Classical Christianity
We transition from the earliest followers of Jesus gathering secretly in homes to Christianity “coming out” as the imperial religion. Worship begins with reflection on music of this era (150 CE – 650 CE) and Matt’s message traces the development of doctrine and ecclesiology in the era of Classical Christianity.
Earliest Followers of Jesus
We continue our journey with a “stop” in the house churches of early Christianity. Worship began outdoors with singing and Scripture and then moved into the Social Hall where we gathered on floor in “houses” to read from the Didache and break bread together.
A Journeying People
We begin our journey with one of the earliest examples of worship in the Bible. The Israelite people celebrate their escape from Egypt and Miriam steps forward to “give Praise to God” by singing, dancing, drumming & shouting. Worship began outdoors with singing and Scripture. We moved into the Sanctuary and Linda’s message invites reflection on the beginnings of worship.
Pentecost
Our celelbration of Pentecost is rooted in Acts 2.1-21 and the Afrobeat music of Fela Kuti and the hip hop of Agape (Dave Scherer). How are you conspiring with God and your neighbors to transform the world?
Reaching in Love
This worship series invites reflection on John 15 and the poetry of Wendell Berry. The scripture readings each week are a “mash-up” of John 15 and Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front. Matt’s message encourages our community to reach in love by making intentional choices related to food and farms.
Growing in Faith
This series called Farm to Table invites reflection on John 15 and the poetry of Wendell Berry. The scripture readings each week are a “mash-up” of John 15 and Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front. Linda’s sermon focuses on abiding in God’s love through Kitchen Tables as we seek to grow in faith.
Give
This worship series is rooted in Acts 4.32.-35. For the early church depicted in the book of Acts, the resurrection of Christ is less a creedal article of individual faith and hope than a creative force of community formation. How are we, as people of the resurrection, called to relate to our finances on this side of Easter? John Wesley writes, “Having, first, gained all you can, and, secondly saved all you can, then give all you can.” How will…
Save
This worship series is rooted in Acts 4.32.-35. For the early church depicted in the book of Acts, the resurrection of Christ is less a creedal article of individual faith and hope than a creative force of community formation. How are we, as people of the resurrection, called to relate to our finances on this side of Easter? John Wesley writes, “Having, first, gained all you can, and, secondly saved all you can, then give all you can.” How will…
Gain
This worship series is rooted in Acts 4.32.-35. For the early church depicted in the book of Acts, the resurrection of Christ is less a creedal article of individual faith and hope than a creative force of community formation. How are we, as people of the resurrection, called to relate to our finances on this side of Easter? John Wesley writes, “Having, first, gained all you can, and, secondly saved all you can, then give all you can.” How will…
Easter
Matt’s Easter message is rooted in Mark 16.1-8. The recording includes selections from two of the songs from our 10:30 am worship gathering. The opening song is Christ Is Risen by Brian Wren (arranged by Anthony Coleman II). The closing song is Rise Up with lyrics by Agape (David Scherer)
Passion
Matt’s message is rooted in the history of The Table at Central UMC and Psalm 118. As we journey toward the cross with Jesus, we’re invited to reflect on how we might be broken open into passion.
Trust
Linda’s message is rooted in the life of Lorenza Andrade Smith and John 12.20-33. As we journey toward the cross with Jesus, we’re invited to reflect on how we might be broken open into trust.