Sermons on John (Page 5)
Coco
Matt’s message is rooted in the 2017 Pixar film Coco & the readings assigned to the global Christian church by the lectionary. Coco invites reflection on the power of memory. Jesus longs for us to break bread in remembrance of him and the unhidden truth is that remembering in the context of crucifixion was a radically anti-imperial act. Perhaps it can be, when rightly remembered, today as well?
God Loves
Matt’s message is rooted in John 17.20-26 & As It Is In Heaven, a 2004 Swedish film nominated for an Academy Award. Jesus prays for all to be one in his farewell prayer around a table with the disciples. As It Is In Heaven beautifully witnesses to this truth and The Table longs to be a community which fosters deeper awareness of our oneness in God’s love. How might you join in Restoration at The Table in hopes of passing…
Love God
Linda’s message, Love God, is rooted in John 14.23-29. Norman Wirzba writes, “Christian faith is an existential commitment or personal promises to perceive and live life in the kinds of ways that Jesus inspires and makes possible” (Way of Love, 36). What spiritual disciples are keeping you in love with God? What disciplines might you be called to take on? What disciplines might be worthy of re-considering?
Love One Another
This worship series hold’s Norman Wirzba’s Way of Love alongside the gospel readings for the global church as we wonder together about the transforming power and possibilities of love. Linda’s message, Love One Another, is rooted in John 13:31-35.
This Is Us
Matt’s message is rooted in John 10.22-30. How are we allowing the Risen One to hold us? Who is the Risen One calling us to hold?
This Is Us (Peter)
Linda’s message is rooted in John 21.1-20. Peter denies Jesus three times in John by saying, “I AM not.” While Peter denies his own identity three times, the Risen One recognizes Peter for who he is and claims him for a life of discipleship. How might we claim our identities as faithful disciples of the Risen One?
This Is Us (Thomas)
Pastors Linda and Matt invite reflection on the courage of Thomas to speak up about his longing to see & touch the Risen One. How do you want the Risen One to show up? Where are you feeling the peace the Risen One offers in your own life?
Costs
Linda’s message is rooted in the story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with oil in John 12.1-8. What is the cost of discipleship? How might we move from a worldview confined by scarcity to an embrace of abundance?
Heart/Feeling Triad (2, 3, 4)
Pastor Matt’s message is rooted in John 2.1-11 & invites reflection the the Heart/Feeling Triad (2, 3, 4) from the Enneagram. Our worship series draws on Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile’s The Road Back to You. Here is a link to information on the book.
Anchored in Communion
Matt’s message is rooted in John 6.56-71. How might we sustain our relationship with God through Christ by breaking bread — sharing carbs from heaven?
Bread of Freedom
Rev. Debbie Weatherspoon’s message is rooted in John 6.51-58. The bread of freedom sustained Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and God invites us to taste of this same bread today.
Bread from Heaven
Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes into me will never be thirsty” (John 6.35). Linda’s message invites reflection on the ways John 6.35, 41-51 is rooted in Exodus 16 and challenges us to wonder about the ways God might be sending us bread from heaven today.