Honest, down-to-earth messages that help us find meaning for our daily lives!
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“To survive does not mean one is living,” theologian Dorothee Soelle explains in her book “Death by Bread Alone.” She makes the distinction between our existence in the world and the depth of life we find in God. We can be so busy with life and our busy schedules that we can neglect our relationship with God and our neighbor. Yet, our souls, not just our bodies, need to be nourished. We need the bread of life. After all, we are not called to just survive, but to live…and to live abundantly.
The beginning of Methodism was not marked by a “Systematic” Theology. John Wesley did not write all-encompassing theological treatises. Rather, he was primarily concerned with addressing real-life issues in a practical way. He wanted regular people to experience happiness and joy in this life. He dedicated his life to this. So, what does it look like when the church prioritizes people over dogma? How can we work together to make this world a better place?
Have you ever celebrated Aldersgate Sunday? I have to admit, in my 50-plus-year involvement with the United Methodist Church, I can't remember that I ever have. It is an exciting opportunity to remember our specific heritage as United Methodists under the guidance of founder John Wesley, who had a particularly meaningful spiritual experience in Aldersgate Street in late May of 1738. Join us for our Aldersgate Sunday observance as we continue to have our hearts "strangely warmed!" (Come on Sunday to learn more about that phrase.)
I like telling people I am a Pentecostal. I grew up in a very charismatic church: people danced, spoke in tongues, and were slain in the Spirit. While I have not attended that kind of service in some time, I still love being surprised by the Spirit's movement. In Acts I read about the Spirit being poured “upon all flesh.” The Spirit moves in all people, regardless of age, gender, or economic status. I thank God for that. It is both an acknowledgment of our diversity and a call for unity. After, if the Spirit does not discriminate, why should I?
When I try to get somewhere, I use the GPS on my phone. How did I even get places before this technology was available? Just like our GPS helps us go in the right direction, so is the Holy Spirit constantly guiding us, moving us. Let's call the Spirit our GPS (God Positioning System). Where is the Spirit taking you today?
As I think about the way God protects us, I think about my daughter. Every day, I try to protect her as much as I can. I would like to shield her from pain, suffering, heartbreak, and difficult situations. Unlike God, I am not omnipresent. I cannot be there physically by her side every hour of the day. So, I have to guide her and trust in her. I have to trust that, when the time comes, she will make the right choices. I believe God's protection involves much trust. We are sent into he world, and God wants us to, when the time comes, make the right choices. So, we have to be sanctified (in other words, we have to be mature), in order to live according to God's will for our lives.
Prayers of the People for February 4, 2024 by Debbie Pallack.
Prophets seem to be appreciated the most when their work is appreciated in retrospect. I imagine they could have been polarizing figures at the time of their important ministry. Even today, speaking truth to power can make your life very difficult. Yet, these voices are necessary. Churches need to be receptive to them. We need to embrace them and nurture them. I believe God is still raising up prophets for all of us, but are we willing to listen?
Special music for January 28, 2024 by the chancel choir.
Prayers of the People for January 28, 2024 by Susan Gleason.
I really appreciate this passage because it reminds me that change is possible. Even God has a change of mind! It seems the best thing we can do is keep an open mind and let the Spirit guide us.
Special music for January 21, 2024 by the chancel choir.
Prayers of the People for January 21, 2024 by John Dumermuth.
God speaks to us in different ways, but God does it all the time. But we have to do our part: Are we listening? Will we respond? Samuel responded, and it made all the difference in his life!
Sermon for January 7, 2024 by guest preacher Rev. David Harriss, based on Mark 1:4-11.
Special music for January 7, 2024 by the chancel choir.
Prayers of the People for January 7, 2024 by Brandon Coz.
I love listening to people talk about their faith journeys. They are so personal and so powerful. I believe, that, as a community, we need to hear these stories. They can inform our own faith and build us up. Faith can be contagious, so let's not be silent. Let's speak of the things God is doing in our lives.
Special music for December 31, 2023 by the chancel choir.
Prayers of the People for December 31, 2023 by Fred Hancewicz.
Sermon for December 24, 2023 by Rev. Efraín Zavala.
Special music for December 24. 2023 by the chancel choir.
Prayers of the People for December 24, 2023 by Debbie Pallack.
A New and Glorious Morn! Chancel choir cantata from December 17, 2023. Written by Lloyd Larson; directed by Brandon Coz.
Many preparations need to be made before Christmas: There are presents to buy, cards to send, food to prepare. Yet, how are we preparing our hearts for the big day? How can we make way for the Good News of Jesus in our lives?
Special music for December 10, 2023 by the chancel choir.
Prayers of the People for December 10, 2023 by John Dumermuth.
Christmas is getting closer. Stores in town are making sure to remind me of this fact: I need to get some shopping done! But wait. As Christians, we need some time to get ready. It's not just a time to consume. Advent is so much more: It is a time of introspection and connection. Let us be patient and prepare our hearts for the Lord.
Special music for December 3, 2023 by the chancel choir.
Prayers of the People for December 3, 2023 by Dave Cridland.
This Sunday is Christ the King Sunday, and I have to say, it's hard for me to imagine the kind of power kings had at the time of Jesus. I have never lived in a Kingdom. I don't quite understand power like that. Yet, I understand there are power dynamics involved in any human interaction. So, what is the kind of power that Christ demonstrates? I believe that it is persuasive, not coercive, power. Christ invites, prepares, and empowers us to serve him.
Special music from the chancel choir for Sunday, November 26, 2023.
Prayers of the People for November 26, 2023 by Jim Essinger.
To be a witness to Christ is to demonstrate by our words, actions, and attitude the Good News of Jesus Christ. In order to be good witnesses, we have to be good storytellers. What are some of the things that we as a church need to consider as we aim to share the Greatest Story Ever Told?
Special music for Sunday, November 5, 2023 by Sheryl Clifton.
Prayers of the People for Sunday, November 5, 2023 by Michelle Olivares.
Sometimes people are reluctant to discuss finances in the church. Yet, giving is one of many ways in which we demonstrate our love for God and neighbor. Where do we begin this conversation? As always, we begin with grace.
Prayers of the People for October 29, 2023 by Rev. Katie Fuchs.
The church needs you. Yes, you! Each one of us has different gifts, and the church needs all of us in order to be healthy and grow. Are we willing to do our part?
Special music by the chancel choir for October 15, 2023.
Prayers of the People for Sunday, October 15, 2023 by Pastor Efraín.
We begin our sermon series by exploring the concept of prayer. Specifically, we look at the Lord's Prayer. We will consider prayer as an opportunity to connect with God and with other people.
One of the problems that people can have with churches is the disconnect between the things we say and the things we do. We constantly preach about love and justice but are we really living the message? Ministry requires integrity. Perhaps, as Francis of Assisi is thought to have said, we should "preach the Gospel at all times and use words only if its necessary."
Special music for October 1, 2023 by the chancel choir.
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