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Sunday, March 17, 2024 – “Dying to Live” – Rev. Dr. Mark Maddix
Jesus says in John 12:24, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain, but if it dies it bears much fruit.” Jesus is reminding us of a paradox, that in order to live, one must die! When Jesus speaks the words above, he draws from the…
Read MoreSunday March 10, 2024- “A Cosmic Love Story” – Rev. Dr. Mark Maddix
Sunday March 10, 2024- “A Cosmic Love Story” – Rev. Dr. Mark Maddix This Sunday we are exploring the most popular and recognized verse in the Bible, John 3:16. The verse is often used to threaten, cajole, convert, and to offer salvation to those who are lost. For some of us (including myself) these images…
Read MoreSunday, February 4, 2024, “Because of You our Church Changes Lives: First Things First” by Rev. Dr. Faith J. Conklin
Mark 1:29-39 isn’t usually thought of as a “stewardship” text. In a deeper sense, it is. As it shows us: Jesus knew how to put “first things first.” He also knew how to keep them there. Jesus maintained a clear sense of purpose. He cared for others without surrendering his mission. The tyranny of the…
Read MoreSunday, January 28, 2024, “Holy Chaos” by Faith Daniel
Faith Daniel, our Director of Young People and Family Ministry, will be preaching about the ways we can partner with God’s work and mission in the world. The title of Faith’s sermon is “Holy Chaos.” She will be preaching from Mark 1:21-18 which depicts Jesus casting out an unclean spirit from a man. She will…
Read MoreSunday, January 21, “Thank Goodness, God is not in Control”
Rev. Dr. Thomas Jay Oord, professor of theology and director of the doctoral program at Northwind Theological Seminary will speak about a God of love who is not the author of human suffering. He will provide an alternative to this age-old question of human theodicy (God’s justice) by showing that God does not allow suffering…
Read MoreSunday, January 14, “Down by the Riverside” (Baptism Sunday)
Rev. Dr. Mark Maddix’s Sermon, “Down by the Riverside” focuses on our baptism renewal. Baptism is central to our Christian Identity. It is through this identity we experience the grace of God and become God’s beloved daughters and sons. When we are baptized, God declares, “You are my beloved child.” Also, our baptism is a…
Read MoreSunday, January 7 “Searching for God” (Epiphany Sunday)
Rev. Dr. Mark Maddix’s Sermon, “Searching for God” focuses on the journey with the magi (astrologers) who follow the stars of Bethlehem to worship the Christ child. They journey is a long road with difficulties and challenges, to worship the Christ child. We will look at what it means for us to continue to search…
Read MoreSunday, December 31: “The Heart That Grew Three Sizes: A Song Of Joy”
Rev. John Shaver’s message, “The Heart that Grew Three Sizes: A Song of Joy.” On this joyous New Year’s Eve Day Sunday I focus on J.O.Y (Jesus, others, and yourself). On this is my last formal Sunday with you, I hope we will come together once more in this Christmastide season and give thanks for…
Read MoreChristmas Eve Service (7:00 p.m.), December 24, The Heart That Grew Three Sizes
Rev. John Shaver focuses on the process by which the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes.
Read MoreSunday, December 24: “The heart that Grew three sizes: A Sheepish Birth”
Rev. Dr. Mark Maddix’s, “The heart that Grew three sizes: A Sheepish Birth.” We read the familiar nativity story of Jesus’ birth from Luke 2:1-14. We read of the long journey to Bethlehem by Joseph and Mary because of a census issued by Caesar Augustus. We see the contrast between the political powers of the…
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