Bible On Broadway (Newsies)
AUMC's Bible On Broadway series focuses today on the historical musical drama, Newsies, depicting the 1899 newsboys' strike against publishing magnate Joseph Pulitzer. In this campaign for dignity, we see the human economy of scarcity juxtaposed against God's economy of abundance. Pastor Scott leads us down this same path in Matthew Chapter 15 with the telling of the Canaanite woman. Dignity is not a limited resource. We may live in a zero-sum world, but with our faith fixed on the One who provides, all are fed from the Master's table.
AUMC's Bible On Broadway series focuses today on the historical musical drama, Newsies, depicting the 1899 newsboys' strike against publishing magnate Joseph Pulitzer. In this campaign for dignity, we see the human economy of scarcity juxtaposed against God's economy of abundance. Pastor Scott leads us down this same path in Matthew Chapter 15 with the telling of the Canaanite woman. Dignity is not a limited resource. We may live in a zero-sum world, but with our faith fixed on the One who provides, all are fed from the Master's table.
Bible On Broadway (SpongeBob)
This morning, AUMC's Bible On Broadway series focuses on belonging from the musical SpongeBob. The story celebrates friendship, cooperation, unity, and inclusion - very much the same way the apostle Paul instructs the church at Corinth about the body of Christ. Every individual gift is given for the common good – the good of the whole body. Even if you're only a simple sponge, you are essential to the whole! At Arapaho, we belong to each other. Lean into your gifts, whatever they are. You belong here.
This morning, AUMC's Bible On Broadway series focuses on belonging from the musical SpongeBob. The story celebrates friendship, cooperation, unity, and inclusion - very much the same way the apostle Paul instructs the church at Corinth about the body of Christ. Every individual gift is given for the common good – the good of the whole body. Even if you're only a simple sponge, you are essential to the whole! At Arapaho, we belong to each other. Lean into your gifts, whatever they are. You belong here.
Bible On Broadway (Come From Away)
Most of us have our own stories about September 11, 2001. “Come From Away” shares the story of the town of Gander, located in the northeastern part of Newfoundland, Canada. This small town of 9,000 was changed overnight when thirty-eight jets headed for the United States were diverted to the island. Over 6,500 displaced strangers from almost 100 countries were now stranded on the runways. How would the “Islanders” respond to the sudden influx of refugees? Would fear take over, or would love and care for neighbors prevail?
Most of us have our own stories about September 11, 2001. “Come From Away” shares the story of the town of Gander, located in the northeastern part of Newfoundland, Canada. This small town of 9,000 was changed overnight when thirty-eight jets headed for the United States were diverted to the island. Over 6,500 displaced strangers from almost 100 countries were now stranded on the runways. How would the “Islanders” respond to the sudden influx of refugees? Would fear take over, or would love and care for neighbors prevail?
The Greatest Of These
Today, Pastor Holly examines I Corinthians 13 – an oldie, but a goodie - the scripture passage you only hear in church anymore at weddings. However, marriage was not at all the point of Paul’s exhortation.
Corinth was a Mediterranean trade route and cultural melting pot. And Paul was a newly redeemed Christian persecutor and a born-again missionary. So, where did he go to start churches? Corinth.
In the previous chapter, Paul enumerates the gifts of the holy spirit. In this chapter, he tells us what these gifts are to be used to accomplish.
Paul didn’t want the new church postulating over who has the best spiritual gift. Spiritual gifts are for the common good, not for personal gain. Love is the greatest gift because it is the most transformational.
Today, Pastor Holly examines I Corinthians 13 – an oldie, but a goodie - the scripture passage you only hear in church anymore at weddings. However, marriage was not at all the point of Paul’s exhortation.
Corinth was a Mediterranean trade route and cultural melting pot. And Paul was a newly redeemed Christian persecutor and a born-again missionary. So, where did he go to start churches? Corinth.
In the previous chapter, Paul enumerates the gifts of the holy spirit. In this chapter, he tells us what these gifts are to be used to accomplish.
Paul didn’t want the new church postulating over who has the best spiritual gift. Spiritual gifts are for the common good, not for personal gain. Love is the greatest gift because it is the most transformational.
Blessed Are The Uncomfortable (Week 4)
Do you struggle with finding peace, joy, and strength in uncertain times? Did you know that practicing gratitude invites joy into your life? Paul maps this out in his letter to the church at Philippi. From his prison cell, in chains and facing execution, he was not restricted in the least from accessing joy. Step boldly into the future, regardless of your circumstances. Even if… give thanks!
Do you struggle with finding peace, joy, and strength in such uncertain times? Did you know that practicing gratitude invites joy into your life? Paul maps this out in his letter to the church at Philippi. From his prison cell, in chains and facing execution, he was not restricted in the least from accessing joy. Step boldly into the future, regardless of your circumstances. Even if… give thanks!
Philippians 4:1, 4-7, 10-13
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Blessed Are The Uncomfortable (Week 3)
As the gospel spread, many diverse peoples came together under one name - Christian. As such, Christian unity has been a struggle from the very beginning. Today, Pastor Scott examines different passages from Ephesians 4 as a guide to Christian unity.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:3-6
The road to unity is uncomfortable. The letter to the Ephesians lays out the work ahead of us – to see each other as irreversibly connected, live and speak our truth in love, and follow Christ through anger to compassion.
As the gospel spread, many diverse peoples came together under one name - Christian. As such, Christian unity has been a struggle from the very beginning. Today, Pastor Scott examines different passages from Ephesians 4 as a guide to Christian unity.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:3-6
The road to unity is uncomfortable. The letter to the Ephesians lays out the work ahead of us – to see each other as irreversibly connected, live and speak our truth in love, and follow Christ through anger to compassion.
Blessed Are The Uncomfortable (Week 2)
It is uncomfortable to own who we are as colonialists. Our myths are helpful. Jesus used parables as a teaching tool. Today, we look to the Prophet Amos to see how myths can also be weaponized. As God helps us deconstruct myth from history, leads us to hold each with equanimity as intended, and guides us in rebuilding a better future – despite our past. Therein lies hope.
Welcome to Arapaho United Methodist Church, a Christ-centered community called to the work of social justice in Richardson, Texas. We are happy you joined us for online worship.
It is uncomfortable to own who we are as colonialists. Our myths are helpful. Jesus used parables as a teaching tool. Today, we look to the Prophet Amos to see how myths can also be weaponized.
It is not the great and powerful who make history. It's just the great and powerful who write history books and rewrite, revise, sanitize, add, subtract and even fabricate events to paint us in the best possible light.
Knowledge of one's history is crucial to anyone who wishes to make positive social change. When we replace history with myths, denial replaces reality. As God helps us deconstruct myth from history, leads us to hold each with equanimity as intended, and guides us in rebuilding a better future – despite our past. Therein lies hope.
Blessed Are The Uncomfortable
Discomfort is something we go out of our way to avoid. We seek a life of comfort. Yet, given the divisive climate we live in today, what role does faith play in our discomfort? Pastor Scott examines Paul’s letter to the divided Roman church after the death of Emperor Claudius. In Chapter 14, he teaches the Romans that their strength comes from their diversity. Our mission is not to make others more like us but instead to build each other up in the faith. We are a better church today than we were ten years ago, twenty years ago. We’re better today because of you. Let us continually be blessed as an uncomfortable congregation.
Discomfort is something we go out of our way to avoid. We seek a life of comfort. Yet, given the divisive climate we live in today, what role does faith play in our discomfort? Pastor Scott examines Paul’s letter to the divided Roman church after the death of Emperor Claudius. In Chapter 14, he teaches the Romans that their strength comes from their diversity. Our mission is not to make others more like us but instead to build each other up in the faith. We are a better church today than we were ten years ago, twenty years ago. We’re better today because of you. Let us continually be blessed as an uncomfortable congregation.
Summer Psalms (Week 4)
Welcome to Arapaho United Methodist Church, a Christ-centered community called to the work of social justice in Richardson, Texas. We are happy you joined us for online worship.
Before you can address feeding souls, you must first address feeding bodies. This week, Pastor Cathy takes a big tasty bite out of Psalm 104 and examines the many life-sustaining roles food plays in scripture.
Summer is filled with lots of traditions: outdoor cooking, travel, life celebrations, rest. In general, we do life at a more relaxing pace. We linger more because the days are longer. In this sermon series, we will read a Psalm each week and reflect on particular summertime activities and customs. Where is God’s presence found in these customs? How is our summertime like that of the Psalmist? And what can we learn from the Psalmist that will help us embrace the spiritual nature of this season?
Before you can address feeding souls, you must first address feeding bodies. This week, Pastor Cathy takes a big tasty bite out of Psalm 104 and examines the many life-sustaining roles food plays in scripture.
Summer Psalms (Week 3)
Summer is filled with lots of traditions: outdoor cooking, travel, life celebrations, rest. In general, we do life at a more relaxing pace. We linger more, because the days are longer. In this sermon series, we will read a Psalm each week and reflect on particular summertime activities and customs. Where is God’s presence found in these customs? How is our summertime like that of the Psalmist? And what can we learn from the Psalmist that will help us embrace the spiritual nature of this season?
The week, Pastor Eliana shares her experience with identity and what it means to be God's beloved.
Summer is filled with lots of traditions: outdoor cooking, travel, life celebrations, rest. In general, we do life at a more relaxing pace. We linger more because the days are longer. In this sermon series, we will read a Psalm each week and reflect on particular summertime activities and customs. Where is God’s presence found in these customs? How is our summertime like that of the Psalmist? And what can we learn from the Psalmist that will help us embrace the spiritual nature of this season?
The week, Pastor Eliana shares her experience with identity and what it means to be God's beloved.
Summer Psalms (Week 2)
Members of the Arapaho family share their encounters with God's love experienced through their travels, answering the psalmist questions, "Where could I go to get away from your spirit? Where could I go to escape your presence? Ps 139:7
Thanks to Pastor Cathy, the adventurous Waltermeyers, the Sharps, and Cindy Rowe for sharing your "God moments" from the road - in the many new faces and friends made along the way, reconnecting with family, opportunities to serve others, or drink in the beauty of the created world. Indeed, God's love is inescapable.
Members of the Arapaho family share their encounters with God's love experienced through their travels, answering the psalmist questions, "Where could I go to get away from your spirit? Where could I go to escape your presence? Ps 139:7
Thanks to Pastor Cathy, the adventurous Waltermeyers, the Sharps, and Cindy Rowe for sharing your "God moments" from the road - in the many new faces and friends made along the way, reconnecting with family, opportunities to serve others, or drink in the beauty of the created world. Indeed, God's love is inescapable.
Summer Psalms (Week 1)
Summer is filled with lots of traditions: outdoor cooking, travel, life celebrations, rest. In general, we do life at a more relaxing pace. We linger more because the days are longer. In this sermon series, we will read a Psalm each week and reflect on particular summertime activities and customs. Where is God’s presence found in these customs? How is our summertime like that of the Psalmist? And what can we learn from the Psalmist that will help us embrace the spiritual nature of this season?
Summer is filled with lots of traditions: outdoor cooking, travel, life celebrations, rest. In general, we do life at a more relaxing pace. We linger more, because the days are longer. In this sermon series, we will read a Psalm each week and reflect on particular summertime activities and customs. Where is God’s presence found in these customs? How is our summertime like that of the Psalmist? And what can we learn from the Psalmist that will help us embrace the spiritual nature of this season?
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 4)
Hopelessness can be a tough place to be. This week in AUMC's series, Encountering The Spirit, we look at the Holy Spirit as water from the story of Noah. By Genesis Chapter 6, the Lord has grown hopeless at the wickedness of creation and regretted ever having made human beings. Yet this account so early in scripture establishes a theology of redemption - the promise that God will never again lose hope in humanity.
God's grace is redemptive. It refuses to take 'no' for an answer. As followers of Christ, learn to plant these seeds of redemption, through grace, in the face of any tragedy. From it comes hope.
Welcome to Arapaho United Methodist Church, a Christ-centered community called to the work of social justice in Richardson, Texas. We are happy you joined us for online worship.
Hopelessness can be a tough place to be. This week in AUMC's series, Encountering The Spirit, Pastor Scott looks at the Holy Spirit as water from the story of Noah. By Genesis Chapter 6, the Lord has grown hopeless at the wickedness of creation and regretted ever having made human beings. Yet this account so early in scripture establishes a theology of redemption - the promise that God will never again lose hope in humanity.
God's grace is redemptive. It refuses to take 'no' for an answer. As followers of Christ, learn to plant these seeds of redemption, through grace, in the face of any tragedy. For, from it comes hope.
Encountering The Spirit (Week 3)
Welcome to Arapaho United Methodist Church, a Christ-centered community called to the work of social justice in Richardson, Texas. We are happy you joined us for online worship.
What does it mean to be idolatrous? You know all the obvious answers, but maybe it's not as evident as it appears. Today, Pastor Scott examines the stories of Exodus in light of what we know today, post-Pentecost, about what it means to tabernacle with God. The Spirit can not be contained – not in a tabernacle, or an Ark, behind the Temple's veil, a stone sepulcher, or the four walls of a church. Hear what the Spirit has to say to you today, for in you is where God's Spirit resides.
Welcome to Arapaho United Methodist Church, a Christ-centered community called to the work of social justice in Richardson, Texas. We are happy you joined us for online worship.
What does it mean to be idolatrous? You know all the obvious answers, but maybe it's not as evident as it appears. Today, Pastor Scott examines the stories of Exodus in light of what we know today, post-Pentecost, about what it means to tabernacle with God. The Spirit can not be contained – not in a tabernacle, or an Ark, behind the Temple's veil, a stone sepulcher, or the four walls of a church. Hear what the Spirit has to say to you today, for in you is where God's Spirit resides.
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.