Evansville Congregational UCC: Recent Episodes
Congregational UCC
Audio from Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI. Selections include sermons, meditation prayer services, and more. An Open and Affirming Congregation of the UCC.
One thing that makes the Bible different from most religiouswritings is that it has no heroes. King David was the most revered ruler in Old Testament history (actually, in any history). Yet, he had an affair with Bathsheba, ordered his generals to put Bathsheba's husband (Uriahthe Hittite) into battle where he would be killed and took Bathsheba as one of his wives. To make matters even worse, a baby born to David and Bathsheba (not the one conceived in the affair) went on to become King Solomon, of wisdomfame. So, in a very real sense, they were rewarded for theiradultery. This is probably why, in Sunday School, we teach about David and Goliath, not David and Bathsheba.
Pastor Bill discusses the story of The Patience of Job
One common phrase in our mutual language is “The patience of Job.” Job was an Old Testament character who suffered every tragedy imaginable and never lost his faith in God. “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away,” said Job.
Well, for the first two of 42 chapters, at least. After losing all his property, his children and being covered with boils, Job finally loses it. He doesn't lose his faith in God. What he does is to demand that God justify his unfair treatment.
Pastor Bill Wineke takes a new look at old stories in the Bible. This week the story of Adam and Eve.
I was taught -- and you most likely were taught -- that sin began in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit. But philosopher Jonathan Rauch suggests that the "forbidden fruit" might actually have been God's greatest gift to us because it enables us to see right from wrong.
The Tower of Babel
This will be our last Bible study until early next year. We begin the season of Advent next Sunday and all of us will have busy schedules.
One word about our hybrid Bible study in general. Each Friday Denise sends out a brief video explaining that week's study. In general, something like 50 percent of the people who get it open the video. And, in general, about five people actually attend the discussion following church on Sunday.
I have led Bible studies in churches all over Wisconsin. In general, about five people come to the discussion. Five is enough. Jesus said wherever two or three are gathered in his name, there is will be also.
But the 50 percent who see it is why we make the video in the first place. So, we are all good.
Now, for this week's lesson on Genesis 11, the Tower of Babel.
In the early chapters of Genesis, God is presented as basically a human man who engages directly with his people. He is not everywhere at once. He drops in to see what's going on.
In Babel, people have been so successful that they decide to build a tower pointing to their glory. This is a very human trait. We do the same things today.
God, however, did not want potential completion. He confused the peoples' language so that no one could understand another. We call that an “etiology,” meaning an explanation for a phenomenon, in this case, the multiplicity of languages.
The underlying message about wealth and power is universal. No one “needs” a mansion or a private jet or a nuclear bomb. No one “needs” a Lexus sedan – but I have one. No one actually “needs” a billion dollars, or 300 billion dollars. We accumulate such things as means to prove our worth and superiority.
Those “proofs” don't last. What lasts are acts of love and of generosity that actually help make the world a happier and safer place.
Pastor Bill
Sunday Worship with special guest Rev. Rachel Bauman Wisconsin Associate Conference Minister
Pastor Bill Wineke
John 10:1-10
apologies for background noise that could not be edited out
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Faith in this Time: A conversation with Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton, Executive Director of Community Renewal in Chicago, IL.
Find Community Renewal Society: www.communityrenewalsociety.org
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Living in this moment and praying for the welfare of all: Jeremiah 29:4-11 & Matthew 5:1-12.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Looking to the Bible for lessons on how (and how not) to find guidance through troubling times. - Exodus 14:19-31
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer,
Christ followers being shown the harm of not welcoming, as Jesus show them the power of faith. - Matthew 15:10-18
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
There is nothing that can keep us from the love of God, revealed in Christ. Romans 8:26-39
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Rev. Kerri Parker, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, preaches about what it means to take up our cross and follow Christ.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Trinity Sunday, the Great Commission, and a consideration at what the Good News is by looking at the life of Jesus from which it came.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
May 31, 2020 Congregational UCC celebrated Confirmation and joyfully welcomed 3 people as members of the church. It was a service built around that ritual and with no traditional sermon. So, to offer a message, especially in light of all that is happening, Pastor Shaun sent out this message as a letter to the congregation.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
"While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven..." A sermon about moving from learning to doing as we remember Christ's ascension.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled." A sermon about following the Way in stressful times.
Service of scripture and spoken prayer surrounding 5 minutes of silent centering prayer.
On Holy Saturday 2020, Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI held a virtual prayer vigil with an hourly scripture reading, prayer, and time for contemplation. Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember Jesus in the tomb, so the scripture themes are filled with the range of emotions one might expect in times when things seem their worst, anger and fear, courage and patience, hopelessness and nascent hopefulness. Listen to one that speaks to your need or emotion this moment, or listen to them in order for a spiritual journey through the emotions of this sacred day.
On Holy Saturday 2020, Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI held a virtual prayer vigil with an hourly scripture reading, prayer, and time for contemplation. Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember Jesus in the tomb, so the scripture themes are filled with the range of emotions one might expect in times when things seem their worst, anger and fear, courage and patience, hopelessness and nascent hopefulness. Listen to one that speaks to your need or emotion this moment, or listen to them in order for a spiritual journey through the emotions of this sacred day.
On Holy Saturday 2020, Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI held a virtual prayer vigil with an hourly scripture reading, prayer, and time for contemplation. Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember Jesus in the tomb, so the scripture themes are filled with the range of emotions one might expect in times when things seem their worst, anger and fear, courage and patience, hopelessness and nascent hopefulness. Listen to one that speaks to your need or emotion this moment, or listen to them in order for a spiritual journey through the emotions of this sacred day.
On Holy Saturday 2020, Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI held a virtual prayer vigil with an hourly scripture reading, prayer, and time for contemplation. Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember Jesus in the tomb, so the scripture themes are filled with the range of emotions one might expect in times when things seem their worst, anger and fear, courage and patience, hopelessness and nascent hopefulness. Listen to one that speaks to your need or emotion this moment, or listen to them in order for a spiritual journey through the emotions of this sacred day.
On Holy Saturday 2020, Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI held a virtual prayer vigil with an hourly scripture reading, prayer, and time for contemplation. Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember Jesus in the tomb, so the scripture themes are filled with the range of emotions one might expect in times when things seem their worst, anger and fear, courage and patience, hopelessness and nascent hopefulness. Listen to one that speaks to your need or emotion this moment, or listen to them in order for a spiritual journey through the emotions of this sacred day.
On Holy Saturday 2020, Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI held a virtual prayer vigil with an hourly scripture reading, prayer, and time for contemplation. Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember Jesus in the tomb, so the scripture themes are filled with the range of emotions one might expect in times when things seem their worst, anger and fear, courage and patience, hopelessness and nascent hopefulness. Listen to one that speaks to your need or emotion this moment, or listen to them in order for a spiritual journey through the emotions of this sacred day.
On Holy Saturday 2020, Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI held a virtual prayer vigil with an hourly scripture reading, prayer, and time for contemplation. Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember Jesus in the tomb, so the scripture themes are filled with the range of emotions one might expect in times when things seem their worst, anger and fear, courage and patience, hopelessness and nascent hopefulness. Listen to one that speaks to your need or emotion this moment, or listen to them in order for a spiritual journey through the emotions of this sacred day.
On Holy Saturday 2020, Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI held a virtual prayer vigil with an hourly scripture reading, prayer, and time for contemplation. Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember Jesus in the tomb, so the scripture themes are filled with the range of emotions one might expect in times when things seem their worst, anger and fear, courage and patience, hopelessness and nascent hopefulness. Listen to one that speaks to your need or emotion this moment, or listen to them in order for a spiritual journey through the emotions of this sacred day.
On Holy Saturday 2020, Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI held a virtual prayer vigil with an hourly scripture reading, prayer, and time for contemplation. Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember Jesus in the tomb, so the scripture themes are filled with the range of emotions one might expect in times when things seem their worst, anger and fear, courage and patience, hopelessness and nascent hopefulness. Listen to one that speaks to your need or emotion this moment, or listen to them in order for a spiritual journey through the emotions of this sacred day.
On Holy Saturday 2020, Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI held a virtual prayer vigil with an hourly scripture reading, prayer, and time for contemplation. Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember Jesus in the tomb, so the scripture themes are filled with the range of emotions one might expect in times when things seem their worst, anger and fear, courage and patience, hopelessness and nascent hopefulness. Listen to one that speaks to your need or emotion this moment, or listen to them in order for a spiritual journey through the emotions of this sacred day.
On Holy Saturday 2020, Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI held a virtual prayer vigil with an hourly scripture reading, prayer, and time for contemplation. Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember Jesus in the tomb, so the scripture themes are filled with the range of emotions one might expect in times when things seem their worst, anger and fear, courage and patience, hopelessness and nascent hopefulness. Listen to one that speaks to your need or emotion this moment, or listen to them in order for a spiritual journey through the emotions of this sacred day.
On Holy Saturday 2020, Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI held a virtual prayer vigil with an hourly scripture reading, prayer, and time for contemplation. Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember Jesus in the tomb, so the scripture themes are filled with the range of emotions one might expect in times when things seem their worst, anger and fear, courage and patience, hopelessness and nascent hopefulness. Listen to one that speaks to your need or emotion this moment, or listen to them in order for a spiritual journey through the emotions of this sacred day.
On Holy Saturday 2020, Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI held a virtual prayer vigil with an hourly scripture reading, prayer, and time for contemplation. Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember Jesus in the tomb, so the scripture themes are filled with the range of emotions one might expect in times when things seem their worst, anger and fear, courage and patience, hopelessness and nascent hopefulness. Listen to one that speaks to your need or emotion this moment, or listen to them in order for a spiritual journey through the emotions of this sacred day.
On Holy Saturday 2020, Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI held a virtual prayer vigil with an hourly scripture reading, prayer, and time for contemplation. Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember Jesus in the tomb, so the scripture themes are filled with the range of emotions one might expect in times when things seem their worst, anger and fear, courage and patience, hopelessness and nascent hopefulness. Listen to one that speaks to your need or emotion this moment, or listen to them in order for a spiritual journey through the emotions of this sacred day.
On Holy Saturday 2020, Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI held a virtual prayer vigil with an hourly scripture reading, prayer, and time for contemplation. Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember Jesus in the tomb, so the scripture themes are filled with the range of emotions one might expect in times when things seem their worst, anger and fear, courage and patience, hopelessness and nascent hopefulness. Listen to one that speaks to your need or emotion this moment, or listen to them in order for a spiritual journey through the emotions of this sacred day.
On Holy Saturday 2020, Congregational United Church of Christ in Evansville, WI held a virtual prayer vigil with an hourly scripture reading, prayer, and time for contemplation. Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, when Christians remember Jesus in the tomb, so the scripture themes are filled with the range of emotions one might expect in times when things seem their worst, anger and fear, courage and patience, hopelessness and nascent hopefulness. Listen to one that speaks to your need or emotion this moment, or listen to them in order for a spiritual journey through the emotions of this sacred day.