Zao MKE Church

We Say Poverty No More, We Want Justice for the Poor

Guest sermon by Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis.

The Reverend Dr. Liz Theoharis is a theologian, author, pastor, and anti-poverty organizer. She is Founder and Executive Director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice. Rev. Dr. Theoharis is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), co-pastor of the Freedom Church of the Poor, and teaches at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

The Joy of Rebellion

This week, we take a closer look at Miriam, a prophet, strategist, and teacher who led her people into freedom alongside her brother, Moses.

Birthing Liberation

This week, we hear the story of Shiphrah and Puah, midwives who defied Pharaoh’s orders and protected their people, reminding us that liberation often begins with quiet, courageous resistance.

Queering the Family (According to the Bible)

Queer, chosen family isn’t outside the Bible—it’s right at the heart of it, in the lineage of Jesus. This Pride, come celebrate and participate in queer kinship and connection at Zao and beyond.

Militant Patience

When the urgency of the world overwhelms us, James reminds us we are called to be patient with the same dedication that others rush to violence.

Frenemies

James teaches us that friendship with the world (empire) will always give us a frenemy at best. No matter how loud and seductive the logic of scarcity and empire is, we can turn up the volume on resurrection truth through community discernment and prayer.

Words Matter

Resurrection faith transforms our speech, calling us to align our words with wisdom, integrity, and action. How we speak reveals the truth: has the word of God truly taken root in us?

God Doesn't Play Favorites

This week at Zao: a sharp word from James on favoritism, wealth, and God’s economy of mercy. No more playing favorites - resurrection communities don’t hoard, they provide.

Show, Don't Tell

Faith that lives doesn’t just talk - it acts. James reminds us that belief without embodiment is dead, but resurrection faith shows up in mercy, justice, and love made real.

Resurrection Wisdom

We’re kicking off a new series on the book of James: Agents of Heaven on Earth. This week, we’ll explore how James calls us to reject the world’s false wisdom and live whole, rooted in God’s abundance, even in a collapsing world.