God’s Mysteries Revelation 10:1-11 [one_half] Don’t miss tonight’s gathering from 6:00 to 7:00 in the sanctuary. Each session is a stand-alone conversation so there is no problem if you missed last week. Come join the team! Great quality child care is always available. Eugene Peterson is one of my favorite authors. He wrote a wonderful little book that highlighted the spiritual practice…
Unlocking Doors Matthew 9:27-34 [one_half] The season of Lent is designed to accomplish several goals in our lives. It is filled with ancient practices that are instructive for our spirits. During the season we take on the opportunity to engage Scripture, discover acts of service, and to reflect on the goodness of God in our lives. It does not take much time…
A Day of Action Colossians 1:9-14 [one_half] No tricks today, just a faithful reminder that we are not alone on our journey of faith. Ancient words speak into our lives as we remember one of the key goals of the spiritual life; to be filled with the knowledge of the will of God through spiritual wisdom and understanding. What would that be…
Thirst for the Lord Psalm 143 [one_half] Have you ever felt like life was closing in on you? Have there been moments when it seemed like everything was about to come crumbling down? Maybe it feels like tomorrow is April Fool’s Day and the whole earth is trying to play a cruel trick. An old John Denver song said, “Some days are…
Graceful Foundations of Witness John 9:1-12 Today is a day of wonderful celebration for the Parker / Elizabeth United Methodist congregations. This is the day when Bishop Elaine Stanvosky will be present with the Elizabeth congregation to present their official charter in a great service of celebration. What a great day it will be! Give thanks for the faithful vision that started…
Living the Great Commandment Ephesians 4:25-32 [one_half] Tonight at 6:00 will be another gathering in the sanctuary. Let’s come together for encouragement, a deeper conversation, and a motivating experience together. Carve out one hour to spend with your sisters and brothers! The season of Lent is a wonderful time to reflect on our lives and to deepen our spiritual journey with the…
Have You Forsaken God? Jeremiah 2:4-13 [one_half] Jeremiah was a prophet in Judah during a time of great disharmony. God was about to forsake Israel – the House of Jacob – because the people were disobedient. Jeremiah’s job was clear. He was charged with the responsibility of speaking to the people and defining the sins of Israel. In chapter two verse thirteen…
Jacob’s Well Genesis 29:1-14 [one_half] Here is one for fans of classic rock-and-roll! Do you remember Jimmy Page and Robert Plant? Of course you do! They were best known as Led Zeppelin. One of their best known songs was the eight minute and two second version of ‘Stairway to Heaven’ with Plant singing the a cappello solo at the end of the…
If Only [one_half] Psalm 81 [one_half] Two of the biggest and most powerful words in the English language are at the center of our conversation today. Those two words are: if only! Have you ever spoken those words? They often come as an expression of regret or disappointment. If only… I had more money, was taller, had stronger relationships, had not made…
The Woman at the Well John 4:1-26 Our worship today is designed to expand our desire to be people of deep compassion. Be sure to be present at a worship service that meets your need and challenges you to grow in compassionate ministry. Take time to read the account of the woman at the well from John 4 before arriving for worship. …
[one_half] The Joy of Worship Psalm 95 We close off this week with a spirit of joy as we read Psalm 95. Don’t you just love it?! “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” Not all Psalms are songs of joy. Some are deeply distressed words of pain and conflict. …
[one_half] Trust God for What You Need Exodus 16:1-8 Join us from 6:00 to 7:00 in the sanctuary tonight as we continue to explore some of our favorite Lenten themes from our scripture readings. Child care is always available! Be sure to bring your questions and your witness about how God’s Word has been impacting your Lenten journey with Graceful Foundations. Did…
[one_half] Let’s Get Back on Track Ezekiel 36:22-32 Throughout the Old Testament we find a wonderful relational refrain where God reestablishes the covenant with the people of Israel. In various forms God says, “you will be my people and I will be your God.” It is God’s way of saying, “Let’s get back on track!” The phrase typically comes into play after…
[one_half] God Will Find a Way Romans 4:6-13 In the early 1700’s our old friends John and Charles Wesley (originators of the Methodist movement) found themselves in quite a wrestling match with the Church of England. They were both ordained into the priesthood within the structure of the church. But they soon bumped in to a dilemma of doctrine. As they read…
[one_half] The Formula of Faith Psalm 128 Do you feel like climbing the steps of Jerusalem again today? Well, this is another great Psalm of Ascent that will allow us to join ancient voices as we make our way to the temple! Our theme for the week is the transforming grace of God. So we start the week with one of the…