The Gospel Speaks in Popular Culture: A Sermon Series for Winter 2025
This Week’s Sermon: May You Stay Forever Young
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, February 9, 2025 @ 9:45 AM
Readings: Ecclesiastes 12 (Sel.); Mark 10:13-16
Rev. E. Nicholas Van Gombos
Once again a review of the recent biopic on folk legend Bob Dylan, Along with reviewing sub themes of Star Wars with a grandson, and the occasions for current/contemporary songs in worship – got your Interim Pastor to thinking. How do these and other cultural expressions stir up connections with themes of our Faith?? On these recent Winter Sundays we’ve worked to warm ourselves by lifting up songs from the popular culture which bring Gospel messages to us in surprising ways. For one more week the evolving voice of Mr. Dylan leads with another of his signature tunes: “Forever Young,” sung actually when I knew the joy of Baptizing each of my grandchildren. The songster’s mood shifts to a more tender and personal vein – and once again, the message rings so true. Join us and see if you don’t agree!
Service Bulletin
Announcements
Hymns:
Hymn 14 “For the Beauty of the Earth” vs. 1, 2, 4 & 5 (DIX)
Song “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan
Hymn #435 “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” (IN BABILONE)
The Gospel Speaks in Popular Culture: A Sermon Series for Winter 2025
This Week’s Sermon: The Times They Are A-Changin’
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, February 2, 2025 @ 9:45 AM
Readings: Psalm 31 (Sel.); Matthew 24:30-44
Rev. E. Nicholas Van Gombos
A reminder that the recent film on folk legend Bob Dylan, as well as a notification of this summer’s dates for his concerts… That and the 55th Anniversary of Woodstock last summer… Along with reviewing sub themes of Lord of the Rings with a grandson, and the occasions for current/contemporary songs in worship – all got your Interim Pastor to thinking. How do these and other cultural expressions stir up connections with themes of our Faith?? On these next few Winter Sundays we’ll work to warm ourselves by lifting up songs and story lines from the popular culture which bring Gospel messages to us in surprising ways. We began last Sunday with a sermon inspired by Dylan’s signature tune, ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ the fourth guitar tune I ever learned with my 7th grade ‘axe.’ We continue this Sunday with what strikes me and many as the most significant ‘protest song’ of the era: “The Times They Are a Changin’” And oh my the message rings too true. You’ll want to be here!
Service Bulletin
Announcements
Hymns:
Hymn 23 “God, You Spin the Whirling Planets” (PLEADING SAVIOR)
Song “The Times They Are A-Changin’” by Bob Dylan
Hymn #754 “Help Us Accept Each Other” vs. 1, 3, 4 (BARONITA)
The Gospel Speaks in Popular Culture: A Sermon Series for Winter 2025
This Week’s Sermon: How Long?
Third Sunday after Epiphany, January 26, 2025 @ 9:45 AM
Readings: Psalm 13 (Sel.); John 3:1-9
Rev. E. Nicholas Van Gombos
The recent film on folk legend for those of a certain age, Bob Dylan, as well as a recent reminder of his Nobel Prize award… That and the 55th Anniversary of Woodstock last summer… Along with reviewing sub themes of Harry Potter with a grandson, and the occasions for current/contemporary songs in worship – all got your Interim Pastor to thinking. How do these and other cultural expressions stir up connections with themes of our Faith?? On these next few Winter Sundays we’ll work to warm ourselves by lifting up songs and story lines from the popular culture which bring Gospel messages to us in surprising ways.
We begin this Sunday with a sermon entitled, “How Long?” with Dylan’s signature tune, ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ leading the way. You’ll want to be here!
Service Bulletin
Announcements
Hymns:
Hymn 757 “Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples” Vs. 1, 3 & 4 (KINGSFOLD)
Song “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan
Hymn for the Church #306 “Blest Be the Ties That Bind” Vs. 1, 3, 5 (DENNIS)
Congregational Meeting Materials:
Agenda
Minutes of Past Congregational Meetings
2024 Annual Report
2025 Budget (on our password protected “Forms & File (Members Only)” page)
Realizing the Dream! – 6 Decades On
Second Sunday after Epiphany, January 19, 2025 @ 9:45 AM
Readings: Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:14-21
Rev. E. Nicholas Van Gombos
Although not an official designation, our PCUSA leaders nudge us to think of this coming sabbath as a Social Ministries Sunday. I think it is because of our national day of acknowledgment and memorial for one who over 60 years ago ‘Had a Dream’ about new possibilities for the country that has galvanized many ever since. I wonder how many are interested in how the incoming political administration’s priorities will jibe with our celebration of Dr. MLK whose day ironically is also the Inauguration?
For our part, we will be led as Dr. King was, by the inspiration of the Prophet Isaiah and Jesus our Christ to reflect upon the work past and the need ongoing to further Realize the Dream which has been latent since our nation’s founding. We who are disciples of the Lord, can resonate with then President Johnson who picked up the vision and once intone – “And We Shall Overcome!” You’ll want to be here.
Service Bulletin
Announcements
Hymns:
Hymn 772 “Live into Hope” (TRURO)
Hymn “Pride (In the Name of Love)” by U2
Hymn “We Shall Overcome” a Gospel, Folk, and Labor song
Remember Your Baptism?!
Baptism of the Lord Sunday, January 12, 2025 @ 9:45 AM
Readings: Psalm 29:1-4,9-10; Luke 3:15-22
Rev. E. Nicholas Van Gombos
In the measured flow of the ‘Liturgical Calendar Year’ we often take cues from our ancestors and honor particular Sundays with a focused theme. This coming Sabbath is one of those, as the Worship Calendar invites us to keep the Sanctuary color white and follow the Gospel’s lead. Just so, we move from celebrating Jesus’ birth on quickly to the beginning of his ministry at his Baptism. The extension of the Biblical narrative calls us to recall to mind our role to carry on as his Baptized people. And so we shall!
Service Bulletin
Announcements
Hymns:
Hymn 475 “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (NETTLESON)
Hymn 482 “Baptized in Water” (BUNESSAN)
Hymn 65 “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” (CWM RHONDDA)
Star Struck
Epiphany/New Year Sunday, January 5, 2025 @ 9:45 AM
Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
Rev. E. Nicholas Van Gombos
“On the Twelfth Day of Christmas” – according to long standing tradition – The Wise Men appeared! You probably know that’s because traditionally the Christmas Season didn’t begin at Thanksgiving – certainly not Halloween and no way Labor Day!! No the Yule Tide season began on Nativity morning (First Day) and carried for 12 more – concluding with Epiphany – the ‘appearing or revealing’- when non Hebrews were led to honor the ‘new born’ as king for all peoples. Talk about a new beginning for the world – which our Carols like to celebrate if we listen well.
For that reason, Epiphany has always garnered your current Interim Pastor’s attention. That and the way the mood dove tails with our calendar ‘Near Year.’ Nice coincidence. New beginnings indeed. With the built in reminder that ‘wise ones do still seek Him!’ With Worship to include The Lord’s Supper, you’ll want to be here to commence your – and our – New Year.
Service Bulletin
Announcements
Hymns:
Hymn 664 “Morning Has Broken” (BUNESSAN)
Hymn 151 “We Three Kings of Orient Are” (KINGS OF ORIENT)
Hymn 150 “As with Gladness Men of Old” (DIX)