Holmesville Church of the Brethren

This is our final message in the series, "A Wandering Heart: Figuring Out Faith with Peter." It is also my final Sunday as pastor of the Holmesville Church of the Brethren. I am borrowing Frederick Buechner's essay on Peter for my final message. (You didn't think I would let any opportunity to quote Buechner go by, did you?) Our scripture is John 21:1-19. Our hymns are "Come thou fount of every blessing," "Christ is risen, shout hosanna," and "Thine is the glory." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/come_thou_fount_of_every_blessing, http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/c/i/r/s/cirshout.htm, and here: https://hymnary.org/text/thine_is_the_glory_risen_conquering. 

Our series on Simon Peter, "A Wandering Heart," continues with a message called "And I Hope." Our scripture is John 20:1-18. Our hymns are "Christ the Lord is Risen Today," "Low in the grave he lay," and "I know that my redeemer lives." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/christ_the_lord_is_risen_today_wesley , https://hymnary.org/text/low_in_the_grave_he_lay_jesus_my_savior, and here: https://hymnary.org/text/low_in_the_grave_he_lay_jesus_my_savior (we do not sing all the verses).  Have a blessed Easter!

Join us as we follow Peter through Palm Sunday. Our scripture is John 12:12-16, and our message is entitled "Songs of Loudest Praise."  Our hymns are "Hosanna, loud hosanna," 'Tis midnight, and on Olive's brow," and "All glory, laud, and honor." Here are lyrics: https://hymnary.org/text/hosanna_loud_hosanna_the_little_children, https://hymnary.org/text/tis_midnight_and_on_olives_brow, and here: https://hymnary.org/text/all_glory_laud_and_honor. 

Join us in worship this fifth Sunday of Lent! We continue our series, "Wandering Heart: Figuring Out Faith with Peter," with a message on forgiveness. Our scripture is Matthew 18:15-22.  Our hymns are "What Is This Place," "What wondrous love is this," and "I know not why God's wondrous grace." Lyrics are here: https://www.sixmaddens.org/what-is-this-place-aov-1132/, https://hymnary.org/text/what_wondrous_love_is_this_o_my_soul_o_m (We add a verse: "And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on . . . And when from death I'm free, I'll sing and joyful be, and through eternity, I'll sing on . . .) and here: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/333 (we skip verse 4.)

We continue our series, "Wandering Heart: Figuring Out Faith with Peter," with a message on Matthew 15:21-26. Our message is called "I'm Fixed Upon It."  Our hymns are "Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing," "Beneath the cross of Jesus," and "Make me a captive, Lord." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/o_for_a_thousand_tongues_to_sing_my, https://hymnary.org/text/beneath_the_cross_of_jesus_i_fain_would, and here: https://hymnary.org/text/make_me_a_captive_lord.

We continue our series, "A Wandering Heart: Figuring Out Faith with Peter" with a message called "Praise the Mount." Our scripture is Matthew 16:13-20.  Our hymns are "I will change your name," "Jesus, keep me near the cross," and "Christ is our cornerstone." Lyrics are here: http://ehymnbook.org/CMMS/hymnSong.php?id=pd02061, https://hymnary.org/text/jesus_keep_me_near_the_cross, and here: https://hymnary.org/text/christ_is_our_cornerstone. 

Join us in worship! On this second Sunday in Lent, we follow the Apostle Peter as he attempts to walk on water. Our scripture is Matthew 14:22-33, and our message is entitled "Rescue Me from Danger." Our hymns are "How firm a foundation," "Precious Lord, take my hand," and "When the storms are life are raging." Lyrics are here: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/339 (we do not sing verse 5), https://www.austincc.edu/dlauderb/2341/Lyrics/PreciousLord.htm, https://hymnary.org/text/when_the_storms_of_life_are_raging_stand. 

Join us in worship! We begin our Lenten services with the message "He Sought Me."  Our scriptures are John 1:35-42 and Luke 5:1-11, Peter's calling.  Our hymns are "Come thou fount," "Lord, you have come to the lakeshore," and "Two Fishermen." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/come_thou_fount_of_every_blessing, https://digitalsongsandhymns.com/songs/lord-you-have-come-to-the-lakeshore-lead-line, and here: http://ehymnbook.org/CMMS/hymnSong.php?id=pd14983. 

Join us in worship! Our scripture is Mark 9:2-11, and our message is entitled "Transfiguration." Our hymns are "Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty," "I want to walk as a child of the light," and "Jesus shall reign." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/holy_holy_holy_lord_god_almighty_early, https://hymnary.org/text/i_want_to_walk_as_a_child_of_the_light, and here: https://hymnary.org/text/jesus_shall_reign_whereer_the_sun.  

Join us in worship! Our message today, entitled, "Healing," draws from Isaiah 40:21-31 and Mark 1:29-39.  Our hymns are "When morning gilds the skies." "Healer of our every ill," and "Immortal Love, forever full." Lyrics are here: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/238 (verses 1, 3, and 6), https://hymnary.org/text/you_who_know_our_fears_and_sadness, and here: https://hymnary.org/text/immortal_love_for_ever_full (the first five verses, and they are not exactly as written). 

Join us in worship! In this season of Epiphany, we celebrate God's light! Our message today is entitled "Called." Our scriptures are 1 Samuel 3:1-20 and John 1:43-51. Our hymns are "What is this place," "Dear Lord and Father of mankind," and "Here I am, Lord." Lyrics are here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/608ac5e82a65b05bfee10556/t/613bc84da7fe7a546cdc38d1/1631307854055/September+12+-+Hymn+Insert.pdf, https://hymnary.org/text/dear_lord_and_father_of_mankind, and here: http://brett-piper.com/song/here-i-am-lord/. 

Join us in prayer! Our hymns are "From all that dwell below the skies" and "'Tis midnight, and on Olive's brow." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/from_all_that_dwell_below_the_skies and here: https://hymnary.org/text/tis_midnight_and_on_olives_brow. 

Join us in prayer! Our hymn this week is "Breathe on me, breath of God." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/breathe_on_me_breath_of_god. 

Join us in prayer! Our hymn is "O God, our help in ages past." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/our_god_our_help_in_ages_past_watts. 

Join us in prayer!  Our hymn is "What wondrous love is this." Lyrics are here: http://hymnbook.igracemusic.com/hymns/what-wondrous-love-is-this. 

Join us in prayer!  Our hymn today is "Ask ye what great thing I know." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/ask_ye_what_great_thing_i_know. 

Join us in prayer! Our hymns are "From all that dwell below the skies" and "I bind my heart this tide." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/from_all_that_dwell_below_the_skies and here: https://hymnary.org/hymn/CH4/508. 

Join us as we hold a special prayer service for Ash Wednesday! Please have ready a scrap of paper and a pencil or pen. Think of what habit, mindset, or emotion you would like to leave behind this lenten season.  Our hymns are "Come thou Fount of every blessing," which serves as our theme this Lent, and "Take my life." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/come_thou_fount_of_every_blessing and here: https://hymnary.org/text/take_my_life_and_let_it_be.  Sing along!

Join us in prayer!  Our hymn this week is "Help us to help each other." Lyrics are here: https://www.jubilate.co.uk/songs/help_us_to_help_each_other_lord_jubilate_version

Join us in prayer!  Our hymn this week is "Will you let me be your servant." Lyrics are here: https://www.last.fm/music/David+Haas/_/The+Servant+Song/+lyrics. 

Join us in prayer! Our hymn is "I would be true." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/i_would_be_true_for_there_are_those. 

Join us in worship! We are celebrating this season of Epiphany with a service that asks us to remember our baptism! Our message is entitled "Beloved," and it follows the scriptures Mark 1:1-11 and 1 John 3:1-2.  Our hymns are “Breathe upon us, Holy Spirit,” “When peace, like a river” and “Love divine, all loves excelling.” Lyrics are here: https://rockhay.tripod.com/worship/music/breatheuponus.htm, https://hymnary.org/text/when_peace_like_a_river_attendeth_my_way, and here: https://hymnary.org/text/love_divine_all_love_excelling_joy_of_he. 

Join us in prayer! Our hymn today is "From all that dwell below the skies." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/from_all_that_dwell_below_the_skies. 

Join us in prayer!  Our hymn is "Jesus, lover of my soul." Lyrics are here: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/1057. 

Join us in prayer on this tenth day of Christmas!  Our hymn is "Joy to the World!" Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/joy_to_the_world_the_lord_is_come. Be sure to sing along!

Join us in prayer on this tenth day of Christmas!  Our hymn is "Joy to the World!" Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/joy_to_the_world_the_lord_is_come. Be sure to sing along!

Join us in worship! We continue our series, "How Does a Weary World Rejoice?" with the message "We Make Room." We will observe the Lord's Supper at our service, so if you want to join us at a distance, take a few minutes to collect a bit of bread or cracker and something to drink to use as elements.  Our hymns are "O come, all ye faithful," "Light Dawns on a Weary World," "Thou didst leave thy throne," and "Silent Night." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/o_come_all_ye_faithful_joyful_and_triump, https://christologyinmusic.wordpress.com/light-dawns/, https://hymnary.org/text/thou_didst_leave_thy_throne_and_thy_king, https://hymnary.org/text/silent_night_holy_night_all_is_calm_all. 

It is our fourth Sunday in Advent! We continue our series, "How Does a Weary World Rejoice?" with the message, "We Sing Stories of Hope." Our scriptures are Luke 1:46-55, Luke 1:67-80.  Our hymns are "Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming," "My life flows on in endless song," "My soul cries out," and "Light dawns on a weary world." Lyrics are here: https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Lo_How_a_Rose_Eer_Blooming/, https://www.hymnsite.com/fws/hymn.cgi?2212,  https://www.missionstclare.com/music/advent-music/canticleoftheturning/canticleoftheturning.html,  and here: https://christologyinmusic.wordpress.com/light-dawns/. 

Join us in prayer! Our carols this week are "In the bleak mid-winter" and "Away in a manger." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/in_the_bleak_midwinter and here: https://hymnary.org/text/away_in_a_manger_no_crib_for_a_bed.

It is the season of Advent! Our hymns are "O come, O come, Immanuel" and "Lo, how a rose e'er blooming." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/o_come_o_come_emmanuel_and_ransom (we do not sing all the verses), and here: https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Lo_How_a_Rose_Eer_Blooming/ (our version is a bit different.)

It is the season of Advent!  Our hymn today is "O day of peace." Lyrics are here: https://genius.com/Josh-garrels-o-day-of-peace-lyrics.

Join us in prayer!  Our hymn is "Earth and all stars." Lyrics are here:  http://ehymnbook.org/CMMS/hymnSong.php?id=pd08670. We do not sing all the verses.

It is our second week of Advent! Today we explore the question, "How does a weary world rejoice?" by looking at the story of Mary ad Elizabeth in Luke 1:24-45. "We Find Joy in Connection" is the title of our message.  Our hymns are "To us a child of hope is born," "O God of Love, O Power of peace," and "The Angel Gabriel." We will close our service with "Light dawns on a weary world." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/to_us_a_child_of_hope_is_born, https://hymnary.org/text/o_god_of_love_o_king_of_peace (our lyrics are slightly different, and we skip verse 2),  https://hymnary.org/text/the_angel_gabriel_from_heaven_came, and https://christologyinmusic.wordpress.com/light-dawns/.  To hear Carrie Newcomer's beautiful song, "Sanctuary," visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjOioWTVAl4. 

We are starting Advent a week earlier than many churches. Our Advent/Christmas theme is "How Does a Weary World Rejoice?" This first Sunday of Advent, we explore this theme with an answer: "We Acknowledge Our Weariness." Our scripture is Luke 1:5-23 and Isaiah 9:1-7. Our hymns are "Come, thou long-expected Jesus," "O come, O come, Immanuel," "We would see Jesus," and "Light dawns on a weary world." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/come_thou_long_expected_jesus_born_to, https://hymnary.org/text/o_come_o_come_emmanuel_and_ransom, (we do not sing all the verses) https://hymnary.org/text/we_would_see_jesus_lo_his_star_is_shinin and here: https://christologyinmusic.wordpress.com/light-dawns/. 

It is Thanksgiving Sunday! Our message is entitled, "Thanks Be to God for His Indescribable Gift!" Our scripture is Luke 6:20-38, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. Our hymns are "Come, ye thankful people, come," "We gather together," and "Now thank we all our God." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/come_ye_thankful_people_come, https://hymnary.org/text/we_gather_together_to_ask_the_lords, and https://hymnary.org/text/now_thank_we_all_our_god. 

Join us in prayer! Our hymn is "O let all who thirst." Lyrics are here: https://www.sixmaddens.org/come-to-the-water-foley/.    

Join us in prayer! Our hymn is "Thine is the glory." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/thine_is_the_glory_risen_conquering.  

Join us in prayer! Our hymn is "All creatures of our God and King." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/all_creatures_of_our_god_and_king.  

Our scripture is Matthew 24:1-13, the parable of the ten bridesmaids. Our hymns are "I will change your name," "Breathe on me, breath of God," and "Give me oil in my lamp." Lyrics are here: https://www.invubu.com/music/show/song/D.J.-Butler/I-Will-Change-Your-Name.html, https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Breathe_on_Me_Breath_of_God/, and https://hymnary.org/text/give_me_oil_in_my_lamp_keep_me_burning#google_vignette (scroll down to the music sheet). 

Join us in prayer! Our hymn today is "Joyful, joyful we adore thee." Lyrics are here: https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Joyful_Joyful_We_Adore_Thee/.   

We continue our "Faces of our Faith" series with the story of Anna from Luke 2.  Our hymns are "God is here among us," "Spirit of God, descend upon my heart," and "Joy to the World." Lyrics are here: https://rockhay.tripod.com/worship/music/godishere.htm, https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Spirit_of_God_Descend_upon_My_Heart/, and here: https://hymnary.org/text/joy_to_the_world_the_lord_is_come. 

Join us in prayer! Our hymn is "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty." Lyrics are here: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/166.  

We continue our series, "Faces of our Faith," with the story of Jonah.  Our hymns are "God of grace, and God of Glory," "Have thine own way," and "Amazing Grace." Lyrics are here: https://www.pateys.nf.ca/cgi-bin/lyrics.pl?font=large&hymnnumber=490, https://hymnary.org/text/have_thine_own_way_lord#google_vignette, and https://hymnary.org/text/amazing_grace_how_sweet_the_sound. 

Join us in prayer! Our hymn is "O worship the king, all glorious above." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/o_worship_the_king_all_glorious_above. 

We continue our series, "Faces of our Faith," with the story of Queen Vashti, as written in Esther 1.  Our hymns are "Trust and Obey," "Be still, my soul," and "Faith of the martyrs."  Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/when_we_walk_with_the_lord, https://hymnary.org/text/be_still_my_soul_the_lord_is_on_thy_side, https://hymnary.org/text/faith_of_our_fathers_living_still. 

Join us in prayer! Our hymn is "O, for a thousand tongues." Lyrics are here: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/163 (we do not sing all the verses). 

We continue our series, "Faces of our Faith," with the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, as found in Daniel 3.  Our hymns are "How firm a foundation," "Precious Lord, take my hand," and "God of grace and God of glory." Lyrics are here: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/339 (we do not sing verse 5), http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/p/l/t/m/pltmhand.htm, and here: http://www.pateys.nf.ca/cgi-bin/lyrics.pl?hymnnumber=490. 

Join us in prayer! Our hymn is "Praise, I will praise you, Lord." Lyrics are here: https://digitalsongsandhymns.com/songs/7711. (We do not sing it in French.)

Our series, "Faces of our Faith" continues with the Daughters of Zelophehad.  Our hymns are "Come, thou fount of every blessing," "I bind my heart this tide," and "You are salt for the earth." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/come_thou_fount_of_every_blessing, https://hymnary.org/hymn/CH4/508, and here:  https://divinehymns.com/lyrics/you-are-salt-for-the-earth-song-lyrics/. 

Join us in prayer! Our hymn is "O Lord, our Lord, hos majestic." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/o_lord_our_lord_how_majestic_is_smith. 

Join us in worship!  This is the second installment of our new series, "Faces of our Faith." Our spiritual ancestors, Shiphrah and Puah, stand up to Pharaoh in a sermon based on Exodus 1:6-21. Our hymns are "A mighty fortress is our God," "Be still, my soul," and "Here I am. Lord." Lyrics are here: https://hymnary.org/text/a_mighty_fortress_is_our_god_a_bulwark#google_vignette, https://hymnary.org/text/be_still_my_soul_the_lord_is_on_thy_side (we skip verse 3), and here: https://genius.com/Dan-schutte-here-i-am-lord-lyrics.