Throughout the first two months of 2014, Reverend David Tatgenhorst of St. Luke United Methodist Church of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, is offering a series of sermons based on the topics and themes of Far from the Tree.
January 12, 2014: Far from the Tree: Introduction
God shows no partiality, says Peter in Acts. All people are children of the Living God. We all believe that to be true. We also act like some people are more God’s children than others, do we not? You don’t believe God plays favorites, do you?
January 19, 2014: Far from the Tree: Deaf Culture
When we think about how we treat people who fall “far from the tree,” how we think about people who have somewhat different identities than their parents, one theme is naturally a justice theme, how to treat all people fairly and justly, how to include people in our communities.
February 2, 2014: Far from the Tree: Autism & Disability
When we recognize that the most disabled among us are actually and certainly blessed by God; when we recognize and celebrate the families who work so hard to raise these children are just like us, blessed and loved by the living God, we honor God’s blessing of all of humanity, God’s blessing of us all.
February 9, 2014: Far from the Tree: Transgendered
Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth.” You provide flavor, variety, spice, and preservative. Whether you are deaf or disabled or transgendered, whether you are a Dwarf or have Downs Syndrome or depression, you are the salt of the earth. “You are the light of the world.”
To read the full text of the sermons, please visit the St. Luke United Methodist Church website.
