This has powerful implications for leadership. Unconsciously, the church will mimic you. This means: If you are late to meetings, your people will be late to meetings. If you don’t take notes in meetings, your people won’t take notes in meetings. If you are angry and defensive when you get negative feedback, your people will […]
The Three Simple Rules Life can be complicated at times. We often feel scattered and overwhelmed. We come to church seeking peace and direction. We come hoping to gain perspective and fulfillment. Drawing parallels between Wesley’s time and the world today, the feelings of disenfranchisement, doubt and fear are much the same. But Wesley’s three […]
I wait. Year after year, generation after generation I’ve been here, waiting, watching and hoping. I’ve watched so many climb these steps as the bell rang through the streets. I’ve watched generations pass by on their way to and from school and wondered if they knew why I was here. I’ve watch as horses gave […]
“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore” Vincent van Gogh A wealthy family used to take a month’s vacation every summer to the coast of Maine. The mother had an ritual at the beach she practiced each year […]
A Gift from God an Affirmation of Faith A Promise Forever! “People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed.” ~ C.S. Lewis Life is a series of Remembrances (1) What you’ve learned – know to be true (tests & trials) “I once was lost, but now I found, was blind but […]
Do You Have Staying Power? When the cheering stops, when the Hallelujahs turn to jeers, when the music is silenced, will you still be standing or will you have already turned to run? Here is the first stanza of a Rudyard Kipling’s poem “IF” “If you can keep your head when all about you […]
“The kingdom of heaven is not for the well meaning but for the desperate.” — James Denney “Peter replied, “Master, to whom would we go? You have the words of real life, eternal life. We’ve already committed ourselves, confident that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68 We live in a world […]
Generosity is a matter of Action, Intention and Heart. It is reorienting my perspective on what life is means and what God is doing through my life. Generosity is natural response to God’s Love in Christ. Scripture Verse: Mark 10:17-23 Download our 2011 FUMC Stewardship Pledge Form Sermon Notes “Satisfying Our Hunger for God” Lord, How […]
A great deal of our culture and lifestyle is driven by Greed. Greed in our world is a very strong desire and is changes who we are! And you know what? It’s always been like that, since the beginning of time. Nearly 2000 years ago Jesus was teaching to a crowd of people who were following […]
God, What do you want to do through me this year with the life and gifts you’ve given me? Stewardship as a way of life has amazing implications for our relationships and our daily lives. It expands the horizons of our world and provides direction and focus to our busy lives. When we commit ourselves to […]
My Membership Covenant Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering; I’ve made my choice, the verdict is in and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There’s no turning back now! I will live the rest of my life serving God’s will with God’s people […]
As early as the Emmaus experience on the day of Resurrection, recorded in Luke 24:13-35, Christians recognized the presence of Jesus Christ in the breaking of bread. The traditional Jewish practice of taking bread, blessing and thanking God, and breaking and sharing the bread took on new meaning for them. When followers of Christ […]
Transformed by Baptism Sermon based on Acts 8:26-39 Audio Podcast and Sermon Notes available here Sermon Slides Worship 05.01.11 Baptism Baptism Liturgy Slides Remember Your Baptism Liturgy For many people Baptism was something that was done a long time ago and has since lost it’s meaning and significance for their lives. Our goal is to […]
Six Habits of a Transformed Life The Six Habits of a Transformed Life are at the heart of our Christian Journey. Nobody gets very far in life without some effort, commitment and follow through. They are ancient disciplines that Christ followers have practiced for centuries and all are proven effective in transforming the mundane and […]
First from the prophet Jeremiah who speaks of being called, being forced to become a prophet of God, despite his strongest protestation: If I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I […]