12/29/2024 - Rev. Dave Brown - "Make Haste to be Kind"

■ Sermon Summary
Rev. Dave Brown's sermon series, which began last August, focused on the quote: "Life is short. We don’t have much time to gladden the hearts of those who walk this way with us. So, be swift to love and make haste to be kind."
Rev. Brown delivered the final sermon of the series last Sunday, which centered on the Book of Ruth and the concept of hesed (loving kindness). Ruth's selfless actions toward Naomi, including her care and marriage to Boaz, exemplify kindness as a gift, not a transaction, reflecting God's presence in human relationships.
Rev. Brown emphasized that kindness is crucial amidst the world’s challenges, not a luxury. It helps heal and connect people, playing a vital role in fostering shared humanity. The sermon concluded with a call to "make haste to be kind," urging us to show love and compassion in everyday acts.
■ About the Preacher
Rev. Dave Brown is a pastor, writer, poet and the creator and host of BLUES VESPERS now in its 24th year. Dave retired as pastor of Immanuel Presbyterian Church after a wonderful 13-year ministry. He was ordained as minister of word and sacrament in 1982 after receiving his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. As well as serving churches in Green Bay, Federal Way and Tacoma, Dave served the National Council of Churches as staff to its committee on Public Education and Literacy (1999-2005). He was one of the authors of his denominations policy statement on public education. While at Immanuel he led five pilgrimages to Iona and co-led four Habitat for Humanity Global Village trips (Guatemala and Columbia).