Your source for weekly teaching and messages from Missiongathering Christian Church in Thornton, CO.
In this message, originally delivered at Northglenn United Church of Christ, Loren explores how apocalyptic fears have shaped human history, from failed predictions like "88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988" to contemporary concerns about climate change, political division, and global conflict. Drawing from Mark 13, Loren reflects on how moments of uncertainty and anxiety often feel like the end of the world, emphasizing the biblical perspective that God, not humans, directs history and brings ultimate salvation.Loren encourages listeners to place their trust in God by engaging in prayer, reading Scripture, and showing love to others, even in times of fear or disillusionment. Highlighting passages such as Psalms 46 and 91, 1 Samuel 2, and Hebrews 10, he reminds us of God's faithfulness and redemptive work throughout history.The message challenges Christians to resist despair, which denies God's ongoing presence, and instead choose hope—living in trust that God continues to work in the world. Loren invites us to participate in this redemptive work through acts of faith, love, and kindness, even toward those who see the world differently, and to find peace by focusing on what we can control while trusting in God's promises.
In this sermon, originally preached 10.13.24 at Northglenn United Church of Christ, Loren delves into the power of prayer and the concept of miracles in a secular age. Through the lens of a touching story shared by Dennis Sanders, a former hospice chaplain, he explores the challenges of maintaining faith in a world that often dismisses the supernatural. Listen in as he reflects on the importance of prayer, the teachings of Jesus, and the role of religion in providing hope and transformation beyond our human efforts. This episode invites you to reconsider the impact of prayer and the potential for divine intervention in our lives.
In this message, originally given 9/15/24 at Northglenn United Church of Christ, Loren delves into the challenges of breaking bad habits and the parallels between personal struggles and faith journeys. He explores the difficulty of letting go of unhealthy habits, the importance of asking hard questions, and the call to authentic discipleship from Mark 8.
In this sermon, Loren Richmond Jr. explores the metaphor of bread as both a source of physical and spiritual nourishment. Beginning with personal stories about the joy of bread, he connects these to Jesus' teaching as the "bread of life" from John 6. Loren discusses the spiritual hunger prevalent in today's society, particularly among young people affected by social media. He emphasizes the need for lasting fulfillment through a deep connection with God, rather than temporary pleasures. The message concludes by encouraging the sharing of this spiritual "bread" with others to address the world's hunger for genuine connection and fulfillment.Audio from a sermon delivered 8.11.24 at Northglenn United Church of Christ.
In this message, Loren talks about the "closeness communication bias" and how it affects our relationships, from spouses to coworkers. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, he explores why we often tune out those closest to us and how to overcome this barrier to improve our connections. Listen in for a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of listening, empathy, and understanding in fostering healthier, more inclusive relationships.
In this message, Loren explores the profound challenges facing the American church today. As congregations dwindle and faith communities grapple with modern secular distractions, he delves into the historical and contemporary parallels of religious decline. Drawing insights from Brian McLaren's book "Life after Doom" and Ted Smith's "The End of Theological Education," he discusses the potential scenarios for the future of Christianity in America. Listen in as he examines the role of worship, prayer, and waiting in navigating these turbulent times and considers the possibility of collapse and rebirth.Audio from Sermon preached at Northglenn United Church of Christ Sunday, June 2, 2024 from Mark 2:23-3:6.
As we navigate the ups and downs of life, we all experience moments of tragedy and heartbreak. In those times, it can be difficult to find comfort and hope. Loren Richmond shares how faith and the presence of God can provide a source of strength and peace even in the darkest of times.
In sports and in life, desperation is a concept that can have a significant impact. Take, for example, the NCAA basketball tournament. The pressure to win can lead players and coaches to desperate measures. But desperation is not limited to sports. As we see in the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the crowds and leaders were desperate for different things. This raises the question: what are we desperate for in our own lives? Are our priorities in the right place?
A message delivered at Washington Park United Methodist Church from John 9, with Pastor Loren reflecting that the key question might be, who can really see?
A message shared at Wash Park UMC on breaking free from guilt and Micah 6:1-8
Preaching on Epiphany Sunday, Loren speaks from Matthew 2:1-12 about the importance of not missing the point in the story of the Magi and in the story of our lives.
If you had one last chance to share your thoughts, what would you want to say?
Teaching Pastor Nellis Kennedy-Howard continues our series on Courage with a message on how God redefines what it means for us to be "fearless."
Teaching Pastor Nellis Kennedy-Howard continues the series on Courage with a message on knowing when and how to speak up!
Teaching Pastor Nellis Kennedy-Howard kicks off our new series on Courage with a message on the mystery of the Gospel.
This Easter, no matter how uncertain or scary things might feel, God has still got this, God has got us.
Rev. Loren Richmond gives a fresh perspective on the story of Palm Sunday and how Jesus subverts the powers of oppression and invites us to courageously join him.
Rev. Loren Richmond Jr. teaches about the various ways God re-forms in our spiritual journeys.
Rev. Loren Richmond Jr invites us all to take the risk to follow the example of Christ who chose to risk first.
Teaching Pastor Nellis Kennedy-Howard talks about how Jesus responds to us when we mess up again and again.
Rev. Loren Richmond Jr. talks about how God meets us wherever we are regardless of the pandemic or struggle we are in the midst of, in the first worship gathering of Lent 2021.
Rev. Loren Richmond Jr. talks about the “thin places” and liminal spaces God is inviting us into.
Guest speaker Rev. Luther Young, Jr. Invites us to keep moving forward. Rev.Young, is an artist, public theologian, and social justice advocate who focuses on racial equity and LGBTQ+ inclusion. His current research investigates the causes and effects of homophobia in predominantly black churches.
Worship Pastor Paul Romig-Leavitt talks about a new way to think about forgiveness and how we are involved in advancing freedom or standing in its way.
Teaching Pastor Nellis Kennedy-Howard talks about how we can learn more about our Purpose in the next message in our Re-Discover series
This past year, and our current circumstances have made living a life free of the things that bind us. What have you done when this happens?
With so much uncertainty and change, it's easy to forget why we're doing what we're doing. If you've forgotten what's important to you or what you're about, take some time to re-discover your mission.
When you imagine God in heaven looking down on you, what kind of expression is on God’s face? In 2021, discover for the first time, or all over again, God's deep and immense love for you.
Pastor Shaye shares about the story of Mary and how all people matter to God.
Pastor Nellis talks about the story of Ruth and why her love story isn't quite as romantic as it first appears.
Pastor Shaye talks about the story of Bathsheba and the importance of finding peace amidst the messiness of life.
Pastor Nellis talks about the story of Rahab and how her hope is integral to the Christmas story we know and love today.
Pastor Loren talks about how knowing who you are and how God loves you can us be better equipped to listen to and consider the stories of others without feeling like we're losing ourselves.
Pastor Loren talks about the polarization in our nation and how as followers of Jesus, our job is to seek reconciliation and right relationships.
In these challenging times, it's easy to get sucked into a vortex of despair by the surrounding anxiety of our nation. Pastor Loren shares how to break the vicious cycle.
Paul Romig-Leavitt preaches on the intersection between communion and family systems theory in the introduction to the series “Serenity Now.”
It's not a question of whether there is enough. Rather, it's a question of whether we have enough people to get the good news of God's love to the people who need it most.
Rev. Loren Richmond Jr. preaches on Galatians 6:7-8 in the next message in our "All In" series.
Teaching Pastor Nellis Kennedy-Howard talks about the biblical concept of Jubillee and what it means to live out of abundance rather than scarcity.
Pastor Shaye shares how our giving always makes an impact, even when we can't always see it.
Pastor Loren shares how true influence comes not from self-promotion, but from self-sacrifice, like Jesus.
Pastor Loren shares about what we can do when we feel stuck on the treadmill of life.
Pastor Nellis talks about when Paul started living with God's purposes in mind, he underwent a radical identity shift. Can you think back to such a time in your life?
Teaching Pastor Nellis Kennedy-Howard talks about how Jesus can bring healing to our divided world.
God isn't concerned with conversions, newly acquired business, and overall sales. God is interested in lives changed and progress made for God's kingdom.
Because of the faithfulness of Jesus to his mission, the broken relationship between God and humanity has been restored. Now, in turn, we each have a mission from God!
Paul Romig-Leavitt talks about the kingdoms we build which distract and disrupt us for seeing who Jesus really is and what Jesus really asks.
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