This Sunday, guest lay preacher (and spouse of our Lead Minister) Rob Copeman-Haynes preached on the familiar text at I Samuel 3 known as “The Call of Samuel.” Only he didn’t focus our attention where preachers usually direct it.

He focussed us on Eli’s role in the story. And he imagined Eli going to his therapist, and processing the whole event… his feelings, his response to Samuel, his response to God.

Eli has an important role in the story. He wakes up… repeatedly, in the story, but also in the bigger sense. He wakes up to realize that it’s his responsibility to hold the space for the younger generation, as they listen for the voice of God.

This is a sermon about disciplined listening. And hope.