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Passion Sunday (Old lectionary- 5th of Lent)

SERMON: “The laughter of Derision”

Mark’s Gospel records that the soldiers before his crucifixion mocked Jesus.

In the 17th and 18th verses of the 15th chapter: “They clothed him in purple”. (Purple being the colour associated with royalty, of course) “and made a crown of thorns” – a crown… but oh the irony – it would have certainly given them a “good laugh” – and this they “put on his head, and…

The hand is one of the most complex and beautiful pieces of engineering in the human body.

Our hands help us to do so many things like writing, holding, carrying, playing games, playing a piano or guitar, using a computer, texting on phones and a million other things.

Human hands not only do the tasks we need to do, but they help us to communicate with others.

Stroking and patting can show others…

The Retiring Priest

A Priest was being honoured at his retirement dinner after 40 years in the parish.

A leading local figure and member of the congregation was chosen to make the presentation and to give a little speech at the dinner.

However, he was delayed, so the Priest decided to say his own few words while they waited.

“I got my first impression of the parish from the first confession I…

A particular family was driving home from church one Sunday.

Their two year-old son in the back seat of the car was baptised that morning. Suddenly, midway home, he bursts into tears.

When his parents ask what on earth is wrong, he sniffles out the answer:

“The minister who baptized me said I would be brought up in a Christian home.”

“Yes, and?” said his parents.

“Well I want to stay with you…

‘twas the Sunday before Christmas

  from the Archives

It was a Sunday morning – a couple of days before Christmas- and, as usual, I had a half hour Service to conduct in the Infirmary (part of my role as Healthcare Chaplain).

These (poorly attended) times of Worship for patients were held in the day room in Ward 18; a ward for elderly patients, but open to all who were hospitalised throughout the building.

It wasn’t a cheerful…

Hamline United Methodist Church, St Paul Mn.