Prayer - I hope you have been praying. Truly, one of the marks of a Christian is that we are praying people. Jesus’ disciples asked him to teach them to pray, and for the past several weeks during the season of Lent, we’ve been studying the Lord’s Prayer and my hope as your pastor we’ve learning to pray…

As you listen to our Scripture readings today, I want to challenge you to think of how things had changed because of the Resurrection. Normally, we would have an Old Testament Reading, a New Testament Reading, and a Gospel Reading, and in that order. Today, our scripture readings are all from the New…

As you all should know by now we have been participating in the Vital Congregations initiative of our denomination for the past year and a half, and we will continue to do so for at least the next year. There are 7 marks of a Vital Congregation, and I want to review these here today as we are about to…

In our journey through James we are going to see comparisons between our actions and our faith. Last week I introduced you to the “Faith gauge”, James is asking us to aim for a strong faith. In so doing the question arises, “What is the evidence of a strong faith?” I want you to keep that question in…

Welcome Welcome! We’re so glad that you are here tonight. Whether you be here in our sanctuary, out in our parking lot, or perhaps you’re listening online. Welcome. This is a special time of year. Christmas. It’s shrouded in wonder - the wonder of children and their eyes popping out with excitement as…

This weekend we remember a day we said we’d never forget. As no doubt you’ve been reminded often the past few days, it was 20 years ago that extremists hijacked four planes: two flew into the World Trade Center, one hit the Pentagon, and one was downed by a counter highjack by brave passengers. And the…

A Kingdom Divided It was nearly 30 years ago watching on my television as the verdict came down the city exploded. Angry crowds burst into the streets. Windows were smashed at the malls. Fires were set and could be seen from the balcony of our apartment. Gun fire could be heard. Looting was rampant.…

We’re continuing our flyover of the New Testament, and we’re flying fast. Last week we flew through 7 books: James, and then 6 letters written by Paul: Galatians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Corinthians and Romans. Today, we’re going to review Paul’s remaining 7 written during his Roman imprisonment.…

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: He began to teach them... “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed…

It’s good to be physically standing here in your presence as we continue on our journey. I want to remind you again as we do this 40,000 ft flyover of the New Testament: Don’t get frustrated by the pace. Try and see the connections Enjoy your flight. Now we are entering, believe it or not, our 4th letter…

In our culture there is a persistent myth of instant. As if everything happens in the present. And if you think about it there is good reason for that, we have access to almost everything in seconds. Our computers are faster than ever before. Have a question about: the biological structure of an orchid?…