“Fear and Faithfulness”

Guest: Sarah Foster ~ Youth Director

AUGUST 28, 2011

As individuals, we sometimes find ourselves lacking in confidence, fearing to attempt new challenges. We fear the risk of humiliation, for lack of knowledge, skill, or strength. But Sarah reminds us that we should not consider ourselves accountable to the world, but only to serving God and his plan for us. 

Many examples exist for achieving unbelievable goals. David and Goliath. Samson and the lion. Parting of the Red Sea. Jesus walking on water. God does not expect us to guarantee success, but our participation will result in good things happening. 

We, the world and all those around us may be amazed at the results of our faithfulness.

Listen carefully to Sarah’s live message. Click the following:  

http://cms.screamingbob.com/PWDA/files/150/Sarah%20Foster_Fear%20and%20Faithfulness.mp3?wosid=bhGRZbindI42mMD9TToVb0

“Revisioning Too”

Rev. Kevin Murphy

This sermon examines the perceptions of Jesus by those who witnessed his active presence in their communities and lives at the time he spent on Earth. Kevin then reviews the opinions of several well known individuals throughout history who stated their view of “who Jesus is”. He then invites each of us to accept the request that Jesus gave to Simon ... 

“Who do you say that I am?”

To review Simon's reply and all that his answer implies, check out the cassette: 

To listen to this sermon

a cassette is available in the Church Library

“ReVisioning”

Rev. Kevin Murphy

Scripture Preparation: Isaiah 56: 1, 6-8 ~ Psalm 67 ~ Matthew 15: 21-28

The Bible provides us a vision of how to treat each other for peace and perfect order.

This sermon reminds us that Jesus accepted and encouraged progressive change in our vision as circumstances developed. With this in mind we have a Vision Committee that invites input from the entire congregation to help in determining future goals. 

WHAT IS OUR ROLE?  How can our church exist, persist and make a positive influence in this changing world?

Listen to Kevin’s lively message by checking out the cassette:

To listen to this sermon

a cassette is available in the Church Library

“Faith and Doubt”

Rev. Rhonda O’Reilly

Preparation Scripture: Matthew 14: 22-33

This sermon compares our good and bad life experiences, from our time of birth, with those experienced in a small boat on a calm lake as well as a large ship on the high seas.  She couples this analogy with the story of the frightened fishermen who then experienced the calming influence that Jesus brought to those threatening waves ... and each of their lives from that day forward. 

We are instructed to accept this new reality ... not so much a challenge when we consider the new realities that have occurred, such as the development of flight, within our own lifetime. Realities that would have seemed impossible not so long ago. We are instructed to accept the reality of Jesus and all that he represents. Believe in him, and he will bring peace and calm to your life ... a peaceful calm which you can then convey to all those lives you touch on a daily basis. 

To listen to this sermon

a cassette is available in the Church Library

“What’s Scarce in Your Life?”

Rev. Kevin Murphy

JULY 31, 2011

Scripture Preparation: Isaiah 55: 1-5 and Matthew 14: 13-21

Since the time of Adam and Eve, the grass seems always greener on the other side of the fence. And so we select the best grass seed, buy fertilizer, water abundantly and cut regularly... while looking with envy at our neighbor’s beautifully landscaped lawn. With all our effort neither we or our neighbor can match the beauty of God’s natural wonders of nature.

We humans, and animals as well,  seem to want what we can’t have while ignoring what we already have in abundance.

In this sermon Kevin leads us through a series of examples of God’s miraculous providing of our needs. Perhaps we sometimes burden ourselves inappropriately with the requirement that we provide for needs that aren’t really important. Perhaps we need to prioritize these needs while finding comfort in God’s abundant blessings.

Listen to Kevin's lively message by checking out the cassette:

To listen to this sermon

a cassette is available in the Church Library