Podcasts about pastor rev

Sermon25: 18May25 'Acts of love', by Pastor Rev. Andy Wilis by Geneva Lutheran

Sermon25: 04May2025 'A fresh start', by Pastor Rev. Andy Willis by Geneva Lutheran

Sermon25: 19Apr25 'For the kingdom the power, and the glory are yours', by Pastor Rev. Andy Wilis by Geneva Lutheran

Sermon25: 20Apr2025 'Just the beginning', by Pastor Rev. Andy Willis by Geneva Lutheran

Sermon25: 13Apr25 'Shouting stones', by Pastor Rev. Andy Willis by Geneva Lutheran

Sermon25: 06Apr25 'Forgive us our trespasses', by Pastor Rev. Andy Wilis by Geneva Lutheran

Originally from Cali, Colombia, Juan Manuel Cabezas Torres is a husband and father who loves God and believes that everyone can contribute to God's kingdom uniquely. He graduated from Colegio Americano, a school founded by the Cumberland Presbyterian Mission in Colombia. Then, he earned his degree as Dentist from University Santiago de Cali. Juan and his wife later made Memphis, Tennessee their home. Juan has been an active member of Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church for years, sharing his musical talents as a drummer in the worship praise band. His journey of faith led him to pursue ministry, earning his Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary in 2024. In early 2025, he officially joined Faith Church as Associate Pastor, working in a supportive role alongside Pastor Rev. Dr. Andy McClung. With a heart for service, connection, and spiritual growth, Juan is committed to boosting his congregation and supporting our community meaningfully.Music is provided by Pierce Murphy, Caldera Blue. Source:  https://www.freemusicarchive.org/music/Pierce_Murphy/through-the-olive-branches/caldera-blueComments: http://freemusicarchive.org/Additional comments:  modifications made to shorten and loop song for introduction and closing of podcast.Copyright Attribution and License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Sermon25: 30Mar25 "Our daily bread", by Pastor Rev. Andy Willis by Geneva Lutheran

Sermon25: 23Mar25, 'Your kingdom come', by Pastor Rev. Andy Willis by Geneva Lutheran

Sermon25: 16Mar25 'Hallowed be your name', by Pastor Rev. Andy Willis by Geneva Lutheran

Sermon25: 09Mar2025 'A place in God's family', by Pastor Rev. Andy Willis by Geneva Lutheran

Pastor: Rev. Philip Rhodes Scripture: Acts 10:34-48 34 Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.' 44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47 ‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?' 48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

Pastor: Rev. Philip Rhodes Scripture: Acts 10:34-48 34 Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.' 44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47 ‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?' 48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

Sermon25: 23Feb25 'Love beyond limits', by Pastor Rev. Andy Willis by Geneva Lutheran

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 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: 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. 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. 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.” 

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.” 

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

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: 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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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