After twenty years spent behind a pulpit, Rev. Nancy will preach her last sermon as River Road’s minister this Sunday. Working from a text in Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, she’ll consider the purpose of a congregation such as this one and the ways in which we provoke one another to acts of love and … read more

Many faith traditions have stories of the lessons to be learned in desert places. The wisdom of the dry season. There are often wild beasts there, scary things we would rather not face. But the stories have angels too – wisdom guides to lead the way.   RE classes are not meeting this Sunday. Beth and Laura will … read more

George Saunders once wrote that there are several “built-in confusions” that keep us from being the kindest version of ourselves. One of those built-in confusions is the idea that we, ourselves, are the center of the universe. How can our de-centering, our participation rather than centrality in our own story, free us for a different … read more

The Philosopher Bayo Akomolafe reminded Rev. Nancy recently that the Yoruba people have a cosmology that places a crossroads at the center of all things. Called the Orita, the crossroads is the place where all possibility sits. It’s a tricky place, a crossroads. And a powerful one. How can we find ourselves at home at … read more

Do you ever find yourself keeping score at life itself? Making friendship into a contest? Imagining that the balance of the cosmic scales is always tipping in the wrong direction? But what if life’s not a contest and nobody is keeping score? What if grace intervenes so that we get more than what we deserve?   … read more

Easter Sunday here at River Road brings some of the usual trappings – an egg hunt on the grounds for children and families, candy and treats, and hopefully a bright spring day. We’ll also use this moment to look at what believers may have found waiting for them on the other side of the resurrection … read more

Rabbi Sharon Brous recalls a powerful Hebrew liturgy from about 2000 years ago, bringing together those mourning and those bearing up well with the words, “Why does your heart ache?” In this sermon, we’ll reflect on Brous’ contention that showing up for one another isn’t about heroic gestures, but an everyday willingness to approach one … read more

We keep vigil in the waiting space between one reality and another, but there are different ways to undergo that waiting. Contemplative spiritual traditions around the world speak to this waiting space and the ways in which the waiting itself transforms us.   RE classes will meet as usual. Childcare for children 3 and under will … read more

Many years ago, at the dawn of the Protestant Reformation, some radicals preached that atonement (or oneness with God, whatever you want to call it) couldn’t be granted or bought or borrowed. It only happened in the heart of every person, reinforced in community. No hero can claim it on behalf of others. No saint … read more