To offer another way of living by continuing the work of Jesus Peacefully, Simply, and Together.
DATE: Sunday, October 24, 2021 TITLE: The Believers Share Their Possessions: Lessons from Monopoly FACILITATOR: Carol Davis SCRIPTURE: Acts 4:32-37. The Believers Share Their Possessions 32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No… More
What are you anxious about, and what helps you through anxious moments? What experiences of resurrection have you experienced during anxious moments? What joys you are experiencing in these uncertain days? Worry, tomorrow, and who holds the future were related themes that provided the focus for the worship service August 8 shared via Zoom
The worship experience June 13 included the story of Samson and the courage he displayed in holding on to his faith in God, information about a contest of barbershops to influence their community positively and the courage to do so in the face of possible opposition, thoughts on metamorphosis and the courage to change, as well as stories of personal experiences facing future unknowns with active courage.
Hannah Musa from Jos, Nigeria joined us, via Zoom, for worship this past Sunday (May 30, 2021). Having her share with us about “In the Gray”, a film project she helped bring to reality, was a joy and blessing. She offered commentary that was helpful in understanding the film as well as gaining awareness about the challenges that Nigerian followers of Jesus are facing. Hannah also shared that the film was designed to be a ministry tool, and that her church would like other films to be produced. We also learned from Hannah about her work with women whose husbands have died. Our Nigerian sisters and brothers are faithful and resilient.
What obstacles have you witnessed Daughters of Deborah overcome? What obstacles are phenomenal women today overcoming? Women too frequently need to overcome obstacles and systems in order to achieve. The worship service on May 23 offers vignettes of women, both historical and present, who are overcomers. Supportive scriptures and theopoetic offerings will be included as well.
Are you familiar with the story of Deborah, a lifelong leader, profound prophet and poet, fearless fighter, songwriter, and brilliant woman? The worship service, May 16, offered insights about Deborah, based on her story found… More
The May 2nd worship service was the first in a four-week series focusing on women. Women were instrumental and played key roles in funding the itinerant ministry of Jesus. Women continue to hold key positions of… More
Mother’s Day is celebrated the 2nd Sunday of May each year. Worship this past Sunday, May 9, followed along with this celebration theme. Included in the service were vignettes about special women who contributed significantly with… More
This month our services at the Canton COB have focused on renewal. How have we experienced renewal of what the sacrifice of Jesus means in our lives? How have we witnessed renewal in nature? How… More
Creation is a gift to each and all of us. We are called to be stewards of this amazing natural endowment but experience and history reminds us of ways in which we have missed the… More
Worship this Sunday focuses on the theme that “we are never alone in our resurrections” and was inspired by American astronauts of Apollo 13. A question to spark our thinking and conversation is: Why should others be included in our resurrections?
Kevin is producing the service this Sunday which will consider the subject of desire. Using a chapter entitled The Man, from Ray Bradbury’s book The Illustrated Man, along with thoughts from Irish poet John O’Donohue, the opportunity… More
On this Sunday, the service is produced by Martha Harr. She will explore a few motifs from Ray Bradbury’s book Fahrenheit 451. If you are uncertain about the meaning of the word motif, and how it assists in making theological connections, listen in to learn more.
What is your response to science fiction? One angle is considering the genre to be purely fantasy and entertainment without any substance. Another angle is learning that we are using today what was considered fiction or fantasy only several years ago. So is it fantasy or prophecy? How does science fiction continue to provide formation for our lives? How does this genre engage our imaginations to focus and re-focus our energies to enter life experiences to adopt and adapt new ways to encourage better human co-existence? In what ways do we find theological perspective (God; the Divine) in science fiction? These and other questions will be explored during our worship services in March. As this journey unfolds over the next several weeks, be encouraged to find theology imprinted within the science fiction genre. May we all be inspired by the nuggets of wisdom we’ll mine together.
What is your response to science fiction? One angle is considering the genre to be purely fantasy and entertainment without any substance. Another angle is learning that we are using today what was considered fiction… More
Overcoming fear of injustice is a reality for people of color that white people may not experience as intensely. How might we understand the fear others have that we may not experience? How do we engage in efforts to help dispel realities that cause such fear to be experienced? Rev. LaDonna Nkosi, Director of Intercultural Ministries for Discipleship Ministries, will be the guest presenter this Sunday (The Gathering Chicago)
This month, the Canton Church of the Brethren will be recognizing the contributions of African Americans and their central role in U.S. History. Please enjoy the following audio recording from our service from Sunday, 2/21/21.… More
This month, the Canton Church of the Brethren will be recognizing the contributions of African Americans and their central role in U.S. History. Please enjoy the following audio recording from our service from Sunday, 2/14/21.… More
This month, the Canton Church of the Brethren will be recognizing the contributions of African Americans and their central role in U.S. History. Please enjoy the following audio recording from our service from Sunday, 2/7/21.
Sermon Title: How Dare You Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Scripture: Romans 8:22-23, Isaiah 57:16-21, Genesis 2:15 Date: Sunday, March 1, 2020 Romans 8:22-23 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains… More
Sermon Title: Lend Hope Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Scripture: Psalm 146 Date: Sunday, December 15, 2019 Psalm 146 1 Praise the Lord.[a] Praise the Lord, my soul. 2 I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God… More
This Thanksgiving, we are encouraged and reminded to be grateful, but what does God-like gratitude look like? Jesus brought us a new humanity that transcends ethnic and social boundaries, but do we as Christians have vision for those displaced and oppressed? As we conclude our study on the spiritual practice of sharing a meal, it is wise to consider if we are setting a place at the table for everyone.
Sermon Title: In Suffering, Comfort Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Date: Sunday, October 27, 2019 Praise to the God of All Comfort 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord… More
Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Sermon Title: Turned Inside Out Scripture: Joshua 22:1-6, Galatians 5:13-26 Date: Sunday, October 13, 2019 Joshua 22:1-6 – Eastern Tribes Return Home 22 Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites and the… More
Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Sermon Title: Ordinary Faith Scripture: Luke 17:5-10 Date: Sunday, October 6, 2019 Luke 17:5-10 New International Version 5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 He replied, “If you have faith as small as… More
Title: Assurance (A poem by Marilyn McEntyre from “When Poets Pray. For more information about Marilyn McEntyre here is a link to her website) Speaker: Carol Davis Date: Sunday, September 22, 2019 Scripture: Psalm 8:… More
Sermon Title: The Fellowship of Place Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Scripture: Psalm 108 Date: Sunday, September 15, 2019 Sermon Resources – Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places by Eugene Peterson (Eerdmans, 2005) As Kingfishers Catch… More
Sermon Title: Body Discipline Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Date: Sunday, August 25, 2019 The Need for Self-Discipline 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only… More
Sermon Title: The Soul of the Pilgrim Speaker: Ed Carper Date: Sunday, July 29, 2019 Scripture: Psalm 32: 1-7 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one… More
Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Sermon Title: Proclaim Christ, Reclaim Passion Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:12-21 Date: Sunday, July 14, 2019 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to… More
What is a spiritual pilgrimage and why does it matter? For thousands of years, Christians have embarked on journeys to sacred sites throughout the world, such as retracing the steps of Jesus in the Holy Land or walking the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James) in northern Spain. But we don't have to walk hundreds of miles to experience a spiritual pilgrimage. What has the spiritual practice of pilgrimage looked like in your life? What new journey do you feel called to embark upon?
On Sunday, July 7, 2019, the Canton Church of the Brethren was privileged to hear a special performance from Ed Carper and his daughter Baylor Carper. The song they played was called "You're Always There." Please enjoy!
Sermon Title: Why Solitude: To Renew Self-Awareness Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Date: Sunday, June 23, 2019 Scripture; Mark 6:30-34 Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand 30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had… More
Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Sermon Title: Why Solitude: To Be Filled Date: Sunday, June 16, 2019 Scripture: Luke 6: 12-16 The Twelve Apostles 12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray,… More
On Sunday, April 28, 2019, we were pleased to welcome Bill Kostlevy, the director of the Brethren Historical Library in Elgin, IL. In addition to Mr. Kostlevy’s message, we heard special music from the father-daughter… More
Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Sermon Title: At Our Best When Scripture: Selected Verses from Proverbs Date: Sunday April 7, 2019
Sermon Title: A Step at a Time Date: Sunday, March 31, 2019 Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Scripture: Acts 3:1-10; Ephesians 6:10-20 Acts 3:1-10 Peter Heals a Lame Beggar 3 One day Peter and John were going up… More
Sermon Title: From a Grateful Center Scripture: Pslam 150 Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Date: Sunday, March 10, 2019
Speaker: Kevin Kessler Sermon Title: Simple Prayer Date: Sunday, March 3, 2019 Sermon Reference: Foster, Richard J. (1992). Prayer: Finding the Hearts True Home. New York: Harper San Francisco
Sermon Title: No Title (Continuing our practice of Lectio Divina) Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Date: Sunday, February 10, 2019 Scripture: Luke 5:1-11 Jesus Calls His First Disciples 5 One day as Jesus was standing by the… More
How do you understand God speaking to you and inviting you into action in this text from Luke 4? How will you respond? Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Sermon Title: ??? Scripture: Luke 4:21-30 Date: Sunday,… More
Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Sermon Title: Formation, Not Information Scripture: Romans 12:1-2 Date: Sunday, January 27, 2019 Discussion Questions – What seems impossible for you presently that by engaging in the practice of study, you… More
Title: Experience Scripture: Job 28: 12-27 Guest Speaker: Joe Brewer Date: Sunday, January 20, 2019 12 But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell? 13 No mortal comprehends its worth; it cannot be found in… More
Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Sermon Title: Overwhelming Love Scripture: Philippians 1: 3-11 Date: 12/9/18 Thanksgiving and Prayer 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always… More
Title: Everywhere is a Sign Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Scripture: Luke 21: 25-36 Date: Sunday December 2, 2018
The poor should not be expected to be burdened with more responsibility than they can handle. Those who can bear the burden with greater ease would do well to exhibit the level of responsibility they… More
Jesus says the greatest commandment is to love God and to love our neighbors. But is our ability to carry out our primary purpose troubled by a dominant culture defined by hastiness? How can we… More
Title: What Do You Really Want? Scripture – Mark 10: 46-52 Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Date: 10/28/18
Sermon Title: A New Face of Importance Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Scripture: Mark 10:35 – 45 Date: Sunday October 21, 2018
Sermon Title: Borrowed Scripture: Pslam 19:1-4; 24:1 Speaker: Pastor Kevin Kessler Date: Sunday October 14, 2018
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