The United Methodist Church at Absecon: Recent Episodes
Christopher L. Miller
Are you reconciled to God? Has your relationship with God been restored? Jesus has offered us a couple ways to get there; things like repentance and communion. But what about being reconciled with our neighbors? In this week's scripture, Jesus teaches us that reconciliation with our neighbors is important too. It helps us worship and serve more fully, it allows us to share love more freely and it eliminates the distractions of bad thoughts and negative emotions. Let's learn what reconciliation looks like!
VBS is over, but the lessons it taught us will never end. Heroes for God are disciples of Christ who follow Jesus, help others, work together, listen to God and show grace. They seek peace and resist evil. How can we, the Body of Christ, bring peace into the world in Jesus' name?
This Sunday is VBS Eve...the day before VBS begins. We want the whole church to be involved in learning how to become heroes for God. Last week we talked about two of the VBS topics, and this week we will discuss the other three. God's heroes work together to bring peace!
This week, get out your green and red to celebrate Christmas in July! Without the craziness of December, let's take a look at the real meaning of Christmas and how it matters to us in July and all year long. Merry Christmas in July!
It's Easter in July! Ok, that might not really be a thing, but as we celebrate our nation's freedom this week, it's a great opportunity to look at our freedom from sin. Easter is a busy time of year. There are family gatherings, extra church services, Easter Egg hunts. It can be hard to really focus on the message of Easter. So, let's do it away from all of the business. We're celebrating freedom this week! What does freedom mean to you?
The Church in Corinth was really good at bragging about God and what God was doing through the Church. Do you brag about God? Do you brag about your Church? Paul teaches us in this week's scripture that bragging about God leads to generosity, and generosity leads to people giving thanks to God. Telling the stories of God is attractive, it is transformative and it is life changing. Bragging about God leads to worship! Let's all brag about our great God!
This week as we celebrate Father's Day, we take a look at a generous man in the Bible. This person and this act of generosity are mentioned often, but pretty briefly. Most often they are mentioned only as part of a larger, bigger story. After Jesus' death, Joseph of Arimathea gave him a very generous gift; his own brand new tomb. What generous gifts have you received from an important man in your life? This Sunday we celebrate the men who answered God's call to lead the church, to love us and to follow Christ.
It's Youth Sunday! For the first time in years, our Youth Group will be leading both worship services. We will hear what they have been up to, how their faith has grown and how the Church and faith in Jesus Christ is important to them. It is also a chance for us to show them how proud we are of them. Let's have a great celebration!
This week we've got baptisms at our 11:00 Traditional Worship Service! Paul talks about the "Priesthood of all Believers". In this theology, all believers are given a call to ministry and baptism is their ordination. If you are baptized, you are ordained; blessed for the work of the Church. Pastoral ministry isn't the only option a call to ministry comes in. There are certain things you are called to do. What is your call to ministry?
If you have been a church going person for many years, you have likely heard the story of Pentecost from Acts 2 many times. That's what Pentecost looked like in the first century. This year, we ask: what does the coming of the Holy Spirit look like today? The Holy Spirit comes in perfectly balanced ways that are both different and the same. Let's explore what that looks like in your life.
Do you like to party? The ancestors of our faith certainly did. And God likes it when we party too! To celebrate all of the things God has done, Exodus 23 mentions three different festivals; three parties! These festivals help us celebrate the forgiveness of our sins, the incredible gift of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. On the same day as our Sunday School festival, let's learn how to celebrate God's great work
Do you know any women who were willing to risk social and physical discomfort to follow Christ? Those women make an impact, don't they? They are the women who have nurtured us, loved us, in some cases raised us, and helped us become the people we are today. This Mother's Day, let's give thanks to God for all of the women in our lives who taught us how to follow Christ no matter the cost.
It's a Communion Sunday! Our communion isn't complete without you! Whether you are near or far, we hope that you join us for worship this week either in-person or online. Rev. Brian Roberts will be preaching a message about walking with Jesus. The scripture tells the story of the walk to Emmaus. How do we walk with Jesus, and make sure that we create and support ministries that help others do the same?
The love and forgiveness of God is what enables us to rise above our mistakes and become more faithful disciples. God's prevenient grace comes to us even before we ask for it. This prevenient grace came to Peter on the shore, and it comes to us where we are too! How will we respond to it?
When you are in a season of doubt, how does that affect your relationship with God? In your season of doubt, does God become distant? Well, God certainly didn't become distant for Thomas. While the focus of this familiar story is usually put on Thomas and his doubt, the real actor in the story is God. Even though he doubts, through Christ, God reaches out to Thomas. God didn't leave Thomas; God came closer to Thomas. Isn't that what a Good Shepherd does? Isn't that who God has promised to be for us? When we doubt, we may be that one lost sheep that God has promised to come searching for!
This Lent, we have been searching for Jesus in the Psalms. Have you found him yet? On Easter, it will become more clear than ever before that Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Psalms. Easter is the hope that gets us through hard times. The time period between Good Friday and Easter gives us a choice of how to live our lives. Will we allow hard times and despair to overcome us? Or, will we look for God's hope no matter what? If we are truly Easter people, we will know there is always hope and bad news isn't the last news.
Jesus is our rejected cornerstone. The stone that the pharisees thought they could throw away has become the most important part of the whole structure. Jesus is the cornerstone of the church. Is he the cornerstone of your life? Have you let him be? Let's discuss what it looks like when the expectation is the opposite of the reality.
Have you ever felt weak; like you just can't come up with the strength you need to get something done? This week's scripture from Psalm 69 prompts me to ask "what is weakness, and what is strength". If we are relying on our own strength, we will often come up short. But if we rely on the strength Jesus provides, then we can do anything. Let's talk about what that might look like!
When you sit down for dinner, is there a seating chart? Is one spot better than another? Were there arguments over who got to sit where? If you answered yes, then you can relate to the disciples. They often bickered about who was the best and who would sit in the seat of honor. In Jewish culture, that is the seat to the right of the host. In Heaven, that seat of honor is occupied by Jesus. Who sits in your seat of honor?
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want". Can you fill in the rest from Psalm 23? Many know it by heart, and for many these words are as familiar as the Lord's Prayer or a favorite hymn. While we may be familiar with the words, are we as familiar with their meaning? Familiar words or not, what exactly does it mean to call Jesus our shepherd? Let's talk about it!
Have you ever been in a hard place? Financial troubles, relationships failing, declining physical, mental or emotional health? The Psalms promise "our help is in the name of the Lord'. The Gospels recall Jesus promising peace, companionship and eternal life to those who believe. This week, we're talking about finding Jesus in our hard places. We hope you can join us for this theme.
The season of Lent is here, and our journey to the cross with Jesus has begun. While he was on the cross, Jesus was reciting scripture. God's Word was important to Jesus; in fact, he IS God's Word. So, even when we go into the Old Testament, we can still find Jesus there. Why do we seek Jesus in the Old Testament? What might we learn about him there? Let's explore that together.
Mountains are important in our faith. Stories of Moses, Noah and Jesus capture our imagination. What is it about mountains that bring us closer to God? Is it just their physical height? Or is it something more than that? Can we achieve that closeness to God without a physical mountain? Let's talk about it!
Our relationships matter to God. It matters how we treat God's creations. John Wesley said there is no holiness but social holiness. We can't be holy if we have hate, resentment and anger in our hearts. Jesus said we can't even fully serve and worship God with that negativity in our hearts. So, let's work on our relationships. Let's work on our social health. Let's put all sin behind us to serve and worship God more fully!
Have you ever been told to go light on the salt? Well, not today! Ok, I'm not a doctor or nutritionist, so I have to admit I'm not talking about dietary guidelines. I'm talking about Jesus' words in this week's scripture. Jesus said you are the salt of the world. Salt that loses it's taste is useless. So go heavy on your salt! Jesus also said you are the light of the world. Let your light shine before the world. Be salty and bright!
Blessed are who? Jesus' sermon on the mount sets the tone for his whole ministry. He didn't come to lift up the rich and powerful even higher than they already were. He came to lift up those who were disadvantaged, those who were down and those who have been told they're not good enough for one reason or another. This message comes with a two sided realization. Yes, no matter what, YOU are blessed. But, so is the person next to you who is having a bad day, a bad week, a bad month or a bad year.
What time is it? You don't need to look at a clock to answer that question in this case, When you want something to happen, do you want it in your time, or in God's time? Are we willing to wait patiently for it to be God's time? If we are, we can be sure that blessings are multiplied and God's will is done when things are done in God's time.
Have you ever experienced the power of music? From the earliest stories of our faith, God has used music to bring healing and hope to the people. Through David, God gave us many songs that we call Psalms. Songs of praise have been lifted up to God in thanksgiving. Still today, music has the power to develop the minds of little babies, and trigger the minds of those with diseases like Alzheimers. Music touches our emotions in ways that nothing else can. Music speaks in good times, and in bad times. The Grinch expected to hear songs of lamentation coming from Whoville after he stole all their things. Instead, he heard a joyous chorus. Through song, the Grinch learned that Christmas isn't about physical things.
The Advent story tells us of a prophecy fulfilled; that light will shine in the darkness. To those walking in darkness, it is peace, comfort and safety. Most of the time, light is a good thing. But here's the funny thing about light; it is often most beautiful when surrounded by darkness. Going from a well-lit room to another well-lit room isn't shocking. But when we are in total darkness, even the smallest hint of light brings hope. Have you ever felt like you were walking in darkness? How did that feel? What was the source of light that brought you out of it? Like the Biblical authors, Dr. Seuss uses the imagery of light well in his story of the Grinch. Who was walking in darkness, and what was the light that brought transformation?
Do you have decorations, activities or traditions that have become so synonymous with Christmas that it wouldn't even feel like Christmas without them? On this Second Sunday of Advent, author Matt Rawle invites us to consider what Christmas would be like without those cherished things. Would Christmas still be Christmas? Would it look like YOUR Christmas? Would it feel like YOUR Christmas? What happens when Christmas isn't YOUR Christmas? What happens when our expectations aren't met? Even then, even when we, like the Who's, are left with nothing that resembles OUR Christmas, Christ still comes.
For Advent this year, we are studying Matt Rawle's "The Heart That Grew Three Sizes". Are there any grinches in your life? Has there been a time in your life when you think that you WERE the grinch? The reality of the human story is that sometimes things go wrong. And when things go wrong, we all handle that stress differently. What could have happened to the Grinch to make him hate Christmas so much? Things were going wrong 2,000 years ago too. But when things go wrong, God enters in!
Everybody tell somebody! A faith worth having is a faith worth sharing, That's how the Church has continued for 2,000 years. The faithful shared their faith. It isn't always easy to share our faith, but it is always beautiful. You may have heard that sharing is caring. To the Church, I say sharing is daring. Yes, sometimes it takes courage to share our faith, but share it we must! What can you share about your faith, how will you share it, and with whom will you share it? Some of us may tweet it. Others may post it on Facebook or Instagram. Some of us may share it by word of mouth, and others may write it down on paper. Everybody, tell somebody!
We are blessed to have Emanuel and Jessica Pérez with us this morning! Eman and Jess come to us from ASELSI in Guatemala, where Eman serves as the Director. Eman and Jess have two children: a daughter, Abiel, and a son, Caleb.
Be persistent in ministry. Never stop. Never give up. Never give in. This persistence comes with the power of the Holy Spirit, and produces patient teaching. People like to hear what makes them comfortable. But that doesn't always lead to transformed lives. To make disciples of Jesus Christ who are equipped to transform the world, we, the Church, have to engage in sound teaching, teaching based on scripture and God's truth. Let's come together for worship so that we can receive the message we are being called to share.
Jesus is calling us to transform every community we enter. What communities do you belong to? In what ways are those communities in need of transformation, and how can you be the one God uses to transform them? God knows we end up in places and situations we'd rather not be in. Instead of running away from them, what if God is asking us to transform them? By transforming communities, we are planting seeds of hope for the future.
Paul told Timothy to not be shy with his faith. Be proud of it. Be vocal about it. Share it. A faith worth having is a faith worth sharing. The Christian word for this is witness. Paul told Timothy, and all of us, to be Christian witnesses that share the Good News with the whole world with the power of the Holy Spirit. Share God's word with love of God and love of neighbor. And share the stories of Jesus with self-discipline. How do we do that? Let's talk about it on Sunday!
This week, we are blessed to witness Melissa Southrey's first sermon! Melissa recently answered God's call to become a Certified Lay Servant. There are many things that equips her to do in ministry, and one of them is to lead worship. We are so proud to be a church where people are answering God's call to do more ministry. Lord, bless and keep Melissa, let your face shine upon her and bring her peace as she gives us a message that is very meaningful to her. Bless and keep all of us too. Make your face shine upon us and bring us peace!
On day five of VBS, we discussed our fifth and final example of how God provides. After his resurrection, Jesus appears on the shore of the Sea of Galilee because, even then, God still wasn't done providing for us. Death isn't the end of the story. Resurrection isn't even the end of our story. The truth we know in Christ is that there is no end to the story. To see that sometimes requires looking at things in a different way, finding a new perspective and casting our nets on the other side of the boat. But when we do, God provides abundantly and endlessly!
God provides. That's been our theme all summer long. Through vbs and through every scripture we discussed throughout the month of August, we've been inspired to see how God has provided for the people for thousands of years, and how God is still providing today. The first 3 days of vbs were spent in the Old Testament. And then God provided the Son, Jesus Christ. Through him, God would provide in a more hands on and visible way than ever before. In the feeding of the 5,000 families, Jesus doesn't just give them bread and fish. He gives them himself.
Daniel and his friends kept their religion, no matter what temptations came their way. The King offered Daniel and his friends fancy and tasty, yet unhealthy foods. Some would please the King and eat the tasty stuff, but they would keep their faith in God and eat only healthy foods. Ten days later, their bodies and minds were healthier, but those who ate the King's food weren't as healthy. God is good and provides good things to those who keep their faith!
In the story of Elijah, the Widow and the Endless Oil, the widow knew that doing what God wanted her to do was more important than anything else. She used the last ingredient she had to feed Elijah, knowing that if she was generous, God would provide everything she and her family would need. We, too, may run out of things, but God never runs out of love for us. God has an endless supply of good stuff for us, and when we follow Jesus and live according to God's Word, we will have enough to be satisfied, and also to satisfy others for God!
You've often heard me say "a busy church is a growing church". But this week's scripture will teach us that being busy is only good if we are busy doing the right things. "A busy church is a growing church" doesn't mean that we do something just to do something, or do things that have already been done enough, or do things that just aren't working anymore. "A busy church is a growing church" becomes true when the church is busy living out the Gospel!
What would you say your reputation is? We all have one, even if we don't realize it. A reputation is the world's perception of someone based on their interpretation of that person's actions. To a Jew, the Good Samaritan inherited the reputation of all Samaritans; an enemy, one who doesn't believe in the God of Abraham. But the Good Samaritan's actions produce a different kind of reputation; one of kindness, mercy, hospitality and love. Instead of making reputations of people based on assumptions, let's get to really know who they are.
Big news! Jesus is hiring! There is a lot of work to be done, and Jesus is always looking for more workers. The good news; this work allows you to travel the world with a friend. The bad news; you can't bring anything with you and there is no Earthly pay. Any applicants?
There is a whole lot more to you than just what you see in the mirror. What you see in the mirror is only flesh. Flesh is mortal. But what you can't see by looking in the mirror is the immortal part of you; the spirit. Which one do you live by; the one that expires, or the one that is immortal? Come! Worship with us this week as we discuss the difference between living by flesh and living by the spirit.
Are you looking for a place where you belong; a place where you feel welcome no matter what you look like, what gender you are, how you vote or what kind of life you have had? Jesus has created that place; the Church! Here, we are all one in Christ. In the Church, people from all languages, races and beliefs are called to come together to celebrate what they have in common rather than argue over what makes them different. That's the Church Jesus created; that's the Church I dream of. Let's be that Church!
Jesus promised that he would never abandon us. Even though he was going to Heaven, we would always have a connection to him. That promise is fulfilled through the Holy Spirit, and through the church in fellowship and the sacraments. The Holy Spirit is here to remind us of the truth that Christ is. Through each other, we encounter Christ. And through baptism, we are brought into Christ's family. Jesus has kept his promise to always be with us!
God has a very special Sunday planned for us this week! No matter which service you participate in, very special things will happen. This Sunday we have Pentecost, Baptisms and Confirmation! On Pentecost the Holy Spirit came to the disciples, and the results were amazing! Together, let's explore what happens when the Holy Spirit comes!
Jesus appeared to over 500 people after his resurrection. During his first appearance after the resurrection, on Easter morning, he told Mary Magdalene that he would ascend into heaven. 40 days after his resurrection, he called his disciples to meet him on Mt. Olivet to fulfill that prophecy. There, the disciples, and all of us, receive a great message... go! Go witness, go baptize, go preach and go love. Let's learn how to go!
In his final appearance before ascending into heaven, Jesus gives Peter one last important message about what discipleship looks like. It's about action! In a series of "if, then" situations, Jesus tells Peter "if you love me, then you will take care of the things I love". Discipleship is about action; actions of love that take care of the things that Jesus loves; people...all people! The same message is given to us now; if we are to be true disciples of Christ, we have to take care of all of God's people with actions of love.
After appearing at the empty tomb, on the road to Emmaus and in the Upper Room, Jesus next appeared to 7 disciples on the Sea of Galilee. After some traumatic events, have they gone back to what they knew before they met Jesus? When they first met Jesus, they were fishing in the Sea of Galilee. Now, they are back to fishing in the Sea of Galilee. Then, Jesus provided fish. Now, Jesus provides fish again. They should remember that following Jesus is a change of lifestyle; once you meet him, you should never be the same again!
In the evening on the day of resurrection, Jesus appeared to 10 of the 11 remaining disciples. Thomas was not there when Jesus came. He said he would only believe it if we saw it for himself. Like Mary and the two followers walking to Emmaus, Thomas had a transformative experience with the risen Christ a week later. He was once a man who was hesitant and had faith only after his own conditions for belief were met. But through his interaction with the risen Christ, he became a courageous and faithful preacher of the Good News!
After appearing to Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, Jesus appeared to Cleopas and another one of his followers while they were walking to Emmaus. This wasn't a quick encounter. This encounter with the risen Christ lasted all the way to Emmaus, into the house and through dinner. Like Mary, they didn't recognize him at first. But they would find that the encounter they had with the risen Christ transformed their lives. They began their walk in grief, but Jesus turned their grief into joy. Jesus can do the same for you no matter what road you are traveling.
Up from the grave he arose! And he wasn't done yet. During the 40 days after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to over 500 people in several different times and places. Between Easter and Pentecost, we're going to take a look at those appearances, beginning just moments after the resurrection. Jesus, appearing as a gardener, appeared to Mary Magdalene for an important message!
Christ the Lord is risen today – Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high – Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply – Alleluia!
Holy week was a wild ride for Jesus and the disciples. Today, Palm Sunday, Jesus is greeted with cheers and shouts of Hosanna. The crowd recognizes who he is; he is their promised king. That identity of the king, which was praised on Sunday, would be used to mock him on Friday. Which part of the crowd will we be? The part of the crowd that became disappointed that he didn't meet their expectations of their king, or the part of the crowd that continued to believe in him and follow him no matter what?
After having a Passover meal, being betrayed by one of his disciples and being arrested while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was found guilty. But the Jewish leaders couldn't sentence a man to death at Passover. They sent him to Pilate, but Pilate didn't want to kill him. Trying to avoid responsibility for innocent blood, Pilate sent him to Herod. Herod didn't want his innocent blood on his hands either, so he sent him back to Pilate. Jesus' innocent, perfect blood was making brutal men become righteous, and righteous men become brutal.
Jesus had a Passover meal with his friends, and then one of them left the table to go and betray him. Jesus and the remaining disciples went to Gethsemane to pray. While he was there, Judas and the guards came to arrest him. He was bound, beaten and made fun of all the way to the house of Caiaphas. Eventually, the 71 members of the Sanhedrin decided his crime was worthy of death. But they couldn't sentence somebody to death at Passover. So, they sent Jesus to Pontius Pilate. Pilate gave the crowd an option. Who should be freed? Barabbas, or Jesus? How could the crowd choose Barabbas over Jesus? Just because the crowd was loud, doesn't mean they were right.
Jesus had a Passover meal with his disciples, and then went into the Garden to Pray while 3 of his closest friends were asked to be with him. Then, the betrayal was completed. Judas arrived with a group of men to arrest Jesus. The suffering of Christ began many hours before he ever got to the cross. As he was arrested and brought to the High Priest, Caiaphas, he was beaten, mocked and spit on. Christ's suffering had already begun. He was put on trial in the middle of the night where supposedly righteous religious leaders sentenced him to death. Why? Because they were afraid; afraid that Jesus' ministry would take away their power. Fear makes us do things we shouldn't, and perhaps normally wouldn't, do.
From the Passover Seder, Jesus and 11 of his disciples go out into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Did you ever notice how rarely Jesus did something alone? Jesus knew the importance of support, love and company. He knew the importance of friends. Now, as his hours dwindle to a precious few, he asks his 3 closest friends to come and be with him while he fully feels his feelings. Peter, James and John were asked to be with him, stay awake with him and keep watch for him. Who is your Peter, James or John? And are you being called to be a Peter, James or John for someone else?
It's Thursday; a day that would eventually be known as Holy Thursday. It's evening; maybe around 7pm. Jesus is gathering around a table with his disciples in the Upper Room to enjoy a Passover Seder; a ritual and ceremonial dinner. They've had this Passover Seder together before. Those who grew up Jewish would have had this same exact ritual dinner every year of their lives. They thought they knew exactly what would happen. It's the same every year...right? Not this year. This year, Jesus changed things up, spoke new words and delivered a different, confusing and scary moment. As we come to worship today, we know exactly how the service will go...right?
Lent is just one week away. As we journey through Lent, we will hear a lot about repentance. But before that, this week is a good opportunity to discuss what it means to repent. Have you ever seen someone apologize, and then do it again right after? That's not repentance. Repentance is not temporary. Repentance is a permanent turning around of your life and never going back. In what ways do you need to repent, and what do you need to give up from your life (or even add to your life) to work towards that repentance?
Last week we talked about how to lead. This week, we will discuss how to follow and who to follow. Doing so requires wisdom that comes from God. Our ability to make these decisions will increase as we increase our faith lives, our relationship with God and our knowledge of God's Word. If we resource ourselves with heavenly things instead of earthly things, we will be better prepared for these difficult decisions. Come! Let's learn together how to build these resources that will help us discern how and who to follow.
How to Lead. Have you ever interacted with a great leader? What was it about them that made them such a great and effective leader? Although it may seem like they were born that way, the truth is leadership is developed over time. Leadership is about identifying and then working on the gifts that God has given us. What gift has God given you, and how can you use that gift to lead others to a life of faith?
How to Be Present. Did you ever feel like someone was "with you" but in their mind, they were somewhere else? When we are in the same space as a brother or sister in Christ, how can we be truly present there with them? It requires our full attention, it requires that we fully listen to them and it requires the loving offering of our time and ourselves. It's what our neighbors deserve, and it's what Jesus wants from us too. Let's learn how to be present with our neighbors and with Christ!
How to serve! Even Jesus said he came to serve and not to be served. Then, he lived up to those words. He visited the sick and healed them, he prayed with those who were at a disadvantage and he got down on his knees and washed the disciples' feet. Jesus taught us that serving is about putting others before ourselves, it's about noticing when people struggle and it's about addressing the needs of the world. What opportunities do we have to serve? Let's find out together!
How is your prayer life? At times in your life, you may have been nervous about praying. What do we pray for? How long do we pray? Jesus some things to say about prayer, and none of them focused on the length or fancy wording of it. To become more comfortable with praying, we have to first understand what prayer is and why we do it. This week, we ask God to teach us how to pray and why we pray.
When becoming a member of the United Methodist Church, we make promises to God, to ourselves, and to our brothers and sisters in Christ at the local church we are joining. Among the most important of those promises is that we will "support the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness". Of those 5 things, witness tends to be the most confusing and most misunderstood. What does it mean to be a Christian witness? It is so much more than just simply seeing something happen. It's seeing something happen, and then doing something about it! This Baptism of the Lord Sunday, let's learn how to be good Christian witnesses!
This time of year is filled with newness. The new year begins January 1st. The new church liturgical year began just a handful of weeks ago on the first Sunday of Advent. Some people like to make New Years resolutions, promising others, themselves and God that they will make changes in their lives that they feel need to be made. That's hard to do. Not because we don't want to, but because the past always seems to come back strong. Newness requires leaving the past behind. Come, come and consider with us what you might want to leave behind going into 2022. Come, leave them to God at the altar and never pick them up again!
The Fourth Sunday of Advent. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it. You are the light of the world! People in darkness can still see God's light today, and they can see it in you. God's light can never be extinguished; it shines in the darkness and guides people toward it. How can we spread God's light in the world today?
The Third Sunday of Advent. Jesus is Emmanuel. That means God is with us. “Is” ... that means present tense; Jesus IS God with us right here and right now. On our Advent Wreath, we will be lighting the pink candle of joy. Joy is different from happiness. Happiness is environmental; it comes and it goes, sometimes very quickly. But joy is more permanent. Happiness can't endure bad times, but joy can. Jesus is Emmanuel. God is with us always. In good times and bad. That is a cause for joy!
The Second Sunday of Advent. Last week we talked about our coming King. Today, we talk about our coming Savior. Savior is one of the most recognizable descriptions and names given to Jesus. Yes, Jesus is our Savior. But what does Jesus save us from? Our own sins for sure. But Adam Hamilton helps us see that Jesus saved us from even more than that!
The First Sunday of Advent! This year we will be discussing Adam Hamilton's "Incarnation". Our Bible Studies will go in depth, and in worship we all will engage in the same topic. We will be looking at a world that was anticipating a coming King. What did the Jews expect that King to be like? Some of their expectations were right, some expectations were wrong, and some expectations were exceeded!
Believe it or not, this Thursday is Thanksgiving! It is great to have a day every year when we are intentional about giving thanks to God. But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't give thanks the other 364 days! This Sunday, we will learn what it means to be so thankful that our thankfulness turns into gratitude!
What are the gifts of the Spirit? Paul wrote about that a lot... A LOT! Paul liked to make lists, and this topic is no exception. In multiple letters, Paul made lists of what the gifts of the Spirit are. You may have heard several sermons about them; things like prophecy, teaching, speaking in tongues and many more. It is great to know what they are and it is especially important to be able to identify them in ourselves. Your gifts are from God, and when the world sees your gifts, they will see God. So, how can we show the world what the gifts of the Spirit look like?
What is a Saint? Different denominations have different ways of answering that. For United Methodists, a saint doesn't have to be somebody who has already passed. Our denomination does not have any system where people are elected to sainthood. We do not pray to saints, nor do we believe they serve as mediators to God. We define a saint as anyone who "exemplifies a Christian life", or as the Bible says "a holy person". So YOU can be a saint. Let's learn together what that may look like.
This Sunday is Halloween! It's not often that we find ourselves in church, but this year we do! While it may feel strange to be in church on a day like Halloween, and while some churches may kind of avoid the topic completely, we are going to learn that what became Halloween actually began with the church and a day called All Hallow's Eve. Say Hallow's Eve real quick 5 times in row and you will understand how Hallow's Eve became Halloween over time. So, come! Come to church on Halloween!
What is Grace? Grace is the undeserved and unmerited love of God. John Wesley had a very unique way of describing God's grace. He saw it in three distinct ways; preceding salvation as prevenient grace, continuing in justifying grace and brought to fruition in sanctifying grace. Let's explore how we can observe each one of them in our lives!
What is the Bible? Sure, the quick answer is that it is the Word of God and the collection of sacred texts of the Christian Church. But what else does the Bible mean to us? The Bible is God's way of being revealed to us, it is how we get to know God. And there are many different ways we get to know God through the Bible. We see God as a storyteller, as a poet, as a songwriter and as a community builder. This is who the Bible teaches us God is regardless of which translation we read. This week, we'll talk about the Bible! Come! All are welcome.
What is the church? The famous hymn has taught us that the church is more than a building. The church is more than just an hour on Sunday. The church is the people. But what does that look like? Sometimes, to get the best answer, you have to go all the way back to the beginning!
Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the presence of God who gets things moving! In scripture, the Holy Spirit is seen as wind, fire and advocate. The one thing they all have in common is action! Winds blow. Fires burn. Advocates speak. When the Holy Spirit moves, things happen! When we follow where the Spirit is moving, lives are changed. How is the Spirit working in your life?
Who is Jesus? Christians know Jesus in 2 very important and distinct ways; fully God and fully human. This week, we will take a look at a few stories in the New Testament where we can see both sides of Jesus present. In particular, as we baptize two new Christians, we will look at Jesus' own baptism and where we can see his full divinity and full humanity in that story.
Who is God? Did you ever ask yourself that question? How could we possibly define God? Well, first the language we use is important. I asked 'WHO" is God instead of "what" is God. "Who" implies a personal relationship, that we relate to God on a personal level, not as an object. This week, we will explore the many names God has been given over the years and the ways that we may see God interacting with us and the world.
What is community? It's the thing we have been missing so much the last 18 months. People, family, friends, neighbors. Since the start of the pandemic we have learned just how much we need the people in our lives. Maybe we took them for granted before. But now that the pandemic has taught us how much we need them, let's never forget that lesson again. This need for human interaction is a part of who we are; it's how God made us. Who is a part of your community, and how does their absence affect you?
The Bible is filled with images of Labor. As Christians, we worship, serve and believe in the God of Abraham. Abraham was a man who God used to establish a new kind of religion. It wasn't always easy. Abraham's descendants would be thrown into forced, unpaid labor...slavery. That's one form of labor in the Bible. Another is the frequent use of the imagery of laborers in God's vineyard. Some labor scriptures are meant for the laborers. Others are meant for those who supervise the laborers. This week, on Labor Day Weekend, we will explore the theology of labor and we will discuss how we are to act as the laborer AND how we are to act when we are the boss.
Olympic athletes are focused. You can see that on their faces as they prepare for their event. They are able to block out all distractions; the noise of the crowd, the presence of other competitors, it's as if nothing else exists at that moment. Nothing is going to slow them down or distract them. Can we be equally focused on our faith? When we pray, when we worship, when we serve, what would it look like to be able to focus only on our spiritual task, even if those potential distractions are tasty, fun and boost our ego?
James 1 says "whenever you face trials...consider it a joy". Joy in trials? What's so joyous about trials? Our joy comes in persevering, overcoming obstacles and learning from experience. Joy is different from happiness. We may not be happy about our trials, but through them we can feel joy.
What is the most humble act you have ever seen? The Bible says a lot about what it means to be humble. What is a humble Christian? This week's scripture from Matthew 23 will teach us how Jesus defined humble faith. As he always does, Jesus will teach us how to practice our faith in every moment whether we are in church or out in the world.
Would you cook without first getting ingredients? Would you put a pot on the stove without first putting water in it? Would you try to drive a car without first starting the engine? Preparation and training is important. The same is also true with our faith. Before we do anything, we first have to prepare for it. Before we preach the Good News of Jesus Christ, we have to understand it for ourselves. In the second message of the Spiritual Olympics, we focus on the second characteristic that both Olympic athletes and active Christians share; preparation.
Have you been watching any of the Olympics? During the Olympics, athletes from all over the world compete against each other at the same time. We see a great athlete at the top of their sport and performing the best that they have in their entire lives. Not only are they trying to compete with the best in the whole world, but they are also representing their entire country too! We see their performance. We see where they came from. But what we don't see is the years of preparation, the times they failed, the times they struggled, the times they weren't quite where they wanted to be. To be an Olympic athlete takes years of hard work, preparation and dedication. And to make all of that happen, those athletes must practice an incredible amount of self-control. They are the only ones who can really create improvement. What if we took that message and applied it to our faith? If we can compare our spiritual lives with the Olympics, then just like those Olympic athletes, the place where all of our preparation begins is within ourselves. How can we exercise good self-control to resist temptation, to continually improve ourselves and to be the best example of Christ that we can be? It begins within ourselves and our ability to control our bodies, our actions and our relationship with God.
This week, E.T. is going to be visiting the United Methodist Church at Absecon! Ok, not really. But what if he did? E.T. wouldn't know anything about worshiping here. He wouldn't know where to park his spaceship. He wouldn't know where the sanctuary is. He wouldn't even know where the bathroom is. Even though E.T. will never worship with us, other people will. They, like E.T., may know nothing about us. How do we help visitors find their way around? How do we make them feel welcome? What would we want their first impression of the United Methodist Church of Absecon to be, and how can we be a part of creating that kind of church? Let's learn how to be a church that expects new disciples!
Has anyone ever given you power? Maybe it was at home or in school or at work. Power is a big deal! History has been defined by people's use or abuse of power. So how do you use the power you have been given? This week in church we will discuss the power and authority that keys symbolize. In the scripture for this week, Jesus tells Peter that he will give him the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Did Jesus hand Peter a physical set of keys? Probably not. But the symbolism is still there...Jesus gave Peter authority in the Church. Peter had to use his authority responsibly and for the glory of God. How do we use our authority responsibly and for the glory of God?
Have you ever asked yourself if you belong here? What is it that makes us belong? It isn't what other people say about us. It isn't even what we may have thought about ourselves. It is what God says about us that makes us belong. God sends us and equips us. That alone makes us belong. The unique and special gifts and graces God has given us make us belong. So what makes you belong?
Please join us as we officially welcome Reverend Dave, Sherrie, and Georgie to AUMC! This video also includes the "Celebration of a New Appointment" and Children's Moment.
This Sunday we welcome the Rev. Juliann Henry to our worship services. Pastor Juliann once served as AUMC’s Assistant Pastor. She now serves as Manager of Pastoral Care at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center.
This Sunday we welcome the Rev. Brian C. Roberts to our worship services. Rev. Roberts is a former pastor of AUMC, and is currently serving as the District Superintendent of the Cape Atlantic District. His message this week is Fire Up – Having a Blast with God and is based on Revelation 3:14-20. This is the third (and final) installment of his series titled: Fanning the Flames - Revival Absecon UMC Style.
This Sunday we are again welcoming the Rev. Brian C. Roberts to our worship services. Rev. Roberts is a former pastor of AUMC, and is currently serving as the District Superintendent of the Cape Atlantic District. His message is titled You Can Be Ignited with Spirit Power! This is the second installment of his series titled Fanning the Flames - Revival Absecon UMC Style.
Reverend Miller is bringing his final message before retirement. He has been a pastor for over 26 years which included 20 years as a reserve chaplain in the Navy and a traditional guard chaplain in the New Jersey Air National Guard. Before he leaves his post as the pastor of The United Methodist Church at Absecon, he has some final thoughts.
Week 2: Mountains as Opportunities (Nothing is Impossible with God) (Luke 1:39-45) In both Mary and Elizabeth’s unlikely motherhood, we are reminded that nothing is impossible with God. The mountains that we might face may look like impossible obstacles to overcome, but they may very well be opportunities to serve God in new and powerful ways.
Week 1: God is On the Move & God Calls us to Move with Him (Genesis 1:1-8, 12:1-9) God is on the move from the beginning. The work of creating begins with God in the book of Genesis. The Spirit of God swept over the waters and spoke creation into existence. By chapter 12 of Genesis, God has called people to move with him. Sometimes movement can be uncomfortable and sometimes we don’t know exactly where God is leading us. Faith requires that we face obstacles and the unknown, trusting in the plan of God.
God creates, knows, loves, and sees all of us in our full humanity. But as people, we can fall into the habit of assuming everyone is the same or everyone is like us. While we share a common humanity, these assumptions can be harmful and prevent us from truly seeing other people and listening to their perspectives. By looking at Biblical stories, this series will help us learn how to listen to, respect, affirm, and act for and with others. In doing so, we can also come to know God even more fully.
Week 4: Diverse People, One Vision Scripture: Revelation 7:9-17
We cannot truly listen to, act, or love all of God’s children if we do not also affirm how God sees all of us. And through affirming one another in all our fullness, God becomes more fully revealed to and known by us.
God creates, knows, loves, and sees all of us in our full humanity. But as people, we can fall into the habit of assuming everyone is the same or everyone is like us. While we share a common humanity, these assumptions can be harmful and prevent us from truly seeing other people and listening to their perspectives. By looking at Biblical stories, this series will help us learn how to listen to, respect, affirm, and act for and with others. In doing so, we can also come to know God even more fully.
Week 3: R.E.S.P.E.C.T. the Stranger Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:14-22 (focus verses: 10:17-19)
Last week we talked about listening and then being compelled to act. As followers of God, our actions must always be based on God’s view of the stranger and how God calls us to love them.
God creates, knows, loves, and sees all of us in our full humanity. But as people, we can fall into the habit of assuming everyone is the same or everyone is like us. While we share a common humanity, these assumptions can be harmful and prevent us from truly seeing other people and listening to their perspectives. By looking at Biblical stories, this series will help us learn how to listen to, respect, affirm, and act for and with others. In doing so, we can also come to know God even more fully.
Week 2: Sisters Are Doing it for Themselves Scripture: Numbers 27:1-11
Last week, we saw the importance of listening to the voices on the margins. However, it is not enough to just listen. We must also act.
God creates, knows, loves, and sees all of us in our full humanity. But as people, we can fall into the habit of assuming everyone is the same or everyone is like us. While we share a common humanity, these assumptions can be harmful and prevent us from truly seeing other people and listening to their perspectives. By looking at Biblical stories, this series will help us learn how to listen to, respect, affirm, and act for and with others. In doing so, we can also come to know God even more fully.
Week 1: Hearing Other Voices Scripture: Mark 10:46-52
Being totally devoted to God in good times and in bad brings with it the gifts of God's joy, love, and strength that can see you through even the toughest of times.
Habits and routines help us stay on track in many areas of our lives – whether it's our physical, mental, or emotional health. They can help us grow in our spiritual lives too. In this series, we will explore several spiritual exercises or faithful habits, that can help us deepen our relationship with God. Lent is the perfect time to commit or recommit to a spiritual discipline, as we enter a season of self-examination in preparation for Easter.
Palm/Passion Sunday: Silence | Scripture: Mark 14: 26-41 When we practice being silent, we can deepen our connection with God.
Habits and routines help us stay on track in many areas of our lives – whether it's our physical, mental, or emotional health. They can help us grow in our spiritual lives too. In this series, we will explore several spiritual exercises or faithful habits, that can help us deepen our relationship with God. Lent is the perfect time to commit or recommit to a spiritual discipline, as we enter a season of self-examination in preparation for Easter.
Week 5: Worship | Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:31-33
The spiritual discipline of worship is not (just) about showing up to church on Sunday! It is about weaving worship through our everyday lives in different ways.
Habits and routines help us stay on track in many areas of our lives – whether it's our physical, mental, or emotional health. They can help us grow in our spiritual lives too. In this series, we will explore several spiritual exercises or faithful habits, that can help us deepen our relationship with God. Lent is the perfect time to commit or recommit to a spiritual discipline, as we enter a season of self-examination in preparation for Easter.
Week 4: Confession | Scripture: 1 John 1:5-9
Confessing our sins brings us out of the darkness of the world and into the light of living as a Christ-follower.
Habits and routines help us stay on track in many areas of our lives – whether it's our physical, mental, or emotional health. They can help us grow in our spiritual lives too. In this series, we will explore several spiritual disciplines, or faithful habits, that can help us deepen our relationship with God. Lent is the perfect time to commit or recommit to a spiritual discipline, as we enter a season of self-examination in preparation for Easter.
Week 3: Fasting | Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18
Fasting is meant to change our hearts and deepen our relationship with God.
Habits and routines help us stay on track in many areas of our lives – whether it's our physical, mental, or emotional health. They can help us grow in our spiritual lives too. In this series, we will explore several spiritual disciplines or faithful habits, that can help us deepen our relationship with God. Lent is the perfect time to commit or recommit to a spiritual discipline, as we enter a season of self-examination in preparation for Easter.
Week 2: Scripture | Scripture: Psalm 1:1-3
Reading and meditating on Scripture lay the foundation for Christian life.
Habits and routines help us stay on track in many areas of our lives – whether it's our physical, mental, or emotional health. They can help us grow in our spiritual lives too. In this series, we will explore several spiritual disciplines, or faithful habits, that can help us deepen our relationship with God. Lent is the perfect time to commit or recommit to a spiritual discipline, as we enter a season of self-examination in preparation for Easter.
Week 1: Prayer | Scripture: Romans 8:26-27
As we learn a rhythm of prayer, we become connected to God in new and exciting ways. Prayer is the breath of Christian life.
PurpleTheory: Habits and routines help us stay on track in many areas of our lives – whether it's our physical, mental, or emotional health. They can help us grow in our spiritual lives too. In this series, we will explore several spiritual disciplines or faithful habits, that can help us deepen our relationship with God. Lent is the perfect time to commit or recommit to a spiritual discipline, as we enter a season of self-examination in preparation for Easter.
If we want to grow in our relationship with God, it is important to be honest both with God and with ourselves about where we are in our own lives. On Ash Wednesday, we begin our Lenten series "PurpleTheory" with a look at the spiritual exercise of Self-Examination.
God tells Peter, James, and Jon to listen to his Son Jesus just before they begin their journey to Jerusalem which ends with Jesus' death on the cross.
As we journey through our life, how do we listen to Jesus on the way?
Our world often tells us that being courageous is about strength, bravery, and heroic acts. This series explores what courage looks like in the New Testament and expands our understanding of courage. Together, we will learn how courage can help us raise other people up, transform our communities, and face new and challenging situations.
Week 4: Courage to be First | Scripture: Philippians 3:10-16
It takes courage to take the first step forward to face evil, to dare to be extraordinary for God.
Our world often tells us that being courageous is about strength, bravery, and heroic acts. This series explores what courage looks like in the New Testament and expands our understanding of courage. Together, we will learn how courage can help us raise other people up, transform our communities, and face new and challenging situations.
Week 3: Courage to be Last | Scripture: Philippians 2:1-5
Sometimes, we are courageous for our own sake and to achieve our own comfort. But how can we be courageous for the sake of others and their wellbeing?
Our world often tells us that being courageous is about strength, bravery, and heroic acts. This series explores what courage looks like in the New Testament and expands our understanding of courage. Together, we will learn how courage can help us raise other people up, transform our communities, and face new and challenging situations.
Week 2: Courage to be Gracious | Scripture: Philippians 1:2-12
In hard situations, God’s grace can give us courage. As we allow God’s grace to shape us, we can become courageous enough to give others grace too.
Our world often tells us that being courageous is about strength, bravery, and heroic acts. This series explores what courage looks like in the New Testament and expands our understanding of courage. Together, we will learn how courage can help us raise other people up, transform our communities, and face new and challenging situations.
Week 1: Courage to be Vulnerable | Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11
Jesus shows us that there is courage in being vulnerable and calls us to follow his example.
You Are the Epiphany. God speaks through you to others. God wants you to be the voice of God through your conversations and actions. God is able to speak through us as we say ‘Yay God, yes God and yahoo'.
God is speaking to you and wants you to know the purpose and meaning God has for your life. God speaks to you as you turn outward through observing, quieting, and curiosity.
We have truly been through a lot this year! In this season, as we prepare to celebrate the arrival of Jesus, we remember that Jesus came into the messiness and brokenness of life to bring hope, peace, joy, and love of God. Christmas Eve: Deck the Halls Christ| Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
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As we get out the Christmas lights, ornaments, and tinsel to decorate our homes this year, it might be hard for some of us to feel the holiday cheer. We have truly been through a lot this year! In this season, as we prepare to celebrate the arrival of Jesus, we can prepare by decorating our lives with what matters: the hope, peace, joy, and love of God. Week 4: Deck the Halls with Love| Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
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As we get out the Christmas lights, ornaments, and tinsel to decorate our homes this year, it might be hard for some of us to feel the holiday cheer. We have truly been through a lot this year! In this season, as we prepare to celebrate the arrival of Jesus, we can prepare by decorating our lives with what matters: the hope, peace, joy, and love of God.
Week 3: Deck the Halls with Joy | Scripture: Luke 1:39-45 In uncertain and unexpected times God brings Joy.
Our second message in our Advent Series "Deck the Halls". Today, we look at how Jesus, the Prince of Peace promises to smooth out our paths as we journey in God's Kingdom. We explore the meaning of peace as it relates to the word shalom as Isaiah spoke it in his prophecy from today's reading.
As we get out the Christmas lights, ornaments, and tinsel to decorate our homes this year, it might be hard for some of us to feel the holiday cheer. We have truly been through a lot this year! In this season, as we prepare to celebrate the arrival of Jesus, we can prepare by decorating our lives with what matters: the hope, peace, joy, and love of God.
Week 1: Deck the Halls with Hope | Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7 In times when we feel uncertain, God provides an answer.
When you think of a king, what do you think of? Most people think of one who is unapproachable and perhaps, one who takes advantage of their power to gain more wealth and power at the expense of the weak. But that is not God's vision of a king. God gives us the Shepherd King, Jesus.
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Life can be overwhelming. Did you know that there is NO Bible verse that says "God will never give you any more than you can bear"? But there are plenty of verses that say God will be with you always. How do we bear the struggles of our day?
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As the Israelites are preparing to settle in the Promised Land, Joshua challenges them to choose who they will serve; Yahweh the God of the Promise, or the gods of their ancestors or the gods of the people in whose land they now reside.
The same decision has to be made by each of us every day of our lives. It is a Daily Decision as to who we will serve. Will it be the gods we followed before we knew the God and Father of Jesus or will it be the gods of our current culture, OR will it be Yahweh the one true God.
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As the Israelites are poised to cross into the Promised Land, the place where God's rule and reign are to become a reality on earth (The Kingdom of God), God tells them that he will be with them and drive out those that stand in their way.
Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of God, the Promised Land, is now within us. This morning we will discuss how God still drives out the Rebels that stand in the way of those moving into the Promised Land of God's Kingdom in their own lives.
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Our guest speaker, Rev. Brian Roberts, discusses the fact that Jesus declared himself "The Bread of Life". In this time of global pandemic, racial tension, and political divide, "What are you hungering for?" Are you seeking the things of this world or, are you hungering for the bread from heaven, Jesus the Christ?
After the miraculous liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites found themselves wandering in the wilderness. Although this seemed harsh, lessons were learned. What lessons can we learn from our difficult times wandering in our personal "wilderness"?
Jesus tells his disciples a parable about an unjust servant. In it, he seems to be warning his followers that if we do not forgive as God has forgiven us, we will be condemned to a life of torture. Today we will look at a possible meaning of this difficult saying of Jesus.
Our guest speaker today is Lisa Whitaker. Using II Kings 5:1-19, Lisa leads us in a discussion of our God who exceeds our expectations.
Today's text from Exodus describes the first Passover meal. This meal came to represent the liberation of the Israelis from slavery in Egypt. Today, this story will act as the backdrop for our discussion of our God as liberator.
In the middle of our darkest times, it is often hard to see a sign of God's presence and calling in our lives. But the stories of God's victory over the worst of times proves God's presence in our own times.
This morning we are looking at Jesus' question to his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" As Christians, this is the most important question we can answer. Our answer will have a major impact on the way we live our lives and what we find to be important.
This morning we are examing what the Bible says about our battle against the lies of Satan and the truth of Jesus. How prepared are you for the battle that takes place primarily in your mind?
Have you ever struggled with loving God with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength? Have you ever struggled with loving your neighbor as yourself? Today, our message talks about how hard it is to do either of those things unless we learn to love ourselves, the Third Relationship in the Great Commandments.
Have you ever contemplated why God created or, more specifically, what God intended for human beings when he created them? Join Reverend Miller in a short exploration of God's desire for you.