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Sermons, songs, and other news from Hector Presbyterian Church in Hector, NY, beside beautiful Seneca Lake.

Hector Presbyterian Church


    • Nov 10, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 21m AVG DURATION
    • 113 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Grace and Peace

    We Are Each Other's People (Farewell from Pastor Ben)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2021 23:30


    A farewell from Pastor Ben on his last Sunday before moving to Minnesota. The audio isn't great quality, but there is so much gratitude for God's gift of belonging to each other. Journey on with your neighbors, friends; you are so blessed to have them.Pastor Ben Masters preached "We Are Each Other's People" on November 7, 2021.Scripture readings: Ruth 1:1-18 and Mark 12:28-34.Download the transcript.

    Just Ask the Walking Wounded (All Saints Sunday)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2021 21:57


    All Saints Sunday is the perfect time to launch our new worship series, "Growing in Gratitude." We give thanks for those who have gone before us, who like us and like Lazarus, are "the walking wounded" (in the words of Johnny Cash). What is it like to be called from death to life? Just ask the walking wounded, and they'll tell you about God's grace.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Just Ask the Walking Wounded" on October 31, 2021, All Saints Sunday.Scripture readings: Isaiah 25:6-9 and John 11:1-3, 17, 32-44. Download the transcript.

    God Comes Alongside (Manna, Miracles, Mercy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2021 15:25


    Concluding our seven-week series, "Manna, Miracles, and Mercy," we receive God's answer when we cry, "Enough!" God comes near with bread and grace, calling us anew and strengthening us for the journey.Content note: Since the reading from 1 Kings describes longing for death, here's a timely reminder: Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, help is available. Call 1-800-273-8255 or text chat at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Pastor Ben Masters preached "God Comes Alongside" on October 24, 2021.Scripture readings: 1 Kings 19:1-8 and Mark 7:31, 8:1-10. The Scripture readings are not included in this week's audio.Download the transcript

    The Party at Wisdom's House (Manna, Miracles, Mercy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2021 24:30


    Even when we turn down the bread of life, God comes to us in grace. As Wisdom, God invites us to a fabulous party where all can find a true, meaningful life. As the incarnate Word, God welcomes us to learn this life by doing. Through Jesus Christ, Wisdom and Word, we can show our neighbors the love of God—the God of manna, miracles, and mercy.Pastor Ben Masters preached "The Party at Wisdom's House" on October 17, 2021.Scripture readings: Proverbs 9:1-6, 9-12 and John 6:56-69Download the transcript

    A Daily Dose of Logic-Defying Love (Manna, Miracles, Mercy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2021 21:05


    When the Israelite community saw God's provision, they asked "What is it?" God's daily dose of love might defy logic, but it will sustain us—even as we enter the wilderness of transition. When it comes to grace, there is always enough from the hand of God—the God of manna, miracles, and mercy.Pastor Ben announced that he will be following his husband Hierald to Minneapolis, where Hierald has accepted a new call. Ben's last Sunday in Hector will be November 7, 2021.Pastor Ben Masters preached "A Daily Dose of Logic-Defying Love" on October 10, 2021.Scripture readings: Exodus 16:2-3, 11-18 and John 6:22-35Download the transcript

    What Good Is That? (Manna, Miracles, and Mercy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2021 19:46


    Five loaves and two fish—what good is that? But instead of answering on our terms, Jesus changes the question: "What will God do with that?" Keeping our senses open to the Spirit, we'll discover surprising answers today. For these surprises, we give thanks to the God of manna, the God of miracles, the God of mercy!Pastor Ben Masters preached "What Good Is That?" on October 3, 2021.Scripture readings: 2 Kings 4:38-44 and John 6:1-15Download the transcript

    God Gets Personal (Manna, Miracles, and Mercy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2021 24:59


    God gets personal, searching for your face in the crowd to call you "Daughter," "Son," "Beloved Child." That has implications for those of us made partners in Christ's ministry of healing. Our fall series continues, giving thanks to the God of manna, the God of miracles, the God of mercy.Pastor Ben Masters preached "God Gets Personal" on September 19, 2021.Scripture readings: Judges 11:29-35 and Mark 5:21-43Download the transcript

    Made Partners in Christ's Ministry of Healing (Manna, Miracles, Mercy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2021 23:17


    The Savior who heals us now sends us to heal and care for our neighbors. But what does that mean? Explore what this ministry of healing means in the first sermon in our fall series. Blessed be the God of manna, the God of miracles, the God of mercy! Pastor Ben Masters preached "Made Partners in Christ's Ministry of Healing" on September 12, 2021.Scripture readings: Ezekiel 2:1-10, 3:1-3 and Mark 6:1-13Download the transcript

    Christ Grabs Hold (Building Back Beloved, Week 4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2021 22:59


    Sadly, there are times people oppose building beloved community. How will we respond? Because Christ has grabbed hold of us, we are empowered and sustained by a righteousness that is not our own.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Christ Grabs Hold" on August 8, 2021.Scripture readings: Nehemiah 4: 1-3, 6-11, 14 and Philippians 3:4b-14.Download the transcript.

    To Want and Live out the Dream of God (Building Back Beloved, Week 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2021 21:58


    Building beloved community sounds nice, but the instinct to look out for ourselves first lingers. Thankfully, God takes initiative, enabling us both to want and to live out God's dream. We first glimpsed that dream in Christ's solidarity with humanity, and so with God's help will stand alongside our neighbors.Pastor Ben Masters preached "To Want and to Live out the Dream of God" on August 1, 2021.Scripture readings: Nehemiah 5:1-12 and Philippians 2:1-13.Download the transcript.

    God Has Already Begun (Building Back Beloved, Week 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2021 25:10


    God has already begun the good work of building beloved community within us, if only we would pay attention! With Paul, pay attention to gratitude. With Nehemiah, pay attention to grief. Listen to your body and your being, because the Spirit is already pushing us towards the dream of the Gospel.Pastor Ben Masters preached "God Has Already Begun" on July 25, 2021.Scripture readings: Nehemiah 1:1-4, 2:1-6 and Philippians 1:1-11.Download the transcript.At minute 18:26 there is an adapted meditation from Resmaa Menakem's book, My Grandmothers' Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies (Las Vegas, NV: Central Recovery Press, 2017), page 24. To learn more about Menakem's work, listen to his interview with Krista Tippett (50 minutes) or read a short article in Psychology Today.

    Now Is the Right Time (Building Back Beloved, Week 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2021 17:22


    Content warning: Since the reading from Acts describes an attempted suicide, here's a timely reminder: Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, help is available. Call 1-800-273-8255 or text chat at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. The right time to build beloved community is now. Whether it's rebuilding the temple, saving a life, or investing in our neighbors, God's grace in Jesus Christ empowers people to reach and and say, "We're here for you."Pastor Ben Masters preached "The Right Time is Now" on July 18, 2021.Scripture readings: Haggai 1:1-8 and Acts 16:12, 16-34.Download the transcript.

    "I Am Here." (God's Power Made Perfect in Weakness"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2021 24:45


    Our series on the saga of David continues with famous words of grief: “Oh, my son Absalom! Oh, my son!" If only David could protect his son; if only Mary could protect hers. But Jesus is breaking into the house of the strong to heal and save, so that God's power can become perfect in our weaknesses. Then we will repeat God's words to our neighbors: "I am here."Pastor Ben Masters preached "I Am Here" on July 4, 2021.Scripture readings: Mark 3:20-35 and selections from 2 Samuel 18.Download the transcript.

    Sustaining Grace, Saving Grace (God's Power Made Perfect in Weakness)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2021 23:01


    We conclude our first series of the summer with an episode not many of us have heard before: the public demonstration of Rizpah, a courageous mother who moves King David to seek closure. The grace that sustains Rizpah and saves David is for us, for God's power moves through our weaknesses to make all things new. Pastor Ben Masters preached "Sustaining Grace, Saving Grace" on July 11, 2021.Scripture readings: Ephesians 4:25-5:2 and 2 Samuel 21:1-14.Download the transcript.

    To Speak the Truth in Love (God's Power Made Perfect in Weakness)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2021 26:18


    CONTENT WARNING: Sexual violenceAt the midpoint of our summer series, we jump from the First Scroll of Samuel to the Second, from a teenage David to a middle-aged king with tragic children. Faced with the consequences of staying silent in the face of violence, let us hear God's call and receive God's empowering grace. God's power is made perfect in weakness, in our vulnerable acts of speaking the truth in love.Pastor Ben Masters preached "To Speak the Truth in Love" on June 27, 2021.Scripture readings: Ephesians 4:1-8, 14-16 and 2 Samuel 13:23-39.Download the transcript.Hear Anna Carter Florence share how 2 Samuel 13 has transformed how church leaders speak about difficult truths: "It Could Have Gone Differently: Repertory Readings of Texts of Terror." Learn more about the scorched earth campaign the Clinton-Sullivan Expedition waged against the Haudenosaunee in Upstate New York: www.sullivanclinton.comRead Adrienne Rich's 1975 essay about the perils and possibilities of truth-telling: "Women and Honor: Some Notes on Lying."

    God Changes Us (God's Power Made Perfect in Weakness)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2021 23:40


    Our summer series continues with the covenant between David and Jonathan. Paul's letter to Philemon illustrates how God moves through relationships, disrupting what we thought was certain. By grace we can release our clinging grip and undergo love's transformation, witnessing to neighbors that God's power is truly made perfect in weakness.Pastor Ben Masters preached "God Changes Us" on June 20, 2021.Scripture readings: Philemon 1:1-3, 8-17 & 1 Samuel 18:1-11, 20:1-3, 12-15a. Download the transcript.

    Facing the Giants (God's Power Made Perfect in Weakness)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2021 21:05


    Our summer series continues with the most familiar story in the David saga: the confrontation between the shepherd David and the giant Goliath. "I come against you in the name of the Holy One," David declares; how will we confront the giants of our time in the name of the Holy One? And what difference does it make that God's power is made perfect in weakness?Pastor Ben Masters preached "Facing the Giants" on June 13, 2021.Scripture readings: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 and 1 Samuel 17:1, 4-11, 32-49.Download the transcript.

    God's Choice (God's Power Made Perfect in Weakness)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2021 19:31


    We're diving into the sagas of David this summer! When God chooses the shepherd David to be king, we remember how, through ordinary people, God's power is made perfect in weakness.Pastor Ben Masters preached "God's Choice" on June 6, 2021.Scripture readings: 1 Corinthians 1:25-31 and 1 Samuel 15:35 – 16:13.Download the transcript.

    Abundantly Alive (Pentecost Day)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2021 19:03


    On Pentecost, we celebrate how the Spirit extends holy hospitality to hungry hearts. From feeding the creatures to gifting the Word to setting a table where all are welcome, the Spirit invites us to the feast of God's compassion.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Abundantly Alive" on May 23, 2021, the Day of Pentecost.Scripture readings: Psalm 104:1, 10-31 and Acts 2:1-21.Download the transcript.

    Alive in the Spirit of Guidance (Seventh Sunday of Easter)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 18:49


    In these Sundays between Jesus' resurrection and the Day of Pentecost, we are exploring what it means to be alive in Spirit. When we are unsure of where to go or what we can handle, Jesus' promised Companion—the Holy Spirit—will guide us into a truth that bears the mark of nail and loves the whole world. Pastor Ben Masters preached "Alive in the Spirit of Guidance" on May 16, 2021, the Seventh Sunday of Easter.Scripture readings: Isaiah 63:7-14 & John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15.Download the transcript.

    Alive in the Spirit of Salvation (Sixth Sunday of Easter)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2021 24:40


    Content warning: sexual assaultIn these Sundays between Jesus' resurrection and the Day of Pentecost, we are exploring what it means to be alive in Spirit. So that we might live out the joy of salvation, God sends the Spirit to help us confess our sin. No matter how difficult it is to speak aloud hard truths, God will not abandon us.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Alive in the Spirit of Salvation" on May 9, 2021, the Sixth Sunday of Easter.Scripture readings: Titus 1:1-4, 3:3-7 and Psalm 51.Download the transcript.

    Alive to the Spirit of Renewal (Fifth Sunday in Easter)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 21:19


    In these Sundays between Jesus' resurrection and the Day of Pentecost, we are exploring what it means to be alive in Spirit. Meaningful change can seem as impossible as an adult climbing back into the womb to be "born anew," but to exiles and to us God speaks a good word of hope: God will lead the way in transforming the earth and our own stony hearts.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Alive in the Spirit of Renewal" on May 2, 2021, the Fifth Sunday of Easter.Scripture readings: Ezekiel 36:22-30 and John 3:1-8.Download the transcript.

    Alive in the Spirit of Vulnerability (The Fourth Sunday of Easter)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2021 24:49


    In these Sundays between Jesus' resurrection and the Day of Pentecost, we are exploring what it means to be alive in Spirit. Unlike the conventional wisdom of wealth or power, the Spirit's wisdom seems foolish and the Spirit's strength appears weak. But if we refuse this vulnerable gift of grace, offered to us by wounded hands, we cannot know resurrection.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Alive in the Spirit of Vulnerability" on April 25, 2021, the Fourth Sunday of Easter.Scripture readings: Colossians 3:12-17 and Judges 6:33-35, 7:1-8.Download the transcript.

    Alive in the Spirit of Grace (Third Sunday of Easter)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 17:47


    In these Sundays between Jesus' resurrection and the Day of Pentecost, we are exploring what it means to be alive in Spirit. Just as the Spirit empowered the gifts of artists to craft and build the Tent of Meeting, the Spirit pours out grace on us so that we can make the world a better place.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Alive in the Spirit of Grace" on April 18, 2021, the Third Sunday of Easter.Scripture readings: Exodus 31:1-5, Exodus 35:30-35, and 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.Download the transcript.

    Alive in the Spirit of Forgiveness (Second Sunday in Easter)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2021 18:37


    In these Sundays between Jesus' resurrection and the Day of Pentecost, we are exploring what it means to be alive in Spirit. Just as Jesus came near to the heartbroken and hurt disciple Thomas, the Spirit embraces us with healing and—eventually—forgiveness.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Alive in the Spirit of Forgiveness" on April 11, 2021, the Second Sunday of Easter.Scripture readings: Psalm 139:1-18 and John 20:19-31.Download the transcript.

    Easter Sunday: The Place where Faith and Fear Collide

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2021 21:23


    What do you say when the unspeakable happens? That is the moment when faith and fear collide. It's messy but it's also real, and reality is where resurrection takes places. Join the faithful and fearful women at the tomb to hear the news yourself: Jesus has been raised and is going ahead of us.Pastor Ben Masters preached "The Place where Faith and Fear Collide" on April 4, 2021, the First Sunday of Easter.Scripture readings: Isaiah 25:6-9 and Mark 16:1-8Download the transcript.

    Covenants Over Kings (Palm Sunday, Sixth Sunday in Lent)

    Play Episode Play 46 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 30, 2021 17:14


    As we draw near to the end of our Lenten journey, we recall God's covenant promise to David. The crowds hailing Jesus remembered God's promise, but their hopes would soon be crushed. Yet God still keeps the promise to go with us every step of the way—even into death itself.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Covenants Over Kings" on March 28, 2021, Palm Sunday and the sixth Sunday in Lent.Scripture readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-16 and Mark 11:1-11.Download the transcript.

    A Love that Gathers Us All (Fifth Sunday in Lent)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2021 24:54


    Continuing our Lenten journey towards Easter, we are reclaiming and recalling God's covenant promises. Sitting at Jesus' feet with Greek pilgrims and with Asian American neighbors, we hear his summons to transformation. Let yourself be drawn to Jesus, into the loving embrace of God who gathers Israel's outcasts and will gather still others.Pastor Ben Masters preached "A Love that Gathers Us All" on March 21, 2021, the fifth Sunday in Lent.Scripture readings: Isaiah 56:1-8 and John 12:20-33Download the transcript.

    The Light Is Waiting (guest preacher Evan Solice)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 37:02


    Joining us on our Lenten journey towards Easter, guest preacher Evan Solice invites us to trust God's grace and mercy. Step forward, friends: the light is waiting.Reverend Evan Solice is a board-certified chaplain at Dell Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas, and provides spiritual care as a part of the hospital's pioneering work with patients experiencing addiction and withdrawal.He preached "The Light Is Waiting" on March 14, 2021, the fourth Sunday in Lent.Scripture readings: Isaiah 6:1-8 and John 3:1-17.

    A Covenant for Free People (Third Sunday in Lent)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2021 28:26


    Continuing our Lenten journey towards Easter, we are reclaiming and recalling God's covenant promises. With our Jewish sisters and brothers, we celebrate how the Torah—God's Instruction—comes as a gracious gift to liberated people. Observing the Ten Commandments is part of our discipleship, which is why we need to ask what Jesus is really up to on the Sabbath.Pastor Ben Masters preached "A Covenant for Free People" on March 7, 2021, the third Sunday in Lent.Scripture readings: Exodus 20:1-17 and Mark 2:23-3:5Megan shared the Exodus reading from The Spark Story Bible: Sunday School Edition, published by Augsburg Fortress © 2009. Download the transcript.

    Better News for the Children of Abraham (Lent 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 25:32


    Continuing our Lenten journey towards Easter, we are reclaiming and recalling God's covenant promises. As for the covenant made to Abraham and Sarah, we recognize how our forebears in faith tried to claim that exclusively. Thankfully, God's faithfulness is greater than our own and can set us free.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Better News for the Children of Abraham" on February 28, 2021, the second Sunday in Lent.Scripture readings: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 and John 8:31-36, 51-58Download the transcript.

    A Rainbow of Grace (First Sunday in Lent)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2021 23:55


    In our Lenten journey towards Easter, we are reclaiming and recalling God's covenant promises. In the rainbow covenant God makes with all living things, we glimpse the shocking scope of God's love—such love that awakens our courage to live in grace.Pastor Ben Masters preached "A Rainbow of Grace" on February 21, 2021, the first Sunday in Lent.Scripture readings: Genesis 8:21-22, 9:8-17 and 1 Peter 3:18-22.Download the transcript.

    Raised up to Reach out (God's Baptismal Promises, Week 6)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2021 21:13


    We've hit another pandemic wall, with no clear end in sight. Concluding our series on the promises God makes to us in baptism, we place our hope in the Holy One, who strengthens the tired  and resurrected the hopeless.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Raised up to Reach out" on February 14, 2021.A thousand thanks to Megan Beckhorn for helping proclaim Scripture!Scripture readings: Isaiah 40:21-31 and Mark 1:29-39Download the transcript

    The Holy Priority of Wholeness (God's Baptismal Promises, Week 5)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2021 21:55


    Confronting evil, Jesus does not allow demonic forces to determine his priorities. God's priorities of healing, guiding, and nourishing creation become apparent to us as we reflect on the life that sparkles in the waters of baptism.Pastor Ben Masters preached "The Holy Priority of Wholeness" on February 7, 2021.Scripture readings: Psalm 147:1-11, 19-20 and Mark 1:21-28Download the transcript.

    Greater Things than These (God's Baptismal Promises, Week 4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 24:22


    When we're on the run like Jacob, when we guard our hearts like Nathanael, God sees us and joins us where we are. Continuing our series on the promises God makes to us in baptism, we claim the gift of a future greater than what is, greater than what has been.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Greater Things than These" on January 31, 2021.Audio edited for clarity on February 3, 2021.Scripture readings: Genesis 28:10-19 and John 1:43-51.Download the transcript.

    Searching for Our Hearts' Desire (God's Baptismal Promises, Week 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2021 15:29


    When Jesus asks us, "What are you looking for?" will we have the boldness of the lover who searches for the beloved in the Song of Songs? Continuing our series on the promises God makes to us in baptism, we dare to seek out our hearts' desire, trusting that Jesus will encourage us along.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Searching for our Hearts' Desire" on January 24, 2021.Scripture readings: Song of Songs 3:1-5 and John 1:35-42.Download the transcript.

    Washed in the Spirit (God's Baptismal Promises, Week 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 22:54


    Continuing our series on the promises God makes to us in baptism, we follow John the Baptist's gaze. Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, who breaks down every dividing wall, who baptizes us in the Holy Spirit.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Washed in the Spirit" on January 17, 2021.A few notes up-top: This sermon references instances of potential violence, so have that in mind when choosing where and how to listen.Sadly, Christians who rallied against the results of the 2020 election joined ranks with people who promoted white supremacy, antisemitism, and violence. Mallory Simon's and Sara Sidner's article, “Decoding the extremist symbols and groups at the Capitol Hill insurrection” (CNN, January 11, 2021), offers an accessible overview of those factions.One symbol that I mentioned in my sermon is “6MWE” (6 Million Weren't Enough). Afterwards, while double-checking sources, I learned that the photo of a man whose shirt reads “6MWE” was taken at a rally against the election results in mid-December. For more information, I recommend Ben Sales' article “The ‘6MWE' shirt: How a photo that went viral after the Capitol siege is misleading, and why it matters” (Jewish Telegraphic Agency, January 11, 2021). For a taste of Leah Sotille's reporting, listen to her collaboration with the BBC about the Oklahoma City bombing, Two Minutes Past Nine.Finally, a reminder. There are no “good Christians” or “bad Christians”; there are only Christians, standing in need of grace. I pray that our congregation's preaching, worship, and service to the community points to the grace, mercy, and peace of God revealed in Jesus through the power of the Spirit.Scripture readings: Isaiah 42:1-9 and John 1:24-34.Download the transcript.

    In Christ a New Creation (God's Baptismal Promises, Week 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2021 22:02


    In the wake of violence and turmoil, we claim the promises God makes to us in baptism: God alone creates, and in Christ we are a new creation. Loved into freedom, called to walk in Jesus' way, we begin six weeks of reflection on God's baptismal promises.Pastor Ben Masters preached "In Christ a New Creation" on January 10, 2021, the Baptism of Jesus.Scripture readings: Genesis 1:1-5, 24-27 & Mark 1:4-11.Download the transcript.

    Why Did the Wise Men Bother? (Guest Preacher Susan Frost)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2021 19:20


    Guest preacher Susan Frost wonders, "Why did the Wise Men bother to follow a star in search of a newborn king? Why was this child so special?" As we mark the feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate the gift of God's very presence in Jesus, a gift given to all the world.Susan Frost is a 2020 graduate of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, has served two congregations as a Commissioned Ruling Elder (lay pastor), and is a candidate for ministry under care of the presbytery of Geneva. She preached "Why Did the Wise Men Bother?" on January 3, 2021.Scripture readings: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 and Matthew 2:1-12.

    Everything Is Possible Again (Christmas Eve)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2020 13:45


    On Christmas, the angel's announcement to Mary is good news for us: "Nothing is impossible for God." Indeed, to those who welcome the Christ child, everything is possible again.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Everything Is Possible Again" on December 24, Christmas Eve. On our Facebook page, watch or share "A Very Hector Christmas Eve."Scripture readings: Luke 1:26-56 and 2:1-20.Download the transcript

    Advent: Those Who Dream Are Not Alone (Seven-Week Advent Series)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2020 20:46


    Mary of Nazareth didn't go through pregnancy alone; God gave her Elizabeth, her aged relative who had also conceived a child miraculously. In the same way, God gives us to one another: to comfort the distressed, to care for our neighbors, and to conspire with God for the goal of the kingdom.Rev. Chelsea McCutchin preached "Advent: The Way Forward" on December 20, 2020, the Seventh Sunday of Advent. Read more about seven-week Advent at http://theadventproject.org/. Meet our guest preacher! Rev. Chelsea McCutchin is the Minister of Education & Community Engagement at University Christian Church of Austin, Texas. It was truly a delight to welcome a dear friend from Austin Seminary to our virtual pulpit in Hector!Scripture readings: Psalm 89:1-18 and Luke 1:26-55

    Advent: The Light Shines in the Darkness (Seven-Week Advent Series)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2020 21:20


    Human beings burn with questions, but John the Witness is only interested in one: Will the darkness extinguish the light? Improbable as it seems, the answer is no, and that answer makes all the difference.You can view the Gaugin painting mentioned in the sermon on the Museum of Fine Arts' website.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Advent: The Light Shines in the Darkness" on December 13, 2020, the Sixth Sunday of Advent. Read more about seven-week Advent at http://theadventproject.org/. Scripture readings: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 and John 1:1-8, 19-23Download the transcript

    Advent: The Way Forward (Seven-Week Advent Series)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2020 15:33


    Isaiah's vision calls us to action: "Clear the Eternal One's way! Make a level highway for our God!" But who are we, whose highways are crumbling and whose hearts are cracked open, to answer that call? Truly, we are God's, and God has made a promise. Jesus has set before us an open door that no one can shut. Grace leads the way forward.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Advent: The Way Forward" on December 6, 2020, the Fifth Sunday of Advent. Read more about seven-week Advent at http://theadventproject.org/. Scripture readings: Isaiah 40:1-11 and Revelation 3:7-13Note: Revelation 3:9 refers to hypocrites and liars, those who profess to live as God's covenant people but do not. Unfortunately, John's language of “Satan's synagogue” can distract readers and compound the sin and shame of Christian anti-Judaism, so we did not read verse 9 aloud in worship.Download the transcript

    Advent: The Root of Renewal (Seven-Week Advent Series)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2020 19:50


    Why? Where are you? Will you or won't you? Isaiah's ballad of heartache speaks to our common longing and lament. God's answer? A new heaven and a new earth, already arriving in this Advent season.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Advent: The Root of Renewal" on November 29, 2020, the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Read more about seven-week Advent at http://theadventproject.org/. Scripture readings: Isaiah 64:1-9 and 2 Peter 3:8-15.Download the transcript

    Advent: The End Is Now (Seven-Week Advent Series)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2020 21:40


    At first glance, the last story Jesus told before his execution is a tale about The End. Look again: it's a story that uses The End to point to now. God is seeking out lost and wounded sheep now. Compassion and healing are possible now. Advent encourages us: Live the promise today.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Advent: The End is Now" on November 22, 2020, the Third Sunday of Advent. Read more about seven-week Advent at http://theadventproject.org/. Scripture readings: Ezekiel 34:1-4, 11-12, 15-22 and Matthew 25:31-46Download the transcript

    Advent: Refusing Every False Master (Seven-Week Advent series)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2020 21:30


    Sometimes, a text is just as terrifying as you think it is. Pay attention to the terror, Jesus says; otherwise, we risk the temptation of associating a hard-hearted boss man with God. The kingdom is God promises more than fear.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Advent: Refusing Every False Master" on November 15, 2020, the Second Sunday of Advent. Read more about seven-week Advent at http://theadventproject.org/. Scripture readings: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 and Matthew 25:13-30.Download the transcript

    Advent: A Future We Can Trust (Seven-Week Advent Series)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2020 22:13


    This year, we've seen how the future promised by that false god Scarcity has crumbled. As we begin a seven-week Advent journey, we place our trust in God's future: a wedding banquet spread for all. Today we choose to serve the Groom who longs to see us even when our lights go out.Pastor Ben Masters preached "Advent: A Future We Can Trust" on November 8, 2020, the First Sunday of Advent. Read more about seven-week Advent at http://theadventproject.org/. Scripture readings: Joshua 24:1-3, 14-25 and Matthew 25:1-13Download the transcript

    The Community of the God of Enough (All Saints' Day)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2020 21:03


    For the past month, our worship has dwelled in God's abundance. Now, on All Saints' Day, when we give thanks for those who have gone before us in faith, we remember how Jesus recruits a community to share the message of the kingdom. We're a part of that community, given gifts enough to share!Pastor Ben Masters preached "The Community of the God of" on November 1, 2020, All Saints' Day.Scripture readings: Psalm 24 and Matthew 9:35-10:8Download the transcript

    There Is Enough Grace (Abundance Series)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2020 24:58


    In October our worship will dwell in God's abundance. When the prophet Jonah and Jesus' disciples have meltdowns, they get a holy reality check. There is enough grace—for them, for others, for the whole world.Pastor Ben Masters preached "There Is Enough Grace" on October 25, 2020.Scripture readings: Jonah 3:10-4:11 and Matthew 20:1-16Download the transcript

    There Is Enough Mercy (Abundance Series)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2020 26:26


    In October our worship will dwell in God's abundance. In the parable that Jesus tells, it sounds like mercy is limited resource. However, that is not true; we glimpse the reality of God's abundant mercy on Esau's tear-stained face.Pastor Ben Masters preached "There Is Enough Mercy" on October 18, 2020.Scripture readings: Genesis 33:1-11 and Matthew 18:21-35Download the transcript

    There Is Enough Faith (with Blankets to Spare) (Abundance Series)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2020 20:41 Transcription Available


    In October our worship will dwell in God's abundance. We might convince ourselves that our small faith is worthless, but God is yet more faithful. God calls us to ministry and doesn't mind if we need to wrap ourselves in a blanket or two venture forth.Pastor Ben Masters preached "There Is Enough Faith (with Blankets to Spare)" on October 11, 2020.Scripture readings: 1 Kings 19:9-18 and Matthew 14:22-33Download the transcript

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