Jonah was fortunate that God prepared a fish to carry him to shore. Sometimes we’re not so lucky…or so it seems! What do we do when we’re alone with our mess and the burden that our screw-ups have hurt a lot of people? Jonah 3-4:2

We welcome Bud & Bonnie Morton, our missionaries in Papua New Guinea.   They provide medical and educational support to missionaries serving in Papua New Guinea.

 There are over 860 different tribes in PNG and nearly 400 are still unreached.    Matthew 6:24-34

Quoting the back cover of the book “A big thank you to GOD” by David bell

“When the Inapangs began digging up the first yams of the season, their main food staple was twice its normal size.   “When I dig them out, I look at them and say, ‘This is God showing us His fingerprints and His power!’” said a village chief.  The new believers were convinced that the power to grow food did not belong to the spirits they had worshipped in the past, but to God alone.  The planted without doing the traditional spirit-worship ritual.  The harvest was their first confirmation from god: “I am here. I am in control. I am the One looking after you.”   The bountiful yield of yams parallels the spiritual harvest that God is producing among the Inapangs, for which they continue to offer “a big thank you to God”.

For more information, visit http://usa.ntm.org/  (New tribes Mission)

Are you kidding me? In this day and time…in this economy Jesus tells us not to worry?  EXACTLY! What are the sources of worry for us?    How can trust…faith help with that?  Matt. 6.24-34

When Simeon held the baby, he saw things…in Him and in His mother! Can we imagine what it would have been like to be Simeon? What might it mean for us to hold THIS baby…who would become a man and ‘the salvation of God?’    Luke 2.22-40

When Jesus loved, he loved in ways never imagined. Though rich, he became poor to love the poor, the forgotten, the overlooked and the sick. He played to the margins. By spending less at Christmas we have the opportunity to join him in giving resources to those who need help the most. One less gift. One unbelievable present in the name of Christ. (thanks to www.mybuffalochurch.org)
Luke 2.1-20   John 3.16-18

God’s gift to us was a relationship built on love. So it’s no wonder why we’re drawn to the idea that Christmas should be a time to love our friends and family in the most memorable ways possible. Time is the real gift Christmas offers us, and no matter how hard we look, it can’t be found at the mall. Time to make a gift that turns into the next family heirloom. Time to write mom a letter. Time to take the kids sledding. Time to bake really good cookies and sing really bad Christmas carols. Time to make love visible through relational giving. Sounds a lot better than getting a sweater two sizes too big, right? (thanks to mybuffalochurch.org)    Matthew 2.1-12

Before you think we’re getting all Scrooge-y on you, let us explain what we mean. We like gifts. Our kids really like gifts. But consider this: America spends an average of $450 billion a year every Christmas. How often have you spent money on Christmas presents for no other reason than obligation? How many times have you received a gift out of that same obligation? Thanks, but no thanks, right? We’re asking people to consider buying ONE LESS GIFT this Christmas. Just one. Sounds insignificant, yet many who have taken this small sacrifice have experienced something nothing less than a miracle: They have been more available to celebrate Christ during the advent season. Looking for a few gifts that don’t cost a lot of money? Need some more ideas for relational giving? Head to www.RethinkingChristmas.com  today. (thanks to mybuffalochurch.org)    1 Timothy 6.6-10

When Pastor Bob says “Take a look at this”, pause the sermon and view this video or chose to view later. I would personally advise to look before the sermon.

It starts with Jesus. It ends with Jesus. This is the holistic approach God had in mind for Christmas. It’s a season where we are called to put down our burdens and lift a song up to our God. It’s a season where love wins, peace reigns, and a king is celebrated with each breath. It’s the party of the year. Entering the story of Advent means entering this season with an overwhelming passion to worship Jesus to the fullest. (with thanks to mybuffalochurch.org)    Luke 1:39-56

When Pastor Bob says “Take a look at this”, pause the sermon and view this video or chose to view later. I would personally advise to look before the sermon.

The call of the text is not for us to find a cure for cancer or the global economic problem. It isn’t even for US to free the prisoners. It is rather to visit them IN prison. The call of Jesus is to live and EXTRA-ORDINARY life…   Matthew 25.31-46

Little is known of Deborah among the people of faith. We will explore this morning her story as it fits into a particular piece of history. It might make for a pretty interesting memoir!    Judges 4.1-7

Joshua is loaded with lots of threats and pretty ominous warnings here. AND…we know what comes next: JUDGES! Is God’s grace really as conditional as Joshua makes it sound here? In light of God’s grace, what’s that mean in terms of stewardship? Joshua 24.1-3a,14-25

Should you call me Reverend, Rabbi, pastor? I prefer you Just call me Bob. We are sometimes “less than holy”. Explore the hypocrisy in your own hearts. Do you “DO” only to receive praise? Are the cameras on you, even if just in your mind’s eye? Have you given up the simple and quiet satisfaction of God’s company? Take off your mask and honestly dwell with Jesus.  Mathew 23:1-12

In answer to the Pharisees question Jesus gives two separate commands: the first and greatest is to love God. The second, which is ‘like’ the first to love neighbor. Jesus gives a nod to Deut. 6 here and Allen Hilton asks: “What is it to love God whole-lifedly?” Or maybe put another way: What if Jesus didn’t give the second command?    Matthew 22.34-46

Jesus says in essence here: “Show me the money.” This is no line from the film Jerry McGuire, but rather the implication that money says something…or better, how we use our money says something about where our hearts are. SO, what’s in YOUR wallet?    Matthew 22.15-22

Most of us have had our whining sessions with God…and more often than not it’s when things aren’t going our way. Job had every reason to gripe to ‘the boss’ (and He is remarkably silent!) What do we do when God seems far away?     Job 23.1-9, 16-17
We thank the family of  David M Bailey for permission to use his song “Be Still” from the ”Silent Conversation” CD.
To purchase this song and others from this CD, follow the link to cdbaby.

We welcome Rev Gary Baker
When things don’t go the way you expect…Or…When things don’t go the way we want!  Sometimes what happens is really for the best.  When did you have doubts that God did not appear to be working towards YOUR game plan?  It helps to turn to God’s word

Isaiah 55:8-9
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Matthew 11:1-6  Isaiah 40:31

We welcome Mary Brown
You have an invitation from the King.  Are you going to go?  What will it be like?
Key phrases…
What is the Kingdom of Heaven?  A King is responsible for the care and protection of all in the village. Are you fitting God into your calendar?

Exodus 32:1-14     matthew 22:1-14

No Pain, No Gain!  The popular commercial for Direct TV suggests that watching TV should be effortless. NO PAIN NO PAIN! Some think that life as a Christian/life in the church should be the same. In every church, opportunities exist for members to “suffer with Christ.” Jesus says nothing about carrying buckets of gravel, but tells us that we do have to take up a cross and follow him (Mark 8:34). Paul unpacks his own ‘exercise’ plan here and suggests:     Phil. 1:21-30

No Pain! No Pain! Video

This is the 10th Anniversary of 911. We will reflect, with some local Muslims who will join us in worship today, about that fateful day when there were some pillars of fire and smoke of a different kind than those mentioned in Exodus 14. What does it mean for us to be pillars of light and peace?             Exodus 14: 19-31

Someone has said that the eyes are a window to the soul. If that’s the case what do the shaded eyes of Bono and the rock band U2 reveal to us about their soul…or better how does their music speak to our souls of the God that is all around us and who urges us to ‘carry each other?     Mark 2.1-12

During the part where Pastor Bob introduces the video, please pause this sermon and select the video icon below to watch. When the video is completed, please resume play to listen to the remainder of the sermon.

Christianity and Culture Series:  Film: God’s Gift of Speech (The King’s Speech)

God’s words have such power and value…so too do ours…on MANY different levels. How can our words become God’s words? How can we own the reality that Jesus said: “People do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”  (Matthew 4:4, TNIV)    Exodus 4.10-12 Matthew 10.19-20  

Due to copyright laws we are unable to play the clips from the DVD. Feel free to watch the movie trailer instead.

Christianity and Culture Series: A “Best Seller:” UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand

Caution: This sermon contains spoilers!

The ‘staggering…mesmerizing’ story of Louie Zamperini leads us to think about forgiveness, grace and the will to survive…no matter what! Matthew 18.21-35

Christianity and Culture Series: “Our Other gods”

Maryellen Dance, an addictions counselor will dialogue with Pastor Bob this morning about the various issues related to the many addictions that exist in our culture. We will be invited to think about ‘our other gods’ (small g) in light of the call scripture make God (capital G) the center of our lives and worship. Deuteronomy 6: 13-15 2 Samuel 13

“What’s An Easy Yoke?” – (we welcome George Carruth)

Ever have a day that you feel like you can never win for losing? Jesus knows that we cannot live day after day with out rest, without a time to refresh. Like a bow always bent, it will break. If you un-string it, it will be ready for use the next time. “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Romans 7: 15-25A Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-30

“Parable” by M.D. Ridge   -  It’s a bad question and the wrong question…at least according to the parable. The SIMPLE answer though is: God is God and we are not…and it is NOT our job to determine who is and who isn’t beyond God’s good attention. Our job is to love and to imagine everyone belonging to this God!   Matthew 13.24-30, 36-43

“There’s only one thing worth being concerned about, Mary has discovered it and it won’t be taken from her.”
Mary & Martha…”someone has to get dinner on the table”.
“If Jesus drops by your place for lunch, how many of you would just put hot-dogs on the grill?”
“What it means to love God”
Interested in these phrases? Listen to this sermon and learn more.

luke 10:38-42

In-between-ness is no fun for most of us. How can we wait well? Or better can delayed gratification shape us spiritually? Acts 1.1-11

In this famous speech in a famous place Paul is helping folks see WHO GOD IS NOT! God is NOT who we often think he is…he does NOT dwell in buildings we call churches, we do not serve God because he needs our service, and God is much more than an image we can channel up! Acts 17:22-31

Could one reason be our faith feels so weak is because it never gets off the couch? Could it be that one way to strengthen our heart of faith is to jump at opportunities that will test it? John 14.1-14

 

So often the focus for us in the Psalm is the still waters and green pastures. Where do they go when we are in death/dark valleys? Are they a time of testing? If so what does it take to endure? Psalm 23

It’s important to have Someone along for the journey, because it IS all about the journey, not the destination. Luke 24.13-25

Happy Mother’s Day!

Scott Hoezee puts it this way: “I didn’t tell you everything,” John said, “but what I have told you is meant to generate faith in your heart.” In this Eastertide Season, and years beyond that first Easter, the fact that we are here still celebrating Jesus’ victory over death lets us know that when John said he had given us enough, he was exactly right. John 20.19-31

We are told right up front that the day that came to be called Easter began while it was still dark. ”Easter may lead to the light, but it begins in the darkness. Easter may ultimately be about things that are high, bright, light, and clear, but it begins in things that are low, dim, dark, and murky…” So what? Good question. Scott Hoezee says: “The setting from which the resurrection emerges shapes what the resurrection means (if it means anything to you at all).”   John 20.1-18

Did someone name the donkey?  It should be named Christopher…from the Greek Christos combined with pherin ‘to bear, carry.)  Christ-bearer.  What does being a Christ-bearer mean in this day and time?   Matthew 21.1-11
Romans 12

The centerpiece of the story is the feast.  Why is the feast so important?  Feasts (meals) signified acceptance and relationship.  Who might we consider having to dinner if we took this parable seriously?  Luke 15.11-32

OCC

Dinners

having a feast for the students

The younger brother in the story gets a Pharisee for an older but we do not.  There IS one who obeyed the Father completely…and he is the one telling the story! Luke 15.1-6, 25-32

BOTH sons want the father’s things but not the father. One tries to get the things by being very, very bad and the other by being very, very good.  And Jesus says they  are BOTH aliented from each other, from the father, and from God.  There are TWO lost sons in this story.    Luke  15.11-32

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The ‘religious’ group has a hard time with who Jesus chooses to have table fellowship with.  The religious group asks, “Doesn’t Jesus realize that this riff raff is the REAL trouble in the world?”  Jesus does not give a direct or compact answer.  The purpose of the three parables is to challenge the Pharisees thinking!   Luke  15.11-32

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tsnuami victims

in japan

“The mountain was the way for God to prepare a small group of disciples for a sacred journey…to offer something to hold onto when they descended into the crushing reality of the world below.” (Anschutz)  Such was the mount of transfiguration.  Such is the intent of the Canadian Canoe Trip for Pastor’s.   Matthew 17.1-9

Please enjoy some pictures of the Canoe Trip and if you wish, choose some relaxing music to listen to as well.

To listen to a sample of the music played in church during this presentation please visit ulalena.com

Canoe Trip presentation part I

Canoe Trip presentation part II

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canoe trip for pastors

“We Are,’ Not ‘We Should Be”  Key words and phrases- Are you a thermometer or a thermostat? Character and Conduct. You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Salt as a preservative. Lighthouse on the entrance to the harbor in Cleveland Ohio. Lost ship.    Matthew 5: 13-20 Isaiah 58:1-9

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“The Spirit of the Beatitudes” – Keywords and thoughts – The BE Attitudes, Checklist of how we are doing on the blessings scale, Living in the Spirit, Simplicity, hopefulness, compassion. How much “clutter is in your life? How much of it is absolutely necessary?      Matthew 5: 1-12

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“Some Quiet Night”  (based in part on Jim Krisher’s meditation in Spiritual Surrender). Listen to this to put yourself in a peaceful, serene place of quiet and comfort. Close your eyes and listen. Feel the Carpenter enter your heart and receive his gift.    Isaiah 9: 2-7 Luke 2: 1-14

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“On Celebrating Stuff”

Keywords and phrases…
“Simple Ideas That Are Borderline Genius”, “dumpaday.com”, George Carlin-”Stuff”, adding to the STUFF crisis, “Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church”, Ebenezer-”The Stone of the Help”.   Luke 1: 46b-55

Link – Simple Ideas that are Broderline Genius. Credit to Dumpaday.com.

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“A River Runs Through It”

Key words and phrases…
“I am Haunted by waters”, “Eventually all things merge into one”, Being connected to nature, Nine Mile Creek trout  fishing, Newhouse School of Communications.    Matthew 3: 1-12

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“6 Degrees of Separation”   Isaiah 2: 1-5

The Blind Side, Thanksgiving segment

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“The Gift of Gratitude”     Luke 17: 11-19

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Stewardship Series:  “As for Me and My House” Joshua 24: 14-15 Malachi 3: 10 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15

move up

Stewardship Series #1. This sermon hits directly to the heart and home of  our church and our congregation. “WE” are the ministers of this church and it is up to “ALL” of  us to not only listen to this message again, but to look deep into our hearts as to where each of us fits into this message.  Joshua 24: 14-15 1 Corinthians: 12

You can’t count on God to not always grant your requests, but to hear with patience, the prayer of your heart.  Luke 18.1-8

We welcome the Reverend W. Gary Baker. Is there Any Word from the Lord?  Luke 6: 38 1 Corinthians 4: 2

G. Penny Nixon in her commentary on this text says “Serving God means that loving people is always the bottom line.  What are our motivations behind the relationships we make or desire?”  Good questions Luke 16: 1-13

What does it mean to be truly authentic and what does that have to do with being in community?  (How can we love others who are not ‘normal?’  Oh…and what exactly DOES normal look like?  John 13: 34-35

Words an letters from Pastor Bob.  Mission Trip Campers speak of their time, experience and joy on the recent trip to New Castle PA.  Luke 15

Welcome Rob Anderson – Speaking in 3^rd person.   Capernaum, Jesus comes to speak. Words from the paralyzed man.
Mark 2.1-12

Welcome George Carruth – Faith by itself, if it has no works, it is dead. Our Youth Mission team will be showing their faith thru their works.
James 2.14-18 Luke 10.25-37

The Prayer of Examen is largely meant to be experienced at the end of the day.  There is a simple format to follow that leads us through an examination of the experiences of the day…even as God has examined us!
Psalm 139.1 1 Chronicles 28.9 1 Corinthians 2.10

It can’t be MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY…there’s room on the road for all of us!   John 17: 20-26

Rob  Bell says, “God is described in Scripture as compassionate.  ‘The Hebrew word is raham. It is also the word for womb.  So God is “womb-like.”  This is a very feminine image for God.”    Job 38: 4-11 Genesis 1: 27 Isaiah 66: 13-14

The video that Pastor Bob references can be listened to and viewed by clicking the link to the right   This is Rob Bell’s video named “She”. You can pause the sermon if you wish and return after viewing or listen at the end.

Rob Bell’s Website is Nooma.com

This side of the crucifixion makes that little word AS pretty important here.  What’s this kind of love look like?  There must be about it some kind of sacrifice.  John 13.31-35

Pastor Bob and Kermit Buckman who chairs our NETwork team will dialogue a bit about our Future Story and present a ppt of potential next steps.   John 14.1-12

God is notorious for choosing and using the notorious!  Take Saul for example…  Acts 9.1-6 7-20

Acts 2:42-47  is the bases for our LOGOS program. The question was brought to our LOGOS children; Who feeds you, physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually? How does LOGOS feed you. Today’s sermon are the responses from our children. Listen and learn.     ACTS 2:42-47 John 21: 1-14

Easter Sunday

What are the stones that you need rolled out of your life?  All things are possible with Jesus…the resurrection and the life  Luke 24.1-12

Good Friday

A special thank you to Bill Kennedy

Wiping the Tears Away—Veronica       “And there followed him a great company of people. And of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.”  (Luke 23:27)

Stranger in A Strange Land—Simon of Cyrene         “And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear His cross.” (Matthew 27:32)
“And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.”  (Mark 15:21)
“And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.”  (Luke 23: 26)

Old Soldier-Longinus

 “But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came out blood and water” (John 19:34)

Palm Sunday

Are we ‘riding along’ with Jesus or just ‘going along for a ride?’  What’s the difference?  It’s a matter of life and death!  Luke 19.28-40

John puts several hats on Judas…to show us what he really cared for?  The question is:  what do WE care for and HOW DO WE SHOW IT?  John 12.1-8

Is every disaster such as Haiti or Chili, a wake-up call from God?  Some commentators would think so.  Or is Jesus suggesting that there “is still time”?   Just because there’s still time, doesn’t mean we should push the envelope to see just how much!  Instead, we should know that time, will, run out.  Luke 13.1-9 

Paul clearly states that we are to be imitators.  How does this square with a world that wants innovators?  Philippians 3.17-4.1

Who are you imitating? Who is imitating you?

Jesus models for us the best way for us to deal with the temptations of life.  Luke 4.1-13 

John Ortberg The Me I want to Be “the me I want to be”  God Is Closer Than You Think The Life You’ve Always Wanted

pain  sorrow temptations self-doubt

Everyone longs for a connection…for TRUE LOVE.  What does a connection with Jesus get you?  EXACTLY what you’ve been looking for!  2 Corinthians 3.12-4.2

Link to Google to view images of the Ponte Milvio

The Psalmist calls for intentionality to our Thanksgiving!  Psalm 138

 sonja lyubomirsky the how of happiness University of California

professor of psychology pioneered  increase happiness day  lives

Jesus begins his radical heroism right here…throwing ‘caution to the wind’ and holding onto courage.  Luke 4.21-30

Ever wonder how you can spread the news of your faith without being abrasive or condescending?  This sermon explores some concrete ways to go about that.  Luke 4.14-21

During the 30 second wait, when Pastor Bob references the “image of Jesus” please pause the playback and click the link to view the image yourself.  When the 30 second countdown is complete, continue playing the sermon.

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images

Jesus Optical

 Illusion Image

The wedding at Cana is really all our transformation.  What needs to be changed in your life?  With Him ‘all things are possible.  John 2.1-11

Syracuse

new york

13215

Baptism by water and fire. As that similar to being thrown into the frying plan and learning as you go as they say? is it a terrible ordeal? The Fire is actually The “heat” of God’s holiness. These fires don’t consume, they make holy.  It’s like when you site in front of the campfire for a little too long, your face might begin to “glow” a bit, turn a little red. You might even start to sweat a little, take on a little “luster”.  At our baptisms we take on a new luster.  A luster and look of Christ.  luke 3:15-17 21-22

church

love

the lord’s prayer

birth of Christ

What would the Christmas story sound like if it all happened today?  What might “modern day” shepherds be like?  One can wonder…  Luke 2.1-20 

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syracuse

new york

Universal motherhood. Maternal instinct that they will do anything for their kids. Just like a mother. You are a well loved child with Jesus. What life giving energy makes a flower grow? Jesus is the life force of creation. Are we missing it? If you had 3 minutes with Jesus, what would he speak about you in your life? Is there a distraction in your life that keeps you from loving others?  John 1: 1-13

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 Christmas Eve Sermon

In those days…
Remember, a manger is not a baby bed; it is a “feeding Trough!”
Bethlehem of all places! It’s a, “you’re now entering, you’re now leaving kind of town. Can you say Hicksville?
Jesus was born in the middle of Political unrest, economic depression and religious & social diversity that was just tremendous.

Similar to today?
Don’t we deal with melancholy moments, budgets issues, salary cuts, political and economic unrest?
“Do you just want to be a kid again?”
Hoping for a few great hours where all is eggnog and happiness, and there is no trauma, no issues, nobody wants anything, there is nothing but sweetness and light in my life, for just a few precious hours.
Isaiah 9: 2-7  Luke 2: 1-20

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As it says in Matthew 25:40 – “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” How would you handle meeting the homeless?  What would you do, what would you give or what would you say?  Our church was tested.  Have been tested lately?  Maybe you have been but don’t even know it.   Luke 3: 7-18

We will attempt to contrast Jesus’ first and second advents. The first advent was supposedly a still, silent, midnight-clear event and ‘silver and gold’ and children and smiles…and wide eyed animals looking on.  The second advent, however, does not lend itself to sugarcoating. As Scott Hoezee puts it:  “It’s difficult to imagine Hallmark producing rosy greeting cards about the stars going dark and falling from their orbits. It’s hard to imagine children listening with beatific smiles on their faces to a story about boiling oceans and people everywhere fainting from terror.  Contrasting these two advents is one way to uncover the true nature of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. For if we are unwilling to celebrate and acknowledge advent number two, then the first advent means nothing.  Luke 21.25-36

 When the sermon is at the point wgere Bob says “watch”, pause the sermon and listen to the “Wizards in Winter” by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Viewed over 3 Million times on Youtube.

Peter had to decide he had to include what had been excluded!  God seems to be calling us to this kind of moment today. Who are the excluded in our culture today?  Why is that so?   Acts 10: 34-43

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen -
Autobots  Optimus Prime, the Autobot leader.  Bumblebee, the Autobot who befriended Sam Witwicky and disguises himself as his fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro.   Mudflap and Skids, also known as the twins.  Ironhide, the Autobot weapons specialist.   Ratchet, the Autobot medic who transforms into a search and rescue Hummer H2.  Decepticons  The Fallen, one of the Dynasty of Primes and Megatron’s master.  Cybertronian “destroyer” aircraft.   Protecting the  AllSpark.

Keys words that a Christianity in Culture Sermon could be built around?  Relative to Romans 12? 

Due to technical difficulties, an audio sermon is not available.  You “can” however read the sermon to see how these Autobots “Transform” Christianity in Culture.  click here to open Sermon

In essence this will be a combo sermon:  slides from the Hubble site and a dialogue w/ science teacher Dan Irby – I am awed by the vastness and beauty of deep space.  Spend some time on the hubble website and see what might arise in your music choices!  Those connected to stars, light, creation, greatness of God are all good bets.  Genesis 1: 1-5   psalm 11:4

Future power point of slides will be here soon.

From wikipedia.com: Oscar-Claude Monet or Claude Oscar Monet (14 November 1840 – 5 December 1926)^[1] was a founder of French impressionist painting, and the most consistent and prolific practitioner of the movement’s philosophy of expressing one’s perceptions before nature, especially as applied to plein-air landscape painting.^[2]  

What are our perceptions when it comes to nature?  Do we have eyes to see “God in all things?”  This sermon will most likely involve some slides from our big family trip in England and Scotland and some slides of Monet’s Trouée de soleil dans le brouillard, Houses of Parliament, London, Sun Breaking Through the Fog, 1904, Musée d’Orsay, Paris   Genesis 1: 1-4    4-25

 Future power point of slides will be here soon.

A good friend of mine has said in essence. “It’s easy to say Jesus is Lord, but actually making him Lord of our lives is the hard part.”  Ben Harper, in many ways tries to do that. Harper is “one”of the most gifted guitarists alive today” and having spent time with the Blind Boys of Alabama he couldn’t help but develop a spirituality that calls listeners to be walking pictures of Jesus.  1 Corinthians 13

Listen to the song on yourtube – Ben Harper – With My Own Two Hands 

God’s majesty reflected in the largeness of the building…symbols…how significant that Washington DC sits in the shadow of this grand building…   1 Kings 6: 1-13

Welcome George Carruth as he discusses a contract vs. covenant, the 1989 Earthquake in Armenia and of ”a Father’s love”. Genesis 6: 17-18   Luke 22: 14-20

Peter was remarkably different after these experiences.  He struggled a bit with faith and fear in his ‘former life’ but filled a new with the Hoy Spirit, he realizes that these 2 elements of living have to co-exist but also that faith trumps fear…and with great faith he confronts those who had arrested him in an orderly, faithful fashion…his faith put him in a good place.  Can we let our faith keep our fear in its place?  Acts 4.5-12

We welcome Damon Gagnier – Setting the stage; i. Naaman’s great wealth and position. ii. Naaman’s great problem. iii. Do you know Naaman? Listen to today’s sermon and uncover the meaning of F-S-T-B     2 Kings 5: 1-15

HERSHEY’S KISSMOBILE Cruiser, the chocolate lover’s dream machine, is traveling to small towns and large cities across North America bringing smiles to kids of all ages and sharing the message that, “Every kid deserves hugs and kisses” especially HERSHEY’S HUGS and KISSES brand chocolates. Two HERSHEY’S KISSMOBILE Cruisers, each accompanied by two Chocolate Ambassadors, will visit over 70 North American cities, driving more than 75,000 miles. (see hershey’s.com)  There are marketing masters and those who are to market the master.  How do we do that effectively?  What is the advertisement of our lives?  Mark 8: 27-38

Kids Questions 3:  Can I have a brother or sister?  Mommy says Santa does not bring them…who does?  Carter Buckman

Kids Questions 2: re “life and death…What is the thing that separates life and death?”  Parker Ventura    Matthew 12.46-50

Kids Questions 1: “Who created God  and How did God make everything in the world?”  Jordan and Carly Devereaux   Genesis 1-2.3

A panel dialogue around the question:  What difference does being a Christian mean to you and how do you talk about that with others?  Matthew 28: 20 1 Peter 3: 15

A panel dialogue around the question:  What difference does being a Christian mean to you and how do you talk about that with others?   Matthew 28: 20 1 Peter 3: 15

A sermon to commemorate John Calvin’s 500 b-day July 10, 1509 Blessed be the Lord forevermore.  In spite of everything faith in God remains steadfast.   Psalm 89:20-37 Isaiah 40.1-11

The psalmist says God is in citadels.  What does it mean to say that God dwells in this place and that.…this thin veil between God and us…where are these for us?  What do we seek when we go there?  Psalm 48

The psalmist waits FOR THE LORD!  This is huge!  May our waiting have this determination to it…even in the midst of darkness.  Psalm 130
Due to technical difficulties the recording for this Sunday is not audible. The word “Wait” appears in the Bible 89 times. How many times does the word wait or waiting appear in your life?  Please read Paslm 130 and take a moment to reflect how the “song of ascents” fits in your life.

“Debrief last week…Faith in Action? Sharing groups” What were the blessings of our doings?  What next?  What now?  FISHBOWL model with walking teams?  James 1.22-27

Does he sound like thunder?  Maybe birds in the spring?  Or… maybe you can “see” him, more than hearing his voice.  Come in and listen.    Psalm 29

Tiny bearers of light, do you remember them?  When was the last time that you saw a “bunch” of fireflies?  How is “your” light?  Do you radiate the light of God?  Be a light bearer for God.  Or are “other” lights drawing you away from your spiritual commitment?  Remember, The grass isn’t greener on the other side of the fence.  The grass is greener, where it is watered.   John 1:1-5 John 8:12 John 12:35-36 Acts 2: 1-21

“There Once Was a CPA in the Wilderness…is this the start of a good joke?” (we welcome Craig Zellar) – Algonquin park canoeing, Ministers of God, time of reflection, time for prayer, viewing his glorious creation from land and water. Near death experience, but Jesus standing on the water reaching out his had. Close your eyes and listen to todays sermon and experience the assurance of God.  Isaiah 43: 1-7

We welcome Jim Krisher – Nicholas Herman had a powerful conversion in the 1600′s. It was through looking at a tree. Where did he experience the presence of God? In the Monastery? During prayer? When in silence with God? When he was cooking in the kitchen? Listen to today’s sermon to find the answer. You may find your answers here too. Mark 4: 30-32

Scripture calls on us to acknowledge and confess our sins before God with a humble, lowly, penitent, and obedient heart.  Let us come before Him now, together: We confess, God of Faith, that we ask about someone’s background to see if they are like us, but you look at where their heart is grounded. We examine another’s good looks or athletic prowess, while you take notice of how they reach out to those who are different. We gaze at the size of someone’s house, or car, or portfolio to judge how successful they are, and you observe whether or not they have faith the size of the smallest seed. Forgive us, Anointing God, for looking at those around us with human eyes, and not seeing them as created in your image. As you shape us into new people, give us new eyes, new hearts, new lives to follow Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

What does the person of faith look like? Is the faith-filled person someone who exudes a serene confidence, a calmed and hushed and unperturbed spirit? Or is the faith-filled one the active and always-in-motion kingdom worker who is mostly a kind of holy blur of volunteerism? Is faith a set of convictions that could be counted-cross-stitched and hung on a wall or is faith seen best only when it is put into practice out on the nitty-gritty streets of the real world?  John 15.1-8

Tag team sermon with Pastor Bob and David Bailey. David starts the sermon off with “Shepherd’s Song”. One of the famous “I AM” sayings in John. (But if you look closely in John’s gospel, you will discover that following EVERY ONE of the “I Am” sayings, Jesus gets put down, derided, roughed up, sneered at. So also here: Jesus utters a saying of such lyric power that it has made tears leap to the eyes of believers for two millennia now. But when first Jesus said these words, they called him a lunatic, a demoniac, Satan’s little helper.)
We may need to update the imagery a bit but it’s not too difficult to remind people of their ongoing need for Someone bigger, stronger, and wiser to lead them along life’s paths.
John 10.11-18

To life indeed.  WE are Easter people.  Luke 24:36b-48

Mark ends his gospel with silent, fleeing, fearful women.  And we see them and say:  “Now what?  Certainly the gospel can’t end in silence!  Certainly there must be more to the story!”  Maybe…just may this where WE COME IN!  CERTAINLY…this is Mark’s point.  Mark 16:1-8

Jesus mode of entry was meant to be humble…very different from the way society would expect a grand entrance.  Was Jesus somehow preparing us for what came next…Good Friday et al?   Mark 11: 1-11

After all is said done, there is a light that remains.  (The Voice:  The Liberating King is the one who will remain without end.)  Does the cross block out the light for us altogether or can we see that it remains?   John 12.20-36

Martin Luther calls this verse  “The Gospel in Brief.”  And many people are familiar with this verse, and yet so very few recall its original context: namely, Jesus’ discussion with Nicodemus…and death and being born again. Most people assume John 3:16 doesn’t need a context–it’s so beautifully concise that it stands alone just fine. But as New Testament people, we know this is not so.  John 3:14-21

Join the party, taste the wine, smell the warm bread, olives and lamb.  See the familiar face in the crowd, ready to snap.  The whip cracks, shouts start, money on the floor and the freezing of time.  ”There must be room in my House”    John 2: 13-17

How intentional are you on following our servant leader?  How often do you say what can I give rather than what can I get?  Some points of interest in this sermon are the Hinge of the Gospel, the Theological Center of the Bible, the fork in the road.  Reading from Mark 8: 31-38

Chaos doesn’t stand a chance when Jesus shows up for the wilderness is his 2nd home.  I challenge you throughout Lent to confront the wilderness in which you live.  Mark 1:9-15

Ash Wednesday – Our ancestors in the faith used ashes as a sign of repentance, a symbol of the uncertainty and fragility of human life.  Like them, we have tasted the ashes of hopelessness; we have walked through the ashes of our loss and pain; we have stood knee-deep in the ashes of our brokeness.  God of our lives, out of the dust of creation you have formed us and given us life.  May these ashes not only be a sign of our repentance and death, but reminders that by your gift of grace in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, we are granted life forever with you.  Amen.  <To listen, click on the Cross>  Readings from Mathew 6: 1-6, 16-21

It all comes down to simple arithmetic – Jesus + Christ = Glory. Mark 9: 2-9

The Greek word for Pity or Compassion is “splanknizomai”. This is how Jesus was moved to minister to the Leper, to those who sufferd, to you and I. Mark 1: 40-45

What do we bring with us to worship?  Worship is about meeting God and when we do and he shows up anything can happen.  The people were amazed, the text says.  Are we?  reading is Mark 1.21-28

Paul speaks in the Areopagus of the “unknown God”. Discussion on post modern culture which is all around us. Readings from Acts 17:16-31

“Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation”. Readings from Mathew 28: 19-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:27, Acts 1:9, John 20:21

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.”  1Cor. 12.4

Christmas Eve – Isaiah 9.2-7, John 1.1-5 Imagine being in such darkness you cannot even see your hands in front of your face and someone strikes a match!  “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness DOES NOT OVERCOME IT!”  Praise God! <To listen, click on the Manger>

Luke 1.26-38 Can we imagine what was going on in Gabriel’s brain as he brought this news to Mary?  (Was he nervous about how Mary would take it?) Frederick Buechner thinks you might be able to detect a little trembling beneath Gabriel’s wings!  Hmmm!

John 1.6-8, 19-28 Commentator Don Juel says that John ‘is not the light.  He is not the Christ…he his not Elijah, he is not the final prophet.”  So what did he come to do?  (see verse31!)  Is there a way for our lives to point to the One everyone is waiting for?

Mark 13.24-37 The Apocalypse from the Mark 13 reminds us that our state of being between the first Advent of Christ and his second is to be one of watchfulness.  What does this mean?