“Making and Maturing Disciples of Jesus Christ”
This has been a long year in many respects. One of the things it has given us is an appreciation for previous traditions as we wait for things to normalize once again. It should give us an appreciation for Advent and Christmas. The promises that Christ fulfilled were made in ancient times. Some people probably
Read MorePreaching Series For the series on the biblical characteris- tics of a healthy and vibrant church, I have been borrowing heavily from Natu- ral Church Development (NCD). NCD bills itself as “A Guide to Eight Essential Qualities of Healthy Churches.” Those eight characteristics are: the Eight Key Characteristics contained within the Natural Church Development process.
Read MorePreaching Series In the first few weeks of August, we complete the summer series where members of our church and community provide scriptures and topics for the worship and sermons. Starting 22 August, there will be a sermon series on the characteristics of a healthy and vibrant church according the Bible, which will lead us
Read MorePreaching Series In July, we continue to have sermons on topics suggested by members of our church. There are still a few slots availa- ble if you would like to share something. The idea for the sermon could start with a topic, a question, or a scripture that you would like to learn more about.
Read MoreJune begins with the end of the spring series through the prophets. We will end with The Forgettable Message, so we can begin with messages inspired by questions, insights, and comments from members of our church. 06 June Scripture: Psalm 79 Isaiah 6:8-13 Sermon: The Forgettable Message 13 June Sunday after VBS Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11 Matthew 7:24-29
Read MoreAs we bring our study of Micah to a close, we will remain in the prophets through Pentecost and the end of May. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His message is timeless as He was there at the Creation. As the Word, He is in every Word written in
Read More“We do not need to wait for the Holy Spirit to come: He came on the day of Pentecost. He has never left the church.”—John Stott “Without Pentecost the Christ-event-the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus-remains imprisoned in history as something to remember, think about and reflect on. The Spirit of Jesus comes to dwell
Read MoreOur Lenten Journey ends as our Easter journey begins. There will be no Passion Play again this year, but we will be gathering in person for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship services. In some ways, our Holy Week Services hearken back to a bygone era while providing us with a springboard to think about
Read MoreOn our Lenten journey, we will continue marching through Micah through the month of March. We will take a bit of a detour for Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter. This year, we will forego the Passion Play once again, but we will offer a Maundy Thursday Service with Communion and a Good Friday Service.
Read MorePreaching Series These are indeed strange and wonderful times. As we move from Epiphany to Lent, some things may seem familiar as we return to worship in the sanctuary. Some things, will be very different. For instance, Ash Wednesday will not include Payne Chapel this year. Their denomination has asked them to keep worship only
Read MoreIn my opening pages, I wrote about 2020 being difficult and focused on COVID. Another major topic of 2020 was the social unrest within our nation and around the world. From different areas, we heard calls for justice and reform. Sometimes those calls came with conflicting voices or goals in mind. Sometimes, calls for a
Read MoreIn a year filled with a pandemic, economic upheaval, and riots in the streets of our nation, we can use something to celebrate. If you read the first couple of the pastor’s pages, you would see how much I celebrate you my church family. Even with- out the gifts and well wishes, I would be
Read More