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December 10, 2023 Matthew 5:13-16 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   Jesus says ‘we are the salt of the earth’ to remind his followers of our calling to enhance the lives of others, to bring out the best in them just like salt brings out the best flavor in other foods. Jesus say... Read More →

December 3, 2023 John 1:7-9 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   Santa in the Macy’s Day parade got 31 floats, 11 marching bands, 25 sets of performers, 29 clown crews, 25 balloons, and 6 balloonicles to prepare the way for him on Thanksgiving Day.  (And in case you don’t know what a... Read More →

November 26, 2023 John 8:12 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   It seems like this year more and more people put up and turned on their Christmas lights days and even weeks before Thanksgiving.  I know of a few people who had their Christmas trees up right after Veteran’s Day.  On the... Read More →

November 12, 2023 Psalm 139:1-14 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   Have you ever walked into a room and couldn’t remember why you went in there?  Or been in the middle of a conversation and forgotten what you were saying?  People often make jokes about getting older and not... Read More →

November 5, 2023 John 15:1-17 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   Nurtured, Nurturing, Sharing God’s gifts with all.  In this Season of Generosity, we have celebrated how the First Congregational Church nurtures all of us as we walk our Christian faith journeys.  We have given thanks... Read More →

October 29, 2023 John 15:1-17 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   Years ago, a colleague of mine was walking down a rural road that led to the church she was serving.  As she walked along, she would often notice the wild grapes that were growing by the side of the road.  Perhaps they... Read More →

October 22, 2023 John 15:1-17 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   Knowing that the First Fruits Garden would soon be turned over for its winter rest, I felt comfortable cutting off a piece of squash vine to use as a background slide for our Season of Generosity videos.  I took it home... Read More →

October 15, 2023 Acts 4:1-20 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   With all of the tragic and terrible stuff going on in our world these days, it’s no wonder people are into superheroes.  It’s no wonder that we don’t secretly hope for a man of steel, a caped crusader, an Avenger to come... Read More →

October 1, 2023 Psalm 23 Luke 12:22-31 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   Imagine for a moment you were a sheep.  As you baa and bleat along the path of life, imagine how wonderful it would feel to rest in green meadows, munching on green grass, gazing at the blue sky above.  Imagine... Read More →

September 24, 2023 Genesis 32:22-30 Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman   At his birth, they named him trickster so it is no surprise that he lived up to his name.  Over and over again, the Bible details how Jacob tricked others: his brother, his father, his father-in-law.  Even when... Read More →