Living Lent (Week 1)
The art of the “soft-sell” is only becoming more common in our prevailing culture: cancel-at-any-time contracts, free trials, anything to help people ease into a new commitment. Jesus was terrible at the soft-sell. To start his ministry, he proclaims, “Change your hearts and lives!” This week, let’s talk about commitment in the life of faith, and why the transformation of the world could truly begin with one person committing to a new way of life.
Living Lent (Week 1)
The art of the “soft-sell” is only becoming more common in our prevailing culture: cancel-at-any-time contracts, free trials, anything to help people ease into a new commitment. Jesus was terrible at the soft-sell. To start his ministry, he proclaims, “Change your hearts and lives!” This week, let’s talk about commitment in the life of faith, and why the transformation of the world could truly begin with one person committing to a new way of life.
Radicals (Week 4)
What can we learn from the unexpected prophets around us? Even though the prophet Anna might only show up in a few verses in Luke, there is a lot to unpack when it comes to her story and what role she plays in spreading the good news of God’s love and grace. Another unexpected prophetic voice is that of Amanda Gorman who is a 23-year-old born and raised in LA. She grew up with her own challenges and is one of the most well known poets and activists. What can we learn from these prophetic female voices? What can we take away from the good news they have to share with us?
What can we learn from the unexpected prophets around us? Even though the prophet Anna might only show up in a few verses in Luke, there is a lot to unpack when it comes to her story and what role she plays in spreading the good news of God’s love and grace. Another unexpected prophetic voice is that of Amanda Gorman who is a 23-year-old born and raised in LA. She grew up with her own challenges and is one of the most well known poets and activists. What can we learn from these prophetic female voices? What can we take away from the good news they have to share with us?
Radicals (Week 3)
Rev. Edlen Cowley’s message speaks on the power of young people and how they speak into the present while living into their (and our) future. The powerful of transformation of Naaman was tied to the words of a young slave girl. Malala Yousafzai’s passion for girl’s education spoke to my heart so many years ago when she was shot at almost point-blank range.
Radicals (Week 3)
Rev. Edlen Cowley’s message speaks on the power of young people and how they speak into the present while living into their (and our) future. The powerful of transformation of Naaman was tied to the words of a young slave girl. Malala Yousafzai’s passion for girl’s education spoke to my heart so many years ago when she was shot at almost point-blank range.
Radicals (Week 2)
In the “Radicals” worship series, we will take a close look at several prophets - some major, some minor, and some who might be unfamiliar to you. We will hear their words and understand the warnings - or joy - shared with God’s people. Finally, we’ll look at some modern prophets and compare their proclamations with the practice of the Biblical prophets of old. Who among us today is sharing prophetic wisdom and in what way?
In the “Radicals” worship series, we will take a close look at several prophets - some major, some minor, and some who might be unfamiliar to you. We will hear their words and understand the warnings - or joy - shared with God’s people. Finally, we’ll look at some modern prophets and compare their proclamations with the practice of the Biblical prophets of old. Who among us today is sharing prophetic wisdom and in what way?
Radicals (Week 1)
In the “Radicals” worship series, we will take a close look at several prophets - some major, some minor, and some who might be unfamiliar to you. We will hear their words and understand the warnings - or joy - shared with God’s people. Finally, we’ll look at some modern prophets and compare their proclamations with the practice of the Biblical prophets of old. Who among us today is sharing prophetic wisdom and in what way?
Epiphany - The Path of the Magi
Having followed the star, they journey to find the newborn King of the Jews. They offer him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But the Magi have a more precious gift for us. In the night, they heard the Spirit warning them not to return to Herod but return home by a different route. They gave us the gift of listening to God's Spirit and the confidence to follow a different path. Just as they trusted the appearance of the star to take them to the King, they trusted the voice of the Spirit. They step into the unknown, without a star to lead them, and rejoicing, follow the voice of God.
Having followed the star, they journey to find the newborn King of the Jews. They offer him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But the Magi have a more precious gift for us. In the night, they heard the Spirit warning them not to return to Herod but return home by a different route. They gave us the gift of listening to God's Spirit and the confidence to follow a different path. Just as they trusted the appearance of the star to take them to the King, they trusted the voice of the Spirit. They step into the unknown, without a star to lead them, and rejoicing, follow the voice of God.
The Songs of Advent (Week 4)
As we listen to the song "What Child is This?" it refers to "the babe, the Son of Mary." So today, we take a look at Mary's song - the Magnificat, from Luke Chapter 1:46 - 55. What does it mean to identify Jesus as the Son of Mary?
We know Jesus to be both fully human and fully divine in our faithful tradition. So when we talk about Jesus having the heart of God, it's important to remember he had the heart of Mary also.
As we listen to the song "What Child is This?" it refers to "the babe, the Son of Mary." So today, we take a look at Mary's song - the Magnificat, from Luke Chapter 1:46 - 55. What does it mean to identify Jesus as the Son of Mary?
We know Jesus to be both fully human and fully divine in our faithful tradition. So when we talk about Jesus having the heart of God, it's important to remember he had the heart of Mary also.
The Songs of Advent (Week 3)
As we light the Shepherd's candle in Advent, we listen to Vivaldi's best known sacred work, his Gloria. We call to mind the angel's proclamation to the shepherds who were the first to hear of the birth of Christ. "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill towards all!" Luke 2:14
The glory of heaven entered the world in darkness. To those who wait in the darkness of oppression, the angels proclaim that the light of Christ is entering the world. And this child is to be the comfort and joy of all.
As we light the Shepherd's candle in Advent, we listen to Vivaldi's best known sacred work, his Gloria. We call to mind the angel's proclamation to the shepherds who were the first to hear of the birth of Christ. "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill towards all!" Luke 2:14
The glory of heaven entered the world in darkness. To those who wait in the darkness of oppression, the angels proclaim that the light of Christ is entering the world. And this child is to be the comfort and joy of all.
The Songs of Advent (Week 2)
On this second Sunday of Advent, enter John the Baptist, as we focus on a relatively new hymn that is sure to become an Advent favorite, "O Day of Peace That Dimly Shines."
O day of peace that dimly shines
through all our hopes and prayers and dreams,
guide us to justice, truth, and love,
delivered from our selfish schemes.
May swords of hate fall from our hands,
our hearts from envy find release,
till by God's grace our warring world
shall see Christ's promised reign of peace.
On this second Sunday of Advent, enter John the Baptist, as we focus on a relatively new hymn that is sure to become an Advent favorite, "O Day of Peace That Dimly Shines."
O day of peace that dimly shines
through all our hopes and prayers and dreams,
guide us to justice, truth, and love,
delivered from our selfish schemes.
May swords of hate fall from our hands,
our hearts from envy find release,
till by God's grace our warring world
shall see Christ's promised reign of peace.
The Songs of Advent (Week 1)
Advent is a season of anticipation, of expectation. On this first Sunday of Advent, we focus on the hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," a text from the prophet Jeremiah.
The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Jeremiah 33:14
Prophets rose up only when the Israelites were in trouble, not in the days where everything was going their way. Their role was corrective - to address the present darkness with hope in God's covenants.
Even in our darkest days, when we wait with hope, we move from despair to patience. Like Jeremiah, a prophetic heart is filled with unending hope.
Advent is a season of anticipation, of expectation. On this first Sunday of Advent, we focus on the hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," a text from the prophet Jeremiah.
The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Jeremiah 33:14
Prophets rose up only when the Israelites were in trouble, not in the days where everything was going their way. Their role was corrective - to address the present darkness with hope in God's covenants.
Even in our darkest days, when we wait with hope, we move from despair to patience. Like Jeremiah, a prophetic heart is filled with unending hope.
Beginnings, Endings & In-Betweens (Week 7)
This Sunday, Pastor Cathy facilitates a discussion among the pastoral staff about the concept of "peace." Is it something we have to work to achieve on a personal level? Scripture speaks of this "shalom" as a gift given to us by God. Why does it seem so elusive at times? Where do you go when you need to find peace?
This Sunday, Pastor Cathy facilitates a discussion among the pastoral staff about the concept of "peace." Is it something we have to work to achieve on a personal level? Scripture speaks of this "shalom" as a gift given to us by God. Why does it seem so elusive at times? Where do you go when you need to find peace?
Beginnings, Endings & In-Betweens (Week 6)
What is Christian Community? Pastor Scott examines Acts Chapter 2 to see how Luke described the church's infancy in his description of their communities. The writer speaks of great awe, generosity, and authenticity shared among them. They spent time, not just in worship, but in each other's lives and each other's homes, accepting each other just as they are. They were a family.
What is Christian Community? Pastor Scott examines Acts Chapter 2 to see how Luke described the church's infancy in his description of their communities. The writer speaks of great awe, generosity, and authenticity shared among them. They spent time, not just in worship, but in each other's lives and each other's homes, accepting each other just as they are. They were a family.
Beginnings, Endings & In-Betweens (Week 5)
Pastor Scott's sermon series on Beginnings, Endings & In-Betweens looks at the biblical concept of the "end times." What we believe about the end informs how we live in the present. If our belief in God somehow leads us to be less caring, we are worshiping something less than divine. So what do these end-times look like? The Apostle Paul encourages those "in Christ," who have already been reconciled to God through Christ as a "new creation," are themselves called to the ministry of reconciliation. How is God leading you in your ministry of reconciliation?
Pastor Scott's sermon series on Beginnings, Endings & In-Betweens looks at the biblical concept of the "end times." What we believe about the end informs how we live in the present. If our belief in God somehow leads us to be less caring, we are worshiping something less than divine. So what do these end-times look like? The Apostle Paul encourages those "in Christ," who have already been reconciled to God through Christ as a "new creation," are themselves called to the ministry of reconciliation. How is God leading you in your ministry of reconciliation?
Beginnings, Endings & In-Betweens (Week 4)
Today Pastor Scott examines the story of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead—continuing on the theme of his sermon series, Beginnings, Endings, and In-Betweens. What do you imagine happens when the body dies? The Jews had their traditions about the afterlife—it was little more than a state of limbo where you went to wait for the resurrection on the last day. Other religions speak of reincarnation. Dante outlines both paradise and torment. What do you think happens on the other side of the grave? What can we learn from the story of Lazarus?
Today Pastor Scott examines the story of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead—continuing on the theme of his sermon series, Beginnings, Endings, and In-Betweens. What do you imagine happens when the body dies? The Jews had their traditions about the afterlife—it was little more than a state of limbo where you went to wait for the resurrection on the last day. Other religions speak of reincarnation. Dante outlines both paradise and torment. What do you think happens on the other side of the grave? What can we learn from the story of Lazarus?
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.
