Paoli United Methodist Church

2016 Sermon Archive

John 3:16 close view.

January

January 3 — Communion Sunday
Howard Detweiler will speak.

January 10
Sermon: Baptism
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
15 The people were filled with expectation, and everyone wondered whether John might be the Christ. 16 John replied to them all, "I baptize you with water, but the one who is more powerful than me is coming. I'm not worthy to loosen the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 The shovel he uses to sift the wheat from the husks is in his hands. He will clean out his threshing area and bring the wheat into his barn. But he will burn the husks with a fire that can't be put out." [...] 21 When everyone was being baptized, Jesus also was baptized. While he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit came down on him in bodily form like a dove. And there was a voice from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness."

January 17 — Human Relations Day — Food Pantry Sunday
Sermon: Believe in Him
John 2:1-11
1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and 2 Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 When the wine ran out, Jesus' mother said to him, "They don't have any wine."
4 Jesus replied, "Woman, what does that have to do with me? My time hasn't come yet."
5 His mother told the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 6 Nearby were six stone water jars used for the Jewish cleansing ritual, each able to hold about twenty or thirty gallons.
7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water," and they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he told them, "Now draw some from them and take it to the headwaiter," and they did. 9 The headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine. He didn't know where it came from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew.
The headwaiter called the groom 10 and said, "Everyone serves the good wine first. They bring out the second-rate wine only when the guests are drinking freely. You kept the good wine until now." 11 This was the first miraculous sign that Jesus did in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.

January 24 — Mission Moment
Sermon: The Scripture is Fulfilled
Luke 4:14-21
14 Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news about him spread throughout the whole countryside. 15 He taught in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
16 Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been raised. On the Sabbath he went to the synagogue as he normally did and stood up to read. 17 The synagogue assistant gave him the scroll from the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
   because the Lord has anointed me.
He has sent me to preach good news to the poor,
   to proclaim release to the prisoners
and recovery of sight to the blind,
   to liberate the oppressed,
19 and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.

20 He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the synagogue assistant, and sat down. Every eye in the synagogue was fixed on him. 21 He began to explain to them, "Today, this scripture has been fulfilled just as you heard it."

January 31 — Stewardship Moment
Sermon: Anger
Jeremiah 1:4-10
4 The Lord's word came to me:
5 "Before I created you in the womb I knew you;
before you were born I set you apart;
I made you a prophet to the nations."
6 "Ah, Lord God," I said, "I don't know how to speak
because I'm only a child."
7 The Lord responded,
"Don't say, 'I'm only a child.'
Where I send you, you must go;
what I tell you, you must say.
8 Don't be afraid of them,
because I'm with you to rescue you,"
declares the Lord.
9 Then the Lord stretched out his hand,
touched my mouth, and said to me,
"I'm putting my words in your mouth.
10 This very day I appoint you over nations and empires,
to dig up and pull down,
to destroy and demolish,
to build and plant."

Luke 4:21-30
21 He began to explain to them, "Today, this scripture has been fulfilled just as you heard it."
22 Everyone was raving about Jesus, so impressed were they by the gracious words flowing from his lips. They said, "This is Joseph's son, isn't it?"
23 Then Jesus said to them, "Undoubtedly, you will quote this saying to me: 'Doctor, heal yourself. Do here in your hometown what we've heard you did in Capernaum.'" 24 He said, "I assure you that no prophet is welcome in the prophet's hometown. 25 And I can assure you that there were many widows in Israel during Elijah's time, when it didn't rain for three and a half years and there was a great food shortage in the land. 26 Yet Elijah was sent to none of them but only to a widow in the city of Zarephath in the region of Sidon. 27 There were also many persons with skin diseases in Israel during the time of the prophet Elisha, but none of them were cleansed. Instead, Naaman the Syrian was cleansed."
28 When they heard this, everyone in the synagogue was filled with anger. 29 They rose up and ran him out of town. They led him to the crest of the hill on which their town had been built so that they could throw him off the cliff. 30 But he passed through the crowd and went on his way.

February 7 — Communion Sunday
Sermon: They Saw His Glory
Luke 9:28-36
28 About eight days after Jesus said these things, he took Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed and his clothes flashed white like lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, were talking with him. 31 They were clothed with heavenly splendor and spoke about Jesus' departure, which he would achieve in Jerusalem. 32 Peter and those with him were almost overcome by sleep, but they managed to stay awake and saw his glory as well as the two men with him.
33 As the two men were about to leave Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it's good that we're here. We should construct three shrines: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"—but he didn't know what he was saying. 34 Peter was still speaking when a cloud overshadowed them. As they entered the cloud, they were overcome with awe.
35 Then a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, my chosen one. Listen to him!" 36 Even as the voice spoke, Jesus was found alone. They were speechless and at the time told no one what they had seen.

Lent and Easter

February 10 — Ash Wednesday
7:00 PM Ash Wednesday service with communion and adult chancel choir

February 14 — First Sunday in Lent
Sermon: Temptation
Luke 4:1-13
1 Jesus returned from the Jordan River full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. 2 There he was tempted for forty days by the devil. He ate nothing during those days and afterward Jesus was starving. 3 The devil said to him, "Since you are God's Son, command this stone to become a loaf of bread."
4 Jesus replied, "It's written, People won't live only by bread."
5 Next the devil led him to a high place and showed him in a single instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 The devil said, "I will give you this whole domain and the glory of all these kingdoms. It's been entrusted to me and I can give it to anyone I want. 7 Therefore, if you will worship me, it will all be yours."
8 Jesus answered, "It's written, You will worship the Lord your God and serve only him."
9 The devil brought him into Jerusalem and stood him at the highest point of the temple. He said to him, "Since you are God's Son, throw yourself down from here; 10 for it's written: He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you 11 and they will take you up in their hands so that you won't hit your foot on a stone."
12 Jesus answered, "It's been said, Don't test the Lord your God." 13 After finishing every temptation, the devil departed from him until the next opportunity.

The use of ashes related to repentance and sorrow has a long history in Jewish and Christian practice, but the specific use of ashes on the forehead related to the beginning of Lent only began around the 10th century and was widespread by the 11th century. It is nto a completely ancient practice and is perhaps a result of a shift in emphasis of Lent from preparation for baptism to the journey of penitents to get good standing in the church once again.

February 21 — Second Sunday in Lent — Food Pantry Sunday
Sermon: Covenant
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
1 After these events, the Lord's word came to Abram in a vision, "Don't be afraid, Abram. I am your protector. Your reward will be very great."
2 But Abram said, "Lord God, what can you possibly give me, since I still have no children? The head of my household is Eliezer, a man from Damascus." 3 He continued, "Since you haven't given me any children, the head of my household will be my heir."
4 The Lord's word came immediately to him, "This man will not be your heir. Your heir will definitely be your very own biological child." 5 Then he brought Abram outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars if you think you can count them." He continued, "This is how many children you will have." 6 Abram trusted the Lord, and the Lord recognized Abram's high moral character.
7 He said to Abram, "I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as your possession."
8 But Abram said, "Lord God, how do I know that I will actually possess it?"
9 He said, "Bring me a three-year-old female calf, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a dove, and a young pigeon." 10 He took all of these animals, split them in half, and laid the halves facing each other, but he didn't split the birds. 11 When vultures swooped down on the carcasses, Abram waved them off. 12 After the sun set, Abram slept deeply. A terrifying and deep darkness settled over him.
[...]
17 After the sun had set and darkness had deepened, a smoking vessel with a fiery flame passed between the split-open animals. 18 That day the Lord cut a covenant with Abram: "To your descendants I give this land, from Egypt's river to the great Euphrates."

Psalm 27
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation.
     Should I fear anyone?
   The Lord is a fortress protecting my life.
     Should I be frightened of anything?
2 When evildoers come at me trying to eat me up—
   it's they, my foes and my enemies,
   who stumble and fall!
3 If an army camps against me,
     my heart won't be afraid.
   If war comes up against me,
     I will continue to trust in this:
   4 I have asked one thing from the Lord—
   it's all I seek:
     to live in the Lord's house all the days of my life,
     seeing the Lord's beauty
     and constantly adoring his temple.
5 Because he will shelter me in his own dwelling
   during troubling times;
   he will hide me in a secret place in his own tent;
     he will set me up high, safe on a rock.
6 Now my head is higher than the enemies surrounding me,
   and I will offer sacrifices in God's tent—
     sacrifices with shouts of joy!
   I will sing and praise the Lord.
7 Lord, listen to my voice when I cry out—
   have mercy on me and answer me!
8 Come, my heart says, seek God's face.
   Lord, I do seek your face!
9 Please don't hide it from me!
   Don't push your servant aside angrily—
     you have been my help!
   God who saves me,
     don't neglect me!
   Don't leave me all alone!
10 Even if my father and mother left me all alone,
   the Lord would take me in.
11 Lord, teach me your way;
   because of my opponents, lead me on a good path.
12 Don't give me over to the desires of my enemies,
   because false witnesses and violent accusers
   have taken their stand against me.
13 But I have sure faith
   that I will experience the Lord's goodness
   in the land of the living!
14 Hope in the Lord!
   Be strong! Let your heart take courage!
     Hope in the Lord!

Lenten Bible study on the book of Isaiah, at the church.

February 25 — Thursday evening Lenten book study.

February 28 — Third Sunday in Lent — Mission Moment
Sermon: Seek the Lord
Isaiah 55:6-9
6 Seek the Lord when he can still be found;
   call him while he is yet near.
7 Let the wicked abandon their ways
   and the sinful their schemes.
Let them return to the Lord so that he may have mercy on them,
   to our God, because he is generous with forgiveness.
8 My plans aren't your plans,
nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.
9 Just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are my ways higher than your ways,
   and my plans than your plans.

Lenten Bible study on the book of Isaiah, at the church.

March 3 — Thursday evening Lenten book study.

March 6 — Fourth Sunday in Lent — Communion Sunday — One Great Hour of Sharing
Sermon: The Elder Son
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
1 All the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus to listen to him. 2 The Pharisees and legal experts were grumbling, saying, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
3 Jesus told them this parable:
[...]
11 Jesus said, "A certain man had two sons. 12 The younger son said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the inheritance.' Then the father divided his estate between them. 13 Soon afterward, the younger son gathered everything together and took a trip to a land far away. There, he wasted his wealth through extravagant living.
14 "When he had used up his resources, a severe food shortage arose in that country and he began to be in need. 15 He hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to eat his fill from what the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything. 17 When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired hands have more than enough food, but I'm starving to death! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.'" 20 So he got up and went to his father.
"While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. His father ran to him, hugged him, and kissed him. 21 Then his son said, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his servants, 'Quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! 23 Fetch the fattened calf and slaughter it. We must celebrate with feasting 24 because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life! He was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.
25 "Now his older son was in the field. Coming in from the field, he approached the house and heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the servants and asked what was going on. 27 The servant replied, 'Your brother has arrived, and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he received his son back safe and sound.' 28 Then the older son was furious and didn't want to enter in, but his father came out and begged him. 29 He answered his father, 'Look, I've served you all these years, and I never disobeyed your instruction. Yet you've never given me as much as a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours returned, after gobbling up your estate on prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.' 31 Then his father said, 'Son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive. He was lost and is found.'"

Lenten Bible study on the book of Isaiah, at the church.

March 10 — Thursday evening Lenten book study.

March 2016

March 13 — Fifth Sunday in Lent
Sermon: Mary the sister of Lazarus

Lenten Bible study on the book of Isaiah, at the church.

March 13
Sugar Plum Ball father-daughter dance, 6–8 PM.

March 17 — Thursday evening Lenten book study.

March 20 — Palm Sunday — Liturgy of the Passion — Food Pantry Sunday
Sermon: Not Guilty
Luke 22:14 - 23:56

Lenten Bible study on the book of Isaiah, at the church.

March 24 — Thursday evening Lenten book study.

March 27 — Easter Sunday — Mission Moment
Sermon: He is Risen

John 20:1-18
20 Early in the morning of the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 She ran to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they've put him." 3 Peter and the other disciple left to go to the tomb. 4 They were running together, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and was the first to arrive at the tomb. 5 Bending down to take a look, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he didn't go in. 6 Following him, Simon Peter entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. 7 He also saw the face cloth that had been on Jesus' head. It wasn't with the other clothes but was folded up in its own place. 8 Then the other disciple, the one who arrived at the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 They didn't yet understand the scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples returned to the place where they were staying.
11 Mary stood outside near the tomb, crying. As she cried, she bent down to look into the tomb. 12 She saw two angels dressed in white, seated where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head and one at the foot. 13 The angels asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"
She replied, "They have taken away my Lord, and I don't know where they've put him." 14 As soon as she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she didn't know it was Jesus.
15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?"
Thinking he was the gardener, she replied, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him and I will get him."
16 Jesus said to her, "Mary."
She turned and said to him in Aramaic, "Rabbouni" (which means Teacher).
17 Jesus said to her, "Don't hold on to me, for I haven't yet gone up to my Father. Go to my brothers and sisters and tell them, 'I'm going up to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"
18 Mary Magdalene left and announced to the disciples, "I've seen the Lord." Then she told them what he said to her.

April 2016

April 3 — Communion Sunday
Sermon: Witnesses

John 20: 19–31
19 It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, "Peace be with you." 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. 21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you." 22 Then he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone"s sins, they are forgiven; if you don't forgive them, they aren't forgiven."
24 Thomas, the one called Didymus, one of the Twelve, wasn't with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples told him, "We've seen the Lord!"
But he replied, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won't believe."
26 After eight days his disciples were again in a house and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, "Peace be with you." 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe!"
28 Thomas responded to Jesus, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Jesus replied, "Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don't see and yet believe."
30 Then Jesus did many other miraculous signs in his disciples' presence, signs that aren't recorded in this scroll. 31 But these things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, God's Son, and that believing, you will have life in his name.

April 10 — Native American Ministries offering
Sermon: Conversion

John 21: 1–18
21 Later, Jesus himself appeared again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. This is how it happened: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee's sons, and two other disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter told them, "I'm going fishing."
They said, "We'll go with you." They set out in a boat, but throughout the night they caught nothing. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples didn't realize it was Jesus.
5 Jesus called to them, "Children, have you caught anything to eat?"
They answered him, "No."
6 He said, "Cast your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some."
So they did, and there were so many fish that they couldn't haul in the net. 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around himself (for he was naked) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they weren't far from shore, only about one hundred yards.
9 When they landed, they saw a fire there, with fish on it, and some bread. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you"ve just caught." 11 Simon Peter got up and pulled the net to shore. It was full of large fish, one hundred fifty-three of them. Yet the net hadn't torn, even with so many fish. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples could bring themselves to ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
15 When they finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"
Simon replied, "Yes, Lord, you know I love you."
Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." 16 Jesus asked a second time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Simon replied, "Yes, Lord, you know I love you."
Jesus said to him, "Take care of my sheep." 17 He asked a third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was sad that Jesus asked him a third time, "Do you love me?" He replied, "Lord, you know everything; you know I love you."
Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. 18 I assure you that when you were younger you tied your own belt and walked around wherever you wanted. When you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and another will tie your belt and lead you where you don't want to go."

April 17 — Food Pantry Sunday

8:15 service, Pastor LaMont speaking
Sermon: Tabitha

John 10: 22–30
22 The time came for the Festival of Dedication in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple, walking in the covered porch named for Solomon. 24 The Jewish opposition circled around him and asked, "How long will you test our patience? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."
25 Jesus answered, "I have told you, but you don't believe. The works I do in my Father's name testify about me, 26 but you don't believe because you don't belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life. They will never die, and no one will snatch them from my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them from my Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one."

Acts 9:36-42
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. 37 At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, "Please come to us without delay." 39 So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, get up." Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. 42 This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

10:15 service, Rev. Leo Waynick speaking
Sermon: A Day at Capernaum

Mark 2:1-12
1 When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. 3 Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 "Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 8 At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, "Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Stand up and take your mat and walk'? 10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" — he said to the paralytic — 11 "I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home." 12 And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

Boy preacher returns to preach at his home church 70 years later:
Leo Waynick Jr started preaching at 11 years old and was assigned his first church when he was 15. On April 17, 1946, he preached at the Paoli United Brethern Church. Leo is a native of Paoli and graduated from PHS in 1952. He continued to pastor at small churches all through his college days. After ordination he was assigned to large churches. Seventy years later Leo Waynick returns on April 17, 2016, to preach at his home church, now the Paoli United Methodist Church in the 10:15 service. He is an ordained United Methodist minister, has written books and religious plays. He has held several pastorates, has four educational degrees, has pastored an inner city church in Philadelphia, been a teacher, a consultant and lecturer during these 70 years. Everyone is invited to our church to hear him preach. Following church there will be a pitch-in lunch in his honor.

April 24 — Mission Moment
Sermon: The Holy Spirit

Baptism at the 10:15 service.

Pam Tedrow will speak on the Conference camping program at the 10:15 service.

John 13: 31–35
31 When Judas was gone, Jesus said, "Now the Human One has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify the Human One in himself and will glorify him immediately. 33 Little children, I'm with you for a little while longer. You will look for me—but, just as I told the Jewish leaders, I also tell you now—"Where I'm going, you can't come."
34 "I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. 35 This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other."

May 2016

May 1 — Communion Sunday

8:15 service, Pastor LaMont speaking.
Sermon: Lydia
John 14: 23–29
23 Jesus answered, "Whoever loves me will keep my word. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever doesn't love me doesn't keep my words. The word that you hear isn't mine. It is the word of the Father who sent me.
25 "I have spoken these things to you while I am with you. 26 The Companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I told you.
27 "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don't be troubled or afraid. 28 You have heard me tell you, 'I'm going away and returning to you.' If you loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than me. 29 I have told you before it happens so that when it happens you will believe.

10:15 service, music by The McNeill family singing group, free will offering taken.

May 8 — Mother's Day
Sermon: A Good Wife

Proverbs 31: 10–31
The competent wife
10 A competent wife, how does one find her?
     Her value is far above pearls.
11 Her husband entrusts his heart to her,
     and with her he will have all he needs.
12 She brings him good and not trouble
     all the days of her life.
13 She seeks out wool and flax;
     she works joyfully with her hands.
14 She is like a fleet of merchant ships,
     bringing food from a distance.
15 She gets up while it is still night,
     providing food for her household,
     even some for her female servants.
16 She surveys a field and acquires it;
     from her own resources, she plants a vineyard.
17 She works energetically;
     her arms are powerful.
18 She realizes that her trading is successful;
     she doesn't put out her lamp at night.
19 She puts her hands to the spindle;
     her palms grasp the whorl.
20 She reaches out to the needy;
     she stretches out her hands to the poor.
21 She doesn't fear for her household when it snows,
     because they are all dressed in warm clothes.
22 She makes bedspreads for herself;
     fine linen and purple are her clothing.
23 Her husband is known in the city gates
     when he sits with the elders of the land.
24 She makes garments and sells them;
     she supplies sashes to traders.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
     she is confident about the future.
26 Her mouth is full of wisdom;
     kindly teaching is on her tongue.
27 She is vigilant over the activities of her household;
     she doesn't eat the food of laziness.
28 Her children bless her;
     her husband praises her:
29 "Many women act competently,
     but you surpass them all!"
30 Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting,
     but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Let her share in the results of her work;
     let her deeds praise her in the city gates.

May 15 — Pentecost — Food Pantry Sunday
Sermon: Birth of the Church

Acts 2: 1–21
2 When Pentecost Day arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them. 4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak.
5 There were pious Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd gathered. They were mystified because everyone heard them speaking in their native languages. 7 They were surprised and amazed, saying, "Look, aren't all the people who are speaking Galileans, every one of them? 8 How then can each of us hear them speaking in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; as well as residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the regions of Libya bordering Cyrene; and visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the mighty works of God in our own languages!" 12 They were all surprised and bewildered. Some asked each other, "What does this mean?" 13 Others jeered at them, saying, "They're full of new wine!"
14 Peter stood with the other eleven apostles. He raised his voice and declared, "Judeans and everyone living in Jerusalem! Know this! Listen carefully to my words! 15 These people aren't drunk, as you suspect; after all, it's only nine o'clock in the morning! 16 Rather, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
17 In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
    Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
    Your young will see visions.
    Your elders will dream dreams.
    18 Even upon my servants, men and women,
        I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
        and they will prophesy.
19 I will cause wonders to occur in the heavens above
    and signs on the earth below,
        blood and fire and a cloud of smoke.
20 The sun will be changed into darkness,
    and the moon will be changed into blood,
        before the great and spectacular day of the Lord comes.
21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

John 14: 8–17
8 Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father; that will be enough for us."
9 Jesus replied, "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been with you all this time? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I have spoken to you I don't speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Trust me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or at least believe on account of the works themselves. 12 I assure you that whoever believes in me will do the works that I do. They will do even greater works than these because I am going to the Father. 13 I will do whatever you ask for in my name, so that the Father can be glorified in the Son. 14 When you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.
15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 I will ask the Father, and he will send another Companion, who will be with you forever. 17 This Companion is the Spirit of Truth, whom the world can't receive because it neither sees him nor recognizes him. You know him, because he lives with you and will be with you.

May 22 — Mission Moment — Peace with Justice special offering
Sermon: Faith

Romans 5: 1–5
5 Therefore, since we have been made righteous through his faithfulness, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have access by faith into this grace in which we stand through him, and we boast in the hope of God's glory. 3 But not only that! We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, 4 endurance produces character, and character produces hope. 5 This hope doesn't put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

John 16: 12–15
12 "I have much more to say to you, but you can't handle it now. 13 However, when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you in all truth. He won't speak on his own, but will say whatever he hears and will proclaim to you what is to come. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and proclaim it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine. That's why I said that the Spirit takes what is mine and will proclaim it to you.

May 29 — Stewardship Sunday
Sermon: Another Gospel

Galatians 1: 1–12
1 From Paul, an apostle who is not sent from human authority or commissioned through human agency, but sent through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead; 2 and from all the brothers and sisters with me.
To the churches in Galatia.
3 Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 He gave himself for our sins, so he could deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. 5 To God be the glory forever and always! Amen.
6 I'm amazed that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ to follow another gospel. 7 It's not really another gospel, but certain people are confusing you and they want to change the gospel of Christ. 8 However, even if we ourselves or a heavenly angel should ever preach anything different from what we preached to you, they should be under a curse. 9 I'm repeating what we've said before: if anyone preaches something different from what you received, they should be under a curse!
10 Am I trying to win over human beings or God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I wouldn't be Christ's slave. 11 Brothers and sisters, I want you to know that the gospel I preached isn't human in origin. 12 I didn't receive it or learn it from a human. It came through a revelation from Jesus Christ.

June 2016

June 5 — Communion Sunday
Sermon: A Revelation of Jesus Christ

Breeding Sisters musical group at the 8:15 service.

Galatians 2: 1-14–14
2 Then after fourteen years I went up to Jerusalem again with Barnabas, and I took Titus along also. 2 I went there because of a revelation, and I laid out the gospel that I preach to the Gentiles for them. But I did it privately with the influential leaders to make sure that I wouldn't be working or that I hadn't worked for nothing. 3 However, not even Titus, who was with me and who was a Greek, was required to be circumcised. 4 But false brothers and sisters, who were brought in secretly, slipped in to spy on our freedom, which we have in Christ Jesus, and to make us slaves. 5 We didn't give in and submit to them for a single moment, so that the truth of the gospel would continue to be with you.
6 The influential leaders didn't add anything to what I was preaching—and whatever they were makes no difference to me, because God doesn't show favoritism. 7 But on the contrary, they saw that I had been given the responsibility to preach the gospel to the people who aren't circumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. 8 The one who empowered Peter to become an apostle to the circumcised empowered me also to be one to the Gentiles. 9 James, Cephas, and John, who are considered to be key leaders, shook hands with me and Barnabas as equals when they recognized the grace that was given to me. So it was agreed that we would go to the Gentiles, while they continue to go to the people who were circumcised. 10 They asked only that we would remember the poor, which was certainly something I was willing to do.
11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was wrong. 12 He had been eating with the Gentiles before certain people came from James. But when they came, he began to back out and separate himself, because he was afraid of the people who promoted circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also joined him in this hypocrisy so that even Barnabas got carried away with them in their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they weren't acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of everyone, "If you, though you're a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you require the Gentiles to live like Jews?"

June 12
Sermon: Let Christ Live Within You

Galatians 2: 15–21
15 We are born Jews—we're not Gentile sinners. 16 However, we know that a person isn't made righteous by the works of the Law but rather through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. We ourselves believed in Christ Jesus so that we could be made righteous by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the works of the Law—because no one will be made righteous by the works of the Law. 17 But if it is discovered that we ourselves are sinners while we are trying to be made righteous in Christ, then is Christ a servant of sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild the very things that I tore down, I show that I myself am breaking the Law. 19 I died to the Law through the Law, so that I could live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the life that I now live in my body, I live by faith, indeed, by the faithfulness of God's Son, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I don't ignore the grace of God, because if we become righteous through the Law, then Christ died for no purpose.

June 20-23
Vacation Bible School
6:00-7:30. Dinner will be served at the beginning of each evening. All ages are welcome to come and participate in the crafts, games, food, fun, and fellowship!

June 19 — Father's Day — Food Pantry Sunday
Sermon: Justified by Faith

Galatians 3: 23–29
23 Before faith came, we were guarded under the Law, locked up until faith that was coming would be revealed, 24 so that the Law became our custodian until Christ so that we might be made righteous by faith.
25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian.
26 You are all God's children through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 Now if you belong to Christ, then indeed you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to the promise.

June 26 — Mission Moment Sunday
Sermon: Avoid the Yoke of Slavery

Galatians 5: 1,13–25
1 Christ has set us free for freedom. Therefore, stand firm and don't submit to the bondage of slavery again.
[...]
13 You were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only don't let this freedom be an opportunity to indulge your selfish impulses, but serve each other through love. 14 All the Law has been fulfilled in a single statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. 15 But if you bite and devour each other, be careful that you don't get eaten up by each other!
16 I say be guided by the Spirit and you won't carry out your selfish desires. 17 A person's selfish desires are set against the Spirit, and the Spirit is set against one's selfish desires. They are opposed to each other, so you shouldn't do whatever you want to do. 18 But if you are being led by the Spirit, you aren't under the Law. 19 The actions that are produced by selfish motives are obvious, since they include sexual immorality, moral corruption, doing whatever feels good, 20 idolatry, drug use and casting spells, hate, fighting, obsession, losing your temper, competitive opposition, conflict, selfishness, group rivalry, 21 jealousy, drunkenness, partying, and other things like that. I warn you as I have already warned you, that those who do these kinds of things won't inherit God's kingdom.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against things like this. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the self with its passions and its desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let's follow the Spirit.

July 2016

July 3
Howard Detweiler will preach.
Sermon: Who Is Important?

Galatians 6:1-10
Brothers and sisters, if a person is caught doing something wrong, you who are spiritual should restore someone like this with a spirit of gentleness. Watch out for yourselves so you won't be tempted too. Carry each other?s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are important when they aren't, they're fooling themselves. Each person should test their own work and be happy with doing a good job and not compare themselves with others. Each person will have to carry their own load.

Those who are taught the word should share all good things with their teacher. Make no mistake, God is not mocked. A person will harvest what they plant. Those who plant only for their own benefit will harvest devastation from their selfishness, but those who plant for the benefit of the Spirit will harvest eternal life from the Spirit. Let's not get tired of doing good, because in time we'll have a harvest if we don't give up. So then, let's work for the good of all whenever we have an opportunity, and especially for those in the household of faith.

July 10
Howard Detweiler will preach.
Sermon: How Do You Measure?

Amos 7:7-9
This is what the Lord showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall, with a plumb line in his hand. The Lord said to me, "Amos, what do you see?"

"A plumb line," I said.

Then the Lord said, "See, I am setting a plumb line in the middle of my people Israel. I will never again forgive them. 9 The shrines of Isaac will be made desolate, and the holy places of Israel will be laid waste, and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword."

Luke 10:25-29
A legal expert stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to gain eternal life?"

Jesus replied, "What is written in the Law? How do you interpret it?"

He responded, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself."

Jesus said to him, "You have answered correctly. Do this and you will live."

But the legal expert wanted to prove that he was right, so he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

July 17 — Food Panty Sunday
Sermon: Mature in Christ

Colossians 1:15-28
The Son is the image of the invisible God,
    the one who is first over all creation,

Because all things were created by him:
    both in the heavens and on the earth,
    the things that are visible and the things that are invisible.
        Whether they are thrones or powers,
        or rulers or authorities,
    all things were created through him and for him.

He existed before all things,
    and all things are held together in him.
He is the head of the body, the church,
who is the beginning,
    the one who is firstborn from among the dead
    so that he might occupy the first place in everything.

Because all the fullness of God was pleased to live in him,
    and he reconciled all things to himself through him—
    whether things on earth or in the heavens.
        He brought peace through the blood of his cross.

Once you were alienated from God and you were enemies with him in your minds, which was shown by your evil actions. But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through death, to present you before God as a people who are holy, faultless, and without blame. But you need to remain well established and rooted in faith and not shift away from the hope given in the good news that you heard. This message has been preached throughout all creation under heaven. And I, Paul, became a servant of this good news.

Now I'm happy to be suffering for you. I'm completing what is missing from Christ's sufferings with my own body. I'm doing this for the sake of his body, which is the church. I became a servant of the church by God's commission, which was given to me for you, in order to complete God's word. I'm completing it with a secret plan that has been hidden for ages and generations but which has now been revealed to his holy people. God wanted to make the glorious riches of this secret plan known among the Gentiles, which is Christ living in you, the hope of glory. This is what we preach as we warn and teach every person with all wisdom so that we might present each one mature in Christ.

July 24 — Mission Moment Sunday
Unity Praise Band at 8:15 service
Sermon: Avoid Empty Deceit

Colossians 2:6-15
So live in Christ Jesus the Lord in the same way as you received him. Be rooted and built up in him, be established in faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught. See to it that nobody enslaves you with philosophy and foolish deception, which conform to human traditions and the way the world thinks and acts rather than Christ. All the fullness of deity lives in Christ's body. And you have been filled by him, who is the head of every ruler and authority. You were also circumcised by him. This wasn't performed by human hands—the whole body was removed through this circumcision by Christ. You were buried with him through baptism and raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead because of the things you had done wrong and because your body wasn't circumcised, God made you alive with Christ and forgave all the things you had done wrong. He destroyed the record of the debt we owed, with its requirements that worked against us. He canceled it by nailing it to the cross. When he disarmed the rulers and authorities, he exposed them to public disgrace by leading them in a triumphal parade.

July 31 — Congregational Hymn Choice Sunday
Sermon: A New Mature

Colosians 3:1-11
Therefore, if you were raised with Christ, look for the things that are above where Christ is sitting at God's right side. Think about the things above and not things on earth. You died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

So put to death the parts of your life that belong to the earth, such as sexual immorality, moral corruption, lust, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). The wrath of God is coming upon disobedient people because of these things. You used to live this way, when you were alive to these things. But now set aside these things, such as anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene language. Don't lie to each other. Take off the old human nature with its practices and put on the new nature, which is renewed in knowledge by conforming to the image of the one who created it. In this image there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all things and in all people.

August 2016

August 7 — Communion Sunday
Sermon: Hear These Stories

Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don't see. The elders in the past were approved because they showed faith.

By faith we understand that the universe has been created by a word from God so that the visible came into existence from the invisible.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out without knowing where he was going.

By faith he lived in the land he had been promised as a stranger. He lived in tents along with Isaac and Jacob, who were coheirs of the same promise. He was looking forward to a city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

By faith even Sarah received the ability to have a child, though she herself was barren and past the age for having children, because she believed that the one who promised was faithful. So descendants were born from one man (and he was as good as dead). They were as many as the number of the stars in the sky and as countless as the grains of sand on the seashore. All of these people died in faith without receiving the promises, but they saw the promises from a distance and welcomed them. They confessed that they were strangers and immigrants on earth. People who say this kind of thing make it clear that they are looking for a homeland. If they had been thinking about the country that they had left, they would have had the opportunity to return to it. But at this point in time, they are longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God isn't ashamed to be called their God—he has prepared a city for them.

August 14
Sermon: What Faith Can Accomplish

Hebrews 11:29-12:2
By faith they crossed the Red Sea as if they were on dry land, but when the Egyptians tried it, they were drowned.

By faith Jericho's walls fell after the people marched around them for seven days.

By faith Rahab the prostitute wasn't killed with the disobedient because she welcomed the spies in peace.

What more can I say? I would run out of time if I told you about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. Through faith they conquered kingdoms, brought about justice, realized promises, shut the mouths of lions, put out raging fires, escaped from the edge of the sword, found strength in weakness, were mighty in war, and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured and refused to be released so they could gain a better resurrection.

But others experienced public shame by being taunted and whipped; they were even put in chains and in prison. They were stoned to death, they were cut in two, and they died by being murdered with swords. They went around wearing the skins of sheep and goats, needy, oppressed, and mistreated. The world didn't deserve them. They wandered around in deserts, mountains, caves, and holes in the ground.

All these people didn't receive what was promised, though they were given approval for their faith. God provided something better for us so they wouldn't be made perfect without us.

So then let's also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let's throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith's pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God's throne.

August 21 — Food Pantry Sunday
Sermon: You Have Been Called

Jeremiah 1:4-10
"Before I created you in the womb I knew you;
   before you were born I set you apart;
   I made you a prophet to the nations."
"Ah, Lord God," I said, "I don't know how to speak
   because I'm only a child."
The Lord responded,
   "Don't say, 'I'm only a child.'
      Where I send you, you must go;
      what I tell you, you must say.
Don't be afraid of them,
   because I'm with you to rescue you,"
      declares the Lord.
Then the Lord stretched out his hand,
   touched my mouth, and said to me,
   "I'm putting my words in your mouth.
This very day I appoint you over nations and empires,
   to dig up and pull down,
   to destroy and demolish,
   to build and plant."

August 28 — Mission Moment Sunday
Sermon: The Lord is my Helper

Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
Keep loving each other like family. Don't neglect to open up your homes to guests, because by doing this some have been hosts to angels without knowing it. Remember prisoners as if you were in prison with them, and people who are mistreated as if you were in their place. Marriage must be honored in every respect, with no cheating on the relationship, because God will judge the sexually immoral person and the person who commits adultery. Your way of life should be free from the love of money, and you should be content with what you have. After all, he has said, "I will never leave you or abandon you." This is why we can confidently say,

The Lord is my helper,
and I won't be afraid.
What can people do to me?


Remember your leaders who spoke God's word to you. Imitate their faith as you consider the way their lives turned out. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!

September 2016

September 4 — Communion Sunday
Sermon: The Potter's Wheel

Jeremiah 18:1-11
Jeremiah received the Lord's word: Go down to the potter's house, and I'll give you instructions about what to do there. So I went down to the potter's house; he was working on the potter's wheel. But the piece he was making was flawed while still in his hands, so the potter started on another, as seemed best to him. Then the Lord's word came to me: House of Israel, can't I deal with you like this potter, declares the Lord? Like clay in the potter's hand, so are you in mine, house of Israel! At any time I may announce that I will dig up, pull down, and destroy a nation or kingdom; but if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I'll relent and not carry out the harm I intended for it. At the same time, I may announce that I will build and plant a nation or kingdom; but if that nation displeases and disobeys me, then I'll relent and not carry out the good I intended for it. Now say to the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem: This is what the Lord says: I am a potter preparing a disaster for you; I'm working out a plan against you. So each one of you, turn from your evil ways; reform your ways and your actions.

September 11 — Christian Education Moment, 9-11 Remembrance
Sermon: One Sinner

Luke 15:1-10
All the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus to listen to him. The Pharisees and legal experts were grumbling, saying, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose someone among you had one hundred sheep and lost one of them. Wouldn't he leave the other ninety-nine in the pasture and search for the lost one until he finds it? And when he finds it, he is thrilled and places it on his shoulders. When he arrives home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Celebrate with me because I've found my lost sheep.' In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes both heart and life than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to change their hearts and lives.

"Or what woman, if she owns ten silver coins and loses one of them, won't light a lamp and sweep the house, searching her home carefully until she finds it? When she finds it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me because I've found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, joy breaks out in the presence of God's angels over one sinner who changes both heart and life."

September 18 — Grandparents Sunday
Sermon: Salvation for All

1 Timothy 2:1-7
First of all, then, I ask that requests, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be made for all people. Pray for kings and everyone who is in authority so that we can live a quiet and peaceful life in complete godliness and dignity. This is right and it pleases God our savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. There is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the human Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a payment to set all people free. This was a testimony that was given at the right time. I was appointed to be a preacher and apostle of this testimony—I'm telling the truth and I'm not lying! I'm a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

September 25 — Mission Moment Sunday
Sermon: Contentment

1 Timothy 6:6-19
Actually, godliness is a great source of profit when it is combined with being happy with what you already have. We didn't bring anything into the world and so we can't take anything out of it: we'll be happy with food and clothing. But people who are trying to get rich fall into temptation. They are trapped by many stupid and harmful passions that plunge people into ruin and destruction. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some have wandered away from the faith and have impaled themselves with a lot of pain because they made money their goal.

But as for you, man of God, run away from all these things. Instead, pursue righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness. Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life—you were called to it, and you made a good confession of it in the presence of many witnesses. I command you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and Christ Jesus, who made the good confession when testifying before Pontius Pilate. Obey this order without fault or failure until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ. The timing of this appearance is revealed by God alone, who is the blessed and only master, the King of kings and Lord of lords. He alone has immortality and lives in light that no one can come near. No human being has ever seen or is able to see him. Honor and eternal power belong to him. Amen.

Tell people who are rich at this time not to become egotistical and not to place their hope on their finances, which are uncertain. Instead, they need to hope in God, who richly provides everything for our enjoyment. Tell them to do good, to be rich in the good things they do, to be generous, and to share with others. When they do these things, they will save a treasure for themselves that is a good foundation for the future. That way they can take hold of what is truly life.

October 2016

October 2 — World Communion Sunday
Sermon: I Am Reminded

2 Timothy 1:1-14
From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, to promote the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.

To Timothy, my dear child.

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I'm grateful to God, whom I serve with a good conscience as my ancestors did. I constantly remember you in my prayers day and night. When I remember your tears, I long to see you so that I can be filled with happiness. I'm reminded of your authentic faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice. I'm sure that this faith is also inside you. Because of this, I'm reminding you to revive God's gift that is in you through the laying on of my hands. God didn't give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.

So don't be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of me, his prisoner. Instead, share the suffering for the good news, depending on God's power. God is the one who saved and called us with a holy calling. This wasn't based on what we have done, but it was based on his own purpose and grace that he gave us in Christ Jesus before time began. Now his grace is revealed through the appearance of our savior, Christ Jesus. He destroyed death and brought life and immortality into clear focus through the good news. I was appointed a messenger, apostle, and teacher of this good news. This is also why I'm suffering the way I do, but I'm not ashamed. I know the one in whom I've placed my trust. I'm convinced that God is powerful enough to protect what he has placed in my trust until that day. Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Protect this good thing that has been placed in your trust through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

October 9 — Christian Education Moment
Sermon: The Word of Truth

2 Timothy 2:8-15
Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead and descended from David. This is my good news. This is the reason I'm suffering to the point that I'm in prison like a common criminal. But God's word cannot be imprisoned. This is why I endure everything for the sake of those who are chosen by God so that they too may experience salvation in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. This saying is reliable:

"If we have died together, we will also live together.
    If we endure, we will also rule together.
    If we deny him, he will also deny us.
If we are disloyal, he stays faithful"
    because he can't be anything else than what he is.

Remind them of these things and warn them in the sight of God not to engage in battles over words that aren't helpful and only destroy those who hear them. Make an effort to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker, who doesn't need to be ashamed but is one who interprets the message of truth correctly.

October 16
Sermon: All Scripture is Inspired

2 Timothy 3:14 - 4:5
But you must continue with the things you have learned and found convincing. You know who taught you. Since childhood you have known the holy scriptures that help you to be wise in a way that leads to salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus. Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good.

I'm giving you this commission in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is coming to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearance and his kingdom. Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction. There will come a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. They will collect teachers who say what they want to hear because they are self-centered. They will turn their back on the truth and turn to myths. But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances. Endure suffering, do the work of a preacher of the good news, and carry out your service fully.

October 23 — Mission Moment
Sermon: Humility

2 Timothy 4:6-8
I'm already being poured out like a sacrifice to God, and the time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. At last the champion's wreath that is awarded for righteousness is waiting for me. The Lord, who is the righteous judge, is going to give it to me on that day. He's giving it not only to me but also to all those who have set their heart on waiting for his appearance.

Luke 18:9-14
Jesus told this parable to certain people who had convinced themselves that they were righteous and who looked on everyone else with disgust: "Two people went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself with these words, 'God, I thank you that I'm not like everyone else—crooks, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give a tenth of everything I receive.' But the tax collector stood at a distance. He wouldn't even lift his eyes to look toward heaven. Rather, he struck his chest and said, 'God, show mercy to me, a sinner.' I tell you, this person went down to his home justified rather than the Pharisee. All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up."

October 30
Sermon: Zaccheus

Luke 19:1-10
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through town. A man there named Zacchaeus, a ruler among tax collectors, was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but, being a short man, he couldn't because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When Jesus came to that spot, he looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, come down at once. I must stay in your home today." So Zacchaeus came down at once, happy to welcome Jesus.

Everyone who saw this grumbled, saying, "He has gone to be the guest of a sinner."

Zacchaeus stopped and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my possessions to the poor. And if I have cheated anyone, I repay them four times as much."

Jesus said to him, "Today, salvation has come to this household because he too is a son of Abraham. The Human One came to seek and save the lost."

November 2016

November 6 — Communion
Sermon: False Friends

Ecclesiastes

November 13 — Christian education
Sermon: Jerusalem Joy

Isaiah 65:17-25
Look! I'm creating a new heaven and a new earth:
    past events won't be remembered;
    they won't come to mind.
Be glad and rejoice forever
    in what I'm creating,
    because I'm creating Jerusalem as a joy
    and her people as a source of gladness.
I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad about my people.
    No one will ever hear the sound of weeping or crying in it again.
No more will babies live only a few days,
    or the old fail to live out their days.
    The one who dies at a hundred will be like a young person,
    and the one falling short of a hundred will seem cursed.
They will build houses and live in them;
    they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
They won't build for others to live in,
    nor plant for others to eat.
    Like the days of a tree will be the days of my people;
    my chosen will make full use of their handiwork.
They won't labor in vain,
    nor bear children to a world of horrors,
    because they will be people blessed by the Lord,
    they along with their descendants.
Before they call, I will answer;
    while they are still speaking, I will hear.
Wolf and lamb will graze together,
    and the lion will eat straw like the ox,
    but the snake—its food will be dust.
    They won't hurt or destroy at any place on my holy mountain,
    says the Lord.

November 20 — Food Pantry
Sermon: Take Care of Them

Jeremiah 23:1-6
Watch out, you shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture, declares the Lord. This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, proclaims about the shepherds who "tend to" my people: You are the ones who have scattered my flock and driven them away. You haven't attended to their needs, so I will take revenge on you for the terrible things you have done to them, declares the Lord. I myself will gather the few remaining sheep from all the countries where I have driven them. I will bring them back to their pasture, and they will be fruitful and multiply. I will place over them shepherds who care for them. Then they will no longer be afraid or dread harm, nor will any be missing, declares the Lord. The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up a righteous descendant from David's line, and he will rule as a wise king. He will do what is just and right in the land. During his lifetime, Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And his name will be The Lord Is Our Righteousness.

Advent and Christmas

November 27 — First Sunday of Advent — Mission Moment
Sermon: Promises of Restoration

Micah 2:12-13
I'll surely gather Jacob—all of you!
   I'll surely assemble you, those who are left of Israel!
   I'll put them together like sheep in Bozrah,
      like a flock in its pen,
      noisy with people.
The one who breaks out will go before them;
   they will break out and pass through the gate;
   they will leave by it.
   They will pass on,
      their king before them,
      the Lord at their head.

December 2016

December 4 — Second Sunday of Advent — Communion Sunday
Sermon: Virtuous King

Isaiah 9:2, 11:1-10
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.
   On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned.

A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse;
   a branch will sprout from his roots.
The Lord's spirit will rest upon him,
   a spirit of wisdom and understanding,
   a spirit of planning and strength,
   a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.
He will delight in fearing the Lord.
He won't judge by appearances,
   nor decide by hearsay.
He will judge the needy with righteousness,
   and decide with equity for those who suffer in the land.
He will strike the violent with the rod of his mouth;
   by the breath of his lips he will kill the wicked.
Righteousness will be the belt around his hips,
   and faithfulness the belt around his waist.
The wolf will live with the lamb,
   and the leopard will lie down with the young goat;
   the calf and the young lion will feed together,
   and a little child will lead them.
The cow and the bear will graze.
   Their young will lie down together,
   and a lion will eat straw like an ox.
A nursing child will play over the snake's hole;
   toddlers will reach right over the serpent's den.
They won't harm or destroy anywhere on my holy mountain.
   The earth will surely be filled with the knowledge of the Lord,
   just as the water covers the sea.
A signal to the peoples
On that day, the root of Jesse will stand as a signal to the peoples. The nations will seek him out, and his dwelling will be glorious.

December 11 — Third Sunday of Advent — Christian Education Sunday
Children's Christmas Program: "Our Christmas Favorites", at 10:15 service
Sermon: Let Us Exalt God

Isaiah 35:1-10
The desert and the dry land will be glad;
   the wilderness will rejoice and blossom like the crocus.
They will burst into bloom,
   and rejoice with joy and singing.
They will receive the glory of Lebanon,
   the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.
They will see the Lord's glory,
   the splendor of our God.
Strengthen the weak hands,
   and support the unsteady knees.
Say to those who are panicking:
   'Be strong! Don't fear!
   Here's your God,
      coming with vengeance;
      with divine retribution
   God will come to save you.'
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened,
   and the ears of the deaf will be cleared.
Then the lame will leap like the deer,
   and the tongue of the speechless will sing.
Waters will spring up in the desert,
   and streams in the wilderness.
The burning sand will become a pool,
   and the thirsty ground, fountains of water.
The jackals' habitat, a pasture;
   grass will become reeds and rushes.
A highway will be there.
   It will be called The Holy Way.
The unclean won't travel on it,
   but it will be for those walking on that way.
Even fools won't get lost on it;
   no lion will be there,
   and no predator will go up on it.
None of these will be there;
   only the redeemed will walk on it.
The Lord's ransomed ones will return and enter Zion with singing,
   with everlasting joy upon their heads.
Happiness and joy will overwhelm them;
   grief and groaning will flee away.

December 18 — Fourth Sunday of Advent — Food Pantry / Altar Call Sunday
Choir Cantata: "Come Let Us Adore", at 10:15 service
Sermon: The Story of Jesus

Matthew 1:18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. When Mary his mother was engaged to Joseph, before they were married, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband was a righteous man. Because he didn't want to humiliate her, he decided to call off their engagement quietly. As he was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the child she carries was conceived by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Now all of this took place so that what the Lord had spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled:

Look! A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, And they will call him, Emmanuel. (Emmanuel means "God with us.")

When Joseph woke up, he did just as an angel from God commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he didn't have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. Joseph called him Jesus.

December 24 — Christmas Eve

7 PM service, 1 hour long

11 PM service, 30 minutes long

December 25 — Christmas — Mission Moment / Altar Call Sunday
Sermon: Remembering

No Sunday school, 11:00 AM service only, 30 minutes long.

John 1:1-14
In the beginning was the Word
   and the Word was with God
   and the Word was God.
The Word was with God in the beginning.
Everything came into being through the Word,
   and without the Word
   nothing came into being.
What came into being
   through the Word was life,
   and the life was the light for all people.
The light shines in the darkness,
   and the darkness doesn't extinguish the light.

A man named John was sent from God. He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him everyone would believe in the light. He himself wasn't the light, but his mission was to testify concerning the light.

The true light that shines on all people
   was coming into the world.
The light was in the world,
   and the world came into being through the light,
      but the world didn't recognize the light.
The light came to his own people,
   and his own people didn't welcome him.
But those who did welcome him,
      those who believed in his name,
   he authorized to become God's children,
      born not from blood
      nor from human desire or passion,
      but born from God.
The Word became flesh
   and made his home among us.
We have seen his glory,
   glory like that of a father's only son,
      full of grace and truth.

John 3:16 close view.
Christmas lights illuminate the church chancel.

Lights illuminate the chancel in preparation for a candlelight Christmas Eve service.

Pastor LaMont Bonath reading scripture during the worship service at the Paoli United Methodist Church.
Pastor LaMont Bonath reading scripture during the worship service at the Paoli United Methodist Church.