BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING
When we worship, we almost always conclude the service with the Aaronic benediction: “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord smile upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord show His favor to you and give you peace.” However, we seldom pause to fully understand the meaning of these words, nor examine the ways we have or have not received blessings, from God or others. This month we will begin a six-part sermon series with the theme: Blessed to be a Blessing: Giving and Receiving Unconditional Love and Acceptance. In this 6-week series we will explore the Biblical concept of blessing and how important it is to fully receive it and then pass it on to our spouse, children, and grandchildren, etc. We hope to equip all who listen with the tools to bless others, even a barista at the coffee shop.
Sept 13 – “Blessed to Be a Blessing” | Numbers 6:23-26
Sept 20 – “Blessing Withheld” | Genesis 27:30-38
Sept 27 – “Blessing Extended” | Luke 15:11-24
Oct 4 – “Blessing With Touch and Words” | Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Oct 11 – “Blessing for the Future” | Jeremiah 29:11
Oct 18 – “Blessing with Commitment” | Luke 10:30-37
Labor Day Weekend
“One More Move” – Mark 1:40-45
Pastor Jeremy Walloch
Summary: While the town-cryers and naysayers say things are bad and will only get worse, God has a history of moving with compassion when most needed with one more move.
JOY OF THE LORD
This 8-week sermon series for July and August will focus on the “Joy of the Lord.” Psalm 19:8 says, “The precepts of the Lord are right. They give joy to the heart.” This is another way of saying joy comes from God’s Word. Jesus came to give us joy, but we can lose our joy. We will look at what has often been called the Epistle of Joy — Philippians. Hopefully you will experience a new joy, get your old joy back and/or be reminded that the joy God intends for us is not dependent on our circumstances.
July 12 – “Joy in Thanksgiving” | Philippians 1:1-11
July 19 – “Joy in Chains” | Philippians 1:12-21
July 26 – “Joy in Humility” | Philippians 2:1-11
August 2 – “Joy in Adversity” | Philippians 2:12-18
August 9 – “Joy in Persistence” | Philippians 3:7-14
August 16 – “Joy in Tears” | Philippians 3:17-21
August 23 – “Joy in Unity” | Philippians 4:4-9
August 30 – “Joy in Contentment” | Philippians 4:10-19
“NOTHING WORTH DOING IS EASY” – Pastor Larry Kassebaum
On the one hand we “celebrate” the 4th of July because it has some characteristics of a birthday and we do celebrate birthdays. But from another perspective, we should probably consider that not long after the Continental Congress declared independence from England, they had to back up their words and decision with the turmoil, sacrifice and death that accompanies war.
But the focus can’t be primarily on the costs associated with freedom and independence. On a regular basis we need to be reminded that these sacrifices have not been in vain and more will be required to ensure that future generations will be able to experience what we are tempted to take for granted.
FAITH LIKE A CHILDREN’S SONG
Why should children have all the fun? Many of us were introduced to the Christian faith through some funny — yet inspirational songs with catchy tunes. In this 4-week sermon series, we are going to revisit some beloved children’s songs while we are reminded of their much needed “truths.”
June 7 – “The B-I-B-L-E” | 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
June 14 – “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” | Matthew 21:33-41
June 21 – “Father Abraham” | Genesis 12:1-4 (Father’s Day)
June 28 – “Zacchaeus” | Luke 19:1-10
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