Charing's play ground of theology

Sermon: "Sabbath as Joyful Resistance" Scriptures: Isaiah 58:9b–14, Luke 13:10–17 Location: Christ Church of Chicago Date: August 24, 2025 Greeting and Opening Acknowledgments 「平安！」Be the peace with you. Good morning, Christ Church of Chicago, Tri-C. Before we begin today’s reflection, I bring you two messages of deep gratitude and encouragement from partners in faith who have been walking this journey with you. First, on behalf of the Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries (PAAM) of the United Church of Christ, and especially from our Executive Committee and Moderator, Eppie Encabo, I want to say: Greetings on behalf of PAAMILY. Grateful for your faithfulness and commitment to witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May God’s abundant Blessings and Joy be with your ministry. We look forward to deepening our connection, lifting each other up across regions, and continuing this shared movement of faith, rooted in our cultural strength and shared calling. Second, I greet...

  Sermon title: Together in FAITH, United in PRIDE, Rooted in LOVE Scriptures: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 and Luke 9:51-62 Date: June 29, 2025 Location: Broadway UMC Chicago (Pre- Pride Worship Service, hosted by CCWC) [Opening] Good morning. What a joy to be here with you in Chicagoland—a place alive with resilience, creativity, and courage. As we approach Pride, we gather under a banner that says: Together in FAITH, United in PRIDE, Rooted in LOVE. This isn’t just a theme—it’s a declaration. A reminder that no matter who we love, how we identify ourselves, or where we come from, we are never alone on this journey. [FAITH ] In 2 Kings, when the prophet Elijah ’s time is near, his companion Elisha refuses to leave him. “ As surely as the Lord lives... I will not leave you,” he says. And when Elijah is taken, Elisha picks up his mantle and boldly asks, “ Where is the God of Elijah?” The water was parted—because faith moves mountains, and sometimes rivers. And we can walk...