Des Moines, IA October 18, Every Story Matters
|
|
- Erik Johnson
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Mark 10:35 45 Matt Mardis-LeCroy Des Moines, IA October 18, 2015 Every Story Matters I. There is something I just need to get off my chest this morning. Right here, right now, with all of you as my witnesses, I want to say one thing: I was into hobbits before hobbits were cool. Before Peter Jackson, before Elijah Wood and Ian McKellan, Liv Tyler and Cate Blanchett before Hollywood got a hold of the hobbits it was just me and my friends: Acne-speckled twelve-year old boys. We collected of comic books, we played Dungeons and Dragons, we avoided direct sunlight. And the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien felt like our little secret, like an exclusive club to which the wider world would never be invited. i I remember one weekday evening. I had been on the couch since late morning at least home sick from middle school, I guess. I had plunged into The Return of the King and now no force in heaven or on the earth could drag me from its pages. I was wholly absorbed. The thought that a movie producer might come along, might wrench these precious words out of my hands and make them into some summer blockbuster might reduce this poetry to a popcorn and Milk Duds special effects showcase it would have broken my heart. Reading Tolkien was a private little pleasure; to see this story on the big screen would have seemed a sacrilege. It isn t hard to see why Tolkien held so much appeal to someone like me. Back in middle school,
2 I was I m not really sure what the word is like, the opposite of popular? Whatever that is, that was me. Insignificant. Overlooked. Far from the center of things. Of course Tolkien appealed to me and to my friends. There s something subversive about his work, about his world. Middle Earth is fantasy and it abounds in all of the usual accoutrements: orcs and elves, dwarves and dragons, swords and sorcery. It s all there. But then there are the hobbits a small people, a quiet people. Insignificant. Overlooked. Far from the center of things. The opposite of popular. But in the end, the hobbits hold the key to the whole story. They save the day. The hobbits matter most of all. It is deeply subversive and deeply Christian. J.R.R. Tolkien was a good Catholic, a friend of C.S. Lewis, and he wrote out of a decidedly Christian conviction about the nature of things. God chooses the weak of this world to shame the strong. The last shall be first. Even a little hobbit can change the course of history. ii Put another way? Every story matters. II. But that means we should probably pity James and John They never read Tolkien. And they never got that memo about the last being first. They re still playing by the old rules. And this morning, they end up looking pretty bad. If the Gospel According to Mark had a subtitle, it would probably be: Disciples Behaving Badly. All this fall, we have heard these stories about the disciples missing the point, dropping the ball, crashing and burning, blowing it big time. But this morning s story may take the cake. This morning James and John fail on a truly epic scale. They try to ask for a promotion and end up with a reprimand. It all starts when James and John, after much careful planning, request a sit-down with Jesus. They step nervously into his office, take their seats, clear their throats. Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you. One sentence in, and already this is going badly. We want you to do for us whatever we ask of you? My daughter is five years old. She knows better than to open with that. But there they are, James and John, just a couple of bro-ciples on their way to
3 the top. They re seeking a promotion, angling for the corner offices. They want to be bigshots. Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory. Jesus seems sad, and maybe a little amused. You don t what you re asking, he says. You don t know what this would cost you. And then Jesus says something strange. To sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared. Who matters most? Who will rise to the top? Who gets the corner office? Nobody knows. Not even Jesus. Nobody knows who matters most because they story isn t over. The story isn t over yet. Well, word gets around about James and John. (Office gossip always does). Everybody s grumpy. Everybody s angry with James and John. So Jesus orders everybody into the breakroom and makes a motivational speech. You know how it is, out there, in the world. Bosses and bigshots lord it over everybody else. But that is not the way it will work among you. In this organization, whoever wants to be great should become a servant; whoever wishes to be first should be a slave. That is the path that I m on, says Jesus. And I expect you to follow. The story isn t over yet. We don t know who matters most. Your best bet is to serve everyone, pay attention to everyone. Until we know any different, assume that every story matters. III. What does this have to do with evangelism? Everything. So far this fall, we have focused on evangelism here at Plymouth Church. And I have found these conversations to be rich. It feels like something new is happening around here, something exciting. Together, we have seen how evangelism means knowing and sharing our own stories;
4 noticing and narrating God s work in our own lives. We have been invited to take the risk of telling somebody else a bit of our own story. And we have seen the significance of other people s stories. We are called to hear them, to hold them sacred, to be blessed by them. Sometimes other people s stories hold the key to our own. Sometimes other people s stories become God s good gift to us. But whose stories? Whose stories will we hear? Which stories will get our time and attention? Isn t that the tricky part? It is for me. I mean, if I am honest, I have to admit that I tend to seek out stories that reassure me instead of stories that challenge me. You know what I mean. I gravitate toward the stories of people who share my outlook and validate my assumptions. I seek out the cable news channel that reinforces my opinions. I cherish theologians who will go to great lengths to tell me the truth I already know. iii When it comes to seeking out the stories of others, I am selective. Maybe even discriminating. I like what I like, and I ignore the rest. But what if Jesus is right? What if we do not know which stories matter most? What if we can t be sure who gets the corner office in the kingdom of God? What if every story matters? What will we do then? IV. It s not a rhetorical question. I think I have an answer. If every story matters, what will we do? What can we do? We can be the church. By the grace of God, we can try to be the church. All along, we have been talking about evangelism as if it is something foreign to Plymouth Church, something other kinds of Christians might do. But over the course of the last six weeks, I have had a conversion experience of my own. I have come to believe that evangelism is right up our alley. Or at least, it should be, if we mean what we say. Because it all depends on one little word:
5 Welcome. No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life s journey, you are always welcome here. We say that every time we gather for worship. If any one value defines us if Plymouth Church has a warm and beating heart it is this notion that all are welcome. But you know, sometimes I wonder if we mean it. All are welcome? OK. But when I look around this room this morning, it seems to me that a lot of us are a lot alike. Not all of us, but most of us, share the same race, the same social class, the same education level. And so the stories we have to share with each another I believe these stories are real, these stories are sacred, these stories are powerful. But these stories are also a lot alike. I don t know about you, but I think I would be better off I think I could really grow in love of God and neighbor if I spent more time listening to the stories of people who are less like me. And I know Plymouth would be more welcoming more true to its own best instincts if we all started attending to the stories of other people. Because, at the end of the day, there is only one reason to be a welcoming church. There is only reason to be an inclusive church. And it s not because we are tolerant. It s not because we are oh-so open minded. It s because we are limited limited by the lives we have led, limited by the experiences we have had, limited by so many stories we have heard from so many people who are so much like us. Every story matters. And if Plymouth will become the church God is calling it to be if I will ever be the person God is calling me to be we will need to hear a lot more stories from a lot more people who are a lot less like us. If we are going to be welcoming, we will have to be evangelizing. If all are welcome, then every story matters.
6 Plymouth Congregational Church United Church of Christ 4126 Ingersoll Avenue Des Moines, Iowa Phone: (515) Fax: (515) Notes i And they still do, actually. I doubt anybody is going to make a big screen version of The Simillarion anytime soon. ii There is a lot of writing about the deeply Christian vision of J.R.R. Tolkien. For this sermon, I drew on the work of John Carswell, which can be read here: iii Telling the truth we already know is Robert Dykstra s definition of boring preaching. Discovering a Sermon: Personal Pastoral Preaching. (St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2002).
A Pretty Good Question
Isaiah 58:1 9 Matt Mardis-LeCroy Des Moines, IA February 28, 2016 A Pretty Good Question I. Lent is a season for confession, and I think I feel one coming on this morning. You ready for it? Here it is:
More informationDes Moines March 1, Blessing
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Matt Mardis-LeCroy Des Moines March 1, 2015 I. Blessing Observed at a dinner party: Ah ah AH CHOO! Bless you. Seen in a Twitter feed: Looks like I have to get FOUR NEW TIRES. And
More informationMatt Mardis-LeCroy Des Moines, IA September 11, Hide and Seek
Genesis 2:4b-7, 15-17; 3:1-8 Matt Mardis-LeCroy Des Moines, IA September 11, 2016 Hide and Seek I. It is such an arresting image: In love, the LORD God comes looking for us. But where are we? In the bushes,
More informationDisturbing the Peace
Luke 3:1 6 Matt Mardis-LeCroy Des Moines, IA December 6, 2015 I. Disturbing the Peace I don t know what happened. I used to be young and fun. No, seriously: I can prove it. I used to live in downtown Des
More informationDes Moines April 5, 2015 Resurrection
Mark 16:1-8 Matt Mardis-LeCroy Des Moines April 5, 2015 Resurrection I. How do preachers prepare sermons? Have you ever wondered about that? Do you maybe imagine us seated at a desk, surrounded by thick
More informationInscribed On Our Hearts
Jeremiah 36 and 31, select verses Matt Mardis-LeCroy Des Moines, IA November 20, 2016 Inscribed On Our Hearts I. The written word the text is a fragile thing. That is my first takeaway from our text for
More informationApril 29-30, The Fruit of the Spirit. When the Holy Spirit lives in us, we act like him. Galatians 5:16-25
April 29-30, 2017 The Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:16-25 When the Holy Spirit lives in us, we act like him. Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and
More informationDes Moines, IA April 24, I Feel Fine
Revelation 21:1 6 Corinne Ellis Des Moines, IA April 24, 2016 I Feel Fine Today we get to dive into the book of Revelation, this book that looms large in our cultural imagination. Six-winged eagles and
More informationMarch 25-26, The Good Samaritan. Luke 10:25-37; Matthew 22: God wants us to love our neighbor.
March 25-26, 2017 The Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37; Matthew 22:37-39 God wants us to love our neighbor. Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin
More informationHeavenly Living Acts 1:1-11, Colossians 3:1-17
Heavenly Living Acts 1:1-11, Colossians 3:1-17 Well friends, now that Peter Jackson s latest and final movie in the Hobbit trilogy has left the theatres and been released on video-on-demand services, it
More informationFaith Works (James) / Sermon 1: Trials & Temptations June 5, 2016
Faith Works (James) / Sermon 1: Trials & Temptations June 5, 2016 Faith Works. If you were here last week, you might remember identified that as the theme of this book: Faith really does work. And James
More informationCollect of the Day for Proper 28
1415 Pelhamdale Avenue Pelham, New York 10803 Telephone (914) 738-5515 Facsimile (914) 712-0526 The Rev. Matthew Hoxsie Mead Rector February 7, 2019 Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written
More informationThe Desolation of The Hobbit
Cedarville University DigitalCommons@Cedarville Student Publications 7-2015 The Desolation of The Hobbit William Keating Cedarville University, wkeating@cedarville.edu Follow this and additional works
More informationDes Moines November 26, Memory and Hope
Psalm 126 Matt Mardis-LeCroy Des Moines November 26, 2015 I. Memory and Hope Good morning! Welcome to the worship of God here at Plymouth Church. No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life
More informationAnd there is the kind of silence when a full room becomes totally quiet. Listening for a soft voice to speak Or anticipating a concert to begin
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church Asheville, North Carolina 15 November 2015 Sermon: Draw Me Near Kristy Roberts Farber 1 I Kings 19:9-18 Isaiah 40:27-41:1 There are so many kinds of quiet in this world.
More informationAugust 9-10, Know God s Word. Psalm 139:13-14 Adventure Bible (p. 692)
rd 3 5 August 9-10, 2014 Psalm 139:13-14 Adventure Bible (p. 692) Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. Large Group (30 minutes):
More informationKindergarten-2nd. Genesis 2; Philippians 4:6. We need God s Rescue.
Kindergarten-2nd June 20-21, 2015 Genesis 2; Philippians 4:6 Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. Large Group (30 minutes):
More informationThe World Turned Upside Down i
Galatians 6:7 16 Matt Mardis-LeCroy Des Moines, IA July 3, 2016 I. The World Turned Upside Down i Here is the way I would like to start my sermon this morning. I would like to be able to stand before you
More informationDecember 7-8, Christmas. Luke 1-2 (Pg ); Matthew 2 (Pg ) God Speaks to Us!
rd 3 5 December 7-8, 2013 Christmas Luke 1-2 (Pg.1121-1126); Matthew 2 (Pg.1053-1054) God Speaks to Us! Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin
More informationFebruary 4-5, David and Goliath. 1 Samuel 17. God rescues his family.
February 4-5, 2017 David and Goliath 1 Samuel 17 God rescues his family. Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. Large Group (30
More informationFebruary 4-5, David and Goliath. God rescues his family. 1 Samuel 17
February 4-5, 2017 David and Goliath 1 Samuel 17 God rescues his family. Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. Large Group (30
More informationThe Holy Spirit Acts: CAN I GET A WITNESS?
The Holy Spirit Acts: CAN I GET A WITNESS? Acts 4:29-31 The Spirit empowers us to speak with boldness. A sermon preached by Dr. William O. (Bud) Reeves First United Methodist Church Hot Springs, Arkansas
More informationTolkien Author of the Century
Tolkien Author of the Century An Interview with Thomas Shippey Questions by Franco Manni Transcription by Fiorenzo delle Rupi Professor Shippey, can you tell us for what kind of public did you write the
More informationHistory, Written by the Losers
Exodus 12:1 13, 13:1 8 Matt Mardis-LeCroy Des Moines, IA October 2, 2016 History, Written by the Losers I. History is written by the victors. That s what Walter Benjamin said. And at most times, in most
More informationThe Skill of Self Confidence by Dr. Ivan Joseph (Transcript)
The Skill of Self Confidence by Dr. Ivan Joseph (Transcript) In this TEDx Talk, Dr. Ivan Joseph, former athletic director and soccer coach, discusses how to build the skills of self confidence Speaker
More informationDes Moines March 8, Fear of the Lord
Psalm 19 LeAnn Stubbs Des Moines March 8, 2015 Fear of the Lord It is with much fear and trembling that I have approached the challenge of writing a sermon on the word, the fear of the Lord. This Lenten
More informationMailing Address: PO Box 797 Molalla, OR Phone: Fax: Pastor Dale Satrum. Page 1
Mailing Address: PO Box 797 Molalla, OR 97038 Phone: 503-829-5101 Fax: 503-829-9502 Pastor Dale Satrum Getting My life Back In Balance Getting My Friendships Back in Balance (Part 3) Intro: There is a
More informationKindergarten-2nd. October 3-4, Elisha and Naaman. 2 Kings 5; Micah 6:8. God wants us to obey, even when it s not fun.
Kindergarten-2nd October 3-4, 2015 Elisha and Naaman 2 Kings 5; Micah 6:8 God wants us to obey, even when it s not fun. Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into
More informationStep 1 Pick an unwanted emotion. Step 2 Identify the thoughts behind your unwanted emotion
Step 1 Pick an unwanted emotion Pick an emotion you don t want to have anymore. You should pick an emotion that is specific to a certain time, situation, or circumstance. You may want to lose your anger
More informationGollum and God. One of the more challenging topics to address in the life of the church is the issue of our financial
Gollum and God Matthew 6: 19-30 One of the more challenging topics to address in the life of the church is the issue of our financial stewardship. Many of us were brought up to think that money is a matter
More informationMay 10-11, Priscilla and Aquila. Acts 18:1-4 and 18-28; Romans 16; I Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19
rd 3 5 May 10-11, 2014 Acts 18:1-4 and 18-28; Romans 16; I Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19 Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity.
More informationProofreading exercise 11
Proofreading exercise 11 From Tales of Folk and Fairies by Katharine Pyle You ll find more FREE proofreading exercises plus resources and tips over at The No-Nonsense Proofreading Course website: www.proofreading-course.com
More informationFORGIVING. week 3. Theme. Memory Verse. Bible Verses. Big Idea. Goals. FORGIVING like Jesus
week 3 FORGIVING Theme FORGIVING like Jesus Memory Verse 1 John 2:1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father--Jesus Christ,
More informationKindergarten-2nd. October 31 November 1, Generosity. God calls his family to be generous.
Kindergarten-2nd October 31 November 1, 2015 Malachi 3:10, Matt. 19:16-30, Matt. 25:31-36, Mark 12:41-44 and 2 Corinthians 9:7; Matt. 6:33 Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins,
More informationInterviewee: Kathleen McCarthy Interviewer: Alison White Date: 20 April 2015 Place: Charlestown, MA (Remote Interview) Transcriber: Alison White
Interviewee: Kathleen McCarthy Interviewer: Alison White Date: 20 April 2015 Place: Charlestown, MA (Remote Interview) Transcriber: Alison White Abstract: With an amazingly up-beat attitude, Kathleen McCarthy
More informationGood work! Trust Jesus now enjoy some rest. Exodus 20: 9-11, Matt 11:28-30
Good work! Trust Jesus now enjoy some rest. Exodus 20: 9-11, Matt 11:28-30 Well friends, last week we wrapped up our Green Worship series and we looked at how we can experience God in and through our work.
More informationI Am Journey Week 3: Moses and the burning bush. February 25-26, Exodus 2-4; Psalm 139: God is always with us.
February 25-26, 2017 I Am Journey Week 3: Moses and the burning bush Exodus 2-4; Psalm 139:13-14 God is always with us. Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into
More informationFebruary 2-3, David and Goliath. I Samuel 17 (Pg. 321 NIV Adventure Bible) God used David to defeat Goliath
rd th 3-5 February 2-3, 2013 David and Goliath I Samuel 17 (Pg. 321 NIV Adventure Bible) God used David to defeat Goliath Hang out with kids (10 minutes): Ask kids about their week. Get kids into groups
More informationWhat is the point of spending so much time at work when life is so short? Why do we work? Should we work? What is the Bible s view on work?
On average people spend one third of their life-time sleeping and one third at work. Not voluntarily, many of us might add. We often can t wait for each working day to finish, for our holidays to arrive,
More informationDREAMS-HOPE-FAITH A LIVING TRINITY
DREAMS-HOPE-FAITH A LIVING TRINITY Howard N. Lee General James Stockton, VP candidate to Ross Perot in 1992 presidential campaign, opened his debate statement with two questions: WHO AM I? WHY AM I? Many
More informationIntroductory Study Guide for Mere Christianity
Introductory Study Guide for Mere Christianity Created by: Liz Evershed, C.S. Lewis Foundation Intern 2000-01 Introduction Mere Christianity is possibly Lewis most frequently read work, and was originally
More informationPainting the Portrait of a Biblical Leader Free to Build
Painting the Portrait of a Biblical Leader Free to Build Did we have a wonderful time last Sunday or what gathering down in the bottoms? We just had a wonder day. A lot of people were worried about the
More informationCrazy kingdom. January 23-24, Loving others like Jesus did can look pretty crazy. Matthew 5:11-12; 5:40-45; 20:26-27, 1 Corinthians 13:4
rd th 3-5 January 23-24, 2016 Matthew 5:11-12; 5:40-45; 20:26-27, 1 Corinthians 13:4 Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. Large
More informationHave You Burned a Boat Lately? You Probably Need to
Podcast Episode 184 Unedited Transcript Listen here Have You Burned a Boat Lately? You Probably Need to David Loy: Hi and welcome to In the Loop with Andy Andrews, I m your host David Loy. Andy, thanks
More information"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit." With this line, J.R.R. Tolkien begins his 1937 classic, The Hobbit.
Proper 22A 10.05.14 Bilbo Baggins (The Hobbit): Leaving Your Comfort Zone 1 "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit." With this line, J.R.R. Tolkien begins his 1937 classic, The Hobbit. We're in
More informationJesus wants us to be fair.
Praise Jesus! Zacchaeus Changes His Ways Lesson 13 Bible Point Jesus wants us to be fair. Bible Verse Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you (Matthew 7:12a). Growing Closer to Jesus Children
More informationEvangelism: Dirty Word or Beautiful Feet? (Hot Topics pt3)
Evangelism: Dirty Word or Beautiful Feet? (Hot Topics pt3) LAUMC All Services August 18, 2013 Romans 10:8-17 Rev. Samuel S. Yun Romans 10:8-17 8 But what does it say? The word is near you, on your lips
More informationMaking Miracles Happen
Making Miracles Happen INTERVIEW WITH JO OSBORNE ***PDF REFERENCE SHEET*** JO OSBORNE is a world class transformational life coach who has coached hundreds of women across Australia to create lives that
More informationCONTENTS. Much Love and Thanks... 9 A Place to Breathe 11 Part I: Exhaling 15. Part II: Inhaling 57. Free to Breathe 177
CONTENTS Much Love and Thanks... 9 A Place to Breathe 11 Part I: Exhaling 15 Chapter 1: Getting Real 16 Chapter 2: Talking It Out 29 Chapter 3: Finding the Right Road 42 Part II: Inhaling 57 Chapter 4:
More informationMagnify Lesson 2 Aug 13/14 1
1 Series at a Glance for Elevate ABOUT THIS SERIES Parents love to give their kids gifts, but did you know that our Heavenly Father loves to give us gifts even more? God made each of us unique and gives
More informationWild Goose Chase / #4: A Strange Peace / June 9, 2013
Wild Goose Chase / #4: A Strange Peace / June 9, 2013 You don t have to go to jail to wear chains. There are a whole lot of people who wear these all the time maybe not quite as visible as these, but they
More informationWhat s Water-Walking?
What s Water-Walking? SESSION ONE There is something Someone inside us who tells us there is more to life than sitting in the boat. You were made for something more.... There is something inside you that
More informationForgiveness September 14, 2014
Forgiveness September 14, 2014 Sarah Raymond Matthew 18:21-35 Then Peter came and said to (Jesus), Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?
More informationJesus Hacked: Storytelling Faith a weekly podcast from the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
Jesus Hacked: Storytelling Faith a weekly podcast from the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri https://www.diocesemo.org/podcast Episode 030: Journey: one church's conversation about full LGBT inclusion This
More informationVenerable Pannavati Bhikkhuni Teachings for Uncertain Times February 22, 2017
Welcome to the Teachings for Uncertain Times series. I m Venerable Pannavati, co-abbot of Embracing Simplicity Hermitage and the founder and spiritual director of Heartwood Refuge and Retreat Center in
More informationTherefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down,
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against
More informationThe Wellbeing Course. Resource: Managing Beliefs. The Wellbeing Course was written by Professor Nick Titov and Dr Blake Dear
The Wellbeing Course Resource: Managing Beliefs The Wellbeing Course was written by Professor Nick Titov and Dr Blake Dear About Beliefs Beliefs are the conscious or unconscious ideas we have about ourselves,
More informationDiscipline for All. BLAKE CHILTON, May 24, 2009
Discipline for All BLAKE CHILTON, May 24, 2009 My name is Blake. I m one of the pastors here, and I m actually preaching this weekend because Matt and Lauren are supposed to have their baby this weekend.
More informationThe Day Everything Changed
The Day Everything Changed John 20:1-18 Preached by Dr. Cahill Babcock Presbyterian Church Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015 July 4, 1776, December 7, 1941 and September 11, 2001 are important dates in history
More informationSample: GUESS WHO S COMING FOR CHRISTMAS?
Sample: GUESS WHO S COMING FOR CHRISTMAS? PART 6 Host: It is time for the next exciting episode of Guess Who s Coming for Christmas? (Slide 17 theme music and question marks, same as slide 2) Are you contestants
More informationNovember 10-11, Kingdom Come Journey Week 5: SEEK. When we seek God s Kingdom, we start to see the world the way God sees it.
rd 3 5 th November 10-11, 2013 Kingdom Come Journey Week 5: SEEK Luke 10:38-42 When we seek God s Kingdom, we start to see the world the way God sees it. Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the
More informationFruit of the Spirit. May 3-4, When the Holy Spirit lives in us, we act like him. Galatians 5:16-25 NIV Adventure Bible (p.
rd 3 5 May 3-4, 2014 Galatians 5:16-25 NIV Adventure Bible (p. 1293) Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. Large Group (30 minutes):
More informationKindergarten-2nd. April 12-13, The Last Supper. John Jesus wants us to stay connected to him.
Kindergarten-2nd April 12-13, 2014 The Last Supper John 13-16 Jesus wants us to stay connected to him. Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin
More informationOctober 3-4, Josiah. 2 Kings 22; Micah 6:8. God wants us to follow his law.
rd 3 5 October 3-4, 2015 Josiah 2 Kings 22; Micah 6:8 God wants us to follow his law. Connect Time (20 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity.
More informationPETER AND CORNELIUS. Peter and Cornelius
Acts 10 Peter and Cornelius Children s Story PETER AND CORNELIUS You know something about a man named Jesus, right? And I hope you go on learning more about Him all your life. But Jesus also had some interesting
More informationGear Up! Lesson 6 June 25/26 1
1 Series at a Glance for Elevate ABOUT THIS SERIES God wants us to follow Him every day, but there are a lot of things in our world that try to pull us away from Him and His best for us. So how can we
More informationBBC LEARNING ENGLISH 6 Minute Vocabulary Someone, nothing, anywhere...
BBC LEARNING ENGLISH 6 Minute Vocabulary Someone, nothing, anywhere... This is not a word-for-word transcript Hello! Welcome to 6 Minute Vocabulary. I m And I m. And today we re talking about words like
More informationChrist Presbyterian Church Edina, Minnesota November 4 & 5, 2017 John Crosby Moses: The Ten Commandments Exodus 19-33
Christ Presbyterian Church Edina, Minnesota November 4 & 5, 2017 John Crosby Moses: The Ten Commandments Exodus 19-33 Sometimes after you have experienced loss you need to be reminded of that (referring
More informationAllen Pruitt. All this stuff in Revelation, it sounds pretty weird. And it s hard not to get caught up in all of the weird.
1 Allen Pruitt All this stuff in Revelation, it sounds pretty weird. And it s hard not to get caught up in all of the weird. This reading we have today, is probably one of the more pedestrian things we
More informationLIFE IN DEATH VALLEY BEN BOULWARE SHARES WHY HE S BOUT THAT LIFE +HOW TO KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT VOL. 1 / SEPTEMBER Vol.
LIFE IN DEATH VALLEY BEN BOULWARE SHARES WHY HE S BOUT THAT LIFE VOL. 1 / SEPTEMBER 2015 +HOW TO KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT Vol. 1 Fuse Magazine 1 COVER STORY LIFE IN DEATH VALLEY CONTENTS 14 TABLE OF CONTENTS
More informationAmericans, contentment just means lack of ambition. And faithfulness means being true to myself. And purity? Is comical.
7/1/12 GRACE, MERCY, AND PEACE FROM GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND FROM OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. The text is from Is 26:10-11 10] THOUGH GRACE IS SHOWN TO THE WICKED, THEY DO NOT LEARN RIGHTEOUSNESS;
More informationFebruary 28, 2016 Acts 10:44-48 John 17:13-23 EUCLID & JESUS
February 28, 2016 Acts 10:44-48 John 17:13-23 EUCLID & JESUS Unity: How we long for it. How seldom we see and experience it. And when we do, how long does it last? Do you have any friends who think religion
More informationDecember 7-8, Christmas. Luke 1-2; Matthew 2. God Speaks to Us!
rd 3 5 December 7-8, 2012 Christmas Luke 1-2; Matthew 2 God Speaks to Us! Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. th Talk to kids
More informationSoulCare Foundations I: The Basic Model
SoulCare Foundations I: The Basic Model The Key to Releasing the Power of SoulCare CC201 LESSON 05 of 10 Larry J. Crabb, Ph.D. Founder and Director of NewWay Ministries in Silverthorne, Colorado A good
More informationI Came Not to Bring Peace, but Division // Luke 12:49 53 // The Difficult Sayings of Jesus
I Came Not to Bring Peace, but Division // Luke 12:49 53 // The Difficult Sayings of Jesus Welcome back, everybody! Lot of people last week: Over 10,000 at all of our campuses. Baptized about 170. Thank
More informationHow To Fight Your Temptations! (FIGHT) James 1:13-15 April #2 Compass Church
How To Fight Your Temptations! (FIGHT) James 1:13-15 April #2 Compass Church 1. Please read several times carefully James 1:13-15. How does the Bible describe the action or process of being tempted? What
More informationMay 20-21, James. God wants us to treat all people with kindness. James 1-3
May 20-21, 2017 James James 1-3 God wants us to treat all people with kindness. Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. Large
More informationApril 18-19, BRAVE Journey: STORM. Matthew 14:22-33; Joshua 1:9 Adventure Bible (pp , 237) You were made for bravery.
rd 3 5 April 18-19, 2015 Matthew 14:22-33; Joshua 1:9 Adventure Bible (pp. 1070-1071, 237) Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity.
More informationShepherding the Flock of God 1 Peter 5:1-5
Shepherding the Flock of God 1 Peter 5:1-5 Today s passage is 1 Peter 5:1-5 which describes the ministry of elders in the church. Elders are the foundational spiritual leadership in the church. Their primary
More informationSESSION 3. Addiction. Addiction 49
SESSION 3 49 IT S NOT GOD S WILL FOR YOU TO LIVE OR DIE BEHOLDEN TO ANYTHING BUT HIM. GOD DOESN T WANT YOUR LOYALTY TO GO TO ANYONE ELSE BUT HIM. My favorite novel is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
More informationOctober 23, 2016 Matthew 6:7-15; 10:5-7 Luke 10:8-9 THY KINGDOM COME
October 23, 2016 Matthew 6:7-15; 10:5-7 Luke 10:8-9 THY KINGDOM COME It is no surprise to the thoughtful that the Lord s Prayer is packed and loaded that every phrase carries the awareness of the power
More informationTwo Sons and A Father. February 22-23, Luke 15:11-32 The Adventure Bible (p. 1148) God is A Loving Father
rd 3 5 February 22-23, 2014 Luke 15:11-32 The Adventure Bible (p. 1148) Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. Large Group (30
More informationLibrary of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Visit Tyndale s exciting Web site at www.tyndale.com Copyright 2001 by Kurt Bruner. All rights reserved. Cover photo copyright 2001 by William Koechling. All rights reserved. Edited by Lisa A. Jackson
More informationEsther. November 15-16, Esther; Philippians 4:6 Adventure Bible (pp. 561, 1306) God gives us courage for any situation.
rd 3 5 November 15-16, 2014 Esther; Philippians 4:6 Adventure Bible (pp. 561, 1306) Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity. Large
More informationWhat s your excuse? Luke 14: 15-23
What s your excuse? Luke 14: 15-23 Excuses, we all have them and use them. These are the Top 5 excuses for speeding according to insurance.com 5. I'm having an emergency situation in my car 4. Everyone
More informationEpisode 42: Developing a Healthy Worship Culture
Episode 42: Developing a Healthy Worship Culture Featuring: Mingo Palacios & John Cassetto https://thepdpodcast.com Transcript: Welcome to the purpose driven Church podcast where we sit down with leaders
More informationPrimal, Adaptive, and Spiritual/Moral Leadership
Foundations of Effective Leadership ML112 LESSON 4 of 4 Sid Buzzell, Ph. D. Experience: Dean of the School of Theology at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colorado We said leaders take us where
More informationJames 5: The Power of Confession and Prayer Sign Title: The Power of Confession and Prayer
November 6, 2011 James 5:16-20 - The Power of Confession and Prayer Sign Title: The Power of Confession and Prayer Good morning Faith family. We began studying James on March 13th. Today is our last message
More informationGod s Grace For Us. Ephesians 2:1-10. May 1, 2015
God s Grace For Us Ephesians 2:1-10 May 1, 2015 Good morning, my name is David Pranga. I am Executive Pastor here at Brewster Baptist Church. We are in the middle of a very important series, Going Deeper
More informationA place called Jinotega, Nicaragua.
Calvary United Methodist Church March 13, 2016 DeThink Church Rev. Dr. S. Ronald Parks Children s Sermon: Luke 10:1-12 It is a joy for the church to gather in this time and place. We welcome the children
More informationMorningside Presbyterian Church. Simon, Andrew, James and John just dropped what they were doing, left everything and
Fish Stories Mark 1:14-20 Dr. Baron Mullis Morningside Presbyterian Church What I want to know is, What were they thinking? Simon, Andrew, James and John just dropped what they were doing, left everything
More informationJanuary 13-14, Jesus first miracle. Jesus shows God s power by turning water into wine. John 2:1-11
January 13-14, 2018 Jesus first miracle. John 2:1-11 Jesus shows God s power by turning water into wine. Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin
More informationK-2nd. DATE February 16-17, STORY Lazarus. God isn t always comfortable, but
K-2nd DATE February 16-17, 2019 STORY Lazarus Book BIG IDEA of Jonah, Deuteronomy 31:8 Jesus has power over everything. NEXT Following STEP God isn t always comfortable, but Reflect he ll help on us one
More informationThe Man in the Mirror. Integrity: What s the Price?
The Man in the Mirror Solving the 24 Problems Men Face Integrity: What s the Price? Unedited Transcript Luke 16:10-12, Job 2:3, 42:12 Good morning, men! Welcome to Man in the Mirror Men's Bible Study,
More informationWalk in Love, Not Lust
Walk in Love, Not Lust Blueprint: God s Design for the Church Ephesians 5:1-6 If you have your bibles, take your bibles out. If you don t have bibles, go ahead and stand anyway, and we are going to turn
More informationMeeting With Christ I HAVE COME TO FULFILL THE LAW. The law has not been abolished. Matthew 5:17-20
Meeting With Christ Practical and Exegetical Studies on the Words of Jesus Christ Yves I-Bing Cheng, M.D., M.A. Based on sermons of Pasteur Eric Chang www.meetingwithchrist.com I HAVE COME TO FULFILL THE
More informationOn Fire by God. from Under The Circumstances By Torry Martin. Approximate running time: 10 minutes
Lillenas Drama Presents On Fire by God from Under The Circumstances By Torry Martin CAST: Approximate running time: 10 minutes WAYNE and LAURA DEAN: a married couple who actually love each other SYNOPSIS:
More informationHeart of Friendship. Proverbs 17:17
Heart of Friendship A Friend Loves at All Times. Proverbs 17:17 PREFACE Welcome to your first gathering of First Friday Friends! I m so excited for you. You are at the beginning of growing and building
More informationKindergarten-2. November 30-December 1, Give Thanks. Luke 17: Jesus Wants Us to Give Thanks Always
Kindergarten-2 November 30-December 1, 2013 Give Thanks Luke 17:11-19 Jesus Wants Us to Give Thanks Always Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin
More informationThe Broom Closet: Coming Out as a Witch
The Broom Closet: Coming Out as a Witch Secrecy and Witchcraft Back in the early days of modern witchcraft, covens required their members to take vows of secrecy. There was a reason for this: in the UK,
More information