McGough's Ministry

In Jeremiah 32 we hear about a purchase of land, that was so much more, it was an investment in hope

In Jeremiah 8:18-9:3 we hear the question "Is there a balm in Gilead?" today we hear the answer is yes, if we are willing to go to the doctor. 

From the beginning in Genesis 2 we hear that it is not good for man to be alone. This week we unpacked what it means to belong to each other, and to God

As we continue our journey through the St. Mark's Vision statement, we look today at what it means to love and unite in the name of Christ

As we hear in John 8 we hear of Christ, when asked to condemn or condone a woman, chooses a better way, the way of grace. 

As we continue our journey through St. Mark's Vision Statement we look at what it means to be Authentically Imperfect

Today we started a sermon series looking that the vision statement of St. Mark's UMC. We looked at what it means to FOLLOW JESUS

As we dive into Colossians 3 we hear the challenge to shift our focus from worldly to Godly, and part of that shift is being honest with self, God and others. 

In Colossians 2 we hear how Christ Alone is sufficient, but we are also called to ask the question: Do we believe that?

In Colossians 1 we hear how Jesus is Build Different and how this truth should push us to a place of Awe-some worship of Christ Jesus

When Jesus is asked who is my neighbor, He shifts the whole question and explains how a neighbor is supposed to act. Because we are called to be a neighbor to all. 

Over the past couple of weeks we have been looking at the things that distract us from our purpose. Today we took a step back and asked...What is my purpose? 

In Nehemiah we hear how 3Fs almost kept him from his great work: Fog, Fire and Fear

In the book of Nehemiah we hear how many distractions came his way, but that Nehemiah was so focused on his "Great Work", and we should be the same. 

In Acts we hear how the coming of the Holy Spirit led to the birth of the Church, this morning we asked how this same thing could lead to the rebirth of the Church 

Matthew 6 we hear how our appetites direct our treasures, attention and devotion if we ar not able to curb our appetites to pursue God more fully 

As we continue looking at the weight of our words we look at the root of our words and start the hard work of looking within. 

Our words have the ability to create universes within ourselves and others. Today we look at how in the book of Ephesians we are called to consider out words, and to use them wisely.

In Psalm 133:1, we hear that God's desire for God's people is to be in a community between God and one another. Are you willing to heed the call   

In Proverbs 3 we hear a call to trust in God. This is a call to give up your control and seek God's control in your life

As we celebrate Palm Sunday, we look to a victory not yet experienced or understood. 

In Joshua 3, we hear how the Israelites are on the riverbank, ready to cross into the promised land. The only question is, are they willing to step in faith into this new reality?    

In Exodus 32, we hear the story of the Israelites worshipping the golden calf and how this is a call to remind us to live in faith, even amidst perceived abandonment by God.

In Exodus 16 we hear the story of God providing Manna in the wilderness. This is a constant reminder that God is the provider of all we need.  

Stop, look, and Listen before you cross the sea. Today, we continue our journey in Exodus and look at the question: What do you fear? Is your faith greater than your fear?    

At the end of Exodus 13 we hear of God's guidance through the Exodus, and how God led the Israelites on a journey "The Long Way Around"

This morning, we look at what it means to, no matter the circumstances, but our faith in the truth that "The Best of All Is... God is With Us". 

In the book of Esther, we hear how God calls us to be ready to stand strong and firm for Him when the moment arises. Are you willing to take 20 seconds of bravery and courage, and when it occurs, TAKE A MOMENT?   

In 1 Kings 18, we hear about how Elijah, though in the middle of a drought, had faith that God was at work in creating a future. This morning we looked at how this story could help us develop a faith for the future and the future church.     . 

As we journey through the story of Elijah and Elisha we are asked the question. Are you living a life that will outlive your life?  

In Matthew 27:50-51 we hear at Christ's crucifixion that the veil was torn. This was the moment when the sharing of the Church shifted from a person to a people, shifting us from consumers to creators and our focus from beyond just local to global.   

In Matthew 9:17, we hear a warning about putting new wine in old wineskins. As we look at the future of the Church, where are we trying to put new wine in the old wineskins? This morning, I challenged how to remain faithful to the mission but be flexible in the methods as we continue to be the Church. 

When we hear The Great Commission, let's not miss the call to be Christ-like as we trust that "All authority in Heaven and Earth has been given to Him" 

On Baptism of Christ Sunday, we discussed... You guessed it, Baptism, what is it, and what does it mean to and for us 

In Matthew 2 we hear of the Magi and their Epiphany, and today we are challenged to have an Epiphany of our own 

The Christ child is here, and we may find ourselves like new parents, asking, "Now What?!?". As we look at Colossians 3, we hear the answer. 

If they will know we are Christians by our love, is there enough evidence to convict you of being a Christian? 

In Philippians 4:4, we hear the call to Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. On this third Sunday in Advent, we look at what joy is, where we find joy, and how we can live a life of joy even amidst the storms. 

In Isaiah 9, we hear Christ will be called the Prince of Peace. As we look at week 2 of Advent and this idea of peace, we ask how we can live in peace even amidst the storms of life.  

As we enter into the season of Advent we hear the message from Jeremiah 33:14-16. A message of hope for a future and a Messiah. 

As we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, we hear how if Christ is our King, we are called to love God with all we have and are. 

As we continue looking at the Greatest Commandment today we look at the two words on the end and how they lead us to needing to change our lens through which we see the world and self "As Yourself"

As we have heard proclaimed to Love Thy Neighbor, this week we looked at how that calling challenges us to change how we think. How would the world be different if we saw everyone as a person of value and realized that EVERYONE is SOMEONE to God and should be to us  

Psalm 146 is bookended by the phrase " Praise the Lord." Today, we will explore what it means to praise the Lord, not just with lip service but with our very lives.

Today we looked at Church hurt, and how we may not stop Church hurt, but we are called to be a church that heals and does no harm.    

In Hebrews 4, we hear that the Word of God analyzes us and leaves us naked at God's feet. This reminds me of Adam and Eve in Eden, who found out they were naked and hid. But the good news is that we have a high priest in Christ Jesus who knows us and meets us where we are. 

At the Last Supper, we see Jesus changing the liturgy of Passover. At Passover, the 4 cups represent the four promises of Jesus in Exodus 6:6-7. Today, we see that through His suffering and death we see the fulfillment of the  4th cup 

In Numbers 13 we hear how perspective matters. We may need to shift our perspective and believe that God is bigger than whatever we may face. 

In Luke 6:37-42 we hear the call to take the log out of our eye and use it to build a table for all to come and grow in relationship with Christ and one another  

In Luke 15:11-32 we hear the parable of a man and his two sons. We hear of God's unwavering grace, telling all that they belong and are welcomed in the House of the Lord. Welcome Home  

In Matthew 18:21-35 we hear the parable of The Unmerciful Servant. This parable asks how we will live in the light of God's grace. Will we extend the same grace and forgiveness that we have received, or will we hold onto our hurt vengeance and grudges