Theologian & pastor Matthew Tennant's blog
During retreats at Iona, we celebrate with a special Sunday lunch. Most meals are vegetarian for the environment and animal rights. On my retreat, we had lamb meatballs, tzatziki, carrots, … Continue reading Checking on the Mink Traps
During retreats at Iona, the organizers assign each pilgrim a job. Some people join in housekeeping, some people work in the kitchen, and others help with maintenance. During the introductions, … Continue reading Take Small Jobs Seriously
The story behind the hymn “It Is Well” is familiar to many people, but worth sharing again. I find it inspiring and hope you do too. Born in New York … Continue reading “It Is Well” Hymn Story
In 1738, a young Anglican minister walked along the streets of London. He was not just a Christian, but someone who had answered God’s call and responded to the gospel … Continue reading “Strangely Warmed Hearts” Sermon from Isaiah 1.10-20
When we start each day by counting our blessings, we can develop a sense of gratitude for all of the good things that surround us. Gratitude can be hard to … Continue reading “Plenty of Bread in the Bible” Sermon from Exodus 16.1-7a
Most of what we emphasize in most churches comes from the noösphere. If you haven’t heard that word before, it’s okay, and there won’t be a test later. The noösphere … Continue reading What are the dolphins saying? A sermon from 1 Corinthians 12.14-26
What would it be like to have everything work out okay? Imagine making a mistake—or, not even a mistake—imagine things went really bad and you had no control and lost … Continue reading “The Sabbatical Year” a Sermon from Deuteronomy 15.12-18
When we were living in England, a professor at my university named Paul Collier wrote a book called The Bottom Billion. In it, he argues that during the worldwide economic … Continue reading “The Affluent Minority” A Sermon from Proverbs 19.17
The story of Zacchaeus is familiar territory, and familiar stories are dangerous. We tend not to stop and reread them. We come to the beginning of Luke 19 and say … Continue reading “The Repentance of Zacchaeus” Sermon from Luke 19.1-10
I wonder how often we struggle with the true meaning of a phrase like, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” Like many other … Continue reading Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger – Sermon from Luke 6.20-21
We all understand God in different ways. When we say, “God,” it gives us a name for the creator and originator of all things. The life of Jesus, as depicted … Continue reading Living Faith & God’s Calling
As news outlets continue reporting an evolving narrative of what happened in Uvalde, I keep thinking about the source. Guns. The shooter used a gun. If he didn’t have a … Continue reading No One Needs a Gun