[RCL] Genesis 28:10-19a; Psalm 139: 1-11, 22-23 or Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 A rock, a ladder, and a promise to a man who is running for his life. That is what we get in our story from Genesis today. Jacob is in a very bad situation. He stole not only…

Today’s readings offer us a wonderful opportunity to focus on stories. The stories we tell both illuminate and teach the virtues that our communities respect. Stories transmit culture, values, and ethics. Stories often include images and actions that raise questions and confirm values. In our church communities, we tell concrete stories that illustrate our beliefs,…

If you go into any gym and find the section where people are pumping iron, you will hear a lot of grunting and groaning. Weightlifters often groan. They groan as they strain to push weights off of their chests, or over their heads, or pull and heave them off the floor. Engines straining also groan….

Who are you? Who are your people? Who are your kin? These are questions we’re asked in many different ways every day. Culturally, in the South, “Who are your people?” is an essential question—usually the first question a new person in town, or a new boy or girlfriend is asked. Think about it. We ask…