Church of the Cross United Methodist

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-4a, John 3:1-7Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerWe do not ask to be born. We do not ask to be born again. But when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior, we ARE born again! We have no more control over it than our physical birth—it happens to us as a gift from God.

Scripture: Romans 5:12-17, Matthew :1-11Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerIt is not a sin to be tempted—giving in to temptation is. We cannot deal with temptation by ourselves, but with the Word of God, we can. Get into the Word this Lenten Season and take a journey with God.

Scripture: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17Speaker: Rev. Carla StengelLent is the holiest of seasons in the Christian Life. A time of introspection—time to look deep into our souls, to realize our fragile state, our mortality and our deep need for God. When we are so filled with the business of life, there is no room left for God. But if we pour ourselves out, we have room to invite God in. Lent is a time to give up what we are for what we may become.

Scriptures: Exodus 24-12-18 & Matthew 17:1-9Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerJesus’ transformation took place while he was praying. We cannot experience the mystery of God without first connecting to God in prayer. How many miracles happen just by praying? Events like this help connect the mystery of creation with all of eternity. We get a peek at what lies ahead of this everyday life.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 & Matthew 5:21-37Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerWe face choices every day of our lives. Do we choose light or darkness—life or death? God loves us and cares for us. In the eyes of God we have great worth. Because of this, we can choose life. Choose to live a life of joy and gratitude!

Scripture: John 12:1-8Speaker: Deaconess Marcia Florkey, Miami Valley District UMW PresidentCelebrating the many women in 150 years of history who sacrificed and served for the betterment of the Kingdom of God. We often think of “sacrifice” as martyrdom, but the essence of the meaning is to “let go” or “forego” or “surrender.” We need to surrender who we are and what we have and let Jesus do the work in and through us.

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerDo you take the blessings you have for granted? What are you doing with the blessings you’ve been given? The saying goes, “You are blessed to be a blessing.” Look around for opportunities and choose to let God bless you.

Scripture: I Corinthians 1:10-18Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerPaul appeals to the Corinthians to be united in Christ and United with one another. Is Jesus still the focus of your Christian life?

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerEnriched lives have meaning and are fulfilling. Because we have drifted away, God has to draw us back to Him. We are a broken people, but God enriches our lives every day so we are prepared to do something special for God.

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerRemembering our baptism is to remember the covenant and to renew our commitment to live out that covenant every day of our lives. God takes the initiative in our baptism to invite us into personal relationship with Him. We are part of His family!

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerAs we are forgiven, we must also forgive. We have all heard the phrase forgive and forget. But forgiveness does not involve forgetting—rather remembering graciously.

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerHow do you respond to the let-downs in life? We must not let the world change our smile; we must use our smile to change the world around us. Look upward when we are down for, “My help comes from the Lord.”(Ps 121:2)

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerOur world has become a pretty dark place. There is a lot of good too, but so much darkness. The event of the birth of Christ brings light into the darkness. Our darkness is turned into joy.

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerEspecially at this time of year, the phrase “Home for Christmas,” brings a sense of peace and security. With the situations occurring in our world, our nation and our communities, we are a frightened people. When the angel appeared to Joseph he said, “Do not be afraid.” His name is called Emmanuel—God is with us.

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12Speaker: Bishop Gregory PalmerIs there any better place to hear the voice of God than in the wilderness? John the Baptist implores us to prepare the way—to re-position ourselves for what’s next. Let’s join God in writing the next chapter—a future that no one could have imagined except God!

Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerAdvent is a season of preparation. Preparation for the coming of the Christ child. But our lives are preparation for the return of Christ. Are you ready? On what are we wasting our time? We must examine our lives and prepare our hearts so we are ready.

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-6Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerIn this season of Thanksgiving, find reasons to be thankful to God. Christians are also celebrating Christ the King Sunday today. Scripture is full of instances where Jesus is referred to as King. As Christians, we know we are part of the Royalty of God. Is Christ YOUR King?

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-4, 26-27, 31Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerTruths: Everything we have belongs to God. God is always present and active in our lives. Stewardship is equal to discipleship. As disciples of Christ, we are called to bless others the way God has blessed us.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerIntentional giving is planned giving. God giving us His best (his Son) was never accidental. God doesn’t give us His leftovers. The Apostle Paul instructs us to give out of a cheerful heart, not out of compulsion.

Scripture: Luke 21:1-4Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerAs God blesses you, does your standard of living increase or does your standard of giving increase? We are blessed to be a blessing—stewards one to the other. Give in obedience to your covenant with God, not to the church. It doesn’t matter what is or is not going on within the church—your covenant is with God.

Scripture: Joshua 23:6,8 & Hebrews 12:2Speaker: Ms. Jane Wise, Missionary to the Democratic Republic of the CongoGod’s words to Israel still speak to us today. Stay the course. Anchor our faith in God, no matter how hard society pulls in the opposite direction.

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerStewardship is not about appearances, but about action. We can all make a difference in the lives of people around us by using our God-given gifts. Stewardship is a commitment. Permalink

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerA steward is one who manages something for someone else. Everything belongs to God—we are His stewards. God is not looking for a perfect steward—just one who makes good use of the resources He provides. How are you doing with this task?

We are not saved to feel better ab out ourselves. We are saved to serve and save others.

Scripture: I Peter 5:1-5Speaker: Rev. Carla StengelPeter extols us to clothe ourselves in humility. God is the center of the universe—not us. Humility is the internal bowing of ourselves before our Creator. C. S. Lewis said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”

Scripture: I Peter 4:1-11Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerWith any athlete, the most important ingredient for success is preparation. As Christians we too must prepare for Christ’s coming by conforming our lives in the way Peter describes in this passage.

Scripture: I Peter 3:13-22Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerChristians especially have a problem with the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” We think that our God should respond to our prayers for good health, safety, prosperity, etc.. But God’s viewpoint is not our own.

Scripture: I Peter 2:11-25Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerAs Christians we are called to obey society’s laws even in the sight of persecution. We are to respect one another, love one another, honor God, and live a life of purity. Make the world a better place one person and a time.

Scripture: I Peter 3:1-12Speaker: Rev. Carla StengelSpiritual growth happens over time through experience and study. We must always study scripture in the context of the culture and time in which it was written. God reveals the Holy Spirit in many ways and calls us to reshuffle our thinking again and again as we grow in our faith.

Scripture: I Peter 2:1-10Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerWho are we as an individual? a Church? a Community? There is not a mainline denomination in the United States that is not experiencing an identity crisis. We need to know who we are and to whom we belong.

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:17-25Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerThis world is not our home. Life is a journey with its ups and downs. So Peter reminds us that while we are here, we are to LOVE one another. And all of it is God’s plan from the beginning of creation.

Scripture: 1 Peter: 1:10-16Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerWhat is a Christian? Peter turns to history to understand the present and the future. In the past, God spoke to his people in many ways. For Peter and for us, God speaks through his son, Jesus Christ. “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Scripture: I Peter 1:3-9Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerJesus did not promise us a simple, joyous, happy life. What he did promise is our salvation. It is available to us through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Scripture: Psalm 13Speaker: Dick WrightWhy do bad things happen to good people? An age-old question. Let’s turn to the scriptures for the answer.

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-10Speaker: Rev. Carla Stengel

Scripture: I Peter 1:1-3Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerLife is difficult, but as long as we stand firm in our belief in Jesus Christ, we will prevail.

Scripture: Luke 9:51-62Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerWe can all make excuses for not following Jesus 100%. We have responsibilities to our family. We have an employer to please. There just aren’t enough hours in the day. But when we are all in for Jesus, our lives are better for it. After all, Jesus gave his all for us.

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37Speaker: Mr. Richard WrightWe Christians are often in situations where our response to the circumstances of life will be seen or heard by others. At that point we are witnessing to our faith whether we know it or not. The question is, what message are we sending?

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerOn Pentecost we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles of Jesus Christ. God was giving birth to a new movement—the church.

Scripture: Acts 1:1-11Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerJesus knew the Apostles’ success depended on the presence of the Holy Spirit. They were called to witness to the world. We too are called to witness—are you ready?

Scripture: John 14:23-29Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerWe are a community of believers and we are better together than individually. We have a responsibility to mentor others in the faith. We remember those who have mentored us and made us who we are today.

Scripture: Psalm 148:1-14Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerWe recognize and praise God for the blessing of our forbears who established this congregation 175 years ago. Praising God should be a constant part of our lives. We have so much to be thankful for.

Scripture: 2 Peter :2-21Speaker: Rev. Deb EgloffMother’s Day is a time to remember those who have nurtured us. This day is grounded in love. This is a mothering, nurturing love. The rose is a symbol of this love. When Christianity claimed this symbol, it became a spiritual love—unconditional, pure love.

Scripture: Revelation 5:11-14Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerAll of creation praises our Maker! This passage in Revelation give us a glimpse of what heaven will be like. We as Christians cannot help but sing praises to our Creator who made us in His image.

Scripture: John 20:19-31Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerThomas refused to believe until he could put his finger in the mark of the nails and his hand in Jesus’ side. We all have our times of doubt. It’s okay. . . we have a God who understands. Perhaps we Christians can learn something from Thomas.

Scripture: Luke 24:-12Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-Baker

Scripture: John 19:31-34, 38-42Speaker: Rev. Carla Stengel

Scripture: John 13:1-17, 31-35Speaker: Joe GerstleListen as Joe shares his life-long journey in Christian faith.

Scripture: Luke 19:28-40Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerWants are specific to individuals, but we all have needs. Our greatest need is for a Savior. Fortunately for us, God had a plan from the beginning to send us a savior. All we need to do is receive Him!

Scripture: John :1-8Speaker: Rev. Gus Christo-BakerIn this passage we see a simple act of kindness criticized by those who don’t understand the depth of Mary’s action. Mary’s generosity is a call to ministry—a call to service.

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21Speaker: Pastor Deb EgloffDiscipleship is a process—a life-long process born out of what we hear, what we seek out, life experiences, and cultural influences. As Christians living a whole life of discipleship, we become more like Christ.