Weekly services and occasional extended discussion from Houston Mennonite Church in Houston, Texas, USA
Thank you to Dr. Claude Jager-Rubinson for preaching today. Claude is a member of Houston Mennonite Church and an Associate Professor of Sociology at University of Houston Downtown. Scripture Reading Romans 8:6-11 Hymn Jesus Calls Us (VT #30) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Opening our lives to the way of Jesus brings restored sight, and creates a new life in us. Scripture Reading John 9:1-41 Hymn Praise to the Lord the Almighty (VT #88) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
The story of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well is a stark contrast to the story of Nicodemus. Scripture Reading Genesis 12:1-4a; John 3:1-17 Hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (VT #606) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Jesus, you have come to put the world right, to give life to the dead, and to call into existence a people born from above. Scripture Reading Genesis 12:1-4a; John 3:1-17 Hymn Come What May (VT #768) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Lent is a season of testing. Testing is the theme of the Genesis and Matthew texts. The 40 days of Lent correspond to Jesus's 40 days of testing in the wilderness. Two questions lie at the heart of our testing: What do we really want? Who are we? Scripture Reading Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Matthew 4:1-11 Hymn You Shall go Out with Joy (VT #847) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
What is the light I follow as I seek truth about ultimate things? Only Jesus? Where else do I turn for enlightenment? Scripture Reading Matthew 17:1-9 Hymn Jesus on the Mountain Peak (VT #301) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
A fresh look at the Beatitudes Scripture Reading Matthew 5:1-12 Hymn All people that on Earth do Dwell (VT #5) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
The message of God's Reign calls for wholehearted allegiance and sometimes severing of old relationships and securities. It puts people to following the way of Jesus, the one whose person and ministry embody God's Reign. Scripture Reading Matthew 4:12-23 Hymn I Bind My Heart This Tide (VT#556) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Spiritual insight is a gift. Discovering one's true identity and purpose brings a healing and joy that cannot be contained as well as the painful realization of brokenness. Scripture Reading Isaiah 49:1-7 Hymn Come and Fill Our Hearts (VT #52) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
The light of Jesus Christ is a bright beacon for humankind, a light shining in the darkness and a way into a bright future for all of creation. Scripture Reading Ephesians 3:1-12 and Matthew 2:1-12 Hymn In the Beginning (VT #270) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
As the advent season continues, we are invited to participate in the restoration process. We will also focus on Jesus' escape to Egypt as a refugee. Scripture Reading Isaiah 63:7-9 and Matthew 2:13-23 Hymn Beautiful Things (VT #551) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Scripture Reading Luke 2:1-20 and John 1:1-18 Hymn Joy to the World (VT #240) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
In the midst of our fears, God promises that he is with us; "Do not be afraid!" Scripture Reading Isaiah 7:10-16; Matthew 1:18-25 Hymn Joy to the World (VT #240) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
God accompanies us on our imperfect journey while we wait and work for the flowering of justice, peace and love. The presence of God's love, mercy, forgiveness, and presence make the wait bearable and worth it. Scripture Reading Matthew 1:18-25 Hymn Beautiful Things (VT #551) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
When restoration is needed for so many things, how do we live with hope and expectation, as a restored people? Scripture Readings Colossian Isaiah 40:1-11 and Matthew 24:36-44 Hymn Beautiful Things (VT #551) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
The reign of Christ was not a campaign intended to secure national borders. His was not a movement to consolidate power and privilege and wealth. Quite the opposite. Scripture Readings Colossian 1:11-20 and Luke 23:33-43 Hymn God of the Bible Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Guest Lecturer Dr. Katharine Jager introduces us to the Lollard Movement, a Christian movement during the Medieval Period. The Lollards followed the teachings of John Wycliffe. Dr. Jager takes us through their formation through to their martyrdom. Dr. Jager is a member of Houston Mennonite Church and an Associate Professor of English in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences at University of Houston Downtown. She is a poet and medieval scholar. Scripture Romans 12:2 and First John 2:15-17 Hymn I Am That Great and Fiery Force (VT 663) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
"One Last Time," which is the conversation between Washington and Hamilton about Washington's decision to not run for a third term. Some of the lyrics are: One last time -- the people will hear from me -- one last time -- and if we get this right -- we're gonna teach 'em how to say goodbye - You and I If I say goodbye - the nation learns to move on - It out lives me when I'm gone. Scripture Readings (New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition) 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Hymn Rain Down (VT #703) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
What to do when you're near the finish line but the road surprised you with one... last... turn... Scripture Readings (NRSV) 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Hymn Guide my feet (VT #816) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Bill Ogden is a retired lawyer. (He says he's a "recovering" lawyer.) Bill is currently working with Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) after 45 years of practicing law in Houston. Before retiring from law practice in September 2019, Bill was a job coach volunteer at MAM for 6 years. He now serves as the staff liaison between MAM and its 35 member congregations. He loves his "encore career," working with people of different faiths in a common cause to support the families in need within our community. Scripture Readings (The Inclusive Bible) Mark 12:28-34 * Note: The Inclusive Bible is not available online Hymn The Blessing Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
For whom is there a place at the table? To whom is an invitation sent? invite the poor. Invite the differently abled. The lame. The blind. Invite the people who have no place in society and no way to repay your hospitality. Jesus does not say: everyone has a place at God's table -- though we know this to be true. Instead, Jesus specifically lists those whom society has marginalized, ostracized, and thrown away. Scripture (The Inclusive Bible) Luke 14:1, 7-14 & Hebrews 13:1-2 * Note: The Inclusive Bible is not available online. Hymn Jesus Entered Egypt (VT 279) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
During difficult times, perseverance on the journey of faith calls for patience, vigilance, discipline, trust, life-sustaining habits, and powerful love. Scripture Readings (The Inclusive Bible) 2 Timothy 1:1-14 * Note: The Inclusive Bible is not available online Hymn I Know Not Why God's Wonderous (VT 590) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
According to Jesus, people not only are BLESSED, but also BEAR A BLESSING. They are the salt of the earth. They bless us in a way that preserves us, and seasons us, and heals us. So we see what God's kingdom is like. So we may be MOVED to take up the good adventure of following Christ. Scripture Reading (The Inclusive Bible) Matthew 5:1-12 *Note: The Inclusive Bible is not online Hymn Need Thee Every Hour (HWB 555) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
The angry God in Exodus 32 wants to punish sinners. In Luke 15 Jesus is described as welcoming sinners. How do we reconcile these images of the divine? Scripture Readings (The Inclusive Bible) Luke 15:1-10; Exodus 32:7-14 * Note: The Inclusive Bible is not available online Hymn Come Away (VT #9) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
What does it look like to walk in the way of Jesus? Scripture Readings (The Inclusive Bible) Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Luke 14:25-33 * Note: The Inclusive Bible is not available online Hymn Could It Be The God Is Singing Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
In Luke's gospel Jesus is always going to or coming from a meal and often the meal is with people he should not be sitting down to eat with, according to his critics. It is a lesson about humility. Scripture Readings (NRSV) *None This Week* Hymn I'm Gonna Eat at the Welcome Table Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Jesus is all about our unbending. Our standing tall. Our finding our voices, so that we can praise the God who facilitates and celebrates our freedom. Scripture Readings (The Inclusive Bible) Luke 13:10-17 (Note: This translation is not available online.) Hymn New Earth, Heavens New (VT #377) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Because we are whole people, called to gratitude and called to action, we will encounter forces on our journey that are not life affirming. God stands against such injustice, and so do we because we are a whole people who follow the way of righteousness, the way of Jesus. Scripture Readings (The Inclusive Bible) Hebrews 11:29-12:2 (Note: This translation is not available online.) Hymn Oh, for a Thousand Tongues Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
God's dream comes true when we recognize that there exists no daylight between us. Imagine, if you will, with God, a giant circle of compassion, the kind of circle that would keep us inching ourselves closer to the margins so that the margins themselves would be erased. Scripture Reading (The Inclusive Bible) Matthew 15:21-28 (Note: The Inclusive Bible is not available online.) Hymn God, Be the Love (VT #43) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Mateo is a student at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana double-majoring in studio art, Japanese Language, and Linguistics. He was born in Guatemala City and attended high school in Costa Rico before coming to Earlham. Mateo has a passion for the intersection of queer and migrant identities and would like to be a middle school teacher. Scripture Readings (The Inclusive Bible) Exodus 35:30-35 (Note: This translation is not available online.) Hymn My Life Flows On (VT #605) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Life in Christ makes us fully alive! When we discover the Christ life, we can put things in perspective. We are taught by Jesus how to respond to the challenges of life. Life in Christ gives us a place to be planted, a place to grow, a place to thrive. Scripture Readings (The Inclusive Bible) Luke 11:1-13 (The Inclusive Bible) (Note: This translation is not available online.) Hymn The Earth is Yours Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Action or contemplation? Service or worship? Hospitality or prayer? For as long as the church has existed, we've debated these dichotomies. Which is more important: kneeling at the altar, or mopping the church floors? What we should prioritize? How should we find a good balance between the mystical and the practical? Scripture (The Inclusive Bible) Luke 10:36-42 (Note: This translation is not available online.) Hymn Longing for Light (VT #715) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
The people of God are called to act with love that overcomes drawn boundaries, love that expects no reward, and love that recognizes one human community. Love is action, not just an idea about love and mercy. We are called to be good Samaritans to the world that has plenty of folks who have fallen victim to those who would rob them of their well-being and dignity. Scripture (The Inclusive Bible) Luke 10:25-37 (Note: This translation is not available online.) Hymn Let Us Build a House (VT #36) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
What does it mean to be free? Scripture Readings (NRSV) Acts 16:16-34 John 8:36 Hymn God of Grace and God of Glory (VT 716) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Paul's vision for Christian freedom goes beyond the self-created, individualist concept of freedom and speaks to the freedom we find on the Christian journey with Christian community where we are free to love, serve, and produce the fruits of the Spirit. Scripture Readings (ESV) Galatians 5:1 Galatians 5:13-25 John 13:1-5 Hymn Jesus, Be The Center (VT #584) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Finding our way to wholeness and to our true identity as loved and forgiven and whole human beings is not always an easy journey, nevertheless, it is what we are called to in Christ. Scripture Reading Galatians 3:23-29 Hymn Summoned by the God Who Made Us (VT 1) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
On this Trinity Sunday, we wonder at the mystery of the One who created us, redeemed our lives through the life and death of Jesus Christ, and sustains us in the comfort and power of the Holy Spirit. Scripture (The Message) Romans 5:1-5 Hymn There's Nothing Worth More, VT 369 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
If we only knew then what we know now would we have chosen to follow the resurrected god? Scripture Reading (NRSV) Acts 2:1-21 Hymn Holy Spirit, Come with Power (VT #57) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Scripture Reading (NRSV) Isaiah 5:1-7 Hymn Be Thou My Vision Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Hospitality, welcoming others, especially those who are different from me, is a key virtue as I seek to follow the way of Jesus and take part in the community of faith. Scripture Reading (NRSV) Acts 16:1-15 Hymn You Are Good Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Grounded in God awareness and following the way of Jesus, the Christian community is created and called to be ambassadors for peace and reconciliation in the world. Scripture Reading (NRSV) Acts 11:1-18 Hymn When Love is Found VT #524 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
What can the story of Tabitha, a disciple of Jesus, tell us about body autonomy and control in light of recent news. Scripture Reading (NRSV) Romans 15:7-13 Hymn Here in this Place (VT 10) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Scripture (NRSV) John 21:1-19 Hymn Come, Christians, Join to Sing Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
The Swiss Reformation began with sausage. Scripture Reading (NRSV) Luke 24:28-32 Hymn Low in the Grave He Lay Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Jesus is alive and at work in the world. This gives me hope... no matter what we hold in our hands! Scripture Readings (NLT) Isaiah 25:6-9 Luke 24:1-12 Hymn Forever Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Was Simon of Cyrene in the wrong place or the right place? And was of us? Are we in the wrong place or the right place? Scripture Reading (NRSV) Luke 23:26-56 Hymn Fairest Lord Jesus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
We come from dust and we go to dust. Scripture Reading (NRSV) John 12:1-8 Hymn Gentle Shepherd, Come And Lead Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Pastor LaTayna considers God and reads a letter in the aftermath of a recent death. Scripture Reading (J.B. Phillips) Luke 15:11-32 Hymn Here in Your Presence Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
A life interrupted by difficulty or tragedy. Have we really caused it? Sermon by Chaplain William Cork Scripture (The Message) Luke 13:1-9 Hymn (Sung by congregation) Here In This Place Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
Jerusalem turned away from safety. Many of us do. Transcript Scripture Luke 13:31-35 Hymn Be Still And Know That I am God Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMennonite Website: https://houstonmennonite.org
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