage understanding, empathy, appreciation, and connection to our religious neighbors who, alongside us, seek out the light of the Divine.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Imam Mohamad Jamal Daoudi
Throughout the Season After the Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by religious difference. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God is made manifest through a diversity of mediums.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to other religious traditions. After declaring the light of God upon all people and laying a theological framework for particularity amidst plurality, we will train our attention on three particular sacred stories—Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism. Each sacred story will be expressed by a religious leader who will speak to us out of their own tradition while making connections to values we at Pearl hold dear—gratitude, inclusion, integration, peace, renewal, and transformation. Our hope for this series is to encourage understanding, empathy, appreciation, and connection to our religious neighbors who, alongside us, seek out the light of the Divine.
This week’s guest speaker is Imam Mohamad Jamal Daoudi. Imam Jamal was born in Damascus, Syria. He graduated from Damascus University in 1988 with BA in English Literature, continued his Islamic education at The Islamic Call College/Damascus and graduated with BA Shari’ah / Islamic Sciences and Arabic Language in 1991. He came to the US in 1995 and started his first position as Imam at The Islamic Center of North Valley, Lancaster-CA. He earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary. Imam Daoudi is specialized in the areas of Quranic interpretation “Tafsir”, Hadith, counseling and interfaith dialogues and activities. He works with the Trifaith Initiative. Imam Jamal is a United States citizen and is a father of three, a daughter and two boys.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Thomas McConkie
Throughout the Season After the Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by religious difference. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God is made manifest through a diversity of mediums.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to other religious traditions. After declaring the light of God upon all people and laying a theological framework for particularity amidst plurality, we will train our attention on three particular sacred stories—Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism. Each sacred story will be expressed by a religious leader who will speak to us out of their own tradition while making connections to values we at Pearl hold dear—gratitude, inclusion, integration, peace, renewal, and transformation. Our hope for this series is to encourage understanding, empathy, appreciation, and connection to our religious neighbors who, alongside us, seek out the light of the Divine.
This week’s guest speaker is Thomas McConkie. Thomas McConkie is the founder of Lower Lights School of Wisdom and has a passion for the world's Wisdom traditions. Raised LDS, at 18 years old he discovered Buddhism, which remains a wellspring of inspiration over 20 years later.
He is trained as a developmental researcher, facilitator, and mindfulness teacher. He hosts the Lower Lights Sangha in Salt Lake City, Utah with the intention of creating a generative environment where seekers of diverse faith orientations can discover new depths and heights in their evolving personhood.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
Throughout the Season After the Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by religious difference. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God is made manifest through a diversity of mediums.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to other religious traditions. After declaring the light of God upon all people and laying a theological framework for particularity amidst plurality, we will train our attention on three particular sacred stories—Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism. Each sacred story will be expressed by a religious leader who will speak to us out of their own tradition while making connections to values we at Pearl hold dear—gratitude, inclusion, integration, peace, renewal, and transformation. Our hope for this series is to encourage understanding, empathy, appreciation, and connection to our religious neighbors who, alongside us, seek out the light of the Divine.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Throughout the Season After the Epiphany the church basks in the light of Christ revealed to us. Yet simultaneously we live in a world divided by religious difference. To our surprise, the light of God shines upon us from the other, as God is made manifest through a diversity of mediums.
This sermon series situates us as attentive listeners to other religious traditions. After declaring the light of God upon all people and laying a theological framework for particularity amidst plurality, we will train our attention on three particular sacred stories—Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism. Each sacred story will be expressed by a religious leader who will speak to us out of their own tradition while making connections to values we at Pearl hold dear—gratitude, inclusion, integration, peace, renewal, and transformation. Our hope for this series is to encourage understanding, empathy, appreciation, and connection to our religious neighbors who, alongside us, seek out the light of the Divine.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The language we use to describe God shapes our perception of God. God as shepherd, God as king, God as warrior—all are metaphors that rouse images in our mind’s eye. Of course, no single word or image captures the totality of Divine essence, and some language can inhibit our imagination. Therefore, it’s important for us to reflect upon our God-language.
Throughout the centuries, the primary metaphors used to describe the Divine have been masculine. However, throughout church history and earlier, in Jewish history, there have always been feminine images used for God. If these feminine expressions are rarely used, then we risk picturing God through solely masculine metaphors. God as mother, mother bear, mother eagle, and mother hen; God as nursing mother, woman in labor, and woman searching for a coin—these expressions give fuller shape to our perception of God.
During the four weeks of Advent, this sermon series will pay special attention to feminine notions of God that elevate aspects of longing and hope for light, in the midst of darkness. We will cast an elevated vision for the Divine who is neither male nor female, but who may be more fully appreciated through language that is explicitly feminine.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The language we use to describe God shapes our perception of God. God as shepherd, God as king, God as warrior—all are metaphors that rouse images in our mind’s eye. Of course, no single word or image captures the totality of Divine essence, and some language can inhibit our imagination. Therefore, it’s important for us to reflect upon our God-language.
Throughout the centuries, the primary metaphors used to describe the Divine have been masculine. However, throughout church history and earlier, in Jewish history, there have always been feminine images used for God. If these feminine expressions are rarely used, then we risk picturing God through solely masculine metaphors. God as mother, mother bear, mother eagle, and mother hen; God as nursing mother, woman in labor, and woman searching for a coin—these expressions give fuller shape to our perception of God.
During the four weeks of Advent, this sermon series will pay special attention to feminine notions of God that elevate aspects of longing and hope for light, in the midst of darkness. We will cast an elevated vision for the Divine who is neither male nor female, but who may be more fully appreciated through language that is explicitly feminine.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mindy Durias
The language we use to describe God shapes our perception of God. God as shepherd, God as king, God as warrior—all are metaphors that rouse images in our mind’s eye. Of course, no single word or image captures the totality of Divine essence, and some language can inhibit our imagination. Therefore, it’s important for us to reflect upon our God-language.
Throughout the centuries, the primary metaphors used to describe the Divine have been masculine. However, throughout church history and earlier, in Jewish history, there have always been feminine images used for God. If these feminine expressions are rarely used, then we risk picturing God through solely masculine metaphors. God as mother, mother bear, mother eagle, and mother hen; God as nursing mother, woman in labor, and woman searching for a coin—these expressions give fuller shape to our perception of God.
During the four weeks of Advent, this sermon series will pay special attention to feminine notions of God that elevate aspects of longing and hope for light, in the midst of darkness. We will cast an elevated vision for the Divine who is neither male nor female, but who may be more fully appreciated through language that is explicitly feminine.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
The language we use to describe God shapes our perception of God. God as shepherd, God as king, God as warrior—all are metaphors that rouse images in our mind’s eye. Of course, no single word or image captures the totality of Divine essence, and some language can inhibit our imagination. Therefore, it’s important for us to reflect upon our God-language.
Throughout the centuries, the primary metaphors used to describe the Divine have been masculine. However, throughout church history and earlier, in Jewish history, there have always been feminine images used for God. If these feminine expressions are rarely used, then we risk picturing God through solely masculine metaphors. God as mother, mother bear, mother eagle, and mother hen; God as nursing mother, woman in labor, and woman searching for a coin—these expressions give fuller shape to our perception of God.
During the four weeks of Advent, this sermon series will pay special attention to feminine notions of God that elevate aspects of longing and hope for light, in the midst of darkness. We will cast an elevated vision for the Divine who is neither male nor female, but who may be more fully appreciated through language that is explicitly feminine.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
Christ the King Sunday is the climax and conclusion of the Church’s liturgical journey through the life of Christ and the Gospel message. Its purpose is to celebrate the culmination of Christ as king and his completion of the renewed creation that marks the fullness of his kingdom. The white and gold on the altar represent the peaceful reign and sovereignty of Christ as king over all of creation.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
If the Bible isn’t a rule book or a clear-cut moral guide for every decision that we need to make, how do we go about discerning what is good? This is a question that our pastoral staff spent a few months discussing, which resulted in an ethical framework for discerning good in an array of circumstances. This framework considers collective and personal stories, principles, as well as several questions that can be asked in order to inch closer toward goodness.
Perhaps you’re in the midst of making a big decision, or perhaps you wrestle with knowing how to discern what’s best when making decisions, or perhaps, as you’ve come to realize that the Bible doesn’t definitively direct particular judgments that you need to make about life and godliness, you’re looking for a thoughtful way to make wise decisions. If any of these statements speak to where you’re at, then we’re hopeful that this sermon series—which will draw from our ethical framework—will inform, support, and encouragement your flourishing, especially now, when discerning goodness is increasingly important.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mindy Durias
If the Bible isn’t a rule book or a clear-cut moral guide for every decision that we need to make, how do we go about discerning what is good? This is a question that our pastoral staff spent a few months discussing, which resulted in an ethical framework for discerning good in an array of circumstances. This framework considers collective and personal stories, principles, as well as several questions that can be asked in order to inch closer toward goodness.
Perhaps you’re in the midst of making a big decision, or perhaps you wrestle with knowing how to discern what’s best when making decisions, or perhaps, as you’ve come to realize that the Bible doesn’t definitively direct particular judgments that you need to make about life and godliness, you’re looking for a thoughtful way to make wise decisions. If any of these statements speak to where you’re at, then we’re hopeful that this sermon series—which will draw from our ethical framework—will inform, support, and encouragement your flourishing, especially now, when discerning goodness is increasingly important.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth, Aaron Truong, Kimberlee Carlson
The Festival of All Saints celebrates the faithful women and men, known and unknown, past and present, whose lives have been marked by the love and grace of God. It is an opportunity for us, as a church, to thank God for them and to remember the roles they have played in bringing God’s kingdom into our lives and into this world.
Today we hear from two Pearl Church members, Aaron Truong and Kimberlee Carlson, who share about saints who have been helpful for their journey.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
If the Bible isn’t a rule book or a clear-cut moral guide for every decision that we need to make, how do we go about discerning what is good? This is a question that our pastoral staff spent a few months discussing, which resulted in an ethical framework for discerning good in an array of circumstances. This framework considers collective and personal stories, principles, as well as several questions that can be asked in order to inch closer toward goodness.
Perhaps you’re in the midst of making a big decision, or perhaps you wrestle with knowing how to discern what’s best when making decisions, or perhaps, as you’ve come to realize that the Bible doesn’t definitively direct particular judgments that you need to make about life and godliness, you’re looking for a thoughtful way to make wise decisions. If any of these statements speak to where you’re at, then we’re hopeful that this sermon series—which will draw from our ethical framework—will inform, support, and encouragement your flourishing, especially now, when discerning goodness is increasingly important.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
If the Bible isn’t a rule book or a clear-cut moral guide for every decision that we need to make, how do we go about discerning what is good? This is a question that our pastoral staff spent a few months discussing, which resulted in an ethical framework for discerning good in an array of circumstances. This framework considers collective and personal stories, principles, as well as several questions that can be asked in order to inch closer toward goodness.
Perhaps you’re in the midst of making a big decision, or perhaps you wrestle with knowing how to discern what’s best when making decisions, or perhaps, as you’ve come to realize that the Bible doesn’t definitively direct particular judgments that you need to make about life and godliness, you’re looking for a thoughtful way to make wise decisions. If any of these statements speak to where you’re at, then we’re hopeful that this sermon series—which will draw from our ethical framework—will inform, support, and encouragement your flourishing, especially now, when discerning goodness is increasingly important.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
If the Bible isn’t a rule book or a clear-cut moral guide for every decision that we need to make, how do we go about discerning what is good? This is a question that our pastoral staff spent a few months discussing, which resulted in an ethical framework for discerning good in an array of circumstances. This framework considers collective and personal stories, principles, as well as several questions that can be asked in order to inch closer toward goodness.
Perhaps you’re in the midst of making a big decision, or perhaps you wrestle with knowing how to discern what’s best when making decisions, or perhaps, as you’ve come to realize that the Bible doesn’t definitively direct particular judgments that you need to make about life and godliness, you’re looking for a thoughtful way to make wise decisions. If any of these statements speak to where you’re at, then we’re hopeful that this sermon series—which will draw from our ethical framework—will inform, support, and encouragement your flourishing, especially now, when discerning goodness is increasingly important.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
If the Bible isn’t a rule book or a clear-cut moral guide for every decision that we need to make, how do we go about discerning what is good? This is a question that our pastoral staff spent a few months discussing, which resulted in an ethical framework for discerning good in an array of circumstances. This framework considers collective and personal stories, principles, as well as several questions that can be asked in order to inch closer toward goodness.
Perhaps you’re in the midst of making a big decision, or perhaps you wrestle with knowing how to discern what’s best when making decisions, or perhaps, as you’ve come to realize that the Bible doesn’t definitively direct particular judgments that you need to make about life and godliness, you’re looking for a thoughtful way to make wise decisions. If any of these statements speak to where you’re at, then we’re hopeful that this sermon series—which will draw from our ethical framework—will inform, support, and encouragement your flourishing, especially now, when discerning goodness is increasingly important.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
If the Bible isn’t a rule book or a clear-cut moral guide for every decision that we need to make, how do we go about discerning what is good? This is a question that our pastoral staff spent a few months discussing, which resulted in an ethical framework for discerning good in an array of circumstances. This framework considers collective and personal stories, principles, as well as several questions that can be asked in order to inch closer toward goodness.
Perhaps you’re in the midst of making a big decision, or perhaps you wrestle with knowing how to discern what’s best when making decisions, or perhaps, as you’ve come to realize that the Bible doesn’t definitively direct particular judgments that you need to make about life and godliness, you’re looking for a thoughtful way to make wise decisions. If any of these statements speak to where you’re at, then we’re hopeful that this sermon series—which will draw from our ethical framework—will inform, support, and encouragement your flourishing, especially now, when discerning goodness is increasingly important.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mo Hawthorne
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mindy Durias, Ben Barczi, Mike Roth
Our pastoral team reflects on where we find ourselves this week in Portland, in the midst of pandemic, protests, wildfires and political conflict. We take time to be present to where we find ourselves, kind to our experiences of distress and despair, and longing for hope.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
at Pearl we regularly say that we exist to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. About our sacred story, we have a longstanding tradition of telling it on an annual basis, on Labor Day weekend. Our hope in telling this story in its entirety is that it might more deeply shape our language, orient our hearts, and direct the ways that we mark our days and live out our lives here on earth.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Bible’s wisdom books span the conventional wisdom of Proverbs to the evocative wisdom of Song of Songs. Between these two extremes are Ecclesiastes and Job, which invite us into the muddle of every day living that can range from the mundane to the difficult.
Today we find ourselves in a season of life that is demanding wisdom. But what does wise living look like? The books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, and Song of Songs will help us to explore the diversity of wisdom. More so, the ancient-ness of these books will be an encouraging reminder that, although our experiences in this world feel novel, they are indeed as old as language itself. Lastly, this series intends to draw on these books as a means to encourage careful observation and dynamic responses to our ever-changing world that result in flourishing life.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Bible’s wisdom books span the conventional wisdom of Proverbs to the evocative wisdom of Song of Songs. Between these two extremes are Ecclesiastes and Job, which invite us into the muddle of every day living that can range from the mundane to the difficult.
Today we find ourselves in a season of life that is demanding wisdom. But what does wise living look like? The books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, and Song of Songs will help us to explore the diversity of wisdom. More so, the ancient-ness of these books will be an encouraging reminder that, although our experiences in this world feel novel, they are indeed as old as language itself. Lastly, this series intends to draw on these books as a means to encourage careful observation and dynamic responses to our ever-changing world that result in flourishing life.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Bible’s wisdom books span the conventional wisdom of Proverbs to the evocative wisdom of Song of Songs. Between these two extremes are Ecclesiastes and Job, which invite us into the muddle of every day living that can range from the mundane to the difficult.
Today we find ourselves in a season of life that is demanding wisdom. But what does wise living look like? The books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, and Song of Songs will help us to explore the diversity of wisdom. More so, the ancient-ness of these books will be an encouraging reminder that, although our experiences in this world feel novel, they are indeed as old as language itself. Lastly, this series intends to draw on these books as a means to encourage careful observation and dynamic responses to our ever-changing world that result in flourishing life.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Bible’s wisdom books span the conventional wisdom of Proverbs to the evocative wisdom of Song of Songs. Between these two extremes are Ecclesiastes and Job, which invite us into the muddle of every day living that can range from the mundane to the difficult.
Today we find ourselves in a season of life that is demanding wisdom. But what does wise living look like? The books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, and Song of Songs will help us to explore the diversity of wisdom. More so, the ancient-ness of these books will be an encouraging reminder that, although our experiences in this world feel novel, they are indeed as old as language itself. Lastly, this series intends to draw on these books as a means to encourage careful observation and dynamic responses to our ever-changing world that result in flourishing life.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Each year on the first weekend in August, we take a moment to pause and look back at our story, and all the ways our community has changed and grown over the years. On this, our 19th anniversary, Pastor Mike reflects on the way being a church together has caused us to change our mind, again and again, toward love.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
The past weeks have been disruptive, in ways both difficult and sad, true and good. As our nation has grappled with its embedded, systemic racism, as we have mourned and listened and protested, we want to do more than sign petitions, hold signs, march or post anti-racist messages on social media. But what?
Facing down racism in America will take all of our creativity in all our many fields of expertise and spheres of influence, including within Christian theology and practice - and so over the next two weeks we begin a short series in Revelation (which, it turns out, is a wonderful text for those seeking to overturn oppressive systems). We'll begin by exploring how Christian history created the conditions for white supremacy and racism in America, by drifting from the subversive teaching of Jesus toward the seductive pull of Empire (or, as Revelation calls it, "Babylon"). Then we'll turn to build a new imagination for how Christianity can again become a signpost toward the good, peaceable city God is building in the midst of the human family.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
The past weeks have been disruptive, in ways both difficult and sad, true and good. As our nation has grappled with its embedded, systemic racism, as we have mourned and listened and protested, we want to do more than sign petitions, hold signs, march or post anti-racist messages on social media. But what?
Facing down racism in America will take all of our creativity in all our many fields of expertise and spheres of influence, including within Christian theology and practice - and so over the next two weeks we begin a short series in Revelation (which, it turns out, is a wonderful text for those seeking to overturn oppressive systems). This Sunday, we'll begin by exploring how Christian history created the conditions for white supremacy and racism in America, by drifting from the subversive teaching of Jesus toward the seductive pull of Empire (or, as Revelation calls it, "Babylon"). Then next week we'll begin to build a new imagination for how Christianity can again become a signpost toward the good, peaceable city God is building in the midst of the human family.
Preaching: Krys Springer
The Book of Lamentations provides a helpful framework for processing one of humankind’s strongest emotions—lament. Although Lamentations specifically addresses the destruction of Jerusalem that occurred in 587BCE, its use of words to describe lament and its progression of ideas that shape lament transcend Israel’s particular cataclysmic event.
Today we lament the effects of a world-wide pandemic. Today we lament the recent violence against people of color. Today we lament the light that this violence shines on our country’s injustice and inequality. Today our hearts are outraged, confused, afraid, and sad, to name just a few prevalent emotions.
This sermon series therefore invites us into the ancient and holy process that is lamenting cataclysmic events. More so, this sermon series will explore how lament can give shape to effectual change through the lives of people marked by brokenness, sorrow, suffering, and death.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Book of Lamentations provides a helpful framework for processing one of humankind’s strongest emotions—lament. Although Lamentations specifically addresses the destruction of Jerusalem that occurred in 587BCE, its use of words to describe lament and its progression of ideas that shape lament transcend Israel’s particular cataclysmic event.
Today we lament the effects of a world-wide pandemic. Today we lament the recent violence against people of color. Today we lament the light that this violence shines on our country’s injustice and inequality. Today our hearts are outraged, confused, afraid, and sad, to name just a few prevalent emotions.
This sermon series therefore invites us into the ancient and holy process that is lamenting cataclysmic events. More so, this sermon series will explore how lament can give shape to effectual change through the lives of people marked by brokenness, sorrow, suffering, and death.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Book of Lamentations provides a helpful framework for processing one of humankind’s strongest emotions—lament. Although Lamentations specifically addresses the destruction of Jerusalem that occurred in 587BCE, its use of words to describe lament and its progression of ideas that shape lament transcend Israel’s particular cataclysmic event.
Today we lament the effects of a world-wide pandemic. Today we lament the recent violence against people of color. Today we lament the light that this violence shines on our country’s injustice and inequality. Today our hearts are outraged, confused, afraid, and sad, to name just a few prevalent emotions.
This sermon series therefore invites us into the ancient and holy process that is lamenting cataclysmic events. More so, this sermon series will explore how lament can give shape to effectual change through the lives of people marked by brokenness, sorrow, suffering, and death.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Book of Lamentations provides a helpful framework for processing one of humankind’s strongest emotions—lament. Although Lamentations specifically addresses the destruction of Jerusalem that occurred in 587BCE, its use of words to describe lament and its progression of ideas that shape lament transcend Israel’s particular cataclysmic event.
Today we lament the effects of a world-wide pandemic. Today we lament the recent violence against people of color. Today we lament the light that this violence shines on our country’s injustice and inequality. Today our hearts are outraged, confused, afraid, and sad, to name just a few prevalent emotions.
This sermon series therefore invites us into the ancient and holy process that is lamenting cataclysmic events. More so, this sermon series will explore how lament can give shape to effectual change through the lives of people marked by brokenness, sorrow, suffering, and death.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Book of Lamentations provides a helpful framework for processing one of humankind’s strongest emotions—lament. Although Lamentations specifically addresses the destruction of Jerusalem that occurred in 587BCE, its use of words to describe lament and its progression of ideas that shape lament transcend Israel’s particular cataclysmic event.
Today we lament the effects of a world-wide pandemic. Today we lament the recent violence against people of color. Today we lament the light that this violence shines on our country’s injustice and inequality. Today our hearts are outraged, confused, afraid, and sad, to name just a few prevalent emotions.
This sermon series therefore invites us into the ancient and holy process that is lamenting cataclysmic events. More so, this sermon series will explore how lament can give shape to effectual change through the lives of people marked by brokenness, sorrow, suffering, and death.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Book of Lamentations provides a helpful framework for processing one of humankind’s strongest emotions—lament. Although Lamentations specifically addresses the destruction of Jerusalem that occurred in 587BCE, its use of words to describe lament and its progression of ideas that shape lament transcend Israel’s particular cataclysmic event.
Today we lament the effects of a world-wide pandemic. Today we lament the recent violence against people of color. Today we lament the light that this violence shines on our country’s injustice and inequality. Today our hearts are outraged, confused, afraid, and sad, to name just a few prevalent emotions.
This sermon series therefore invites us into the ancient and holy process that is lamenting cataclysmic events. More so, this sermon series will explore how lament can give shape to effectual change through the lives of people marked by brokenness, sorrow, suffering, and death.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
The Feast of Pentecost (from the Greek pentekoste, meaning“fiftieth”) is the culmination of our Easter celebration. On the fiftieth day of Easter, God sends his Holy Spirit to empower human beings to embody Jesus’ loving way of life in the world. The risen and ascended Lord is no longer present to the Church in the body of his flesh; the Church is now to be the new body of Christ, filled with his life through the gift of the Spirit. Today, we celebrate the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Becca McMartin
The mystery of Resurrection is first announced in a garden. From barren, stone-sealed shadowy tomb, into loamy, breeze-breathed, sun-dappled soil bursting with life, Easter interrupts deathly endings with new-day budding potential. This mysterious way of Jesus is meant to open us to new-creation stories, habits and belonging that bring our truest, God-breathed selves into fully- formed being.
This sermon series will explore the way of Jesus through the lens of formation. After building a foundations of how narratives, practices, and community rhythms deepen us into new ways of being, we’ll turn to explore the classical disciplines that have opened Eastertide living throughout the ages, bringing these ancient tools into our modern setting. Each week will invite us into practical ways of inhabiting the Resurrection mystery and finding new creation already blooming among us.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
Interested in engaging some of the practices we discussed this morning? You can download these one-page guides to introduce some simple versions of the Outward disciplines:
SIMPLICITY
Slowing Down
SOLITUDE
Experiments in Solitude
SERVICE
Welcoming the Stranger
The mystery of Resurrection is first announced in a garden. From barren, stone-sealed shadowy tomb, into loamy, breeze-breathed, sun-dappled soil bursting with life, Easter interrupts deathly endings with new-day budding potential. This mysterious way of Jesus is meant to open us to new-creation stories, habits and belonging that bring our truest, God-breathed selves into fully- formed being.
This sermon series will explore the way of Jesus through the lens of formation. After building a foundations of how narratives, practices, and community rhythms deepen us into new ways of being, we’ll turn to explore the classical disciplines that have opened Eastertide living throughout the ages, bringing these ancient tools into our modern setting. Each week will invite us into practical ways of inhabiting the Resurrection mystery and finding new creation already blooming among us.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
Interest in engaging some of the practices we discussed this morning? You can download these one-page guides to introduce some simple versions of the Inward disciplines:
MEDITATION:
Breath Prayer
Lectio Divina
PRAYER:
Walking a Labryinth
FASTING:
Fast from Criticism
STUDY:
Attention to Nature
The mystery of Resurrection is first announced in a garden. From barren, stone-sealed shadowy tomb, into loamy, breeze-breathed, sun-dappled soil bursting with life, Easter interrupts deathly endings with new-day budding potential. This mysterious way of Jesus is meant to open us to new-creation stories, habits and belonging that bring our truest, God-breathed selves into fully- formed being.
This sermon series will explore the way of Jesus through the lens of formation. After building a foundations of how narratives, practices, and community rhythms deepen us into new ways of being, we’ll turn to explore the classical disciplines that have opened Eastertide living throughout the ages, bringing these ancient tools into our modern setting. Each week will invite us into practical ways of inhabiting the Resurrection mystery and finding new creation already blooming among us.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
The mystery of Resurrection is first announced in a garden. From barren, stone-sealed shadowy tomb, into loamy, breeze-breathed, sun-dappled soil bursting with life, Easter interrupts deathly endings with new-day budding potential. This mysterious way of Jesus is meant to open us to new-creation stories, habits and belonging that bring our truest, God-breathed selves into fully- formed being.
This sermon series will explore the way of Jesus through the lens of formation. After building a foundations of how narratives, practices, and community rhythms deepen us into new ways of being, we’ll turn to explore the classical disciplines that have opened Eastertide living throughout the ages, bringing these ancient tools into our modern setting. Each week will invite us into practical ways of inhabiting the Resurrection mystery and finding new creation already blooming among us.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
The mystery of Resurrection is first announced in a garden. From barren, stone-sealed shadowy tomb, into loamy, breeze-breathed, sun-dappled soil bursting with life, Easter interrupts deathly endings with new-day budding potential. This mysterious way of Jesus is meant to open us to new-creation stories, habits and belonging that bring our truest, God-breathed selves into fully- formed being.
This sermon series will explore the way of Jesus through the lens of formation. After building a foundations of how narratives, practices, and community rhythms deepen us into new ways of being, we’ll turn to explore the classical disciplines that have opened Eastertide living throughout the ages, bringing these ancient tools into our modern setting. Each week will invite us into practical ways of inhabiting the Resurrection mystery and finding new creation already blooming among us.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
The mystery of Resurrection is first announced in a garden. From barren, stone-sealed shadowy tomb, into loamy, breeze-breathed, sun-dappled soil bursting with life, Easter interrupts deathly endings with new-day budding potential. This mysterious way of Jesus is meant to open us to new-creation stories, habits and belonging that bring our truest, God-breathed selves into fully- formed being.
This sermon series will explore the way of Jesus through the lens of formation. After building a foundations of how narratives, practices, and community rhythms deepen us into new ways of being, we’ll turn to explore the classical disciplines that have opened Eastertide living throughout the ages, bringing these ancient tools into our modern setting. Each week will invite us into practical ways of inhabiting the Resurrection mystery and finding new creation already blooming among us.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
The mystery of Resurrection is first announced in a garden. From barren, stone-sealed shadowy tomb, into loamy, breeze-breathed, sun-dappled soil bursting with life, Easter interrupts deathly endings with new-day budding potential. This mysterious way of Jesus is meant to open us to new-creation stories, habits and belonging that bring our truest, God-breathed selves into fully- formed being.
This sermon series will explore the way of Jesus through the lens of formation. After building a foundations of how narratives, practices, and community rhythms deepen us into new ways of being, we’ll turn to explore the classical disciplines that have opened Eastertide living throughout the ages, bringing these ancient tools into our modern setting. Each week will invite us into practical ways of inhabiting the Resurrection mystery and finding new creation already blooming among us.
Preaching: Ben Barczi
Lent is a season to intentionally face suffering, which is part of every human experience. Such intention is necessary because suffering is difficult. And yet, part of being Christian is to follow after Jesus who willingly participated in the shadows, in the decaying, and in the death. With this in mind, this sermon series intends to notice and to celebrate the surprising good—not easy but good—that springs up out of the darkness.
Lent is a season to intentionally face suffering, which is part of every human experience. Such intention is necessary because suffering is difficult. And yet, part of being Christian is to follow after Jesus who willingly participated in the shadows, in the decaying, and in the death. With this in mind, this sermon series intends to notice and to celebrate the surprising good—not easy but good—that springs up out of the darkness.
This week’s reflection is from Oversight Team member Chuck Tsen.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Lent is a season to intentionally face suffering, which is part of every human experience. Such intention is necessary because suffering is difficult. And yet, part of being Christian is to follow after Jesus who willingly participated in the shadows, in the decaying, and in the death. With this in mind, this sermon series intends to notice and to celebrate the surprising good—not easy but good—that springs up out of the darkness.
This week’s reflection is from Oversight Team member David Khalaf.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Krys Springer
Lent is a season to intentionally face suffering, which is part of every human experience. Such intention is necessary because suffering is difficult. And yet, part of being Christian is to follow after Jesus who willingly participated in the shadows, in the decaying, and in the death. With this in mind, this sermon series intends to notice and to celebrate the surprising good—not easy but good—that springs up out of the darkness.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Lent is a season to intentionally face suffering, which is part of every human experience. Such intention is necessary because suffering is difficult. And yet, part of being Christian is to follow after Jesus who willingly participated in the shadows, in the decaying, and in the death. With this in mind, this sermon series intends to notice and to celebrate the surprising good—not easy but good—that springs up out of the darkness.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.
Preaching: Mike Roth
Lent is a season to intentionally face suffering, which is part of every human experience. Such intention is necessary because suffering is difficult. And yet, part of being Christian is to follow after Jesus who willingly participated in the shadows, in the decaying, and in the death. With this in mind, this sermon series intends to notice and to celebrate the surprising good—not easy but good—that springs up out of the darkness.
Pearl Church exists to express a sacred story and to extend a common table that animate life by love. A primary expression of our sacred story is the weekly sermon. If our sermons inspire you to ponder the sacred, to consider the mystery and love of God, and to live bountifully, would you consider supporting our work? You can donate easily and securely at our website: pearlchurch.org. Thank you for partnering with us in expressing this sacred story.