Sacrificial in Love
The cross is the universal symbol of Christianity, and yet beliefs surrounding this tool of punishment and redemption are incredibly varied. As we take a closer look at the crucifixion, let’s talk about the cross, not only what it meant for Jesus, but also how it invites us into the uniquely sacrificial love of God.
Journeying in Grace
One son hits the rock bottom of eating pig slop. The other son sits high-and-mighty by living “the right way.” Both are embraced by a loving father who sees them as they are. This week, we center on the third window of our Sanctuary, and consider the role of the stories we tell ourselves and others, as we journey in grace.
Stories of Faith Made Real
Wise men kneeling before the Christ-child… not only does this scene feature in our nativity sets at home, but also in one of the stained glass windows of our Sanctuary. And yet, the image speaks to the theology of incarnation–God with us in Jesus–that informs so much of our faith. Specifically, the idea that faith is meant to be “made real,” in personal and relational ways. This week, Pastor Scott will teach and also feature some stories from the congregation of how God’s Love is “made real.”
Let your toddler play with snakes.
How do the stories we tell shape who we are, and who we are becoming? At Arapaho United Methodist Church our worship space is adorned with six large stained glass windows, each depicting a story from Scripture; but as we look closer at the light pouring through the reds and greens and blues, we’ll notice values shining through that speak to our identity as the people called “AUMC.” Beginning January 8th, we’ll center on one window a week, and the stories contained within, as we grow in appreciation for the unique mosaic that God has created in this community.
When Love Comes Down For All and Eternity
The war on Christmas is a tired cliche these days, but the Gospel of John gets very dramatic in his own telling of what happens when love comes down. It’s not just a baby being born, but the very cosmos changing in a spiritual and also tangible way. This Sunday, let’s consider just how big a tiny baby can be.
When Love Comes Down with a Target on its Back
When we think of the Christmas season, maybe you think of holiday music, family gatherings, or gift giving, but what about rebellion, hostility, and social revolution? Well, then it’s time to reintroduce ourselves to the Gospel of Luke, who’s Christmas night is anything but silent. This Sunday, we’ll reclaim the reality of what it means to receive the Christ-child and why good news for some may be bad news for others.
When Love Comes Down with a Wave
If baby Jesus is your favorite Jesus, then the Gospel of Mark won’t be your favorite gospel. The author jumps straight into Jesus’ adulthood and public ministry, but before we think that he has nothing to contribute to Christmas, let’s take a closer look. This Sunday, we’ll reflect on Mark’s Gospel, and how his introduction to Jesus deserves our attention as God’s Love makes a wave in more ways than one.
When God Made You
Who am I and how do I fit into this larger picture we call life? Have you ever asked yourself this question? Have you ever looked through the lense of a children’s book to help you find the answers? Matthew Paul Turner’s book “When God Made You” can help us answer this question.
Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Shares Our Story?
Today is All Saints Day in the Christian tradition. It’s a time when we remember those who have died this year, and remember those who are no longer physically present with us. We remember and share stories, and reflect on how our lives have been impacted by their lives. This year, as we recognize those who have gone, we incorporate lessons from the musical “Hamilton: Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story?” What legacy are we creating in our daily lives, and does that legacy mirror how Jesus lived?
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
It’s a “Topsy Turvy” Sunday this week, as we welcome The Hunchback of Notre Dame to our Sanctuary! Join us as we dive into the story of Quasi Modo and Esmerelda, with the backdrop of a church that is… complicated. Let’s talk about how natural it can feel to be self-superior or self-loathing, but God calls us to something else.
The West Side Of The River Jordan
Singing, dancing, and aggressive snapping. That’s right! It’s Bible on Broadway season at AUMC, and we’re kicking off with the iconic West Side Story! This tale of star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria–and the tragic conflict between the rival Jets and Sharks–is not only timeless, it also brings up themes found also in… Deuteronomy? Welcome to the “West Side” of Mount Sinai.
Singing, dancing, and aggressive snapping. That’s right! It’s Bible on Broadway season at AUMC, and we’re kicking off with the iconic West Side Story! This tale of star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria–and the tragic conflict between the rival Jets and Sharks–is not only timeless, it also brings up themes found also in… Deuteronomy? Welcome to the “West Side” of Mount Sinai.
Do Methodists "rebaptize?"
A new journal. A clean house. An agenda-free day. Starting fresh can feel so good. In the life of faith, we might get to a point where a fresh start is liberating as well, but a question might bubble up: Should I get baptized again? This week, as the series comes to a close, we consider how God is continuously at work and ask the question, “Do Methodists ‘rebaptize?’”
Why do we baptize babies?
Sure, they’re cute, but babies don’t know anything about God, right? And yet we baptize them in the Methodist church; what is that about? There’s a lot that goes into our understanding of infant baptism, so this week, let’s ask the question together: “Why do we baptize babies?”
How does baptism free us?
Holiness can sound like an out-of-reach word, and perhaps brings to mind images of monks and nuns in isolated abbeys. But the reality of holy living is much more grounded and gritty. This week, we consider the fullness of faith we’re invited into through baptism as we ask, “How does baptism free us?”
What do we mean when we say “Jesus saves?”
“Atonement” is the word we use to mean God’s work through Jesus that frees us from sin. But far from a settled science, it’s actually a realm full of theological theories. This week, we tackle the question, “What do we mean when we say ‘Jesus saves?’”
Do I need Baptism to be "saved?"
In John 3, we’re introduced to a phrase that is awfully loaded with baggage in modern times: “born again.” Let’s talk about it this week and unpack the question, “Do I need Baptism to be saved?”
Is Baptism Just a Personal Choice?
Baptism may appear simple, but beneath the surface we find a complex sacrament that leads us to many deep theological questions that get to the heart of faith. In this six-part worship series, we will address six questions in a journey towards understanding baptism in a Wesleyan way. This week, let’s talk about why private, backyard baptisms aren’t a thing at AUMC, as we ask “Is Baptism Just a Personal Choice?”
Losing Our Religion
In the Gospel of Luke, some good churchy people take issue with the kind of company Jesus keeps. And so Jesus offers three images--a sheep, a coin, and a son--who are lost and found; but not everyone celebrates this "good news." How do these parables shape our own understanding of our story, and the kind of love that God's movement is built upon?