Sermons by Billy Kluttz
Rev. Billy Kluttz (pronouns: he/him/his) focuses on member and community engagement, worship leadership, and youth and young families programming at Govans. Read Billy’s Biography
How to React When Others are Vulnerable
When others share their secrets and fears with us we can respond with support or we can use their trust against them. Christians are called to create communities of vulnerability and care so that we can be open and honest together.
We Are Beloved, Our Enemies Are, Too.
Daniel in the lion’s den is a beloved Bible story, but what does it teach us about loving our neighbors and enemies, too? Pastor Billy talks about lions and tigers, and being the beloved community to everyone we meet, including our enemies.
God Can Use Your Half-Hearted Welcomes
Even if you can’t yet welcome others with all of your being, God can use that. That is what Naomi learns after shunning Ruth during her journey home to Bethlehem. God is pulling us all toward greater inclusion and community.
Speak, Act… and Listen
Faith without works is dead, the letter of James tells us. So why does a letter focused on action open its letter with instruction to delay speaking and anger and to start with listening, instead?
Leaders Keep Dreaming
Joseph and Julian (our storybook character for this week) are both leaders, and they’re both dreamers, too. Julian’s abuela responds to his dreams with support; Jacob responds to Joseph’s dreams with critique. Christian leaders know that the world will respond with both support and criticism; our job is to keep dreaming anyway.
Changing the World is Like Road Construction: Summer Sermon Stories Series
Queen Vashti was brave enough to be forgotten. To follow Jesus and change the world, we have to be brave enough to be forgotten, as well.
We Have So Much in Common: Summer Stories Series
Adam’s first words to Eve are about how much they have in common. The story of humanity, however, soon turns to a focus on our differences. We need to remember Adam’s focus on our shared humanity and a shared creator. This is the first Sunday of our Summer Stories Sermon Series.
How We Grieve Matters
How we grieve matters. The story of the murder of Stephen reminds us that we are called to respond to unjust murders today, too, by saying their names, mourning publicly, and working for justice in their stead.
What if Jesus Was Short?
Our story isn’t clear about who is short (Jesus or Zacchaeus), but if we can imagine Jesus as short, it gives new meaning to Jesus’ work with the poor and his crucifixion (and resurrection).