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Guest preacher Rev. Richard Thayer.

The Big Idea: The appearance of Jesus in always a shock and surprise. But Jesus wants to give us that we need. We have the testimony of thousands upon thousands of people who have gone before us to show us the way, but if we need "proof" we'll get through the eyes of faith.

The Big Idea: The real 4th century pilgrim known as Egeria experienced this proclamation of Easter: He is Risen! When she participated in the vents of Easter in Jerusalem she, too, was proclaiming an event so momentous that it changed the course of history. The plain meaning of Jesus' resurrection is Death has been defeated! There is nothing, nothing, anywhere, that can change that outcome. Now our task is to live out that very hope. It's not the end of the story, but just the beginning of a totally new way of life.

The Big Idea: This moment on this road for Jesus feels both like the end and the beginning. Such are so many moments of our lives. A pilgrimage may reach its destination but the hope, the wisdom, the lessons learned along the way have offered a new starting point for us. What have we learned on the way and what transformation is God calling us to?

The Big Idea: New paths are possible through freedom in Christ. And these ways made plain before us if we have eyes to see. Yes, we will strain against adversity–such is life. But new life is always possible. New horizons are ours through relationship with God and with each other. God, our rock and our redeemer is with us every step

The Big Idea: No matter what we call “home” in this physical world, we yearn for a spiritual home that offers serenity, acceptance, belonging. The extravagant acceptance of the father for the son in Jesus’ parable of the wandering son is difficult for us to believe, that no matter what we have done, who we are, how far we are from what we want to become, we are welcomed home by the Loving Parent.

Big Idea: In the Way of life that God has opened to us, there are many choices, but they are not all good ones. In making choices about ways to go through life, God is continually calling us to the highest and best ways. Paradoxically, the highest and best ways are open to all. All are invited to the table of God's grace.

Big Idea: We are not always understood. Jesus found this out, just like so many others whose closest family, friends, and neighbors create a persona for us. Jesus was not willing to let that persona limit the possibilities God had called him to. If we are acting through our true selves, we will go ahead and let God lead us, claiming who we know ourselves to be, with God's help. We can take the other way around, no matter what other ways others think we should take.

Big Idea: After Jesus' baptism he went on a pilgrimage into the wilderness, a common practice among spiritual leaders of his day, and ours. This is a time to dig deep into the soul. Along the way the pilgrim has time and space to consider one's true identity, not the false self that tempts us to ignore our real selves. But God is gracious. All who wander are not lost. Jesus surrenders himself to his true calling, in submission to God, to a true way.

Big Idea: Those who encounter God are transfigured, enlightened, emblazoned. Early Christians were called "Illuminati" at their baptism because they now were to live with the light of Christ emanating from their lives. Jesus is remembered as the human whose interior garden was so vibrant that it shone out visibly. The story of the Transfiguration of Christ reminds us that, for sake of life, we are to let our lights shine because we have encountered and live in the reign of the loving and just God. What will you do with your own Enneagram type?