Munger Place Church - Dallas, Texas

Pastor: Rev. Edlen Cowley Scripture: Luke 15:1-2 and 14-19 New Revised Standard Version 1 Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.' 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.'”

Pastor: Rev. Edlen Cowley Scripture: Luke 15:1-2, 11-16 New Revised Standard Version 1 Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.'  11 Then Jesus[a] said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled himself with[b] the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything.

Pastor: Rev. Edlen Cowley  Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9 NRSV  The Transfiguration 17 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.' 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!' 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.' 8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.'

Pastor: Rev. Erin Sloan Jackson Scripture: Micah 6:6-8 CEB What does the Lord require? 6 With what should I approach the Lord and bow down before God on high? Should I come before him with entirely burned offerings, with year-old calves? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with many torrents of oil? Should I give my oldest child for my crime; the fruit of my body for the sin of my spirit? 8 He has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.

Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40, CEB 34 When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had left the Sadducees speechless, they met together. 35 One of them, a legal expert, tested him. 36 “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 He replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.” 

Christmas Eve 7pm Sermon Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald  Scripture: Luke 2:1-7 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Christmas Eve 5pm Sermon Pastor: Rev. Edlen Cowley Scripture: Luke 2:1-7 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

Scripture: Luke 1:46-55 46 Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! 47 In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. 48 He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored 49 because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name. 50 He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God. 51 He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations. 52 He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed. 54 He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy, 55 just as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to Abraham's descendants forever.”

SERMON SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:4-14 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.' 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours! Pastor: Rev. Edlen Cowley

This Advent/Christmas sermon series, beginning Sunday, December 1, speaks to the core of what the season is ultimately about…Presents. We celebrate the coming of the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ. We also acknowledge the season of gift giving that is highlighted by the tradition of giving gifts placed under our Christmas trees; those gifts we unwrap on Christmas morning. In this series we will celebrate “Presents”, the ones we receive and, more importantly, the ones that we give. We also celebrate God's Presence which we remember through the Advent themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love."  Scripture: Luke 3:1-6 Pastor: Rev. Erin Sloan Jackson

This Advent/Christmas sermon series, beginning Sunday, December 1, speaks to the core of what the season is ultimately about…Presents. We celebrate the coming of the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ. We also acknowledge the season of gift giving that is highlighted by the tradition of giving gifts placed under our Christmas trees; those gifts we unwrap on Christmas morning. In this series we will celebrate “Presents”, the ones we receive and, more importantly, the ones that we give. We also celebrate God's Presence which we remember through the Advent themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Scripture: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 Pastor: Rev. Edlen Cowley

The time of wandering in the desert as a congregation is over. 2025 will be about entering the beautiful promised land that has always been before Munger Place Church. The Covenant Card you will return this Sunday will help “change the menu” for those who have been coming here for years, and all the new people that will come into these doors in 2025. We will meet each other at the altar this Sunday. The moment has come. Scripture: Joshua 5:10-12 Pastor: Rev. Edlen Cowley

We live in a consumer-driven world. We are especially reminded of that during this time of year. Unfortunately, this has permeated into our churches and caused us to lose sight of our mission. Join us this Sunday as we reclaim our mission and explore a better way of doing ministry. Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-13 CEB   Sermon: Rev. Sean McDonald

Many of us want to grow closer to God. In fact, as Christians, it is our main goal! But how do we do that? We tend to think of things like prayer and attending church, which is undoubtedly true. However, our scripture for this week suggests something else that we tend to overlook. And it may be the most important way to grow closer to God. Scripture: Hebrews 10:16-25 CEB Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

Scripture: [1] Matthew 28:16-20 NRSV, [2] Romans 1:16 NRSV [1] Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.' [2] For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Pastor: Rev. Edlen Cowley

This week's sermon kicks off our Covenant/Commitment series entitled “Embrace the Why?” In this week's message we will explore one of the most fundamental questions we can ponder as followers of Jesus - “Why Embrace Why?” The answer is found in the verse following one of the most well-known and quoted verses of scripture – John 3:16. The answer to “Why Embrace Why?” is found in the words of John 3:17 “God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn the world, God sent Jesus into the world so that the world might be saved through him.” This sermon will helps you frame your personal answer the question of how can we bless and be a blessing to the world around us as we invite people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. The answer to that question “Why Embrace Why?” is why Munger Place Church exists and why we should be passionate about living out our mission statement. I'll see you Sunday for a deeper dive into how that happens here and how we can expand the work before us here at MPC. Sermon Scripture: John 3:16-17 NRSV Pastor: Rev. Edlen Cowley

We aren't always great at celebrating miracles. Mostly because we've stopped looking for them. But this doesn't mean miracles don't happen. This week we turn to the prophet Isaiah who provides hope when we need it most. Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-19 Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

We are creatures of habit. The more we do something, the likelier we are to do it in the future. Sometimes, this is helpful. But other times, this has undesired outcomes. Unfortunately, one of those undesirable outcomes is the polarization of our political climate. We have conditioned ourselves to meet any disagreement with anger and even hate. We know we should disagree in love, but breaking the habit is hard. What can we do to change that? Scripture: Colossians 3:12-14 Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

United in welcome: It's time to execute God's Open Table Imperative. As United Methodists, we celebrate the fact that God's table is open to everyone. We are blessed by that open table invitation every time we celebrate the sacrament of Holy communion. Scripture: Luke 24:28-32 Pastor: Rev. Edlen Cowley

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:15-22 Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

We are in an election year. This means that for months, all we hear about is campaign strategy and party platforms. But usually, what our politicians campaign for leads to division, tension, and hostility. So this year, we are doing a campaign of our own. In our new series, "Indivisible," we will discuss what our church stands for that makes up our "platform." Together, we can find unity in divisive times. Scripture: Philippians 2:1-8 Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

Our Embrace campaign is rooted in Romans 12, which tells us to be a "living sacrifice." However, elsewhere in scripture, we seem to see the exact opposite. For example, in Jeremiah 6:20, God specifically says, "your sacrifices do not please me." So which is it? Are sacrifices good or bad? Maybe both. Scripture: Romans 12:1-2 Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

Each of us has received gifts. There are attributes within us all that are not of our own making. We have talents that come from beyond and the Scriptures encourage us to put those gifts into the service of the Lord. Where this leads us is to place everything we are engaged to the service of the Lord. Every word, thought, and action is dedicated to Jesus and we commit our lives to follow Him. Extra Mile: When it comes to spiritual gifts here is what they are: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, mercy, and self-control. Moving a little deeper into our Scripture, each of us has the ability to use our gifts in a greater way. Ask yourself - what are the gifts that God has given me? How can I use those gifts for a greater purpose? As we use those gifts we discover how the Lord is using us - to discover our one purpose and to grow Christ's kingdom in this world. Scripture: 1 Peter 4:8-11 Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

Paul uses his letter to the Romans to really grab the attention of the church and turn them away from their bickering. It is a bit of a slap in the face, meant as a reminder that all the ways we try to characterize and categorize ourselves don't really matter. What matters is who God says we are. And our response should be to fully and completely embrace that. Join us as we dive into what this means and why it is so essential for us to embrace who God calls us to be. Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

Converts to Christianity were already living a certain way. We have beliefs, ideas, values and actions that when we embrace Jesus will have to change. Catalyzing this change was much of the Apostle Paul's work, and he suggests to begin from the inside out. Renew the mind (and I think he would say heart and soul as well) can ignite a change within us. Do you believe he is right? The Extra Mile: The Roman Empire in with the Apostle Paul lived and worked was religiously diverse to say the least. Modern religions, like Judaism, existed as did the worship of Roman and Greek gods, cults of every kind, worship of the Roman Emperor, and local pagan deities of every kind. Into this Paul speaks, ‘to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.' What do you think of Paul's advice? Scripture: Romans 12:1-2 Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

In Philippians 2:5-11 Paul attempts to describe Jesus. Give it a try yourself and you will see that it's is a daunting task. As Paul takes this on he lands on a virtue - humility. Jesus is many things, and among the characteristics of what he is Paul tells us Jesus is…..humble. It's astonishing. Jesus is all powerful, all knowing, and yet these attributes of his are used to serve us all. Jesus is the greatest of servants, and invites us to be the same. Extra Mile: Over the centuries the Church has asked the question - What is the source of sin? As the centuries have unfolded the most common answer is…Pride. As much as we do not like to admit it, we are often the source of our own undoing. The Apostle Paul, the Prophets, and many others knew this and therefore consistently advise believers to be humble. Humility is among the lead virtues for the believer, and much of the Scripture attempts to tell us this is so. Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11 Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

The opening of John 8 is one of the most dramatic confrontations in the Gospels. A woman is caught in adultery - note, the sexism of the time excuses the partner - and according to the law of the time the woman should be killed. In typical Jesus style, Jesus confronts the crows and saves the life of the woman. For Jesus, forgiveness is more powerful than rules and it is forgiveness that Jesus offers her in this story. Extra Mile: Give this some thought. John 8:11 is a powerful verse - Jesus tells the woman in the story to change her her life. Forgiveness is never an invitation to keep living a life of sin. I wonder how she did? Jesus wants us to change for the better, and forgiveness is a chance to do so. I wonder if the woman needed a third or fourth chance if Jesus would forgive? What do you think? Scripture: John 8:2-11 

There comes a time to do what is right. In the latter half of the Old Testament we encounter the writings of the Prophets. Among their concerns is - justice. Like few other authors, the prophets are concerned about the widow and the orphan, the poor and the lost, those in need and those who are searching. Amos 5:11-15 reminds of this - the call to do what is right by helping those in need and we will focus on this theme on Sunday. Extra Mile: Amos is the prophet to justice. More than most, the prophet Amos calls us to consider what is fair. His sense of justice is simple - those who have should conduct their business with fairness and be generous to those in need. These values are central to Amos and he invites us to make them ours as well. Scripture: Amos 5:11-15 Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

The Bible is a great book for many reasons, one of which that it speaks to us about living in faith on good days and in tough ones. Eventually, faith gets tested. Over the course of life will come a day where it seems like everything has gone wrong, evil and sin will rise, and we wonder ‘How am I going to deal with this?' The good news is faith wins and the strength faith is forms the heart of Munger this Sunday. Extra Mile: The Book of Revelation is written in a time where the Church is under tremendous persecution from the Roman Empire. The book is written in a kind of code perhaps in case it fell into the wrong hands - the images would be confusing to the nonbeliever. In our passage today, Revelation 21:1-7, the passage speaks of a ‘New Jerusalem'. A new source of holiness and strength will rise - the old world of persecution will stop and a new day begin. This is a word of hope then and now - faith always prevails. Scripture: Rev 21:1-7 Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

When reading 1 Samuel 1:19-22 we have to ask a question - Did Israel get this right? Israel asks for a King so that they can be ‘like other nations'. Israel, however, was chosen by God to be a Kingdom of Priests and a nation to the nations. Is there a great risk then in being just like everybody else? As Christians we are called to be different - a light to the nations. Ask yourself - am I trying too much to be like everyone else? Is it time for me to be, in the name of Jesus, different? Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:19-22 Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

Every one of us has felt uncertain about the future at one point or another. What do we do when we experience this? Is the answer to just have more faith? While our scripture for this week does discuss a need for faith, it shows us something much more important than just more faith. Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33 Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

We have reached the end of Acts. Through our reading, we have learned some critical things that can help us as a church as we experience new beginnings. But in the last two verses, we receive the fourth step in our Blueprint. While all of our steps are important, if we don't follow this last step, we might as well not have a blueprint at all! Scripture: Acts 28:30-31 Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

Even to this day, the Church faces A LOT of challenges. And when adversity strikes, it can be easy to do what is best for us as individuals. However, that is not what it means to be the Church. This week we will see what Paul and Silas do when they find themselves in a scary situation. Instead of pointing to themselves and doing what's best  for them, they take another approach. Scripture: Acts 16:25 - 34 Pastor: Ryan Waller

The Church from its beginning has been a place that meets needs. If you are hungry, thirsty, in need of help in another form, or simply searching, the Church is the place to become a part of and get what you need. It is an expansive calling. The truth is, however there is nothing like the Church. Only the Church is called to work and help everyone who enters our doors. It is what makes us unique and Jesus wouldn't have it any other way. Extra Mile: There is a bit of strategy in the Scripture passage today, Acts 6:1-7. A complaint emerged between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews in a feeding ministry for widows. Some thought the other group was getting more food. In response, the Disciples appoint a team that is a combination of both groups to lead the ministry. We know that from the names - some are Jewish, some are Greek .The Disciples offered a smart and holy solution that allowed everyone to work together! Scripture: Acts 6:1-7 Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

The book of Acts doesn't just show us the start of a church, it shows us the start of THE Church. For that reason, it provides a great blueprint for us as we step into this new beginning for Munger. Over the next few weeks we will dive into Acts together to identify historic truths about what it means to be the Church. This week we will pick up directly after Pentecost. When the Holy Spirit moves over the people they are ready to "be the church." The first thing they do may surprise you, yet it is exactly what we at Munger will need to do to ensure our upcoming fruitful season. Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

This week we are wrapping up our series CoMission. What we see in our scripture is probably the most important thing we need to realize about our mission as a Church. In fact, it is so important, that it is exactly what Jesus did during his mission on earth. If we can follow that same model, then we will begin to truly make a difference in our community. Scripture: John 1:1-5 Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

This is an exciting time of the year. Student's are graduating, changing grades, going off the college, and summer is starting! But this time of year can also be scary because it is a time of change. And when we are faced with change, sometimes all we want to do is stay where we are comfortable. But what does God call us to do? How does God call us to handle times like these? Scripture: Matthew 17: 1-9

Message: The message of Corinthians is church is family. We are to love each other, endure each other, and celebrate each other. Family will do all these and more. Today, pray for your church family. Everything that a good family does church is intended to do. We are to love our church and do so well. Extra Mile: Take a look at Acts 15, it is a compromise. James, the half-brother of Jesus, steps forward and offers a compromise between competing factions of the church. In the early church, there was tension between early converts who were Jewish and those who were not. The conflict occurred over circumcision with Paul insisting converts need not be circumcised while early Christians with Jewish roots insisted everyone should be. The result? Compromise. Circumcision was not required, while other laws were. Question - does God ever want us to compromise? Scripture: Matthew 20:29-34 Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

This week we are looking at a classic story from scripture. The Good Samaritan is a story that tells us who our neighbor is. We are tempted to label this as a story that teaches us that everyone is our neighbor. However, that's not really what Jesus says. So who then does Jesus say our neighbor is? Extra Mile: Jesus puts the legal expert through a mental exercise in order to show him who his neighbor was. Turns out, it is the last person he would ever expect to help him and probably the last person he would want to see in a vulnerable position. This week, let's do the same exercise. Who is the last person or group you would ever expect to help you or that you would want to see you at your worst? Take your time with this. But when you arrive at your answer, apply what Jesus says to the legal expert. Go and show mercy. Scripture: Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37 Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

Message: The Christian life is about you, and it's not about you. All of us need Jesus - we need the forgiveness and life he offers us. Once we are saved by Jesus, though, a change happens. Our lives are to be lived for others. In our Scripture today, Jesus starts a new age. It is an age where believers focus less on ourselves and more on showing and telling the life of Jesus to others. The Extra Mile: Each of the disciples is called to follow Jesus early in the Gospels. They answer and Jesus does what Jesus does. He teaches, heals, and shows the disciples what it is to be a believer. Each of the disciples, however, will abandon Jesus in the events leading up to the crucifixion. Matthew 28 the becomes, a second calling. The disciples are called to spread the Gospel and get a second chance to reclaim their role. Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20 Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

God helps those who can't help themselves. That includes each and every one of us, but this can sometimes be hard to admit. We like to be in control and feel like we can change even the worst of our situations, but when we come to grips with the fact that we can't help ourselves into heaven we actually begin to have a deeper relationship with God. This week, be vulnerable with God. Maybe this is centered around something specific that you are going through or maybe it is just needing help in general. Either way, open up your heart and pay attention to how you feel God responding. Scripture: Romans 5:1-8 CEB Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

The Bible is our sacred book. Within it are countless truths we hold dear. God creates. God loves us. Jesus is the Son of God. The Bible also records failings and ideas that did not work. King David shattered the 10 Commandments. Leviticus offers sacrifices and laws that we do not follow any longer. The Bible has to be interpreted - and that is our theme this Sunday at Munger. The Extra Mile: While immensely important, the Bible is not the only source of faith. The tradition of the church, our thoughts, and experiences of the Holy Spirt all feed our faith. These three with the Bible form what is called the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. Scripture, Tradition, Experience, and Reason all work together to illuminate our path. Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

Message: They are simple phrases. They sound Christian―like something you might find in the Bible. We've all heard these words - passed down over generations. Maybe we've said them. They capture some element of truth, yet they miss the point in important ways. We'll spend some time together to search for the whole truth by comparing common Christian clichés with the wisdom found in Scripture. Scripture: We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

The Sabbath was over, and it was almost daybreak on Sunday when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 Suddenly a strong earthquake struck, and the Lord's angel came down from heaven. He rolled away the stone and sat on it. The angel looked as bright as lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards shook from fear and fell down, as though they were dead. The angel said to the women, “Don't be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was nailed to a cross. He isn't here! God has raised him to life, just as Jesus said he would. Come, see the place where his body was lying. Now hurry! Tell his disciples he has been raised to life and is on his way to Galilee. Go there, and you will see him. This is what I came to tell you.” The women were frightened and yet very happy, as they hurried from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and greeted them. They went near him, held on to his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said, “Don't be afraid! Tell my followers to go to Galilee. They will see me there.” Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10 Pastor: Andy Nixon

The Sabbath was over, and it was almost daybreak on Sunday when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 Suddenly a strong earthquake struck, and the Lord's angel came down from heaven. He rolled away the stone and sat on it. The angel looked as bright as lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards shook from fear and fell down, as though they were dead. The angel said to the women, “Don't be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was nailed to a cross. He isn't here! God has raised him to life, just as Jesus said he would. Come, see the place where his body was lying. Now hurry! Tell his disciples he has been raised to life and is on his way to Galilee. Go there, and you will see him. This is what I came to tell you.” The women were frightened and yet very happy, as they hurried from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and greeted them. They went near him, held on to his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said, “Don't be afraid! Tell my followers to go to Galilee. They will see me there.” Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10 Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

It is Palm Sunday where we remember Jesus entering Jerusalem as the start of Holy Week. The crowds expected Jesus to start a revolution, but it did not happen the way many thought it would. Think back. Has Jesus ever answered a prayer in a different way than you asked? It is a hard question. God's plan, however, is often different than our own and Holy Week is a story along those lines. The Extra Mile: Do a little online digging into the Feast or Festival of Sheaves or Shelters. Jesus would have traveled to Jerusalem many times and presumably this festival would be one of those occasions. Jesus would have been a part of this, and our Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus entering Jerusalem on this festival day. Jesus was part of a tradition, and our Palm Sunday is an example of Jesus being a part of his heritage. Scripture: Luke 19:28-36 Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

As the Book of Job closes, God appears to Job and speaks to job from a whirlwind. The words God speaks are one of power. Where was Job when the universe was created? By what power has Job created anything at all? As creations of the Lord, we have to know our limits. We can know in go much, but ultimately we are called to have faith in that the Lord will lead us to all that is good. The Extra Mile: An interesting part of Job is Job 42:7-9 where God rebukes Job's friends. The friends have not been quite honest in that they have danced around Job's suffering where Job has spoken honestly. For us today, God wants us to pray honestly to the Lord. If you feel it, say it. God listens to all prayers, but prefers one that is honest. Scripture: Job 42:4-6 Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

In our Bible passage today, Jesus is the same and also entirely different. Luke 24:36-49 is a resurrection appearance of Jesus. He died, and now is raised. He is the same and also completely different. When reading this passage notice Jesus accepts his change. He is different now, and is setting the example for who we can be. To really change, you and I ultimately are called to accept the person Jesus is making us into and Jesus also encourages us to accept the change for the better. The Extra Mile: Spend some time this week thinking and praying about ‘change'. A better word may be ‘growth' or ‘transformation', but in the Gospels everyone changes ti some way. The disciples learn, the sick are healed, and we even learn more about Jesus as we read the Gospels and God's plan is revealed. What next step in faith is God calling you to take? Step forward in faith, and grow. Scripture: Job 23:13-17 Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon

Job and his friends are asking the question that many of ask at some point in our lives; why do bad things happen to good people? Job's friends are convinced he is suffering because he has done something to deserve it. But in our scripture for this week, Job provides another perspective that can completely change the way we approach our struggles. Extra Mile: This scripture comes to us in the middle of Lent. A time when we intentionally reflect on our wrong doings. To this point, Job and his friends have done exactly that in an attempt to explain why Job is where he is. But what we learned this week is that doesn't give them the answers they are looking for. So, as an added practice for us this Lent, let's also reflect on where we have seen God during difficult times in our lives. What we will begin to realize is that even in the darkest of times, God was right by our side. Scripture: Job 21:7-9, 32-34 CEB Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald

Lament acknowledges the reality of the situation. It opens us up to pain. It revises our assumptions of the world and it helps us to reconstruct our relationship to who/what we have lost. Lament has its crucial place in worship and produces the fruit of hope in a future in which lament will have no place. God may be light, but His best work is always done in the dark. Scripture: Job 7:1-11 Pastor: Ryan Waller

How do we respond when we suffer tragedy we do not deserve? Welcome to the Book of Job. The problem of suffering is a fundamental human problem. We all have asked, ‘Why did God allow this?' Or ‘Why has God not stopped this evil?”. The Book of Job is going to make a run at answering this question so jump in as we read this book through Lent. You will find the Bible does not back down from any hard questions - rather it takes them on full force. The Extra Mile: The Book of Job begins with an almost courtroom like seen where the Lord and Satan have a conversation that ends with the Lord allowing Satan to do anything to Job except kill him. The Hebrew word for ‘Satan' means ‘accuser'. ‘ This may help us to understand how evil works in our lives. Thoughts that accuse us of being unholy, unworthy, inadequate - this is a ploy of evil and it is to our benefit not to listen. Scripture: Job 1:9-12 Pastor: Rev. Andy Nixon