The Text:  John 20:1-18

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.   So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him."   

Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb.   The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.   He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in.   Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself.

Someone wrote to me a while ago, upset with MCC because we do not preach enough about "the cross."

I knew what he meant by that, and I know why that charge may be true!

I spent some time thinking about it the last few months. And, I thought about asking about 25 MCCer's, from various theological and cultural perspectives, to write about the cross. I still think that is a great idea, and I would love to see the creativity and wonderful, contextual thinking that would provide. In fact, Jim Mitulski did just that in a Region 1 Spiritual offering a week ago, that I deeply appreciated. . .

What I love about preaching is finding the throw-away line, and letting it settle into your mind, bones and consciousness, until it does its thing, and finally gives you a sermon . . .
 
Can I have a witness?
 
I was supposed to preach three times this Palm Sunday, at New Spirit MCC/UCC/Disciples in Berkeley, City of Refuge UCC and MCC San Francisco. But, as some of you know, my partner has been ill, and I needed to stay home with her as she mends (keep those prayers coming).
 
I chose the middle of those three sermons to share with all of you instead. It is based on the throw-away line at the end of the story of Palm Sunday in Mark's gospel.
 
The story as we know it has colts and mysterious resources that Jesus seems to have, special friends, secret signals, and Hosannas! (Mark 1 - 10)

Jesus came forward and addressed them in these words: All authority has been given me both in heaven and earth; go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of Abba God, and of the Only Begotten, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always, even until the end of the world!

Matthew 28:18-20
(The Inclusive New Testament, 1996 by The Priest for Equality)

Scripture 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18:

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

As the light of Advent grows, we light the candle of Joy today, and it burns brightly in all Churches for those who will come near.
 
The first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians is the oldest of the writings of the New Testament, and the earliest of Paul's famous letters. It is a letter of encouragement in the midst of stress, pressures and even persecution. The Church of Jesus Christ was only about 20 years old when he wrote it, half the age of MCC today. 

Mark 13: 24-37:

But in those days, after that time of distress, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness, the stars will fall from the sky and the powers in heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Promised One coming in the clouds with great power and glory; then the angels will be sent to gather the people of God from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

Scripture: Acts 16: 25-34

It is my joy and honor to be with brothers and sisters from The Fellowship and the UCC Coalition here in Dallas, Texas today. Thank you for your incredible hospitality.

Bishop Flunder, as you celebrate eight years, and as Metropolitan Community Churches prepares to celebrate our 40th anniversary in October of this year, isn't it amazing what God is doing?

Everywhere I go, there is a buzz about the relationship between The Fellowship and MCC. I talked to a news reporter earlier today who asked, "What is happening with MCC and the Fellowship?"

When I was 12, I was chosen to play Mary in the Christmas pageant at Hicksville United Methodist Church on Long Island, New York, where I grew up. That meant I sang two short solos and had a few speaking lines while seated by the manger, dressed in the blue and white of all church pageant Madonnas. (Sorry, no pictures or home movies survive!)
 
The part of Joseph was played by Richard -- a blonde, shy, bright, nerdy boy with glasses, whose only role was to stand stoically beside me, and stay silent. Of course, the rowdy shepherds rolling down the center aisle in their burlap bags decided it was their role to make him laugh. So Richard spent an agonizing 45 minutes during the pageant shaking and suppressing his great giggle. Makes you just want to slap those shepherds...

Introduction:
This month, MCC congregations around the world are observing Fellowship Sunday, marking the 39th anniversary of the founding of Metropolitan Community Churches.
 
On October 6, 1968, 12 worshipers gathered in Troy Perry's living room in the Los Angeles suburb of Huntington Park, California, to worship God.