Sixth Sunday of Easter 2025 - Rev. Dr. Dianne Malcolm

This week guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Dianne Malcolm emphasizes the importance of cultivating hope and resilience in the face of life's challenges. She discusses the power of creativity, the dangers of hopelessness, and the need for community support. Through self-reflection and understanding one's identity, individuals can harness hope as a form of resistance against despair. She highlights the significance of healing, both personally and collectively, and encourages listeners to remember their roots and the strength that comes from their heritage.John 14: 23 - 29 NRSVueJesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.  Whoever does not love me does not keep my words, and the word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur you may believe.Psalm 130 NRSVueA Song of Ascents.1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.2     Lord, hear my voice!Let your ears be attentive    to the voice of my supplications!3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,    Lord, who could stand?4 But there is forgiveness with you,    so that you may be revered.5 I wait for the Lord; my soul waits,    and in his word I hope;6 my soul waits for the Lord    more than those who watch for the morning,    more than those who watch for the morning.7 O Israel, hope in the Lord!    For with the Lord there is steadfast love,    and with him is great power to redeem.8 It is he who will redeem Israel    from all its iniquities.Chapters00:00 The Power of Hope in Difficult Times20:19 Cultivating Hope and Resilience23:23 The Power of Creativity and Childlike Imagination26:23 Overcoming Discouragement and Learning from the Past29:21 The Dangerous Nature of Hope32:27 Hope as Resistance and Community Support35:24 Healing Through Community and Faith