Beginnings, Endings & In-Betweens (Week 3)
What is your framework for Truth? It's not a simple question. Ask ten people, and you'll probably get ten different answers. So this week, Pastor Scott lays out the fourfold Wesleyan approach to spiritual understanding: Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience. Each of these can be unpacked at great length, but the shorthand acknowledges not all scripture is created equal; tradition for tradition's sake is nostalgia, and reason isn't a substitute for faith. Somewhere along the journey, you begin to understand that Truth must be lived before it can be fully understood. And through your lived experience, what resonates is Truth.
What is your framework for Truth? It's not a simple question. Ask ten people, and you'll probably get ten different answers. So this week, Pastor Scott lays out the fourfold Wesleyan approach to spiritual understanding: Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience. Each of these can be unpacked at great length, but the shorthand acknowledges not all scripture is created equal; tradition for tradition's sake is nostalgia, and reason isn't a substitute for faith. Somewhere along the journey, you begin to understand that Truth must be lived before it can be fully understood. And through your lived experience, what resonates is Truth.
Beginnings, Endings and In-Betweens (Week 2)
Last week, Pastor Scott talked about the beginning of the Christian journey - our baptism. This morning, he looks at the food for the journey – the sacrament of communion. Using the depiction of the disciples in Matthew's gospel, before, during, and after the last supper, Jesus must have been so disappointing in his hand-picked brothers. Yet he broke the bread and poured the cup of forgiveness with, undeniably, some of the world's worst friends – which begs the question, is your table open to all? Listen to the Good News!
Last week, Pastor Scott talked about the beginning of the Christian journey - our baptism. This morning, he looks at the food for the journey – the sacrament of communion. Using the depiction of the disciples in Matthew's gospel, before, during, and after the last supper, Jesus must have been so disappointing in his hand-picked brothers. Yet he broke the bread and poured the cup of forgiveness with, undeniably, some of the world's worst friends – which begs the question, is your table open to all? Listen to the Good News!
Beginnings, Endings, and In-betweens (Week 1)
How does church show up for you in your life? How do we understand the life of faith? This week, Pastor Scott begins this sermon series with the sacrament of baptism, specifically the Wesleyan understanding of the grace we were born into. For Wesleyans, grace is understood to be three-pronged, like the Holy Trinity. First, a grace that is prevenient or inclusive grace that covers all; a justifying grace that calls us out of our selfishness by giving us the humble desire to serve God; and a sanctifying grace that carries us throughout the journey. From the very beginning, you are seen, you are known, and you are loved.
How does church show up for you in your life? How do we understand the life of faith? This week, Pastor Scott begins a new sermon series on Beginnings, Ending, and In-betweens - starting at the beginning - the sacrament of baptism, specifically the Wesleyan understanding of the grace we were born into. For Wesleyans, grace is understood to be three-pronged, like the Holy Trinity. First, a grace that is prevenient or inclusive grace that covers all; a justifying grace that calls us out of our selfishness by giving us the humble desire to serve God; and a sanctifying grace that carries us throughout the journey. From the very beginning, you are seen, you are known, and you are loved.
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?