Month: December 2018

Sermon:           Small Packages, Big Gifts.

Theme:            God’s blessings are given in small ways that have large, powerful impacts on our lives, for those who are wise enough to pay attention.

Purpose:          The congregation will focus on paying attention to those things that are not as powerful or impressive.

Scriptures:       Micah 5:2-5a   The prophet identifies that “little” Bethlehem shall be the source of the reign of God’s peace.

Luke 1:39-55   The magnificat of Mary, God is on the side of the small and needy.

Questions:

What are some of the lowly things that God is raising up and making central in the Kingdom of God? What are some of the things that are insignificant as far as the rest of the world is concerned, but are most important in terms of God’s love? What do we need to do in order to shift our focus to see what God is doing in our midst? In what ways is God acting to bring healing and renewal through unexpected acts of love and grace? How can we participate in that promise of bringing healing and love to others?

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Sermon:           “But in the Mean Time..”

Theme:            The people of God live between two realities: the Kingdom of God and the need to show Christ’s love to the world around them.

Purpose:          The congregation will commit to seeking after Christ’s direction in their lives in spite of all of the chaos and confusion that surrounds us.

Scriptures:       Philippians 4:4-7         Rejoice always, do not worry about anything but by prayer and thanksgiving let your needs be known to God.

Luke 3:7-18     John the Baptist instructs the people how to live faithfully.

Questions:

What does it mean to be baptized with God’s Holy Spirit and presence? Are we really seeking to experience God’s presence in the midst of Christmas? Or are we distracted with issues and practices that need to be uprooted? If God is not impressed by our traditions or our outer appearances, what really does matter to God this Christmas? Are we wanting to be a part of what God is doing or are we hoping God will be a part of what we have already planned ourselves?

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Sermon:           Listening For Voices Proclaiming God’s Work

Theme:            The people of God seek after messages of justice, mercy, and compassion in the midst of all of the surrounding noise.

Purpose:          The congregation will take time to listen for God’s Word.

Scriptures:       Malachi 3:1-4  The prophecy of the coming of Elijah – a voice in the wilderness.

Luke 3:1-6       John the Baptist comes bringing a message of repentance and healing.

Questions:

What does it mean for us to prepare our hearts for Christ’s appearance? What needs to be refined and purified in order that we can welcome God’s work? In what ways are we attached to things that are not important or valuable? What is our struggle with welcoming God’s plan over our own desires and agenda? How do we prepare the way for Christ’s coming this year, as Christmas approaches? What are the low points that need to be filled in around us? What is missing from people’s relationships that make it hard for them to welcome reconciliation and peace?

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Sermon:           “Watching for Signs of New Life”

Theme:            The people of God are focused on seeing the signs of God’s movement in the world around us.

Purpose:          The congregation will seek to keep attention on relationships and faithfulness to God.

Scriptures:       Jeremiah 33:14-16      The days are coming when a righteous branch will spring up for David.

Luke 21:25-36 The signs of the fig tree mean new life is coming soon.

Questions:

What causes us to be afraid of the coming of “The Son of Man?” What do we need to do in order to welcome Jesus’ appearance? In what ways do we need to “be awake” and prepared? In what ways do people tend to become distracted and unprepared for Jesus’ presence in their lives? What do we need to do in order to welcome a new sign of Christ’s reign in our midst? How do we place Jesus’ instruction ahead of our own agenda and issues?

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