Sermons on reaching in love (Page 6)
In God We Trust
Linda’s message is rooted in Luke 12.32-40. In the midst of a difficult week Linda shares her struggle to find the Good News of the Gospel in Jesus’ teaching that where our heart is, our treasure is also.
Seriously?
Linda’s message is rooted in Genesis 18: 1-10a. Abraham & Sarah offer hospitality to God echoing the radical hospitality that God offers to all. This story reminds all of us that we too have the freedom to receive and share in God’s hospitality in ways that transform the world as well.
Who?
Matt’s message is rooted in Luke 10.25-37
Go!
Linda’s message is rooted in Luke 10. As followers of Jesus, we can reliably root our lives in these two proclamations — “Peace to this house!” and “The kingdom of God has come near.” This is the good news we have to share! How will you share this good news in the coming days?
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 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.
Visual Progress
Matt’s message is rooted in Luke 15. There was a man who had two sons…
Spirit
Worship this morning invited the Spirit to guide us in responding to the strengthening of restrictions on LGBTQIA people at this week’s legislative gathering of the United Methodist Church in St. Louis and the District Attorney’s decision regarding the killing of Stephon Clark. Paul writes, “Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart” (2 Corinthians 4.1). What bold faith might the Spirit be stirring in us?
Dress Rehearsal
Linda’s message is rooted in Mary’s Magnificat from Luke 1.46-55. God partners with Mary & Elizabeth to save the world. In this morning’s worship, Mary moves to center stage and we are invited to join her in a dress rehearsal for God’s coming into the world.
Polishing Rehearsal
Polishing rehearsals are specifically held for the purpose of correcting problems that occurred in previous run-throughs. Actors and directors must discern what to do given certain challenges that have arisen throughout rehearsals. Similarly, John the Baptist is calling everyone around him to “correct problems” that have arisen in their life together. The people ask John what they should do and he replies with concrete next steps. What might we learn for our lives today from the ancient call by John the…
Blocking
Linda’s message is rooted in the story of John the Baptist (Luke 3.1-6). The Word of God comes to John not in the center of political & religious power, but on the margins amidst the wilderness. How might attention to the location or position of John guide us in rehearsing for Christmas?
Read Through
Actors in a play read through the entire script in order to prepare. Similarly, the Christian calendar calls followers of Jesus to read through the entire script of the Good News as a way of preparing our hearts and minds for God-with-us, Emmanuel. Jesus calls his followers to “watch” and “stay awake” amidst the distress of the nations (Luke 21.25-36) near the end of his life. Our socio-economic, political, and ecological challenges are different today, but we find ourselves unquestionably in…