04/02/23
Palm Sunday (John 12:12-16)
Gospel Message from Pastor William
Jesus comes into Jerusalem and the people shout; “Save us we pray” (Hosanna) and try to make him their king; a king who will go to war. But Jesus is a self-sacrificing loving king who wants people to emulate him. Unfortunately, the people were not ready for, nor did they want that kind of king. How about you? Are you ready to welcome in and emulate King Jesus? Are you ready to model his love of enemy?
04/02/23
Palm Sunday – John 12:12-16
Stewardship Moment from Pastor William
Stewardship in the Gospel
Jesus comes into Jerusalem and people want to make him king. A takeover king who will reward them for their behavior. But Jesus wants to be the king of love and service; a king the people will imitate in their thoughts, words, and deeds.
Stewardship in our community
We tend to imitate the behavior of people we want to become; social media starts, sports stars, and movie stars. We tend to know more about these famous people than we know about Jesus. We tend to talk more about these stars than we talk about Jesus. In that behavior, we perpetuate the wrong kind of stewardship.
Stewardship in practice
This week, search out and learn about attributes of loving giving servants of Christ such as: Mother Theresa, Desmond Tutu, Martin Luther King Jr. and Billy Graham. Then commit to modeling an aspect of their behavior that you find in line with the way of Jesus.
03/26/23
Fifth Sunday in Lent – John 11:1-45
Stewardship Moment from Pastor William
Stewardship in the Gospel
Those who came with Mary and Martha to Lazarus’ grave were weeping with sorrow for the sisters’ loss. When he saw this outpouring of love, Jesus was greatly disturbed and deeply moved. When people are emotionally disturbed by the suffering of others, Jesus feels their pain and is filled with compassion.
Stewardship in our community
Whether it be a war of aggression, systemic racism, or an act of selfishness, others in our community are suffering. When we are disturbed enough to do something about those who suffer, Jesus is moved to tears.
Stewardship in practice
We can make a difference in the lives of the suffering when we act in solidarity with them. We are called to speak up and act against aggression, racism and selfishness. This week, seek to be moved to action for someone who is suffering. Speak up when someone says something you know hurts others. Be the voice of Jesus who spreads love, not hate.
03/26/23
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Psalm 130, paraphrased by Pastor William
I’m at my lowest, LORD; I really need you, now!
Open your ears to hear me.
If you kept track of all I do wrong, I’d be toast!
Instead, you addicted to forgiveness.
I’m at my wits end,
I’m so alone and afraid.
God with us, you say!
Well, come to me now!
Your reliable love will see me through.
Carry me in your arms.
God’s love is overflowing;
it never ends or fails.
Hey everyone, trust God;
for God will come through for us.
03/26/23
Fifth Sunday in Lent (John 11:1-45)
Gospel Message from Pastor William
Why did Jesus begin to weep (v35)? In a prior verse (v33) we are told that when Jesus saw how Mary and those who came with her were weeping, he was greatly disturbed and deeply moved. Perhaps the Son of God wept because he felt the pain of those who loved Lazarus. Does Jesus still weep when he feels the pain of those in our community, nation, and world who are suffering? Perhaps, we need to weep for them first. Perhaps we need to be moved to do something about their situation.
03/19/23
Fourth Sunday in Lent (John 9:1-41)
Gospel Message from Pastor William
Jesus gives a blind man sight.
Oh, that’s good. No; Jesus worked on the Sabbath.
Oh, that’s bad. No; the Sabbath is for connecting to God, and the man connected with Jesus.
Oh, that’s good. No; the man was a sinner, so he didn’t deserve healing without repentance.
Oh, that’s bad. No; Jesus came to forgive all sins (Mark 3:28).
Oh, that’s good. No; the man was kicked out of church because of it.
Oh, that’s bad. No; Jesus could then find the man and welcome him into God’s kingdom.
Oh, that’s good. Yes!; that’s what Jesus came to do, and what he calls us to do too.
03/19/23
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Psalm 23, paraphrased by Pastor William
Oh Lord, you are my protecting shepherd.
You provide my every need.
You bed me down in the greenest of meadows.
You bring me to the cool refreshing brook.
You allow me to pause,
and then send me forward in the right direction.
Even though death and danger surround me,
you are beside me, giving me comfort.
You provide an abundant feast,
for my body, heart and soul.
You lift my tired body and being.
You chase after me with overflowing grace and love.
I’m at home with you,
now and forever.
03/19/23
Fourth Sunday in Lent – John 9:1-41
Stewardship Moment from Pastor William
Stewardship in the Gospel
The blind man is given sight. And the church kicks him out. When Jesus hears of this, he goes to find the man to make certain the man understood he was accepted by God and was part of God’s kingdom.
Stewardship in our community
God’s kingdom is for everyone. It is to be disclosed and shared with everyone. There are no exceptions as to who is welcomed into God’s kingdom. Jesus says; “I am the light of the world.” We are to share that light.
Stewardship in practice
How can we share the light of the world with others? First, we recognize that Jesus came for us, not because we are worthy, but because God chose us. Second, we must recognize that our neighbor, family and enemy is also chosen. Third, we must treat them as chosen ones of God; stewarding the love of God as it was intended – for the world.
03/12/23
Third Sunday in Lent
Psalm 95, paraphrased by Pastor William
Listen up! It is time to tune into the Lord;
Let us make a joyful noise!
Let us double time march as we gather;
raising the roof with our songs.
Why? Because the Lord is our King;
the best there ever was!
God has the whole world in God’s hands;
made it, owns it, loves it.
Drop everything, change your plans;
for it’s time to do something different.
God is in control, not us;
it’s time we take God seriously.
For God is our King;
we are the King’s children;
the apple of God’s eye.
Let today be the day you hear God:
Release your independence!
Stop your complaining!
Don’t be like your desert ancestors;
they tested my patience;
they wanted things their way.
They couldn’t keep their mind on my way.
Finally, I had enough!
They will not get what they want,
they will not get the easy life they seek.
03/12/23
Third Sunday in Lent (John 4:5-42)
Gospel Message from Pastor William
Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at the well and they dialogue. Many aspects of this encounter are important. Perhaps most often missed is what happens because of the woman. “Many Samaritans from that city believed in (Jesus) because of the woman’s testimony.” She told people what Jesus did for her. Not some scholarly biblical, theological story. Just simple words about your experiences with God. Who is the last person you talked with about what God does for you? What’s holding you back from telling others?
