In Praise of Teachers
September 9, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert We are now past Labor Day and schools at almost every level are back in session. Even if it has been years since we have attended school, I think it’s hard to forget the mixed emotions of back to school time as September comes around again. Since I […]
Music That Moves Me
August 19, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert Today, we celebrate Music Sunday here at Union Church. When I first began to explore the possibility of applying for the position as Pastor here, one of the most important things that people shared again and again was how much they loved the music. That really intrigued me […]
Finding Refreshment – Woman at the Well
August 12, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert So today, we hear this long, but really wonderful story of Jesus, who himself has become thirsty in the noonday sun, after traveling from Jerusalem in the south to Gaililee in the north. He and his disciples take the quickest route, through Samaria, and we hear that Jesus […]
The Souls of Animals
July 29, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert Since I first came to Union Church last September, one of the things that has truly impressed me is the number of people here who share a great love of animals…their dogs, cats, horses and other pets as well as their commitment to the well being of animals […]
Come Away and Rest Awhile
July 22, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert In the reading from Mark’s Gospel today, we hear of a time when Jesus reconnects with his disciples after they have been out trying to spread the important message of Jesus as well as bringing healing and comfort to those they met along their journeys. It is clear […]
4th of July
July 1, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert In today’s passage from Luke, we hear the story of Jesus sending forth the seventy to prepare the way for him as he sets out to preach and teach, and he tells them, “Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” It may be hard for […]
The Joys of Summer
June 24, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert In our reading from the Song of Solomon today, we hear that “the winter is past, flowers appear on the earth and the time of singing has come.” Just a few days ago on the Summer Solstice, people around the earth celebrated the day when the hours of […]
Gratitude and Prayer
June 10, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert Focus Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is […]
The Gift of the Sabbath
June 3, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert In many families, we love to tell the stories of our past, of when and where we were born, of those who came before us, and as a faith community, we too share a desire to tell the story of our creation…of who we are and where […]
Memorial Day
May 27, 2018 — Rev. Paula Norbert In our reading from John’s Gospel today, we hear the words of Jesus to his friends before he knows that he will leave them. He acknowledges that parting will cause great pain and sorrow, but he encourages them to look ahead to the days when they will know […]