Petaluma First Presbyterian Church: Recent Episodes
Pam Novelly
The journey of faith is one of uncertainty and sometimes peril, and always it requires trust in God's promise to lead us in the way we should go. This Sunday we discover that wandering, and even getting lost, may be the exact thing we need to draw us closer to God.
Lent invites us to get to the root of our discipleship and identify with Jesus' journey to the cross. The early Sundays are a wilderness time, an opportunity to go deep into our hearts and the souls of our communities, to recognize the depth of our estrangement from God, and to begin to put things right. This Sunday we begin our Lenten journey with Jesus in the wilderness being tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11).
Continuing in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, Jesus makes a number of startling claims in verses 21-37. Jesus sounds extreme when he makes statements like we will be judged for our thoughts, not just our actions. But what might it mean for us to take seriously these statements, and take seriously the idea that it's not just our good deeds, but even our thoughts and emotions that contribute to the Kingdom of God?
From the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells his disciples to not hide their light but to put it out where everyone can see it. Pastor John expands on this image in his sermon, The Wattage is Up to You.
Pastor John asks the congregation to share how God has been present in our church and lives in the past year.
On this third Sunday in Epiphany - this season of light and revelation - we read the story of John the Baptist suddenly recognizing his cousin Jesus for who he really is and cries, "Behold, the Lamb of God." And John's final request to us is simple: tell the truth.
During Epiphany, this "season of light," we read the story of Jesus' baptism. The divine voice at Jesus' baptism identifies him as the Son of God.
Whenever we read the story of Jesus' baptism, we all have an opportunity to remember our own baptisms and renew our decision to serve and follow Christ.
On Epiphany Sunday, the Magi follow a light - a star that guides them to the Christ child, revealing to the world that this small infant is Lord and King, worthy of praise.
In this holiday Sunday, Linda Dragoo reprises her reading of the Legend of the Three Trees.
Pastor John delivers his pre-Christmas sermon about Joseph and his reaction to the dream. Two of the four gospels narrate the birth of Jesus. The more familiar one, Luke's poetic version with Caesar Augustus, shepherds in their fields, and the babe in the manger, we will read on Christmas Eve. But before we get there, we have Matthew's account. And in Matthew's story Joseph the carpenter from Nazareth has a dream. And despite the fact that Joseph's part in the story is short, and he doesn't even have a single line of dialogue, we know that he's important, because Joseph spent his life near to Jesus. Through good times, and bad times, through the joys and sorrows of life, there was Joseph, near to Jesus. And isn't that what all of us should be striving for as well?
This Sunday in Advent continued with John the Baptist. This time John is not in the wilderness, but rather in prison. And much to our surprise, from there he sends messengers to Jesus, asking "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?"
John had been the outspoken forerunner of Jesus, and now he appears to be the chief questioner of Jesus. Perhaps Jesus did not match up with John's expectations for what the Messiah would be like. Perhaps a good Advent question is this: Will we receive the Messiah, Jesus, as he is rather than as we would have him to be? I mean, really, who is this guy?
A new world is coming, and the Scriptures for last Sunday's service carries a theme of promise and hope. In Isaiah 11:1-10 a healthy shoot emerges from the people who were seemingly cut dry by political upheaval, and there is hope of a new ruler to come. In Matthew 3:1-12, John the Baptist offers instruction on how to prepare during this season of Advent. We need to do more than decorate our trees, exchange presents, and go to church. We need to repent, experience a changed life, and prepare for the one who is coming. In both of these passages there is a claim that history is going somewhere, that the time is full, and that change is in the works.
This week in worship we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is Latin for "coming." It celebrates the most important news about the past and the most important news about the future. Christ has come; and Christ is coming back. Just as the coming of Christ as a baby in Bethlehem took everyone by surprise, although it had long been predicted, so the future coming of Christ in glory will no doubt take everyone by surprise, although it too has long been predicted.
On Reign of Christ Sunday, Pastor John explained that all that we have, all that there is, belongs to God, who reigns over all. We celebrated Thanksgiving, offer our thanks to God for the many gifts that have blessed our lives.
In an attempt to trap Jesus, Sadducees use the law to try to ensnare him. His response basically says that God's plans are different than man's plans and that we can't always discern what God is planning.
In Pastor John's absence, we were fortunate to have the Synod Exec, Nancy Martin Vincent grace our pulpit. She spoke of serving people and God and used the example of the washing of the apostle's feet by Jesus before his trial and crucifixion.
Using the story of Zacchaeus, Pastor John speaks of Stewardship, a sermon delayed because of the Kincaide Fire impacts.
Pastor John's sermon, Where Giving Starts, focused on financial stewardship and how we are called to support God's ministry in our community and in the larger world. Using Paul's letter to the Corinthians, he heard how even then giving with a happy heart was an important part of being a member of the family of Christ.
This week in worship we celebrate World Communion Sunday with Christians throughout the world, remembering our common faith. World Communion Sunday began in the 1930s in the United States as a way to reflect on our global communion with Christians near and far. To celebrate World Communion Sunday, our service will include liturgies from around the world. We'll pray for the global church community, sing songs of unity for God's people, and share in the Lord's Supper.
Prayer is a central concern of the Gospel of Luke. And last Sunday in Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells a parable about a persistent woman who harasses an unjust judge until he finally gives in and gives her the just judgment she demands. This is a parable about how we ought to "pray always and not lose heart." It's also a parable about persistence.
In last Sunday's gospel lesson, Jesus is out on the boundary between his place of origin, Galilee, and that shadowy place known as Samaria. There he meets a group of people who are on the margins - ten lepers - and he heals them all; this despite the strict prohibitions against contact with such "unclean" people. Jesus then sends them on their way to the temple to give thanks, but one returns, and Jesus is amazed that this foreigner came back to show such gratitude (Luke 17:11-19). This is a wonderful story for us to consider, a story about the thanksgiving of an outsider, and the thanksgiving of an outsider.
Last week focused on another parable from Jesus from the Gospel of Luke (16:19-31). Luke has given us some strange and challenging scriptures lately, and this one is no exception. It's a parable of judgment, a disgusting description of the miserable plight of a poor man ("dogs would come and lick his sores") juxtaposed with a scathing picture of the extravagant, cushy lifestyle of an insensitive rich man who wears finery and feasts in luxury. When both men die, things get really interesting, and the whole thing becomes a dire warning about life here on earth and what comes next. It's a real honest-to-God "hellfire and damnation" story for sure.
Luke 16:1-13 (the so-called Parable of the Dishonest Manager) gives us what has to be one of Jesus' most outrageous parables in the Bible. In this one, Jesus appears to commend, or at least has the "master" in his story commend the thievery of a lazy, dishonest steward. It's a weird story. There's a lot of wheeling and dealing going on here, and I'm very curious to unpack it on Sunday and see what's going on inside.
It's a feast day in that we'll once again find Jesus defending himself against the scribes and Pharisees who criticize him for eating with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 15:1-10). If you've been paying attention through Luke's gospel, you know that Jesus was a real party person. He ate with anyone, anywhere, as often as he could. But some grumbled about it. They thought Jesus was sharing table fellowship with all the wrong people. So in typical Jesus fashion, he told them a couple of stories. One about a shepherd who went looking for his one lost sheep, and another about a woman who searched and searched for her one lost coin. It's a story about the lost and found, and all those who are welcome to dine at Jesus' table.
It's amazing that anyone reading through the Gospel of Luke for the first time makes it past chapter 14 without throwing in the towel. That's where Jesus gives a stump speech that's honestly a real turn off. You might say it was his worst sermon ever. Jesus, who is all about loving even your enemy, says to a large crowd following him, "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." Doesn't that sound inspiring?
It's easy to skip right over these hard sayings of Jesus, and indeed, many preachers do! But I think it's important that we give it a look and consider how Luke 14:25-33 invites us to count the cost of following Jesus.
In last week's sermon, Jesus is sitting down for a meal in the home of a Pharisee. In Luke's Gospel, Jesus does some of his best teaching when he's sitting down for a meal with folks. And this time in Luke 14:1, 7-14, he's got quite a bit to say about table manners, how to put together a proper guest list, and even instruction about who should sit where. And what he has to say is...unexpected.
In Luke 12:49-52 Jesus really throws a curveball at us. He says, "I came to bring fire to the earth...Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!" And that includes division between family members! Oh, great. I thought the Gospel was supposed to be Good News about peace, love and unity. All this talk about fire and division sounds terrible.
The Gospel lesson from last week focused on the Rich Fool, a parable that focused on building wealth here on earth but failing to build wealth with God.
Prayer is one of the most important and central Christian practices. And the Lord's Prayer is one of the oldest and most well-known of Christian prayers. Last week in worship we're taking a look at the Lord's Prayer as Jesus teaches it in Luke 11:1-13. Through this prayer, Jesus encourages us to be persistent in prayer. We must keep at it. And we can keep at it because our God keeps at it with us.
Last Sunday's sermon focused on the story of Martha, who becomes irritated with her sister Mary for spending time with Jesus instead of helping around the house (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus responds that Mary has chosen the better part, sitting at his feet. How might we see, in these two sisters, the diverse nature of Christian discipleship? And who do you most relate to, Mary or Martha, in your own discipleship?
The sermon centers around one of Jesus' most familiar and loved parables. In Luke 10:25-37 a man walks up to Jesus and asks him what he must do to inherit eternal life. In response, Jesus tells the story of the Samaritan who showed active mercy for a man in desperate need. As with all of Jesus' parables, it's meaning is open to interpretation and invites questions. Who, in our day would be the two passing by? Who would be the one who stopped? And who would be the person in the ditch? And where do we see this "Good Samaritan" story lived out in our world today?
Only Luke (10:1-20) tells the story of the sending of the 70, and it's there that we see how Jesus refuses to work alone. Jesus enlists ordinary women and men like you and me. He calls us, instructs us, and gives us what we need to do his work in the world.
In Luke 9:51-62, a text that speaks of the stark demands of discipleship. Jesus is on the way to Jerusalem, when he walks into a Samaritan village and encounters rejection, a clear sign of the ominous fate that awaits him in Jerusalem. The way of discipleship can be hard, dangerous, and full of suffering. But despite all that, God gives us what we need to follow Jesus.
Have you ever felt, or known someone who felt alone? Isolated? In need of healing? Tormented by a force outside of your control? If so, this story of the Gerasene man is for you. The good news is that Jesus has power to heal and to save, and the power to control that which is out of our control.
Rev. Linda Powers (with her companion, Beta) provided our sermon, The Trinity - Covering All the Bases. During Discovery Time she helped the children understand the image used to illustrate our cover.
On Pentecost Sunday we celebrated the gift of the Holy Spirit descending in a mighty rush of wind and flame. That Spirit inspired the church's proclamation of Christ's rising, and empowered its mission and ministry in the world. Pentecost invites us to consider the mysterious on-going work of God in our churches, in our lives, and in the world.
Ascension Day, the fortieth day after Easter, marks the day on which Jesus went to the Mount of Olives with his disciples and ascended to heaven before their eyes. Just before his ascension, he called his followers "witnesses" and predicted that they would take his good news throughout the world. Though we still wait for his return, we continue to be witnesses to the reality and the fact of Jesus' reign. We continue proclaiming the good news of the gospel.
We look forward asking a simple question: How then should we live?This Sunday, as Jesus prepares to leave his disciples, his simple answer in John 13 is that we "love one another."
On Gaelic Heritage Sunday we celebrated our heritage, as well as the diversity of God's people all around the world. The service included liturgical elements from the Gaelic tradition, including the Kirkin' o' the Tartans, a bagpiper, and a time to present family mementos in honor of those no longer with us.
In Pastor John's absence (his study leave), Rev. Linda Powers delivered a message centered on the forgiveness of Peter after his denial at Jesus's trial and ultimate crucification.
On the third Sunday of Easter, the story of the risen Christ appearing to his disciples after they had a disappointing night of fishing failure. In this story, Jesus speaks to them and specifically calls Peter to "Feed my sheep," and "Follow me." In this wonderful story from John 21, failure at fishing is followed by encouragement and direction and commissioning from Jesus. Who would have thought that Jesus would choose ordinary people like us to carry on his kingdom-building work in the world? But he did!
Last Week's Sermon 2nd Sunday of Easter The Missing Disciple
On the Sunday after Easter we often read the story of Thomas - Jesus' disciple who refused to believe the other disciples' account of Jesus' resurrection without seeing it for himself (John 20:19-31). Reading this story right after the joy of Easter Sunday acknowledges the complexity of belief. This Sunday, the risen Christ returns to his disheartened disciples, appears to them, breathes upon them, and gives them his peace.
Hopefully, You're Close tells about the women who visited the tomb of Christ and found it empty and Peter's rush to see for himself.
Our service began with a procession of the palms, which recalls the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-40). The palms we waved reflected the fragility of the celebration-since a mere five days later the crowd's adulation turned to hatred.
Rev. Linda Powers delivers a message of love and hope on this Sunday in Lent. As usual, she was accompanied by her companion, Bela.
Jeremiah prophesied during a period of national despair. He's known for his fierce condemnation and judgments of Israel. But he's also known, as we read in Jeremiah 31, as a prophet of daring hope. As we move closer to Holy Week, Jeremiah instructs us in God's creation of a new covenant. When the covenant is written on tablets of stone, it's easy to forget. But if the covenant could be written upon our very hearts, then it is deep within each of us, and gives us what we need to be a more faithful Easter people.
In Lent we admit our sin and shortcomings, that we're not yet the people God desires us to be. Yet even in our sin, by the grace of God there's still time. A merciful God gives us time to turn, to repent, to change our ways and bear fruit for God's Kingdom. The forty days of Lent is a graciously long time to turn from our sinful ways and toward God. This is the good news we hear in Luke 13:1-9. This is the good news of Lent.
Lent is a season that reflects the tension between faith and frailty, hope and doubt. In Genesis 15:1-12, God comes to Abraham and tells this very old, childless man that God is going to make a great people out of him, a family as numerous as the stars in the sky. And what is Abraham's reaction? Doubt. This Sunday, Abraham embodies the Lenten season as a journey (our journey) from doubt to faith.
Lent invites us to get to the root of our discipleship and identify with Jesus' journey to the cross. The early Sundays are a wilderness time, an opportunity to go deep into our hearts and the souls of our communities, to recognize the depth of our estrangement from God, and to begin to put things right.
This Sunday we began our Lenten journey in Deuteronomy 26, with a call to remember and tell the story of God and God's people. It's a story of a wandering people, and God's saving work to lead them home.
Last week was Transfiguration Sunday, which is a transition Sunday. It is a bridge over which we walk to get to the season of Lent. The transfiguration is like a road sign pointing back to Jesus' baptism when he is declared the Son of God, while also pointing toward his crucifixion and resurrection in Jerusalem.
In Matthew 13 Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a guy in a field who stumbles upon buried treasure and immediately sells everything he has in order to buy that field. He says the Kingdom of God is also like a merchant who finds the perfect pearl and cashes in everything to buy it. Have you ever stumbled across something of great value? Experienced the joy of finding it? And have you been willing to do whatever it takes to make it yours? What does it look like to be sold out for God?
The string of parables in Matthew 13 is the focus of this series. Jesus tells these parables to convey something about the unique nature of the kingdom of God. In this sermon Pastor John focuses on the parable of the mustard seed. The seed is tiny, but miraculously capable of germinating into a "shrub" that becomes a "tree" where birds can nest in its branches.
For the next several weeks we'll be spending some time in the "Kingdom Parables" of Jesus in Matthew 13. Last Sunday we jumped right into Jesus' Parable of the Sower. Jesus wants to know, "What's the real dirt on you?" How receptive are you to the Word of the kingdom? To what Jesus is saying? To who Jesus is? What is the condition of your heart?
Focusing on how God has blessed us as a congregation and why Jesus used parables to teach the people was the focus of Pastor John's sermon, Open to Interpretation.
We focused on the baptism of Jesus and our own baptism. As has been done traditionally on this Sunday, we installed new elders and deacons for the upcoming year.
It was back to reality last Sunday, with Christmas over and a New Year begun. In his sermon, After Christmas, Pastor John highlighted the travels of the Magi to visit the Christ Child, and the escape to Egypt by Joseph and Mary to avoid the wrath of Herod.
On the Fourth Sunday of Advent we continued to look at Isaiah 9:2-7, and the four royal titles ascribed to the anticipated new king - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
In the incarnation, God has come to us, has become one of us, one with us. God Almighty has appeared to us in something as vulnerable, as fragile and demanding, as a baby. He has come to us as our Prince of Peace.
We continued our series looking at the four royal titles that describe and anticipate the new king in Isaiah 9:2-7 - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
This Sunday we'll focus on the title "Everlasting Father." How did people understand it then? How did Jesus fit or not fit with this title? And how does God act toward us in both fatherly and motherly ways? As we get closer to Christmas, may you experience God's fatherly and motherly embrace of love.
This week in worship we celebrate the second Sunday of Advent, continuing our series looking at the four royal titles that describe and anticipate the new king in Isaiah 9:2-7 - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
This Sunday we'll focus on the title "Mighty God." How did people understand it then? How did Jesus fit or not fit Israel's expectations of what the Messiah would be like? As we journey toward Christmas and the birth of Jesus, how do these well-known royal titles expand our understanding, and deepen our faith in, Jesus?
Isaiah 9:2-7 is a divine utterance that uses four royal titles to describe the anticipation of a new king-Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This Advent we'll ponder each title. We'll reflect on how the people understood it then, and how Jesus did or did not fit Israel's expectations of what the Messiah would be like. As we journey toward Christmas and the birth of Jesus, how do these well-known royal titles expand our understanding of, and deepen our faith in, this little child born in a stable?
In this sermon, Pastor John wrapped up his series in Acts 1-11. Peter is asked by the church leaders to explain his fellowship with Gentiles. He responds by telling them of a vision he received at Joppa, a vision of God's expansive love. It's a vision that leads to a new world of embrace and well-being that requires no barriers of exclusion.
On this Sunday we offered our thanks to God for the many gifts that have blessed our lives. We heard the story of the Ten Lepers cured by Jesus with only one who showed true gratitude for what Jesus had done.
It was a different worship as we provided our pledges for financial, time and talent support for the church in 2019. It was also Reformation Sunday, where the choir sang Martin Luther's stirring hymn, A Mighty Fortress. We also heard of the martyrdom of St. Steven.
Rev. Linda Powers, our guest speaker, delivered a message focused on her work with homeless youth, and the love and beauty of pets. The therapeutic benefits of pets - unconditional love, sense of purpose, and a friend that is there during the best and worst of times.
Last Sunday, Pastor John spoke about our financial stewardship. As we look ahead to the ministry of this congregation in 2019, how are we being called to support God's work in Sonoma County and the world?
We look forward to what God has planned for FPC and how we can work to fulfill His plan.
We celebrated World Communion Sunday with Christians throughout the world, remembering our common faith. World Communion Sunday began in the 1930s in the United States as a way to reflect on our global communion with Christians near and far. To celebrate World Communion Sunday, our service included liturgies from around the world, prayers for the global church community, songs of unity for God's people, and shared in the Lord's Supper.
In an abbreviated sermon, Pastor John explains that even in the early days of the church, Jesus' followers faced problems about how to run things. The community is growing by leaps and bounds. Some of the bases are not being covered. The Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) feel that their widows were being neglected, so they speak up. New organization and new leadership are needed. It's a process that expands the horizon of the church, and draws God's people together.
We read the story about Peter and John, a healing at the Temple in Jerusalem, the apostles preaching to the crowds, and the Temple authorities who are quite annoyed by all of this. It's one of the early accounts of the church's post-Pentecost conflicts with the religious powers-that-be. It's a story about authority and power, who has it, who doesn't, and who will do whatever it takes to keep it.
Last week, in Acts 2:42-47, we examined what the gift of the Holy Spirit started to look like in the daily life of the early Christians. What spiritual practices shaped them and their witness and mission in the world?
The Book of Acts is full of the energy and excitement of the early Christians as they found God doing new things all over the place, and learned to take the good news of Jesus around the world. It's also full of the puzzles and problems that churches faced then and face today - crises over leadership, money, ethnic divisions, theology, ethics, and serious clashes with political and religious authorities.
This Labor Day weekend, one of the places we catch a glimpse of the biblical perspective about work is Psalm 90. God cares about the routine matters of life, such as home, community, work, and family. And not only does God care about our work, but God is also present with us, working in and through our lives.
The Sabbath is a day for feasting. The Hebrew people received and shared manna in the wilderness, and Jesus broke bread with his disciples. God is the provider, we are the receivers, and together we celebrate. In the Jewish and Christian traditions, shared special meals have always been a central Sabbath practice. Pastor John considers how this ancient Sabbath practice is part of our worship experience.
Sabbath is an invitation to catch your breath physically, mentally, and spiritually. In this we continue to imitate God, who rested and was refreshed on the seventh day of creation. In taking a sabbath break, we catch our breath, and may even catch the Holy Breath of God. After all, it was the risen Christ who appeared to his disciples, breathed on them saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit."
Sabbath is a pause that refreshes us. It could be an entire day. Or it could be smaller moments of time throughout the day. In the pausing, we respond to God's invitation in Psalm 46 to "Be still, and know that I am God!"
Pause. Be still. Know God.
Last Sunday we heard some ways to help make Sabbath mindfulness a regular part of our daily lives.
In his sermon, Pastor John outlines how Jesus again clashed with the Jewish religious leaders when he healed a woman on the sabbath (Luke 13:10-17). For Jesus, the sabbath is a day of liberation, a day to do good, show mercy, save life and free people from bondage. It is a day to experience the passionate love that God has for all people.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus focused on what is appropriate sabbath behavior, and looked at the bigger question of what the sabbath reflects about God. In a dispute with the Pharisees, they challenged Jesus's disciples for plucking grains of wheat because they were hungry. Listen to Pastor John's sermon, Sabbath Feasting, to gain more insight about Jesus's response to this challenge.
Pastor John encourages us to establish a Sabbath observance by using the 3 R's. Listen to the sermon to learn about the 3 Rs.
Last week we celebrated the baptism of Eric and Carol Goodrich's granddaughter, Ella Elizabeth. The message from Pastor John focused on how God is reaching out to us in grace through our own baptism.
Pastor John focused on the Sabbath creation story in Genesis 1:1-2:3. We heard how even on the seventh day God completed his Creation and then rested. There is more to hear in the sermon, Sabbath Creation.
Grete Hansen delivers the message to the children and the adults through the Discovery Time topic - Parable of the Sower.
Pastor John begins in series examining various aspects of Sabbath, which continues for the next few weeks.
Pastor John gives us insights about how the concept of the Holy Trinity- Father, Son and Holy Spirit - were conceptualized and became a part of Christian beliefs.
Using visual arts and references to the arrival of the Holy Spirit, we celebrated Pentecost.
Guest speaker Rev. Linda Powers gave us her insights into the vision of the Ascension and how it was the prelude to the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.
As disciples, we are linked to and closely dependent upon Jesus. In fact, we are so closely linked that, through his grace, we are no longer mere servants; we are nothing less than Jesus' close friends.
In last week's sermon, Faith Is in the Following, based on John 15:1-8, Pastor John spoke of Jesus identifying himself as the true vine, and the possibility of a fruitful life with God. Jesus expects us to bear good fruit, and in order for us to be fruitful, God not only keeps close to us and abides with us, but also cultivates and prunes us.
Using the text from the Gospel of John, Christ described himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. In this we gave thanks, that God did not wait until we came to Him but, like a shepherd searching for lost sheep, God came out and found us and brought us home. We also heard through song and scripture, the Twenty-third Psalm, The Lord is My Shepherd.
On the Sunday after Easter we read the story of Doubting Thomas- Jesus' disciple who refused to believe the other disciples' account of Jesus' resurrection without seeing it for himself. Hearing this story right after the joy of Easter Sunday acknowledges the complexity of belief. Christ returned to his disheartened disciples, appeared to them, breathed upon them, giving them his peace.
After a quiet and somber night on Maundy Thursday, Easter Sunday morning was a glorious day of music, celebration and laughter with the church bursting with families and children. Following the worship the children invaded the front lawn to seek eggs and treasures. Pastor John's sermon, The First Witness, gave insight into Mary Magdalene's connection with Jesus.
In this opening to Passion Week, where we celebrated Jesus' triumphant arrival into Jerusalem, things begin to change very quickly. By the end of the service we moved from the Hosanna to the somberness of Maundy Thursday and the beginning of the Passion.
In his sermon, Drawing All to Himself, Pastor John explains that Jesus does not go to the cross for just one group of people. In John 12:20-33, Jesus says he will be lifted up to draw all women and men to himself. All. Like a great magnet that picks up all kinds of metallic fragments indiscriminately. As we get closer to Holy Week, Jesus continues to foreshadow his death, and its importance in birthing new life. Like a single grain that falls to the earth, dies, and then bears much fruit.
The Old Testament scripture told of the Israelites, weary and complaining about their travels in the wilderness, being bitten poisonous snakes. But God tells Moses to take a poisonous snake and put it on a pole so that everyone who is bitten might see it and live. The New Testament scripture reading includes the Bible's most recognizable verse, John 3:16, where Jesus explains to Nicodemus how to have eternal life.
Rev. Judy Slater brings a different perspective about Jesus's clearing of the temple and his prediction of resurrection.
Halfway through Mark's Gospel, Jesus begins to teach his disciples that he must suffer and be rejected. He then tells them to take up their crosses and follow him. It's a watershed moment in Mark. After this point, events move quickly toward the cross. Pastor John continues to explain the road to Jerusalem.
The early Sundays of Lent are a wilderness time, an opportunity to go deep into our hearts and the souls of our communities, to recognize the depth of our estrangement from God, and to begin to put things right. Last Sunday we joined Jesus in the wilderness, where he spends forty days being tempted by Satan.
Transfiguration Sunday is traditionally celebrated as the worship before the beginning of Lent. In transfiguration Jesus revealed to his disciples role bridging the law and the prophets in the vestiges of Moses and Elijah.
Pastor John relates his remembrances of his father and pruning the apple tree to bring forth new fruit and how communion is a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice for us.
Last week we celebrated how God was present with us in 2017. In worship, we sang hymns and songs of gratitude for God's love and faithfulness and provision. We read Scriptures that speak to the centrality of God in our lives - a God who is with us, a God who saves us and leads us, and causes us to grow. And we prayed, thanking God for the many blessings we received this past year.
In these weeks after Christmas, we're moving beyond our preoccupation with a sweet baby Jesus in a crib to ask the basic question: "Who is this that was born in Bethlehem and is headed toward death in Jerusalem?" This Sunday we continue our conversation about the identity of Jesus, both then and now, for the church and for the world.
Focus on the story of Jesus' baptism, remember our own baptisms, and renew our decision to follow Christ.
Pastor John was still feeling the effects from his recent illness, and read a sermon previously delivered by Fleming Rutledge called Homily for the Feast of the Epiphany.
Pastor John was sick last Sunday, but Jason Dooley, our Clerk of Session, stepped in to deliver a message about the shepherds and angels. Jason did an admirable job with such short notice (he was asked on Saturday).
Christmas Eve and the Fourth Sunday of Advent - we return to the story of Mary being visited by the angel Gabriel, and the surprising news of her holy pregnancy. Her response is truly revolutionary. She sings a song of praise and joy to God, a prophetic song about a world turned upside down.
On the third Sunday of Advent, John the Baptist plays a pivotal role as the messenger and a witness. He is the witness who testifies to the light coming into the world. It's up to us to decide whether or not we'll receive his testimony.
On this second Sunday of Advent we encountered the oddest of Christmas figures -John the baptizer. John noisily intrudes on our Christmas cheer, reminding us that Jesus comes to save sinners, and the road to Bethlehem runs through the cold cleansing waters of the Jordan.
Advent - It celebrates the most important news about the past and the most important news about the future. Christ has come; and Christ is coming back.
Focusing on the Great Judgement Parable in Matthew 25, Pastor John gives insight on how we will be judged for caring for those in need. “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Pastor John welcomes new members to our congregation after his sermon, A Wonderful Web of Dependencies.
Our guest preacher, Dr. Dave Behrs, gave an enlightened and interesting sermon based upon the parable of the Ten Bridesmaids. Using the lyrics from our anthem of the day, Oh Lord Hear Us, and its chorus of Kyrie Elieson, his sermon weaved the parable and Christ's admonishment to be prepared as we do not know when the Lord will call us.
We celebrated All Saints' Day, a time for the Church to remember all those saints, known and unknown, who have gone before us and have faithfully walked the Christian path. The mood of this service was one of celebration and joy for all those people who have borne fruit for the kingdom by their service to Christ. And a time of remembrance for those who touched our lives personally to helps us in our faith journey.
The sermon, God and Caesar, focused on a scene in Jesus' life where he is asked a question about paying taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22:15-22). His answers to such questions challenged the religious and political establishment of his day, and kicked off a reform movement that continues today.
In a rousing sermon, Pastor John's discusses how we demonstrate our love of giving not only through our monetary contribution but sharing in the joy of worship.
At the end of his ministry, Jesus shared a parable about a king extending a gracious invitation to an abundant wedding banquet, but having no sense of the value of the invitation, the invited guests do not come. But the king is not deterred. This party will happen. He sends his servants out into the streets to find anyone and everyone who will come to the celebration. The invitation, open to all, both "good and bad," is a sign of God's inclusive graciousness. And the question Pastor John asked: Will we let go of our excuses and join the party?
As part of World Communion Sunday, our service included liturgies from around the world and we prayed for the global church community, sang for the unity for God's people, and shared in the Lord's Supper with other Christians throughout the world.
Concluding the series on the Psalms, Pastor John provides a summation of the Psalms that we have been reading and discussing this season. Psalm 122 is a celebration of the coming into the house of the Lord with joy and thanksgiving.
Using Jacob's Dream of a ladder reaching to heaven, guest speaker Rev. Linda Powers highlighted how Jacob was an ordinary man that was chosen by God. Once Jacob realized that the place he laid was sacred ground, he built an altar to God.
For the God-believing writer of Psalm 73, nothing is going right. Sometimes stuff happens. Bad stuff. Even to God's people. When that happens, what are we to do? Can we still say that God is our refuge, that God is with us and for us? To see God in the midst of the most difficult circumstances, perhaps what we need is to see everything from another perspective.
Using Psalm 127 as the basis for his sermon, Pastor John focused on the biblical witness in the psalm that God cares about the so-called routine matters of life, such as home, community, work, and family. And not only does God care about our work, but God is also present with us, working in and through our lives.
About one-third of all the Psalms, 50 or more, are considered to be "Psalms of Lament or Complaint." And scholars tell us that more than any other psalm, Psalm 88 is the essence of Lament. Pastor John in his sermon, For Crying Out Loud, discusses the despair and anguish the Psalmist brings to God. Unlike many of Psalms, this one is unresolved and leaves us pondering God's reaction.
Pastor John begins a six-week study on the Psalms. This week using the Psalm 121, known as the "Traveler's Psalm" in the Psalms of Ascent, as it was sung by pilgrims going to the Holy Temple.
Continuing his three part series on the Book of Jonah, Pastor John considers how Jonah, after trying to hide from the LORD, realized that no matter He will find you. Jonah's prayer is a testament that salvation comes from the LORD.
Jonah is commanded by God to go and preach to the great city of Nineveh. But, as we'll soon discover, Jonah's got plans of his own. Over the next few weeks, we'll be on the run with Jonah, we'll pray with him in the belly of a great fish, and we'll consider what it looks like to follow God, even into places we might not want to go.
Lara Dooley shares the story of Esther, gamble to influence the King of Persia to save the Jews from annihilation. Using puppets, blocks and cloth, Lara brings this story to help the children and adults understand how God used this beautiful and resourceful woman to save his people.
Reading the letters of Paul is like opening other people's mail. It's like a message in a bottle from another shore. Even though Paul's letters were not addressed to us specifically, they do show us how we fit in to something larger than ourselves. They offer us a vision of what it means to be a Christian. This Sunday, in Romans 6:12-23, we get a glimpse of that vision and the grace of God.
The spiritual practice of hospitality has always been central to the Christian tradition. It is a sign of our commitment to the kingdom that Jesus offers to people of all ages, nations, races, and classes. Pastor John gives his insights about hospitality in his sermon, The Ministry of Hospitality.
Last Sunday was our Gaelic Heritage Sunday, that included bagpiper, tartans, special bakery items, dancers, and a wonderful message about inclusion.
Last Sunday, we celebrated the holiness of the triune God and seek to know how that holiness can take shape in us.
On Pentecost Sunday we celebrated the gift of the Holy Spirit descending in a mighty rush of wind and flame. That Spirit inspired the church's proclamation of Christ's rising, and empowered its mission and ministry in the world. Pastor John ask us to consider the mysterious on-going work of God in our church, in our lives, and in the world.
Just before his ascension, Jesus called his followers "witnesses" and predicted that they would take his good news throughout the world. Though we still wait for his return, we continue to be witnesses to the reality and the fact of Jesus' reign. We continue proclaiming the good news of the gospel.
Pastor John's sermon was based on both Jesus' promise to send an advocate, the Holy Spirit, and Paul's explanation of what love represents.
Using the events surrounding the risen Christ's visit with the travelers on the road to Emmaus, Pastor John reminds us that Christ meets us on our journeys of faith, even in our places of brokenness.
Dr. Dave Behrs delivered a message of the Good Shepherd. Using the most famous passage - Psalm 23 - and the parable of the Good Shepherd to explain our relationship with God.
Focusing on God's creation and how we have become stewards for Him. In a hands-on activity the children planted a garden on the grounds of the church and Pastor John shared his thoughts about our role.
We were honored to have the Rev. Linda Powers as our guest preacher last Sunday. Along with her friend, Vada, (a beautiful golden retriever) Linda shared with us her experiences and thoughts in dealing with the homeless in Napa County. Linda works for Community Action of Napa Valley as the Program Director for all the Shelter Services in Napa County.
On a Sunday where we sang praises in the Processional Alleluia, and ended with the Hallelujah Chorus, Pastor John describes the events of the Resurrection and how God Came Back
We recalled the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem with palms waved to reflect the fragility of the celebration-since a mere five days later the crowd's adulation turns to hatred. On this day, known as Palm and Passion Sunday, we pondered the wonder of God's generosity in the face of human depravity and the possibility of human transformation as a result of divine grace.
Last Sunday, we read how God summoned the wind to breathe life into a valley of dry bones, and Jesus cried, "Come out!" into a tomb where his friend Lazarus has been lying dead for four days. In response to these powerful words of God, the whole house of Israel rises to its feet, and Lazarus, once dead, steps out from his tomb. It is a contrast of life and death - two stories to prepare us for Holy Week, proclaiming God's power, and Jesus as the life and resurrection.
In the longest conversation recorded in the Gospels, Jesus encounters the Samaritan Woman at the well. It is a story that reminds us that we do not come to Jesus; he comes to us. He seeks us out, offers himself to us, and fills us with living water that gushes up to eternal life.
Using the parable of the Good Samaritan, Grete Hansen teaches the children and the congregation what it means to be a neighbor and fulfilling the second Great Commandment - Love your neighbor as yourself.
The conversation in the garden between Nicodemus and Jesus in which Christ reveals himself as the Son of God sent to redeem the world is likely the most quoted and analyzed in the New Testament. (John 3:16) Pastor John explains how God continues to love us through our failures and foibles in his sermon
Jason Dooley preaches using Jerimiah's admonition to be wary of false prophets and the Temptation of Jesus to provide witness of why the church must call out when there is injustice.
Pastor John uses the imagery from his youth to bring meaning to the Transfiguration of Jesus.
Christ is the sure foundation of the Church and is the Heart of Worship. This podcast includes the Ensemble's recording of the Heart of Worship, that Pastor John references in his sermon.
Christ is the sure foundation of the Church and is the Heart of Worship. This podcast includes the Ensemble's recording of the Heart of Worship, that Pastor John references in his sermon.
Using Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth, Pastor John discusses how conflict in a church family can disrupt it fulfilling its mission as a member of the body of Christ.
Pastor John asked an important question: As God's salt and light, how are we making a difference in Petaluma, In Sonoma County, In the world? We continue to look at what our mission is as a Christian congregation.
We looked back and celebrated God's presence with us in 2016. In worship, we sang songs of gratitude for God's love and faithfulness and provision, read Scriptures that speak to the centrality of God in our lives. We prayed, thanking God for the many blessings we received this past year.
We looked back and celebrated God's presence with us in 2016. In worship, we sang songs of gratitude for God's love and faithfulness and provision, read Scriptures that speak to the centrality of God in our lives. We prayed, thanking God for the many blessings we received this past year.
As part of our worship service, we remembered our own baptisms and renewed our decision to follow Christ. Every year on this day we are called to holiness of life and renewed vocation.
We celebrated Epiphany, the climax of the Christmas season and the twelve days of Christmas. The term epiphany is Greek and means "to manifest" or "to show" and this season is associated with the first manifestations of Jesus. In Isaiah 60 we read of the light that will arise upon all people.
Pastor John describes the migration by the Holy Family to Egypt to avoid the wrath of Herod.
A bonus this week as we present both Pastor John with the children during the 7 PM service and his Christmas Eve homily.
Last week's sermon dealt with the heavy burden that Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus had to carry through his betrothal to Mary, the visit from the angel in his dreams, and how he sheltered his family in a time that could have meant disgrace and even death. To hear Pastor John's sermon, Joseph's Dream,
The miracle of the virgin birth and Elizabeth's reaction to seeing Mary pregnant is the focus of this sermon from Pastor John Chase.
Using the example of John the Baptist, Pastor John highlights the need to prepare for the coming of Jesus.
Jason Dooley shares his thoughts about the Parable of the Sower, in which Jesus uses the seeds that never germinate, or wither and die, and finally those that flourish and grow. Making a wonderful harvest for our family of believers.
Luke's version of the Beatitudes is the foundation of Pastor John's sermon on All Saints Day.
The story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector, highlights Pastor John's sermon about giving and stewardship and how the crowds reacted to Jesus sharing a meal with this man who was so despised.
The Psalmist writes, "The Earth is the Lord's, and all that is in it" (24:1). Everything belongs to God, and this week we commit to giving back to God what we have first received as a gift. This was pledge Sunday when pledge cards for 2017 were turned in plus members were asked to consider ways that they would help protect God's creation.
In the first of two Stewardship Sermons, Pastor John gives encouragement to members to look at ways they can give in time, talents, or treasure in 2017. Prayerful consideration is encouraged and considering sacrificing some creature comforts is challenged.
Grete Hansen retold the story of Joseph - how he was sold by his brothers, became an advisor to Pharoh, and saved Egypt and his family by using his gifts of interpreting dreams. It is a story that reminds us that God can take the most difficult circumstances in our lives and use them for God's good purposes.
Along with Christians throughout the world, we shared communion and listened to Pastor John's sermon.
The focus of this sermon highlights when Isaac, Abraham's son met and married Rebekah. The story, one of the longest in the Bible, is full of the ordinary and everyday stuff of faith. It's where, most of the time, we find ourselves... and God finds us.
Abraham is commanded to sacrifice his only son Isaac on Mount Moriah. Is this blind obedience, or faithful trust? A true and living God sometimes demands great things of us. And yet, no sacrifice or bold work that is demanded of us equals God's loving, bold work for us in Jesus Christ. Listen as Pastor John expands on the message of Abraham's final act of obedience to God.
Lara Dooley presents the miracle of feeding the multitudes to the children and the congregation in an interactive story involving the children in the drama.
Pastor John uses the visit of angels to Abraham to highlight that we need to welcome our guests, our visitors, and our strangers. The strangers amoung us may be angels
The idea of a 99-year-old man and a 90-year-old woman having a baby strikes many as both humorous and illogical. But that is what God told Abraham and Sarah - and it came true. Pastor John expands on this story from Genesis in his sermon, Geriatric Humor.
Pastor John uses the call of Abraham and his trek throughout the Middle East to explain how God calls all sorts of people - even some who doubt.
Pastor John uses the confirmation of new members as the basis for his sermon on how each member is a part of the body of Christ.
Grete Hansen leads the children through the Parabale of the Sower with seeds falling on rocks, path, thistle patch, and good soil.
Guest preacher Rev. Dr. Steve Giordano uses the story of the Good Samaratin to highlight the choices we make to help those in need.
A little known story from the Old Testament is backdrop to Pastor John's sermon about freedom and how it is earned.
Jesus cast demons from a man possessed by legions of spirits only to be ridiculed by those who could not accept the Grace of Christ. Pastor John uses this lesson to give us hope as Christians.
The first Childen in Worship Sunday centered on the Good Shepherd. The sanctuary was set up with chairs in circles with a pasture, pond, rocks, and sheep's fold. With the children as lambs Pastor John narrated the story of the Good Shepherd looking for his lost sheep.
The woman washing the feet of the Savior at the Pharisees home is the backdrop for this sermon about sin and forgiveness.
Using Jesus' miracle of raising the son of widow from the dead, Pastor John references how this was not only a dead end for the son but the mother as she would have no one to care for her once her son had passed.
Pastor John relates ideas of faith using the story of Verline, who despite a life of hardship found faith through new friends.
Pastor John expounds on the Three in One - God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Pastor John relates the events of the arrival of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles and Peter's sermon that converted thousands.
Pastor John uses the healing of the paraplegic man in John 5:1-18 to describe how we receive God's Grace as a gift that we don't deserve.
Steve Giordano compares the Bible's description of the resurrection and the depiction of the events surrounding it in the movie, Risen, recently released.
Pastor John used the appearance of the Resurrected Jesus to his disciples, including Thomas, as the backdrop for his sermon, Morning Breath.
Using Jesus' response to the Scribes about his entry into Jerusalem, the Holy City, Pastor John examines the background of the Palm Sunday events.
Pastor John shares insight in the anointment of Jesus' feet at the home of Mary and Martha.
The most famous parable - the Prodigal Son - is recast as from the perspective of the father, who rejoiced with his son's return.
Also the women who participated at the retreat share their thoughts and experiences.
Pastor John uses Christ's parable about the withering fig tree to exhort us to prepare for the Passion and Resurrection of Christ.
The temptation of Christ in the desert, when Jesus uses his training and understanding to overcome all that the devil has presented him.
Pastor John describes the miracle when Jesus was transfigured to Moses and Elijah and God spoke allowing Peter, James, and John to witness the miracle of God's power.
Diane Olson, member of the congregation and Executive Director of Hope Counseling, shares with us her connection with God through her work and the work of Hope.
Pastor John uses the event surrounding the wedding of Cana to introduce Jesus's ministry.
Using the lyrics from Les Miserables, Pastor John highlights how important a name is to an individual and how God recognized his son.
Pastor John uses the visit of the Magi (Men of Magic) to highlight the search to find the Christ Child.
Pastor John relates the story of Mary and Elizabeth - both waiting for the unexpected children - Mary so young and Elizabeth so old.
Pastor John describes how John the Baptist, Jesus's cousin, prepared the way for the beginning of His ministry as voice in the desert.
Pastor John uses readings of people coming home to link Thanksgiving and the Christmas season.
Using recent events Pastor John, illuminates what the kingdom of God on Earth like with Christ the King.
Pastor John uses the events outside of Jericho when Jesus heals a blind man because of his faith.
Pastor John expands on the request of James and John to be on the right and left side of Jesus in heaven. The first shall be last - service is what is required.
Pastor John uses the story of the rising of Lazarus from the dead as the backdrop for his sermon on All Saints Day.
Pastor John concludes his two part series on Stewardship on the day we present our pledges for 2016. In this sermon he delves into sacrificial giving by relating the story of the widow's mite and how God wants us to give cheerfully.
How do I get to heaven? asked the young ruler. And Jesus said to sell all your possessions and follow me. Pastor John explores this directive that Jesus gives the young nobleman and how it applies to us today.
Pastor John uses the description in Mark's gospel about burning in hell to define what hell would be like.
Pastor John uses the description in Mark's gospel about burning in hell to define what hell would be like.
Pastor Julie Anderson Love from San Anselmo delivers a message about the apostles who were discussing which was to be the greatest amongst them to which Jesus said that the first would be last and that they would need the innocence of the child to enter the Kingdom of God.
Pastor John uses a story about a father whose son is tormented by an evil spirit. In desperation the man approaches Jesus for help and says that he believes.
Continuing with Mark's Gospel, Pastor John outlines how Jesus' asks his disciples who they say that he is and how He is confident and assured about his identity and destiny.
Pastor John uses the dwarfs in the Chronicles of Narnia to illustrate how only looking inwardly will make your vision narrow and short-sighted.
Pastor John discusses the exchange between Jesus and the Samaritan woman wishing to have her child healed by Him.
Pastor John discusses the exchange between Jesus and the Samaritan woman wishing to have her child healed by Him.
Using the scripture concerning following the arcane rules, Pastor John speaks about how they can be the danger within.
Pastor John uses the miracle of Jesus walking to his disciples and the passage that "he intended to pass them by" to illustrate how God comes to us.
Pastor John relates how Jesus explained to the crowds who followed him that he was the bread of life. Children in war torn areas were given bread at night to calm them so that they could sleep
Pastor John uses the miracle of feeding the 5,000 men as an intro to a reading of a child faced with delivering a message.
Pastor John references the commandment of keeping the sabbath and the need for vacations to recharge a person's batteries.
Pastor John relates the story of the beheading of John the Baptist and how the power of kings can corrupt whereas power from God makes things whole.
Pastor John uses Christ's admonishment to his disciples to take little and expect little when coming to a town as part of their mission to spread His word. Opens with the children's sermon.
Pastor John uses the healing of the woman who touched the Savior's shawl to consider how life is full of interruptions but God is with us always.
Using the story of Jesus calming the storm at sea, Pastor John speaks of how Jesus can calm the storm in our lives.
Our guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Stephen Giordano delivers today's message concerning the parable of the mustard seed, and how from small things large things will grow.
Pastor John uses the rejection of Jesus' family to say that we are all a part of the Family of Christ.
Pastor John describes on Trinity Sunday how the rebirth that Jesus described in the Garden to Nicodemus was the receiving of the Spirit.
The arrival of the Holy Spirit to the disciples is the subject of today's sermon by Pastor John.
Pastor John recalls his relationship with his family in this sermon about family and love.
Pastor John uses the scripture allegory of Christ being the vines and we are the branches and God the Father tends the vineyard to grow His church.
Using the passages from John 10 and Psalm 23, Pastor John expands on the role of the shepherd and his flock.
Robert Coleman from Novato Presbyterian Church speaks about Jesus's appearance to his disciples after his resurrection.
After his resurrection, Jesus came back to his disciples and blessed them and gave them the Holy Spirit. This is what we need to make this a church - not a building, not a budget, not programs - but Christ among us!
In his Easter message, Pastor John references Mark's version of the Resurrection and how it was so abruptly completed. The other gospels cover this event in such a different way, it is surprising how Mark so matter-of-factly concludes his gospel.
On Palm Sunday Pastor John explains what it means to be a preparer of the Way - that even the mundane acts of finding transportation for the Savior is part of the Preparing the Way for the Messiah. And in five days His triumphal entry will become his death knell.
Using the Lectio Divina discussion as a starting point, Pastor John discusses how the word Glory in the context of the scripture about his death impacts all Christians.
Using the snakes in the desert God saves the Israelites from death when Moses creates a bronze snake as instructed by God. Truly God punished them for complaining and bickering but saved them through Moses.
Pastor John provides insight to Jesus's act of clearing the temple of merchants, animals and moneychangers, relating it to the trappings of religion.
Pastor John shares the first discussion of Christ's Passion and how He changed the rules. This recording includes Pastor John's Discovery Time talk with the children.
In the first Sunday of Lent, Pastor John charges us to look at the temptation of Jesus in the desert and what we will do during the Lenten Season to be better Christians.
In the first Sunday of Lent, Pastor John charges us to look at the temptation of Jesus in the desert and what we will do during the Lenten Season to be better Christians.
Using the plot of the movie, Pastor John ties together how the Transfiguration on the mountain was a view of the future and also of what is happening at that moment.
Pastor John continues to explore Mark's gospel where Jesus leaves the home of his disciples to renew his relationship with his Father before beginning his ministry in Galilee.
Pastor John continues to explore Mark's gospel where Jesus leaves the home of his disciples to renew his relationship with his Father before beginning his ministry in Galilee.
In a stirring and thought provoking sermon, Kay Fish interprets the casting out of demons by Jesus at Capernum and how we see demons in our own culture and history.
Elizabeth Hale, member and Director of the Kitchen at COTS, shares experiences she has had in the recent months that confirms that God is an ever-present part of her life.
Pastor John expands on the events surrounding the calling of Phillip and Nathaniel as apostle.
Pastor John uses the visit of the Magi to consider how we rush at Christmas but really need to look for the peace in giving.
Pastor John with the help of Trey Hansen and Grete Hansen reads the scriptures of the Angel Gabriel visit to the Virgin, mother of Jesus. John narrates, Trey is the Angel and Grete is Mary in this reading. John continues to explain how unimaginable Mary's circumstances were and the risks that she takes to become the mother of the Savior.
Lara Dooley chants the Magnificat at the beginning of this sermon and Pastor John expands the meaning and significance of this poor, innocent child-woman that becomes the mother of the Savior.
Pastor John uses the opening of Mark's Gospel and John the Baptist to prepare us for the coming of Jesus at Advent.
Pastor John concludes his study of Genesis with the story of the Tower of Babel and why God chose to scattered the people by confusing their language.
Pastor John highlights the meaning of All Saints day and relates that its the traditions like All Saints Day that sets Christians apart from other faiths.
Kay Fish delivers a message about the Great Commandments from Jesus' discussions with the Pharasees.
After a hiatus of a couple of weeks, Pastor John returns to Genesis for the story of how God promised to never again destroy the world.
Today Pastor John baptized Sawyer Kathleen Churchman - his first infant baptism. During his sermon he challenged us all to recall our own baptism and what it means to support a child through the church.
Pastor John explores the story of Cain and Abel at multiple levels - for the individuals, society and the church.
Pastor John continues his exploration of the earliest book of the Bible and the imagery of the Garden and how death became a reality.
Pastor John continues his series on the very beginnings of the Bible - Genesis 1 - 11. In this instalment, Adam and Eve are tempted and God expels them from the garden to toil for the rest of their lives.
Pastor John in continuing exploration of Genesis, compares how creation of Eve was also the creation of community.
Pastor John continues his series based on the book of Genesis. Today's message is illuminates the second creation story, where God creates Adam from the dust of the earth.
Pastor John highlights the end of the first creation story of Genesis where God paused to view his creation and rested.
Going to the beginning - where GOD creates. Pastor John begins his series on the first 11 chapters of Genesis.
Pastor John illustrates Jesus' message from the Parable of the Weeds in the Field where the evil one sows bad seeds amongst the good. The farmer lets them grow together until the harvest when the weeds will be bound and tossed into the fire.
Pastor John develops the Parable of the Sower where the seeds are cast on different soil and either thrive or die depending on the soil they land. But this is from the perspective of the sower - why didn't he sow all the seeds in good soil? Listen to hear the answer.
Using a story by Tolstoy Pastor John relates the scripture about doing for the hungry, sick and needy as doing it for the Lord.
The members of the Youth Group led worship on Sunday including liturgy, special music, and the message entitled I Know Who I Am.
The members of the Board of Deacons lead worship on this Sunday. Linda Dragoo and Steve Crook deliver a message about what being a deacon means to them.
Pastor John explains how we are all on the road to Emmaus and will recognize Christ amongst us.
Using the text from John's Gospel (John 20:1-18) Pastor John describes the confusion and eventual realization that Christ had risen as he had foretold.
Pastor John explores the multitude of feelings of those witnessing the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem and the Passion to come.
Pastor John returns from bereavement leave to deliver a sermon about death and resurrection. The New Testament story is of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.
Patty Sanders from the Presbytery's Hunger Task Force presented us with information from her trip to Nicaragua, where she visited cooperative growers and provided background for how Fair Trade helps local farmers.
Kay Fish, our choir director, delivers a special message based upon the exchange between Jesus and the Samaritan Women at the well. She highlights that the women is marginalized in her community but Jesus gives her hope through drinking of the water of the spirit.
Pastor John explains the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus about being reborn in the spirit.
Christ is tempted by Satan but according to Pastor John's interruption its more than just food, power, and glory that he was tempted with.
Pastor John continues to discuss the Sermon on the Mount and the hard phrases that Jesus gave to the people about loving everyone.
Pastor John continues to outline his thoughts about the sermon on the mount including examining the scriptures related to commandments concerning murder and adultery.
Pastor John continues his exploration of the Sermon on the Mount and the transfiguration
Pastor John redefines Blessed to mean Happy as he explores the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount.
Three people share experiences from their lives about how God was working in their lives in 2013
Pastor John leads us through when Jesus called his disciples - I will make you fishers of men.
Pastor John describes how through His baptism he demonstrated his obedience to his Father.
Pastor John observes Epiphany describing the journey of the wise men and the journey we all make in life.
John the Baptist was a disgusting man in dress and demeanor - but was the foreteller of the coming of Christ. Pastor John provides insights into John's mission and life.
Wow! Pastor John looks at two highly controversial scriptures - Christ's admonition to enter God's kingdom we will need to eat and drink of his body, and wives supplicating to their husbands. Not easy to tackle and not always easy to understand.
Pastor John continues to use the Epistle to the Ephesians relying of the Wisdom granted to Solomon to explaining how wisdom is granted
Pastor John shares his experience in a theater and explains how being a Christian doesn't mean that you are perfect, only that you are trying to live using the precepts we have been taught.
Pastor John continues his exploration of Paul's letter explaining that all things are possible through prayer.
Pastor John continues his series on Ephesians.
I the Broken Wall, Paul tells the congregation of Ephesus, that there are no Jews or Gentiles, but we are all Christians.
In his initial sermon to the FPC, John outlined that he will be using the Letter to the Ephesians for the next few months as his source for lectionary material
Pastor Pam leads us through paraphrasing the Lord's Prayer in our own words using our own ideas and beliefs.
Speaking at neutral pulpit, Rev. Core referenced how she was asked to join the chain of young friends and learned to be a part of God's children.
Pastor Pam uses the parable of the rich man who stored all his wealth on the day before he died. You fool, Jesus said.
Pastor Pam illustrates how the conflict between Martha and Mary when he visits gives insights to the Kingdom of Heaven
Rev. John Chase, candidate for pastor at FPCP, delivers a sermon of how the kingdom of heaven is like little children.
Pastor Pam describes how Jesus casts out the many demons from a man to a herd of pigs - the name of the demons was "Legion" - signifying many and equating the demons to the Romans
Pastor Pam provides a point/counterpoint between King Ahab and Jezebel and the woman washing Jesus's feet to explain the continum of behavior.
God can accomplish what he wants without the church's help or interference. The exodus from mainline churches is the due to the perceived irrelevance and hypocrisy of the church. What passes for spiritual is creating a God of our own making.
Guest Pastor Steve Moulyn provides a personal glimpse of the Prodigal Son and how God loves us and wants us to return to Him.
Doug Manson brought his A game to FPC as he related how he accepted Jesus and challenged us to consider spending more time to understand what Jesus means to us personally.
Pastor Pam describes how the Holy Spirit was given to the Apostles by Jesus after his resurrection.
Pastor Pam delineates the differences between Jesus's Triumphal entrance into Jerusalem and Pontius Pilate's show of force entry through another gate. And how quickly things changed for Jesus.
Pastor Pam speaks about her love-hate relationship with Wal-Mart and how the anointing of Jesus' feet compares.
Pastor Pam, quoting the famed theologian, Steven Colbert says "I'm not going to sugar-coat things; this is Lent."
The barren fig tree will be destroyed if it doesn't give fruit - repent.
Pastor Pam relates the passage of a mother hen protecting her chicks to how God's Love enfolds us
Luke 4:1-13 - Pastor Pam explores the temptations presented to Jesus during his forty days of fasting and poses the question -"Why else would we need Jesus if we didn't succumb to temptation?"
Jesus passes through our midst all the time-finding him, and following when we see him.
Pastor Pam compares Obama's recent Inaugural Address with Jesus' proclaiming himself to his family and neighbors in the synagogue in Nazareth
Pastor Pam reads the story A Gift of Nothing and reflects on the relationship between Mary and her son.
An introduction by Rebecca Ellecamp and meditation thoughts on Christmas by Pastor Pam Novelly
Pastor Pam uses the 'empty' chair to interview John the Baptist about his unusual style and combative nature.
Originally to be a sermon about John the Baptist's roots and personal nature, the sermon takes a different direction.
Pastor Pam describes how the Advent Season doesn't always meet our expectations but we still look forward to the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior. David Coe provides a musical connection to the scripture reading as a preview to Pam's sermon
Pastor Pam celebrates the New Year's Eve in the liturgical year - the end of the year before the beginning of the Advent Season.
Shaken to the core - Pastor Pam uses the metaphor of cracks in the foundation to illustrate our relationship with God
Pastor Pam relates the rain of the Black Cubes in the British series, "Dr. Who" to our spirit of hope for a brighter future.
Pastor Pam explains how forgiving Christ is for even those who are close to him and how they never really understood his mission.
Pastor Pam explains the meaning of the passage concerning the camels passing through the eye of a needle. All things are possible for God
Donna Wall conquers her fears to speak to us about how important music is to her worship experience and the joy she feels from hearing the hymns each Sunday
Taking verses from the Wisdom of Solomon 7:22-28, Katherine Buck provides insight about God's love for all people
Pastor Pam concludes her series about the Bread of Life sermon by Jesus in John's Gospel
David speaks about his lost opportunities to witness as a Christian and how we need to be ready - because we never know when we will be asked to witness.
Brent Russell gives his thoughts on who we look to as our hero - whose life we should try to emulate.
Using the Beatles' classic, All You Need Is Love, Pastor Pam relates the conversion of Ethiopian by Phillip.
Elder Lonna Mulkey speaks about her personal calling and how to know if God is calling you
A House Built on a Rock will withstand a storm; A house built on sand will surely crumble.
When we’re not dodging raindrops, we’re worrying about our own provisions – housing, food, clothing, transportation, insurance. Wouldn’t it be great to be wealthy and not have any of these troubles? The Bible says you can be wealthy and still be a fool. But, you can also be rich and wise...
How do we build community in the church? When have you felt the love and caring of your church?
Church is not heaven and heaven is not one never-ending church service interspersed with potluck suppers and committee meetings.
This is a new year, but Jesus says anything can be made new, there must be a New You. Through faith in Jesus Christ, you can be made new.
Tolerating Jesus is good, appreciated Jesus is better. But the angels and shepherds call us to nothing less than adoration.
There’s no need to wait. Jesus came to bring joy to people, to all of creation – to you and me.
The shepherds didn’t just watch a miraculous event. The shepherds took action, they spread the news and they worshiped. Let us do the same.
During this season, which the church calls Advent, we will take a closer listen to some of the great songs of Christmas. This Sunday, we will sing and reflect on the ancient chant, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
During this season, which the church calls Advent, we will take a closer listen to some of the great songs of Christmas. This Sunday, we will sing and reflect on the ancient chant, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
Are you stuck? The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I believe that step is a decision, a commitment.
Are you stuck? The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I believe that step is a decision, a commitment.
God does not measure success by accumulation. In God’s economy, if you are faithful with little, you will be entrusted with much. You will be entrusted with "true riches" (Luke 16:1).
Money is an emotional topic. Money can bring worry, anger, fear. This has been the Year of Fear. As believers, we can overcome fear with faith.
God provides for all, but he provides exceptionally for those who are generous to others.
The problem with most churches is low self-esteem. We are a people of God, loved and redeemed, loving and redeeming our world.
There’s an ugly little thing that all of us deal with to one extent or another – it is the desire to control our environment.
What is gentleness? We want to be treated with gentleness. We hear promises - there's the dentist - Gentle Dental? Laxatives claim to be gentle, but can you believe it?
Is your attitude towards work, TGIF or Thank God it's Monday!? Is your work satisfying? You can be satisfied with your work. Better yet, you can even enjoy your work.
The one thing we must be good at is prayer. "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,"- Colossians 4:2.
There is a Unifying Principle, an Organizing Principle of all. And that Unifying Principle is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
The central and most important part of any church must be the message. We are recipients of the message and students of the message. We are living the message and stewarding of the message.
Esther showed great wisdom and patience under pressure. As a result of her faithfulness, her people were saved.
What does God do with us when we've screwed up? How can we live in the joy of Christ's resurrection?
Jesus suffered - not only on the cross - but also through the night of trials. Jesus' example helps us through our own trials.
Spiritual formation involves taking what we know and do and integrating it into our life experiences.
Obedience boils down to faith. Do I believe God when he says I will gain my life, when I give it?
It seems that everyone we know has an agenda for us. So do we. But God's agenda is what matters most. And God is loving and patient in his work in us.
In order to put God first in our lives, we must root out the gods that compete for our affections.
Like our planet, which cannot be understood apart from acknowledging the centrality of the Sun, so we cannot understand who we are and where we are going without acknowledging the centrality of God.
Fellowship is never better than the quality of our relationships. We need to approach each other with selflessness and humility.
We can reach out with the Good News of Jesus Christ more effectively when we do it together - in small groups - and when we lead with our hands and feet.
Lots of products offer to change your life, but when it comes to character, only God can change us. And God uses fellow believers. 40 Days of Community.
You may not be persecuted for your faith, but Christians who share their faith know what it is to be insulted, misunderstood and mistreated. Jesus says, you are blessed, you have a reward in heaven.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught his disciples to pray, "Our Father, who art in heaven..."
Jesus did not say the righteous would be filled. It's those who hunger for what they do not have - God's righteousness.
Don't worry about your enemies & their motives. They can't hold you up on your dream journey. God's intention is what matters.
Allow God to transform your character, since character is what guides the dream journey-process.
Be faithful to God's call, be obedient to God's will where you are. Prepare the best that you can and be on the lookout for your opportunity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
We cannot change or control another person, but we do have great power to influence, when we change our own attitude.
What do you do when the church, that once brought you comfort and peace, is bringing you stress, anger? Sermon with text messages read.
The power in which God raised Jesus from death to life is the power that is available to us today.
Talking about Palm Sunday - was it a political rally gone wrong? Or did Jesus intend it.
As there are seasons in nature, our marriages go through seasons, each with a different set of emotions, attitudes and actions. Credit: Gary Chapman, The Four Seasons of Marriage (book)
We need to grasp the full volume of God's love for us - so we will fully love one another.
Last part of series on the Apostles' Creed - communion of the saints, forgiveness of sins, resurrection of the body and the life everlasting, Amen.
Do we believe in the church - so powerful that the gates of death will not withstand us?
continuing the Apostles' Creed: the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
Growing weary? Fix your eyes on Jesus, who for the joy before him suffered death on the cross.
Life comes with suffering, even life with Jesus Christ. But, there is purpose and blessing in our suffering.
Life comes with suffering, even life with Jesus Christ. But, there is purpose and blessing in our suffering.
continuing on the Apostles' Creed: I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord.
continuing the series on the Apostles' Creed - God the Father, with guest, Adam, college student, cancer survivor.
We can stand firm while storms rage around us when we put our faith in God and God's character.
Peace begins in your heart. When we first experience peace with God, we can have peace in our relationships and in our world.