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April 28, 2024 – “The Trip of a Lifetime” – Confirmation Sunday
Luke 2 contains a unique story from the pre-teen years of Jesus’ life. His earthly family visits the Holy City of Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. This annual pilgrimage becomes the trip of a lifetime when Jesus gets lost and separated from his parents. This message will unpack a few lessons for our Confirmands and all of us.
Luke 2:41-52
Luke 2:41-52New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
41 Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43 When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents were unaware of this. 44 Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents[a] saw him they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously looking for you.” 49 He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”[b] 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them, and his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years[c] and in divine and human favor.
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April 21, 2024 – Our Hearts Burned Within Us – Luke 24:13-35
One of the greatest affirmations of faith in the Living Christ is to have a personal encounter with Jesus.Luke 24:13-35New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Walk to Emmaus
13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.[b] 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth,[c] who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.[d] Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.”25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah[e] should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us[f] while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem, and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
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April 14, 2024 – Seeking Faith Finds Assurance – John 20:24-29
Thomas had to wait 8 days to finally see Jesus after the resurrection. There were doubts, questions, and uncertainties lingering in his heart. Thomas represents all who have faith looking for assurance.
John 20:24-29
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Jesus and Thomas
24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin[a]), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
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April 7, 2014 – Living Christ is key to our peace – John 20:19-23
The followers of Jesus were experiencing a lot of emotions following his death – confusion, grief, and fear. Into the space of those emotions, the Risen Christ comes. The presence of Christ is the key to our peace.
John 20:19-23
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.
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March 31, 2024 – Who Will Roll Away the Stone? – Mark 16:1-8
Easter Sunday
Jesus’ death and resurrection declare him to be the conqueror of death and Lord of Life. There is no obstacle between us and God that is too big for him to destroy.
Mark 16:1-8New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Resurrection of Jesus
16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 4 When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.[a]
The Intermediate Ending of Mark
[[And all that had been commanded them they told briefly to those around Peter. And afterward Jesus himself sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation. Amen.[b]]]
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March 24, 2024 – Here Comes the King…Wait, Not Yet! – Mark 11:1-11
Palm Sunday
Jesus has fans, followers, and haters. We may even have a part of all three in us.
Mark 11:1-11New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Jesus’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
11 When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this: ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’ ” 4 They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5 some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 They told them what Jesus had said, and they allowed them to take it. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
11 Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple, and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
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March 17, 2024 – The Greatest Church Member – Mark 10:32-45
This passage paints the disciples as fifth graders jockeying to be selected first on the team. Jesus will show them the pathway to greatness.
It challenges their basic ideas about Jesus’ identity and his ultimate mission.
Mark 10:32-45New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
A Third Time Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
32 They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the gentiles; 34 they will mock him and spit upon him and flog him and kill him, and after three days he will rise again.”
The Request of James and John
35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Appoint us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” 39 They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to appoint, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
41 When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. 42 So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 43 But it is not so among you; instead, whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.”
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March 3, 2024 – You Feed Them – Mark 6:30-44
Communion Sunday
There is a progression in the pattern of discipleship we see unfold in Mark. Jesus calls disciples out of the crowds. He commissions them to apprentice him in ministry. Finally, he sends them out to extend his ministry in his absence.
Mark 6:30-44New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Feeding the Five Thousand
30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. 34 As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things. 35 When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late; 36 send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “Are we to go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves have you? Go and see.” When they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he ordered them to get all the people to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And all ate and were filled, 43 and they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men.
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February 25, 2024, Where You Plant Matters – Mark 4:1-20
In the parable of the four types of soil, Jesus digs into the dynamics of dirt and discipleship. What threats exist to our discipleship? What type of soil are you?
Mark 4:1-20New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Parable of the Sower
4 Again he began to teach beside the sea. Such a very large crowd gathered around him that he got into a boat on the sea and sat there, while the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land. 2 He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: 3 “Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell on a path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. 6 And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root it withered away. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. 8 Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.” 9 And he said, “If you have ears to hear, then hear!”
The Purpose of the Parables
10 When he was alone, those who were around him along with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11 And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret[a] of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything comes in parables, 12 in order that
‘they may indeed look but not perceive,
and may indeed hear but not understand;
so that they may not turn again and be forgiven.’ ”
13 And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand all the parables? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 These are the ones on the path where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. 16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: when they hear the word, they immediately receive it with joy. 17 But they have no root and endure only for a while; then, when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.[b] 18 And others are those sown among the thorns: these are the ones who hear the word, 19 but the cares of the age and the lure of wealth and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it yields nothing. 20 And these are the ones sown on the good soil: they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.”
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February 18 – Follow Me – Mark 1:14-20; 8:31-38
Part two of this series through the Gospel of Mark orients us toward a journey of discipleship. Mark makes clear that if we want to know Jesus we must follow him. As we follow, we encounter his presence and grow in our understanding of who he is and who we are as his disciples.
Mark 1:14-20; 8:31-38Mark 1:14-20
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news[a] of[b] God 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near;[c] repent, and believe in the good news.”[d]
Jesus Calls the First Disciples
16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Mark 8:31-38
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
31 Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes and be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
34 He called the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “If any wish to come[a] after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel,[b] will save it. 36 For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37 Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38 Those who are ashamed of me and of my words[c] in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
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February 11, 2024 Are You Listening? – Mark 9:2-13
Transfiguration Sunday
This spectacular display of God’s glory encompasses nature’s pyrotechnics and visual effects to make a spectacular claim: Jesus is the Son of God.
Mark 9:2-13Mark 9:2-13
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Transfiguration
2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became dazzling bright, such as no one[a] on earth could brighten them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us set up three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved;[b] listen to him!”8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
The Coming of Elijah
9 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. 11 Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 12 He said to them, “Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt? 13 But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him.”
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Sermon Series: You Belong Here August 27, 2023 -Week 4: Prayer and Fasting
Prayer permeates the book of Acts and although we often think of prayer as a personal activity, Acts shows the early church praying together regularly. We will begin an intentional season of 30 days of prayer and fasting on Sunday September 3rd. My challenge to you is to take these 30 days to intentionally sacrifice and seek God’s vision for your personal life and our church life. This Sunday in worship I will walk you through some of the Bible’s teaching around seasons of corporate prayer and fasting to equip you to take this step of faith with me.
Acts 4:23-32The Believers Pray
23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:
“‘Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord
and against his anointed one.[a]’[b]
27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
The Believers Share Their Possessions
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.
Look at these examples of corporate prayer in Acts and reflect on what they teach you about praying with others:
Acts 1:13-14 NRSV
13 When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of[a] James. 14 All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
Acts 2:42
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Acts 12:5-16
5 While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him.
Peter Delivered from Prison
6 The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison.7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 The angel said to him, “Fasten your belt and put on your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 Peter[a] went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel’s help was real; he thought he was seeing a vision.10 After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”
12 As soon as he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many had gathered and were praying. 13 When he knocked at the outer gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer. 14 On recognizing Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the gate, she ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she insisted that it was so. They said, “It is his angel.” 16 Meanwhile Peter continued knocking, and when they opened the gate they saw him and were amazed.
Acts 13:2-3
2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 14:23
23 And after they had appointed elders for them in each church, with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had come to believe.
Acts 16:25
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Acts 20:36
36 When he had finished speaking, he knelt down with them all and prayed.
May 28, 2023- Peace Be With You
Every year we celebrate Pentecost as a time of the Holy Spirit coming down to dwell in and amongst humanity. In John 20, Jesus visits the disciples and breathes upon them a gift through just four words: “Peace be with you.” Today, we dig into how these words impact our lives – words that we ought to shape our lives around as followers of Jesus.
John 20:19-23 NRSVJesus Appears to the Disciples
19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
Traditions ServiceConnections Service
May 21, 2023 – Everything Has Its Time
If you are of a certain age you can’t help but hear music when your read these words from Ecclesiastes! Some of you may be surprised that The Byrds didn’t write this text! But the writer of Ecclesiastes wants us to understand a timeless truth: things change. And while change is hard, it’s the natural order of life. As long as we understand that there is a time for every purpose, we can find purpose in every time of our life.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NRSVEverything Has Its Time
1For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to break down and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
5 a time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek and a time to lose;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
7 a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent and a time to speak;
8 a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
Traditions ServiceConnections Service
May 14, 2023 – The Teaching of Mothers – Mother Day
On Mother’s Day we have the opportunity to gather and remember all of the women in our lives who have influenced us, poured into us and brought us up in God’s church. Additionally, throughout the entirety of Scripture, we see mothers bring forth the Gospel to further the Kingdom of God. Today we will look through Proverbs 31 and explore the wisdom we so often learn about through the Godly women in our lives.
Proverbs 31New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Teaching of King Lemuel’s Mother
31 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:
2 No, my son! No, son of my womb!
No, son of my vows!
3 Do not give your strength to women,
your ways to those who destroy kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
it is not for kings to drink wine
or for rulers to desire[a] strong drink,
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed
and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink to one who is perishing
and wine to those in bitter distress;
7 let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.
8 Speak out for those who cannot speak,
for the rights of all the destitute.[b]
9 Speak out; judge righteously;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Ode to a Woman of Strength
10 A woman of strength who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not harm
all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax
and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from far away.
15 She rises while it is still night
and provides food for her household
and tasks for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
for all her household are clothed in crimson.
22 She makes herself coverings;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the city gates,
taking his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
she supplies the merchant with sashes.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her happy;
her husband, too, and he praises her:
29 “Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Give her a share in the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the city gates.
Traditions Service
May 7, 2023 – Trust in the Lord – Baccalaurate Service
On Sunday, we will delve into the Proverbs as we send out our graduating seniors in style. We make plans and back up plans for our plans, and still, God’s path is always more trustworthy and true. Part of our job as disciples is to stick to his path. This week, we’ll look to the wisdom found in Proverbs as our seniors begin down their new path!
Proverbs 3:5-6
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Traditions Service
April 30, 2023 – Train a Child
Proverby 22:6Train children in the right way,
and when old, they will not stray.
Connections Service
April 23, 2023 – Road to Emmaus – Rev. Charles Pope
13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.[b] 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth,[c] who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him.
Luke 24:13-35New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Walk to Emmaus
13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.[b] 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth,[c] who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.[d] Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah[e] should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?”27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us[f] while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem, and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Traditions ServiceConnections Service
April 16, 2023 – Believing What We Haven’t Seen
John 20:24-29
Jesus and Thomas
24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin[a]), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
Traditions ServiceConnections Service
April 9, 2023 – The Empty Tomb – Easter Sunday
John 20:1-18New Revised Standard Version Updated EditionThe Resurrection of Jesus20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. 4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7 and the cloth that had been on Jesus’s head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed, 9 for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples returned to their homes.
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look[a] into the tomb, 12 and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir,[b] if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew,[c] “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not touch me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Traditions ServiceConnections Service
Palm Sunday:Sun, Apr 2, 20239 am Traditions Service11 am Connections ServiceTraditions ServiceConnections Service
March 19, 2023: Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind – Rev. Smith Lilley
John 9:1-41John 9
New International VersionJesus Heals a Man Born Blind
9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,”he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was.
Others said, “No, he only looks like him.”
But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”
10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked.
11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”
12 “Where is this man?” they asked him.
“I don’t know,” he said.
The Pharisees Investigate the Healing
13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14 Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath. 15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.”
16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.”
But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided.
17 Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.”
The man replied, “He is a prophet.”
18 They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. 19 “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?”
20 “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. 21 But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23 That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
24 A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”
25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
26 Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”
27 He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?”
28 Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses! 29 We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where he comes from.”
30 The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. 32 Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind.33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”
34 To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth;how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out.
Spiritual Blindness
35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
36 “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.”
37 Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.”
38 Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
39 Jesus said,[a] “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”
40 Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?”
41 Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.
Traditions ServiceConnections Service
REVIVE: A Lenten Journey to New LifeThe Resurrection of Jesus invites all of humanity into new life. As First United Methodist Church Clinton goes through a period of discernment on the topic of disaffiliation, may we remember that Jesus Christ offers revival and awakening to us. In fact, the season of Lent with which we are in beckons us into a time of such revival though repentance, prayer, and a focus on the new life Jesus offers us as we move closer to the Resurrection. This sermon series will be unique in that it has been arranged to resemble an extended revival, with different guest preachers every Sunday of the Lenten season. Below is the schedule.
March 12, 2023: Jesus and the Woman of Samaria – Rev. Kaylyn Lindsay
On Sunday March 12, we will be joined by Rev. Kaylyn Lindsay in both our Traditions and Connections services at 9 AM and 11 AM. Kaylyn currently serves as an Associate Pastor at Cleveland First UMC in Cleveland, MS. She’s a graduate from Asbury University and Asbury Theological Seminary. We hope you’ll join us for worship as Kaylyn shares what God has put on her heart for this extended time of revival at Clinton First UMC.
John 4:1-42New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Jesus and the Woman of Samaria
1 Now when Jesus[a] learned that the Pharisees had heard, “Jesus is making and baptizing more disciples than John” 2 (although it was not Jesus himself but his disciples who baptized), 3 he left Judea and started back to Galilee. 4 But he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon.
7 A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.)[a] 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir,[b] you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir,[c] give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come back.” 17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband,’ 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!” 19 The woman said to him, “Sir,[d] I see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you[e] say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you[f] will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You[g] worship what you[h] do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming and is now here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I am he,[i] the one who is speaking to you.”
27 Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you want?” or, “Why are you speaking with her?” 28 Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah,[j] can he?” 30 They left the city and were on their way to him.
31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 So the disciples said to one another, “Surely no one has brought him something to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. 35 Do you not say, ‘Four months more, then comes the harvest’? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. 36 The reaper is already receiving[k] wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”
39 Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”
Traditions ServiceConnections Service
REVIVE: A Lenten Journey to New LifeThe Resurrection of Jesus invites all of humanity into new life. As First United Methodist Church Clinton goes through a period of discernment on the topic of disaffiliation, may we remember that Jesus Christ offers revival and awakening to us. In fact, the season of Lent with which we are in beckons us into a time of such revival though repentance, prayer, and a focus on the new life Jesus offers us as we move closer to the Resurrection. This sermon series will be unique in that it has been arranged to resemble an extended revival, with different guest preachers every Sunday of the Lenten season. Below is the schedule.
March 5, 2023: The Call of Abram – Rev. Dr. Bob Rambo
Genesis 12:1-9The Call of Abram12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
2 “I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.[a]
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”[b]
4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the peoplethey had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.
6 Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 The Lord appeared to Abramand said, “To your offspring[c] I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.
8 From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.
9 Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev
Traditions ServiceConnections Service
REVIVE: A Lenten Journey to New LifeThe Resurrection of Jesus invites all of humanity into new life. As First United Methodist Church Clinton goes through a period of discernment on the topic of disaffiliation, may we remember that Jesus Christ offers revival and awakening to us. In fact, the season of Lent with which we are in beckons us into a time of such revival though repentance, prayer, and a focus on the new life Jesus offers us as we move closer to the Resurrection. This sermon series will be unique in that it has been arranged to resemble an extended revival, with different guest preachers every Sunday of the Lenten season. Below is the schedule.
February 26, 2023: The Question about Fasting – Rev. Katie Giedd
Luke 5:33-39The Question about Fasting33 Then they said to him, “John’s disciples, like the disciples of the Pharisees, frequently fast and pray, but your disciples eat and drink.” 34 Jesus said to them, “You cannot make wedding attendants fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? 35 The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.” 36 He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and sews it on an old garment; otherwise, not only will one tear the new garment, but the piece from the new will not match the old garment. 37 Similarly, no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins and will spill out, and the skins will be ruined. 38 But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.[a] 39 And no one after drinking old wine desires new wine but says, ‘The old is good.’ ”[b]
Traditions ServiceConnections Service
Bridge Builders
Disunity is everywhere. Our culture builds chasms of bitterness and hurt between people, groups, families, and churches. But as believers we are called to be peacemakers in a world of conflict. Join us as we learn about what it means to mend relationships and build bridges together.
Breaking Barriers – February 19, 2023One in Christ
Ephesians 2:11-18New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
One in Christ
11 So then, remember that at one time you gentiles by birth,[a] called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision”—a circumcision made in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us, 15 abolishing the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16 and might reconcile both to God in one body[b] through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it.[c] 17 So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, 18 for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Traditions ServiceConnections Service
Bridge Builders
Disunity is everywhere. Our culture builds chasms of bitterness and hurt between people, groups, families, and churches. But as believers we are called to be peacemakers in a world of conflict. Join us as we learn about what it means to mend relationships and build bridges together.
He Threw A Party – February 12, 2023The Parable of the Prodigal and His Brother
Luke 15:11-32New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Parable of the Prodigal and His Brother
11 Then Jesus[a] said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the wealth that will belong to me.’ So he divided his assets between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant region, and there he squandered his wealth in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that region, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that region, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled his stomach[b] with the pods that the pigs were eating, and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to his senses he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” ’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’[c] 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate, 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.
25 “Now his elder son was in the field, and as he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command, yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ 31 Then the father[d] said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ ”
Traditions ServiceConnections Service
Bridge Builders
Disunity is everywhere. Our culture builds chasms of bitterness and hurt between people, groups, families, and churches. But as believers we are called to be peacemakers in a world of conflict. Join us as we learn about what it means to mend relationships and build bridges together.
Reach Out Your Hand – February 5, 2023 The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
25 An expert in the law stood up to test Jesus.[a] “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” 27 He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”
29 But wanting to vindicate himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and took off, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan while traveling came upon him, and when he saw him he was moved with compassion. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, treating them with oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him, and when I come back I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Traditions ServiceConnections Service
Back to Basics SeriesCulture rarely leads us to a more vibrant faith. We all struggle to stay focused on the basics in this world. Time in prayer, reading the Scriptures, confessing our sins to God, and serving others. These are the foundations of our faith. Let’s start the New Year off right and get back to the basics.
January 29, 2023- Service
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
6 The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not regretfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to provide you with every blessing[a] in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.
Matthew 20:28
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
28 just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Traditions ServiceConnections Service
Back to Basics SeriesCulture rarely leads us to a more vibrant faith. We all struggle to stay focused on the basics in this world. Time in prayer, reading the Scriptures, confessing our sins to God, and serving others. These are the foundations of our faith. Let’s start the New Year off right and get back to the basics.
January 22, 2023– Confession
Nehemiah 9:1-3
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
National Confession
9 Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the Israelites were assembled with fasting and in sackcloth and with earth on their heads.[a] 2 Then those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their ancestors. 3 They stood up in their place and read from the book of the law of the Lord their God for a fourth part of the day, and for another fourth they made confession and worshiped the Lord their God.
James 5:16
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
16 Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.
Traditions ServiceConnections Service
Back to Basics SeriesCulture rarely leads us to a more vibrant faith. We all struggle to stay focused on the basics in this world. Time in prayer, reading the Scriptures, confessing our sins to God, and serving others. These are the foundations of our faith. Let’s start the New Year off right and get back to the basics.
January 15, 2023- Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16-17
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
16 All scripture is inspired by God and is[a] useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
Traditions ServiceConnections Service
Back to Basics SeriesCulture rarely leads us to a more vibrant faith. We all struggle to stay focused on the basics in this world. Time in prayer, reading the Scriptures, confessing our sins to God, and serving others. These are the foundations of our faith. Let’s start the New Year off right and get back to the basics.
January 8, 2023- Prayer
Mark 1:35
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
A Preaching Tour in Galilee
35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.
Ephesians 6:18
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.
Traditions ServiceConnections Service
The word angel means “messenger.” God sends his messengers to announce the birth of the messiah to an old priest, a humble girl, a nervous fiancé, and tired shepherds. These angels proclaim that the world would change forever and invites us to join in sharing their Good News.December 18 – The Message to the Shepherds
Until now, the angels have only visited individuals. But the messiah has come not just for individual people, but for the whole world! The Shepherds stand in for all of us, who are struggling to make sense of this life, and who are invited to join in with all the company of heaven to proclaim the Good News!
Luke 2:8-20The Shepherds and the Angels8 Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[a] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,[b] praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”[c]
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them, 19 and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.
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The word angel means “messenger.” God sends his messengers to announce the birth of the messiah to an old priest, a humble girl, a nervous fiancé, and tired shepherds. These angels proclaim that the world would change forever and invites us to join in sharing their Good News.December 11, 2022 – Joseph’s Dream
Joseph has made the decision to break of his engagement. He’s found out that his fiancé is pregnant and he is not the father. But, like any wise person, he sleeps on his decision. In the night, and angel visits him and lets him know that this boy—Jesus—is too important for Joseph to walk away.
Matthew 1:18-25The Birth of Jesus the Messiah18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah[a] took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 “Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had given birth to a son,[b] and he named him Jesus.
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The word angel means “messenger.” God sends his messengers to announce the birth of the messiah to an old priest, a humble girl, a nervous fiancé, and tired shepherds. These angels proclaim that the world would change forever and invites us to join in sharing their Good News.December 4, 2022 – The Annunciation
The angel Gabriel visits a young woman to give her news that is, literally, unbelievable. She is going to be a mother, even though she is a virgin. And if that’s not enough, her son is actually the promised messiah- destined to be the King!
Luke 1:26-38The Birth of Jesus Foretold26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”[a] 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”[b] 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[c] will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
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Sermon Series: A Jesus Shaped Life
God’s eternal goal is that we live a Jesus-shaped life. From the moment you trusted Christ, God began the process of making you like his Son. During the season of Lent, we focus not just on who Jesus is, but also why he came to offer his life for us: that we might be forgiven and invited to pattern our life after his. Based on a new study from Seedbed Publishers we will spend 40 days growing together toward Christ-likeness.
March 6 – Made for This
If you are a follower of Jesus, there is another force at work in your life—the power of the Holy Spirit. And he is shaping you into the image of Jesus!
1 Thessalonians 4:1-3a A Life Pleasing to God
4 Finally, brothers and sisters,[a] we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God (as, in fact, you are doing), you should do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from fornication;
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Sermon Series: Good Grief
Experiencing loss is one of the hardest things people face. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of a dream you once had; the result can be a time of extended grief. Sometimes as Christians we may be tempted to think that we shouldn’t grieve. Or at least, it should be brief. But over the next four weeks we’ll look together at God’s teaching in scripture that helps us to understand that grieving can be good for our soul. Good Grief brings healing. Guided by scripture and the work the work of Kenneth C. Haugk, the founder of Stephen Ministries, we will face our grief and embrace the healing that comes from Jesus.
February 27 – Rebuilding and Remembering
Memories can often bring back a flood of emotions. We may want to forget, so as to shield ourselves from the pain. But in God’s own time, the memories can begin to bring peace rather than pain. The wound of a loss can heal, even through it leaves a scar. And one day we can look on the scar and remember with gratitude the healing that God brought.
Jeremiah 31:13
13 Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,
and the young men and the old shall be merry.
I will turn their mourning into joy,
I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.
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Sermon Series: Good Grief
Experiencing loss is one of the hardest things people face. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of a dream you once had; the result can be a time of extended grief. Sometimes as Christians we may be tempted to think that we shouldn’t grieve. Or at least, it should be brief. But over the next four weeks we’ll look together at God’s teaching in scripture that helps us to understand that grieving can be good for our soul. Good Grief brings healing. Guided by scripture and the work the work of Kenneth C. Haugk, the founder of Stephen Ministries, we will face our grief and embrace the healing that comes from Jesus.
February 20 – Finding Hope and Healing
The grief never goes away, but the intensity of the pain will change. There is hope and healing on the other side of loss. And the good news is that there are practices we can do to point our souls to the source of the healing. Other have walked this journey before and have left signposts to guide our way.
Isaiah 54:10
10 For the mountains may depart
and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
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Sermon Series: Good Grief
Experiencing loss is one of the hardest things people face. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of a dream you once had; the result can be a time of extended grief. Sometimes as Christians we may be tempted to think that we shouldn’t grieve. Or at least, it should be brief. But over the next four weeks we’ll look together at God’s teaching in scripture that helps us to understand that grieving can be good for our soul. Good Grief brings healing. Guided by scripture and the work the work of Kenneth C. Haugk, the founder of Stephen Ministries, we will face our grief and embrace the healing that comes from Jesus.
February 13- Experiencing Grief
Grief is a journey. As we walk through the days, months, and years after a loss we realize all the little things that are now different. Birthdays, Christmas, even going to church without them, all feels different. We so often pray for a return to normal, but experiencing the difference is part of the journey.
Psalm 23 The Divine Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;[a]
3 he restores my soul.[b]
He leads me in right paths[c]
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[d]
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely[e] goodness and mercy[f] shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.[g]
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Sermon Series: Good Grief
Experiencing loss is one of the hardest things people face. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of a dream you once had; the result can be a time of extended grief. Sometimes as Christians we may be tempted to think that we shouldn’t grieve. Or at least, it should be brief. But over the next four weeks we’ll look together at God’s teaching in scripture that helps us to understand that grieving can be good for our soul. Good Grief brings healing. Guided by scripture and the work the work of Kenneth C. Haugk, the founder of Stephen Ministries, we will face our grief and embrace the healing that comes from Jesus.
February 6 – A Time to Grieve
All loss is personal and unique. Therefore, there is no “one way” to grieve. What does unite all of us is the need to allow ourselves the time to grieve. We sometimes ask, “how long?” How long will we feel this way? How long until the pain leaves? The psalmist joins in our cry, asking God, “how long, O Lord?”
Psalm 6:2-3
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing;
O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.
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In January we set our eyes on the year ahead and commit ourselves to a renewed vision for our church. In 2022 we commit ourselves to Seek Jesus and Serve Others. All this month, we will look at what scripture teaches us about our call as disciples to Seek after Jesus with everything we are, and in response to Serve the world in his name.
January 30, 2022 – The Greatest Commandment
Jesus was asked one day, out of all the many things God expects us to do, what is the most important? If you’ve been following along, his answer won’t surprise you at all. He tells us to love God with everything we have and love everyone else. Another way to say it is: Seek Jesus and Serve Others.
Matthew 22:34-40 The Greatest Commandment
34 When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 35 and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
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In January we set our eyes on the year ahead and commit ourselves to a renewed vision for our church. In 2022 we commit ourselves to Seek Jesus and Serve Others. All this month, we will look at what scripture teaches us about our call as disciples to Seek after Jesus with everything we are, and in response to Serve the world in his name.
January 23, 2022 – Seek Higher Things
When we seek Christ, we can expect to be changed. The Apostle Paul knows this first hand. His life is a testimony to change. From dissenter to disciple, from persecutor to preacher, from sinner to saint. Later in life, he reflects on what made that change possible: he committed his whole life to seeking Jesus.
Colossians 3:1-11
The New Life in Christ
3 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3 for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your[a] life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient.[b] 7 These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life.[c] 8 But now you must get rid of all such things—anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive[d] language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices 10 and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. 11 In that renewal[e] there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all!
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