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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)