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Where the Spirit of the Lord is There is Freedom
Mark 7:24-37; Mark 10:17-31
Sunday, July 5th, 2020 : 9:15 AM
Rev. Sue Smith
Today we explore the stories of Jesus’ interactions with the Syrophoenician Woman and the Rich Young Man. Do these stories give us any insights into our work in the world today?
Music: “Blowin in the Wind” by Bob Dylan
Gardening the Soul
Genesis 25:19-34; Matthew 13:1-9,18-23
Sunday, July 12th, 2020 : 9:15 AM
Rev. John W. Monroe III
Jesus describes a reality that all farmers/gardeners would recognize – the perils and possibilities of the planted seed. Soil requires care and attention for seeds t manifest their potential. Just so, our souls. What reception is the seed of God finding in our souls?
Growing in Discernment
Genesis 28:10-19a; Matthew 13:24-30,36-43
Sunday, July 19th, 2020 : 9:15 AM
Rev. John W. Monroe III
Jesus’ parable speaks to the spiritual task of discernment, necessary for our growth. Life presents us with choices, some which appear good and turn out not to be so or appear worthless and prove to be of great worth. This life is about learning to discern.
Spiritual Perception
Genesis 29:15-28; Matthew 13:31-33,44-52
Sunday, July 26th, 2020 : 9:15 AM
Rev. John W. Monroe III
In this series of parables, Jesus invites us to see the worth of the kingdom, which is the planting of a new heart within. This is the true prize for which everything else should be sacrificed.
The Gift of the Wrestling Angel
Genesis 32:22-31
Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 : 9:15 AM
Rev. John W. Monroe III
Jacob tried to run away from the challenges of his life. Life cannot be escaped. We must learn to face what it brings, or it will keep coming our way. The angels which wrestle with us at night may be our true friends.
Walking on the Waves
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Matthew 14:22-33
Sunday, August 9th, 2020 : 9:15 AM
Rev. John W. Monroe III
Storms are going to come, and we will have to face them. This story has some clues for us staying above the waves when they come.
Standing Up to Jesus
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15:21-28
Sunday, August 16th, 2020 : 9:15 AM
Rev. John W. Monroe III
This Canaanite woman stood up to Jesus’ rebuff and won his admiration. What bones do we have to pick with Jesus? Might we be surprised at the consequences if we stand up to Jesus?
Keys to the Kingdom
Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20
Sunday, August 23rd, 2020 : 9:15 AM
Rev. John W. Monroe III
Jesus offers us the Keys to the Kingdom. Is his offer to flatter our egos and desire for power, or is it a recognition that entrance into a new mind, the Kingdom, is always available to us and that we have the Key?
The God Who Will Not Be Named
Exodus 3:1-15; Matthew 16:21-28
Sunday, August 30th, 2020 : 9:15 AM
Rev. John W. Monroe III
God’s answer to Moses’ request for God’s name is probably not what Moses wanted to hear. It offered no comforting guarantees. God remains unnameable and untameable. Peter finds the same dynamic at play with Jesus.