Dec 11, 2011
Mary Visits Elizabeth
Mary's visit to her kinswoman Elizabeth, as early as ten days after her visit by the angel Gabriel in Nazareth, is filled with joy that shatters the great fear that must have accompanied the news that she, a betrothed but unmarried virgin, would have a child. The elderly Elizabeth, six months present with her first son who would later be known as John the Baptist, is filled with the Holy Spirit and declares Mary and her unborn son "blessed." In the midst of scenes of stress and earnest faith, we learn some valuable lessons about both the Kingdom of God and ourselves.
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  • Dec 11, 2011Mary Visits Elizabeth
    Dec 11, 2011
    Mary Visits Elizabeth
    Mary's visit to her kinswoman Elizabeth, as early as ten days after her visit by the angel Gabriel in Nazareth, is filled with joy that shatters the great fear that must have accompanied the news that she, a betrothed but unmarried virgin, would have a child. The elderly Elizabeth, six months present with her first son who would later be known as John the Baptist, is filled with the Holy Spirit and declares Mary and her unborn son "blessed." In the midst of scenes of stress and earnest faith, we learn some valuable lessons about both the Kingdom of God and ourselves.
  • Dec 4, 2011Joseph of Bethlehem
    Dec 4, 2011
    Joseph of Bethlehem
    This Sunday we continued our sermon series entitled "The Journey to Christmas" based on an Advent series created by Pastor Adam Hamiltion of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. Each Sunday from now until January 1 we'll share in the journey taken by the primary characters in the Christmas story. On November 27th we began in Nazareth with Mary, the angel Gabriel, and "The Annunciation." This Sunday we continued our series with a look at "Joseph of Bethlehem."
           This Sunday we also experienced the joyful sounds of the Bella Voce Madrigal Choir from Mary Baldwin College directed by Melissa Sumner.
           What is God announcing to us on our journey to Christmas and our journey through life? Are we open to God breaking in on our carefully laid plans and dreams and doing the unexpected?Grace and peace this Advent season.... Pastor Bob
  • Nov 27, 2011Nazareth – The Annunciation
    Nov 27, 2011
    Nazareth – The Annunciation
    This Sunday we begin a new sermon series entitled "The Journey to Christmas" based on an Advent series created by Pastor Adam Hamiltion of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. Each Sunday  from now until January 1 we'll share in the journey taken by the primary characters in the Christmas story. On November 27th we begin in Nazareth with Mary, the angel Gabriel, and "The Annunciation." The announcement to Mary of God's grand plan of a Kingdom without end, established through a son she would carry in her womb, could not have been easy for her to comprehend or accept. She was troubled and wondered about its meaning. Still, she submitted to the will of God and his purpose for her life. What is God announcing to us on our journey to Christmas and our journey through life? Are we open to God breaking in on our carefully laid plans and dreams and doing the unexpected?
  • Nov 20, 2011Give Thanks
    Nov 20, 2011
    Give Thanks
  • Nov 13, 2011The Mustard Seed Principle
    Nov 13, 2011
    The Mustard Seed Principle
    This Sunday's Message:  "The Mustard Seed Principle"  Sermon Text:  1 Samuel 4:1-11 and Matthew 17:14-23 Mustard seeds are mentioned twice in the Gospel of Matthew, once in Mark, and twice in Luke. The tiniest of seeds used by the Judean farmers, the mustard seed reminds us of an important Kingdom of God principle:  within the smallest and the least lie the secrets of the Christian life. This Sunday we begin two Sundays of looking at "The Blessings of a Thankful Heart." In regard to giving thanks, The Mustard Seed Principle reminds us that:  1) we must give thanks in all things, including the seemingly insignificant moments of life; and 2) God's greatest blessings come from places we might easily overlook.  
  • Nov 6, 2011What’s In Your Wallet?
    Nov 6, 2011
    What’s In Your Wallet?
    Former Verona UMC Pastor Charlie Reynolds shares the story of the Faithful and Foolish Virgins and asks our congregation on Anniversary Sunday:  "Are you prepared for what's coming?" Old Testament Lesson:  Joshua 24: 1-3a; 14-24 New Testament Lesson:  Matthew 25: 1-13
  • Oct 30, 2011A New Creation
    Oct 30, 2011
    A New Creation
    All of creation resounds with redemption - the cycle of the seasons, death breaking forth into new life, the insignificant contributing to the miracle of God's new creation. Jesus redeems not only the sinner, but all of creation and the promise of Scripture is clear - there will be a new heaven and a new earth and on that day a river will flow forth and the tree of life will grow by it, its leaves healing the nations. Pastor Bob shares how the work of redemption flows forth from the cross through the church, into all of creation.
  • Oct 23, 2011The Trees of the Field Will Clap Their Hands
    Oct 23, 2011
    The Trees of the Field Will Clap Their Hands
  • Oct 16, 2011Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?
    Oct 16, 2011
    Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?
  • Oct 16, 2011Of Men and Bees
    Oct 16, 2011
    Of Men and Bees
    Few creatures contribute so much and are less appreciated than God's amazing creation - the honey bee. We continue our "Lessons from Creation" sermons series with a look at what honey bees can teach us about communication, the seasons of life, unity, and the Bible. Part of this sermon experience was the presence of a "demonstration hive" with live honey bees working together - and flavored honey sticks for everyone present!   Scripture Text:  Psalm 19