Encountering The Spirit (Week 5)
In the final of this sermon series, Encountering The Spirit, Pastor Scott is joined today by Spiritual Director and Arapaho's online evangelist, Aaron Manes, as they reflect on the words of the prophet Joel, "I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh."
Pew Research Center paradoxically reports that more than 50% of Americas say they have had a "religious or mystical" experience. Yet, the number of Americans who claim "no religious affiliation" has reached a staggering 70 million.
In 2021, it's fair to say that science has taken us farther in understanding the universe in the last hundred years than religion has in 10,000. But we gain nothing in knowing what is out there if we have never looked within.
Could we actually be witnessing a spiritual enlightenment? Is our new "religion" framed by our lived experience? Check out Aaron's blog, New Questions, New Roles. What is your new role?
In the final of this sermon series, Encountering The Spirit, Pastor Scott is joined today by Spiritual Director and Arapaho's online evangelist, Aaron Manes, as they reflect on the words of the prophet Joel, "I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh."
Pew Research Center paradoxically reports that more than 50% of Americas say they have had a "religious or mystical" experience. Yet, the number of Americans who claim "no religious affiliation" has reached a staggering 70 million.
In 2021, it's fair to say that science has taken us farther in understanding the universe in the last hundred years than religion has in 10,000. But we gain nothing in knowing what is out there if we have never looked within.
Could we actually be witnessing a spiritual enlightenment? Is our new "religion" framed by our lived experience? Check out Aaron's blog, New Questions, New Roles. What is your new role?
Encountering The Spirit (Week 2)
In today’s sermon, Pastor Scott focuses on a rather famous biblical figure you only thought you knew - Samson. Setting aside all the Old Testament violence, Samson was set apart by God through the Spirit (Hebrew – "Ruach") to be a Judge over Israel, whose strength will liberate God's people from the Philistines. At least that was the plan. What lesson is Samson still teaching today about the proper use of this "Ruach," the Spirit in service of the people of God?
In today’s sermon, Pastor Scott focuses on a rather famous biblical figure you only thought you knew - Samson. Setting aside all the Old Testament violence, Samson was set apart by God through the Spirit (Hebrew – "Ruach") to be a Judge over Israel, whose strength will liberate God's people from the Philistines. At least that was the plan. What lesson is Samson still teaching today about the proper use of this "Ruach," the Spirit in service of the people of God?
Encountering The Spirit (Week 1)
Last week was the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit that gave birth to the church. In this new sermon series, let us look at how the Spirit has been manifest in us throughout the Old Testament as well. Today, let's examine the second creation story.
"The Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." Gen 2:7
This breath of life, this Spirit, is our divine spark, our divine DNA. Later in the story, this new divine being is invited to co-create with God by giving names to everything God made.
We watched in horror as the breath of life was taken from George Floyd a year ago this week. So as you breathe in God, ask, "What is mine to do?" "How can I co-create with You?" And just as the Lord God created a partner, bone of his bone, seek out and share the air with those who see and love you the same way God does. Breathe. Amen.
Last week was the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit that gave birth to the church. In this new sermon series, let us look at how the Spirit has been manifest in us throughout the Old Testament as well. Today, let's examine the second creation story.
"The Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." Gen 2:7
This breath of life, this Spirit is our divine spark, our divine DNA. Later in the story, this new divine being is invited to co-create with God by giving names to everything God made.
We watched in horror as the breath of life was taken from George Floyd a year ago this week. So as you breathe in God, ask, "What is mine to do?" “How can I co-create with You?” And just as the Lord God created a partner, bone of his bone, seek out and share the air with those who see and love you the same way God does. Breathe. Amen.
Pentecost Sunday: Resurrecting Faith (Week 7)
We're so happy you've joined Arapaho UMC for worship this morning. As we begin to re-open the sanctuary today, it's appropriate that all of Christendom is celebrating the feast of Pentecost. Our introduction to the Spirit of God and is aptly considered the birth of the church. It is our mission as the church to catch up to the movement of the Holy Spirit. Arapaho UMC flings open its doors again to you as a community as we pray 'Come, Holy Spirit Come' Welcome to Worship!
We're so happy you've joined Arapaho UMC for worship this morning. It's serendipitous that all of Christendom is celebrating the feast of Pentecost. Our introduction to the third person of the Trinity, the Spirit of God, is aptly considered the church's birthday. As Arapaho UMC flings open its doors again to you, we pray 'Come, Holy Spirit Come'! Welcome to Worship!
Resurrecting Faith (Week 6)
What do we do with our doubts in the life of faith? Sometimes, all we have to offer God is our doubts, and that’s okay. Doubt is not the opposite of faith. Doubt is often a catalyst for faith. In today’s scripture reading on “doubting Thomas,” we see that the most extraordinary faith is born out of doubt.
“My Lord and my God!” [Jn 20:28]
Although Peter proclaimed Jesus “the Christ,” Thomas was the first to identify Jesus as “God.” May our doubts invite God to be made real in our lives and the lives of others.
“Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother.” ~Khalil Gibran
What do we do with our doubts in the life of faith? Sometimes, all we have to offer God is our doubts, and that’s okay. Doubt is not the opposite of faith. Doubt is often a catalyst for faith. In today’s scripture reading on “doubting Thomas,” we see that the most extraordinary faith is born out of doubt.
“My Lord and my God!” [Jn 20:28]
Although Peter proclaimed Jesus “the Christ,” Thomas was the first to identify Jesus as “God.” May our doubts invite God to be made real in our lives and the lives of others.
“Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother.” ~Khalil Gibran
Resurrecting Faith (Week 5)
This morning’s scriptures tell us that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with everything you've got. Jesus continues, the second is commandment "is like" it - a logical equivalency. If A, then B. If you love God…really love God, you also love your neighbor as yourself. This is what Wesley refers to as both personal and social holiness. From one relationship flows the other and the two are inseparable. The light that comes from loving God allows us to be a light in someone else’s darkness. It is our very nature to be the light of the world. Another logical equivalency is your “likeness” to God. If God is holy, therefore you too are holy. It only takes a single candle can drive the darkness away. So, the only real question is how does your candle shine? Shine on, Arapaho, and let the love of God be the match that lights the flame.
This morning’s scriptures tell us that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with everything you've got. Jesus continues, the second is commandment "is like" it - a logical equivalency. If A, then B. If you love God…really love God, you also love your neighbor as yourself. This is what Wesley refers to as both personal and social holiness. From one relationship flows the other and the two are inseparable. The light that comes from loving God allows us to be a light in someone else’s darkness. It is our very nature to be the light of the world. Another logical equivalency is your “likeness” to God. If God is holy, therefore you too are holy. It only takes a single candle can drive the darkness away. So, the only real question is how does your candle shine? Shine on, Arapaho, and let the love of God be the match that lights the flame.
Resurrecting Faith (Week 4) - Student Sunday
Today is United Methodist Student Day, one of six church-wide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church. This student-led worship service calls the church to support its students by preparing them for life by uniting faith with knowledge. Your offering provides scholarships, like the one given to George Sulkowski this morning, and helps support AUMC youth mission trips and other student outreach projects. Thank you for your generosity.
Today is United Methodist Student Day, one of six church-wide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church. This student-led worship service calls the church to support its students by preparing them for life by uniting faith with knowledge. Your offering provides scholarships, like the one given to George Sulkowski this morning, and helps support AUMC youth mission trips and other student outreach projects. Thank you for your generosity.
Resurrecting Faith (Week 3)
A Gallup poll reported recently that less than 50% of Americans are members of a church, synagogue, or mosque. Pew Research reported that the people who sensed a deep sense of peace and spiritual well-being increased during that same time period. Not surprisingly, it has been trending in this direction for decades. How are we, as a spiritual community, to respond?
A Gallup poll reported recently that less than 50% of Americans are members of a church, synagogue, or mosque. Pew Research reported that the people who sensed a deep sense of peace and spiritual well-being increased during that same time period. Not surprisingly, it has been trending in this direction for decades. How are we, as a spiritual community, to respond?
Resurrecting Faith (Week 2)
Welcome to worship here in Richardson, Texas or wherever you may be joining from today. Today, Arapaho UMC’s Rev. Cathy Sweeney discusses the incarnational theology found in today’s scripture (Luke 8:42b-48) with Rev. Eliana Rios. Along with other pastors from the North Texas Conference, Pastor Eliana and her husband spent their Easter morning down at the Dallas Convention Center leading worship and ministering to 12-17 yr-old unaccompanied asylum seekers from Central America sheltered there by the City of Dallas as a holding station for their family members to meet them.
Welcome to worship here in Richardson, Texas or wherever you may be joining from today. Today, Arapaho UMC’s Rev. Cathy Sweeney discusses the incarnational theology found in today’s scripture (Luke 8:42b-48) with Rev. Eliana Rios. Along with other pastors from the North Texas Conference, Pastor Eliana and her husband spent their Easter morning down at the Dallas Convention Center leading worship and ministering to 12-17 yr-old unaccompanied asylum seekers from Central America sheltered there by the City of Dallas as a holding station for their family members to meet them.
Resurrecting Faith (Week 1)
Welcome to worship here in Richardson, Texas or wherever you may be joining from today. Today we begin a new series called “Resurrecting Faith,” where we will revisit key elements of our faith and listen to what they may be teaching us today. We have special music from Alma and Luis today as well. We are glad you are here.
If this is your very first time watching or you have been attending online for a while, we want you to get more connected. The best way to do that is to fill out the “I’m New” connection form at www.arapahoumc.org/new. This information will help our pastors get in touch with you to share more about the ministry and mission of Arapaho.
Welcome to worship here in Richardson, Texas or wherever you may be joining from today. Today we begin a new series called “Resurrecting Faith,” where we will revisit key elements of our faith and listen to what they may be teaching us today. We have special music from Alma and Luis today as well. We are glad you are here.
If this is your very first time watching or you have been attending online for a while, we want you to get more connected. The best way to do that is to fill out the “I’m New” connection form at www.arapahoumc.org/new. This information will help our pastors get in touch with you to share more about the ministry and mission of Arapaho.
Searching for a Miracle (Easter Sunday)
Arapaho United Methodist Church is a creative, constructive, Christian community committed to becoming more like Christ.
We envision a Christian community of transformed people who embody God’s love and work together in the Spirit to transform the world.
If you are newly watching and would like to hear from a pastor, go to www.arapahoumc.org/new and fill out a short form.
Arapaho United Methodist Church is a creative, constructive, Christian community committed to becoming more like Christ.
We envision a Christian community of transformed people who embody God’s love and work together in the Spirit to transform the world.
If you are newly watching and would like to hear from a pastor, go to www.arapahoumc.org/new and fill out a short form.
Searching for a Miracle (Palm Sunday)
Why don't we see the miracles of Jesus today?" It's a common question, as we read stories of healing and hope and power in the Gospels. During this season of Lent, the 6-week season approaching Easter, we will take a closer look at some of Jesus' miracles and consider how we are invited to not only witness but also participate in these miracles today. What does it mean to turn water into wine? To walk on water? To cast out demons? Are these miracles bound in the pages of our Bibles, or could they come alive once again?
Palm Sunday | March 28, 2021: "Searching For A Miracle" =====
If you are new to the Arapaho UMC community and would like to be contacted by a pastor, please visit www.arapahoumc.org/new
Searching For A Miracle: "Why don't we see the miracles of Jesus today?" It's a common question, as we read stories of healing and hope and power in the Gospels. During this season of Lent, the 6-week season approaching Easter, we will take a closer look at some of Jesus' miracles and consider how we are invited to not only witness but also participate in these miracles today. What does it mean to turn water into wine? To walk on water? To cast out demons? Are these miracles bound in the pages of our Bibles, or could they come alive once again?
Searching for a Miracle (Lent 5)
"Why don't we see the miracles of Jesus today?" It's a common question as we read stories of healing and hope and power in the Gospels. During this season of Lent, the 6-week season approaching Easter, we will take a closer look at some of Jesus' miracles and consider how we are invited to not only witness but also participate in these miracles today. What does it mean to turn water into wine? To walk on water?
"Why don't we see the miracles of Jesus today?" It's a common question as we read stories of healing and hope and power in the Gospels. During this season of Lent, the 6-week season approaching Easter, we will take a closer look at some of Jesus' miracles and consider how we are invited to not only witness but also participate in these miracles today. What does it mean to turn water into wine? To walk on water? To cast out demons? Are these miracles bound in the pages of our Bibles, or could they come alive once again?
Searching for a Miracle (Lent 4)
"Why don't we see the miracles of Jesus today?" It's a common question as we read stories of healing and hope and power in the Gospels. During this season of Lent, the 6-week season approaching Easter, we will take a closer look at some of Jesus' miracles and consider how we are invited to witness and participate in these miracles today. What does it mean to turn water into wine? To walk on water? To cast out demons? Are these miracles bound in the pages of our Bibles, or could they come alive once again?
"Why don't we see the miracles of Jesus today?" It's a common question as we read stories of healing and hope and power in the Gospels. During this season of Lent, the 6-week season approaching Easter, we will take a closer look at some of Jesus' miracles and consider how we are invited to witness and participate in these miracles today. What does it mean to turn water into wine? To walk on water? To cast out demons? Are these miracles bound in the pages of our Bibles, or could they come alive once again?
Searching for a Miracle (Lent 3)
"Why don't we see the miracles of Jesus today?" It's a common question, as we read stories of healing and hope and power in the Gospels. During this season of Lent, the 6-week season approaching Easter, we will take a closer look at some of Jesus' miracles and consider how we are invited to not only witness, but also participate in these miracles today.
“Why don't we see the miracles of Jesus today?" It's a common question, as we read stories of healing and hope and power in the Gospels. During this season of Lent, the 6-week season approaching Easter, we will take a closer look at some of Jesus' miracles and consider how we are invited to not only witness, but also participate in these miracles today. What does it mean to turn water into wine? To walk on water? To cast out demons? Are these miracles bound in the pages of our Bibles, or could they come alive once again?
Searching for a Miracle (Lent 2)
"Why don't we see the miracles of Jesus today?" It's a common question, as we read stories of healing and hope and power in the Gospels. During this season of Lent, the 6-week season approaching Easter, we will take a closer look at some of Jesus' miracles and consider how we are invited to not only witness, but also participate in these miracles today. What does it mean to turn water into wine? To walk on water? To cast out demons? Are these miracles bound in the pages of our Bibles, or could they come alive once again?
"Why don't we see the miracles of Jesus today?" It's a common question, as we read stories of healing and hope and power in the Gospels. During this season of Lent, the 6-week season approaching Easter, we will take a closer look at some of Jesus' miracles and consider how we are invited to not only witness, but also participate in these miracles today. What does it mean to turn water into wine? To walk on water? To cast out demons? Are these miracles bound in the pages of our Bibles, or could they come alive once again?
Searching for a Miracle (Lent 1)
"Why don't we see the miracles of Jesus today?" It's a common question, as we read stories of healing and hope and power in the Gospels. During this season of Lent, the 6-week season approaching Easter, we will take a closer look at some of Jesus' miracles and consider how we are invited to not only witness, but also participate in these miracles today. What does it mean to turn water into wine? To walk on water? To cast out demons? Are these miracles bound in the pages of our Bibles, or could they come alive once again?
"Why don't we see the miracles of Jesus today?" It's a common question, as we read stories of healing and hope and power in the Gospels. During this season of Lent, the 6-week season approaching Easter, we will take a closer look at some of Jesus' miracles and consider how we are invited to not only witness, but also participate in these miracles today. What does it mean to turn water into wine? To walk on water? To cast out demons? Are these miracles bound in the pages of our Bibles, or could they come alive once again?
Our Work
In an economy of grace, work is a public good, not a private one.
Work gives our lives purpose and stability; it gives us a form of identity.
If God has called us to love each other, then perhaps it is love that is our work.
‘Til Gods' work is done and all things are made new; God has work for us to do.
In an economy of grace, work is a public good, not a private one.
Work gives our lives purpose and stability; it gives us a form of identity.
If God has called us to love each other, then perhaps it is love that is our work.
‘Til Gods' work is done and all things are made new; God has work for us to do.
A Generous Life
This week:
God, where do you want me to be in my giving?
This Week:
God, where do you want me to be in my giving?
Leaning Forward Into the World
Today’s scripture reading is from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Chapter 1, vs. 9-11. At Arapaho UMC, we say we are a forward-leaning Christian community. This describes our desire to be in conversation with others to make a positive impact in the world as we work towards greater social justice, bearing what Paul calls the fruits of righteousness.
Today’s scripture reading is from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Chapter 1, vs. 9-11. At Arapaho UMC, we say we are a forward-leaning Christian community. This describes our desire to be in conversation with others to make a positive impact in the world as we work towards greater social justice, bearing what Paul calls the fruits of righteousness.