Blue Ocean Faith Ann Arbor Sunday Sermons

Special Guest Speaker Liz Dyer is the founder of the Mama Bears, a group that started as a private Facebook group for moms of LGBTQ+ kids and has evolved into […]

Using the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, Jesus talks about how the laborers in the story are more worried about being paid fairly than in whether or not the […]

In this final series before retiring, Ken reflects on the role Blue Ocean played in nurturing his faith and preserving his hope that faith communities can play an important role in enhancing our […]

Jesus tells the story of the great banquet to communicate that the kin-dom of God is for everyone. You can be offended and leave if you want, but this kin-dom is for […]

The word translated “save” in the gospels means “safety from harm”—and it’s what I’ve experienced as pastor of Blue Ocean, especially, freedom from the pressure of religious scrutiny that afflicts […]

We take a look an an alternate interpretation of a familiar story, using the lens of liberation theology. Summary: Build just systems, and don’t give money to unjust systems. Learn […]

In the Christian tradition we have the writings of a 16th c. mystic, St. Ignatius, who talked about contemplation as a way of praying either through our thoughts or through […]

Ken reflects on things he loves about our community—this week, focusing on learning to notice, loosen his grip on, and when it’s helpful to spend some of it. A rambling […]

In the midst of the chaos of violence that can feel as overwhelming as a global flood, we are held in an Ark of Nests during the worst of storms […]

Exploring ancient wisdom of identity (divine and human) as a dynamic discovery: I WILL BE WHO I WILL BE and the white stone with a hidden name on it. Learn more […]

Guest speaker Susan Shaffer shares some of her experiences with the creative process of song-writing. Contemplating on Psalm 61, unifying communal experiences, and near-death experiences; how are all of these […]

At his baptism, the Spirit alighted on Jesus in the form of a bird. Because creation conveys divine presence, especially if we are attentive to the sense of expansiveness, nearness, […]

  We talk about how all of nature is infused with the Spirit of God, and look at the bird-God of the Bible. Learn more about Blue Ocean Church at a2blue.org. You can watch recordings of past services, find out which Sundays we’ll be meeting in person, or get information about joining our live virtual […]

  Our guest preacher, Sarah Bessey, uses the story of the Road to Emmaus in Luke 24 to help us name unmet expectations and dashed hopes, making space for the Spirit to enter into our grief and our truth to birth new expectations. This episode opens with an introduction by Emily. Learn more about Blue […]

  On this Pentecost Sunday, we remember the Spirit of God as uncontainable force that came in the form of a mighty wind and tongues of fire to show us this Spirit could be accessed by humans in our surroundings and in our bodies. Learn more about Blue Ocean Church at a2blue.org. You can watch […]

  Just like romantic love, friendships can end in loss or even betrayal. But, Jesus offers us a powerful example of friendship-love as he calls us to love one another as he loves us. This is the kind of love that enables our friends to fully reveal to us their faces and their hearts. At Blue […]

  Jesus’ story of the unjust judge reveals his concern for justice and the powers of justice denied to destroy faith. A message from special guest David Gushee, a top Christian ethicist and a longtime ally to Blue Ocean Church. Learn more about Blue Ocean Church at a2blue.org. You can watch recordings of past services, […]

  When threatened, our alarm system goes off. Here’s a prayer from people who had this happening a lot—a prayer in the face of mortal enemies, that included this sweet line, “Guard me God as the apple of Your eye.” Learn more about Blue Ocean Church at a2blue.org. You can watch recordings of past services, […]

  In one of the few post-resurrection stories, we see Jesus making breakfast for his friends. We experience the same invitation: “Come and rest. Breakfast is served. There is more than enough.” Learn more about Blue Ocean Church at a2blue.org. You can watch recordings of past services, find out which Sundays we’ll be meeting in […]