Zion Evangelical UCC featuring speaker Christena Hammes
“…outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10) God calls us to honor each other. How can we best do so?... We'll talk more about it tomorrow in worship. I hope to see you there! Blessings, Pastor Basile
Tomorrow I will preach the third and last sermon in a three-week series entitled, “Jesus: Right from Wrong.” We'll study another of Jesus' parables in its original context and discuss what it teaches us about right and wrong. How would Jesus' original audience have interpreted these teachings? How can understanding that help us interpret and apply them to our own lives? Understanding the world in which Jesus gave these teachings reveals how powerfully they still speak to everyone's lives today. Jesus: Right from Wrong Sermon Series 1.) Sunday, October 9th: “The Dishonest Manager: Being Honest” (Luke 16:1-13) 2.) Sunday, October 16th: “The Rich Man and Lazarus: Taking Responsibility” (Luke 16:19-31) 3.) Sunday, October 23rd: “The Laborers in the Vineyard: Being Fair” (Matthew 20:1-16)
Tomorrow I will preach the second sermon in a three-week series entitled, “Jesus: Right from Wrong.” We'll study another of Jesus' parables in its original context and discuss what it teaches us about right and wrong. How would Jesus' original audience have interpreted these teachings? How can understanding that help us interpret and apply them to our own lives? Understanding the world in which Jesus gave these teachings reveals how powerfully they still speak to everyone's lives today.
Tomorrow, I will preach the first sermon in a three-week series entitled, “Jesus: Right from Wrong.” We'll study the first of three of Jesus' parables in its original context and discuss what it teaches us about right and wrong. How would Jesus' original audience have interpreted these teachings? How can understanding that help us interpret and apply them to our own lives? Understanding the world in which Jesus gave these teachings reveals how powerfully they still speak to everyone's lives today. Jesus: Right from Wrong Sermon Series 1.) Sunday, October 9th: “The Dishonest Manager: Being Honest” (Luke 16:1-13) 2.) Sunday, October 16th: “The Rich Man and Lazarus: Taking Responsibility” (Luke 16:19-31) 3.) Sunday, October 23rd: “The Laborers in the Vineyard: Being Fair” (Matthew 20:1-16)
“Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God!” (Matthew 5:8)(GNT) Happiness is good. One way to attain it, is by thinking about God. Who is this God we serve? We'll talk more about it tomorrow. I hope to see you in worship!
People surprise each other with gifts in many, different ways. The same is true of God and his gifts. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10)
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Everyone is meaningful to God. That should impact the way we treat…everyone.
The word “love” is used in many ways in our culture today. How, though, does Holy Scripture define “love?” Understanding that can help us truly love one another…and God.
“Discipline yourselves; keep alert.” (1 Peter 5:8) Preparation is a prerequisite for success when it comes to many things, including faith.
“My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” (Isaiah 32:18) Worldly structures aren't eternal. Those built by God…are. I hope to see you in worship! Blessings, Pastor Basile
“Rejoice always…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16) What does Holy Scripture mean when it encourages us to “rejoice always?” Blessings, Pastor Basile We hope you're able to join us in person at church! For those unable to attend in person, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/.
“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” (Acts 4:31) Pentecost Sunday. We will give thanks for God's Presence that fills our lives and talk about how to develop and strengthen an enduring faith.
“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” (Isaiah 41:13) There are many things in the world today that have recently happened, and are happening, that are making many people feel unsafe. Scripture teaches us helpful ways to respond.
“And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'” (Exodus 33:14) Physical presence is powerful.
, I will preach the last sermon in a four-part series about St. Paul entitled, “Paul: ‘The' Apostle.” Exploring both his life and teachings reveals a great deal about what it means to follow Christ, today.
I will preach the third sermon in a four-part series about St. Paul entitled, “Paul: ‘The' Apostle.” Exploring both his life and teachings reveals a great deal about what it means to follow Christ, today.
When many people think of our Christian faith, they think of Jesus, and his teachings. God, however, also teaches us much about the meaning of Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection through the writings of Jesus' earliest followers, the Apostles. One of these Apostles was Paul. This Sunday, I will preach the second sermon in a four-part series about St. Paul entitled, “Paul: ‘The' Apostle.” Exploring both his life and teachings reveals a great deal about what it means to follow Christ, today. “Paul: ‘The' Apostle” Sermon Series Sunday, October 17th: “A Mind, Opened: Paul's Conversion” (Acts 9:1-19)(Ephesians 2:1-10) Sunday, October 24th: “Taking Risks: Paul's Ministry” (Galatians 1:11-24; 2:1-2, 8-10)(2 Corinthians 11:24-29)
Matthew 5:33-37; Matthew 21:28-32 Making certain commitments is…..complicated….. The same can be true, though, of some of the commitments we make to other people. We'll talk more about it Sunday. I hope to see you in worship in person or online! As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Blessings, Pastor Basile “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Some barriers are more difficult than others to overcome… This Sunday, we'll talk about overcoming barriers between people. I hope to see you in worship online or in person! As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Blessings, Pastor Basile “But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.” (Luke 11:17)
“Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield.” (Psalm 33:20) Dear Friends, Monday, May 31st is Memorial Day this year. It's the day each year when we, as a nation, remember and give thanks to God for the sacrifices made by those who fought to defend and preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. This Sunday, May 30th, we will again honor those who have served, and are serving. During worship, Toshia Ricks will share. Peter Boylan will also share a beautiful presentation including the names of members of our congregation who served and have since passed on. As always, we'll live stream this week's service from the church sanctuary at: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. I hope to see you in person or online. Please be in prayer for this special service, and for all those currently sacrificing for our freedoms. Be safe and well. Peace, Pastor Basile
“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.” (Psalm 104:33) Tomorrow is Music Sunday. It is a sacred tradition in the life of our church, highlighting the importance of music in our faith, and those who share that gift with us during worship. I hope to see you in worship online or in person! As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Blessings, Pastor Basile
If someone’s tired enough, how they fall asleep can be unpredictable… God’s ways can also be unpredictable. We’ll talk about it Sunday. I hope to see you in worship online or in person! As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Blessings, Pastor Basile “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Some of God’s blessings are more visible to everyone than others. We’ll talk about that tomorrow. I hope to see you in worship online or in person! As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Blessings, Pastor Basile “…my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.” Acts 20:24
People give to others for different reasons….(like to prevent themselves from becoming a meal…) But why does God give? We’ll talk about it Sunday. I hope to see you in worship online or in person! As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Blessings, Pastor Basile “God is able to bless you abundantly…” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
“They took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!'" (John 12:13) This Sunday is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. I hope to see you in worship online or in person! As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Blessings! Pastor Basile
What does Scripture mean when it tell us to…fear God? We’ll talk about it tomorrow, because it has the power to transform our faith. Tomorrow is Transfiguration Sunday. I hope to see you in worship online or in person! As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Blessings, Pastor Basile “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” (Proverbs 1:7)
It’s wise NOT to listen to certain things… But people aren’t one of them. This Sunday we’ll explore what Jesus teaches us about that. I hope to see you in worship online or in person! As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Blessings! Pastor Basile “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” (James 1:19)
“Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures…” (Luke 24:45) Scripture tells us that our minds are better left open. We’ll talk about what that means tomorrow. We’ll also install our church’s 2021 Board of Directors. I hope to see you in worship online or in person! As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Blessings, Pastor Basile
It’s difficult to be pleased, when some folks look into their garage… But how does God feel when he looks at us?... We’ll talk about it this Sunday, “The Baptism of Christ.” I hope to see you in worship online or in person! As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Blessings, Pastor Basile
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:23) Knowing God is with us can fill us with hope and courage, even during life’s most anxious moments. Tomorrow, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we’ll explore how one New Testament saint experienced this firsthand. We’ll also light the candle of Joy, in the Advent wreath. I hope to see you in worship online or in person! As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Blessings! Pastor Basile
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the landof deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2) This Sunday is the First Sunday of the Advent Season. Let us join together that sacred day, and begin preparing our hearts to celebrate Christ’s birth! I hope to see you in worship online or in person. As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Blessings! Pastor Basile
“In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:2-3) Dear Friends, This Sunday is the last Sunday of the church year. Every year on this day we observe a special tradition at Zion. We remember and give God thanks for the lives of the members of our church family who passed away the previous year. I will read the names of these special folks during the service, to the tolling of the church bells. I invite you to join me online or in church on Sunday. Let us honor the lives of those we lost, and celebrate the gift of eternal life God promises everyone through faith in Christ. As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Bless you, Pastor Basile
How can we WANT to follow Christ with even greater passion? We’ll talk about it Sunday. I hope to see you in worship online or in person! As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Blessings! Pastor Basile “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…” (Hebrews 12:1) Tomorrow is All Saints Sunday, one of my favorite Sundays each year. On this sacred day we reflect upon the faithful deeds of Christians who lived throughout time, to help us live more faithfully for Christ today. I hope to see you in worship online or in church! As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Blessings! Pastor Basile
When it comes to faith and life, it’s better to do one certain thing before anything else. We’ll talk about it Sunday. I hope to see you in worship online or in church! As always, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/. Blessings, Pastor Basile “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people…” (1 Timothy 2:1)