Have You Forsaken God? Jeremiah 2:4-13 [one_half] Jeremiah was a prophet in Judah during a time of great disharmony.  God was about to forsake Israel – the House of Jacob – because the people were disobedient.  Jeremiah’s job was clear.  He was charged with the responsibility of speaking to the people and defining the sins of Israel. In chapter two verse thirteen…

Jacob’s Well Genesis 29:1-14 [one_half] Here is one for fans of classic rock-and-roll! Do you remember Jimmy Page and Robert Plant? Of course you do! They were best known as Led Zeppelin. One of their best known songs was the eight minute and two second version of ‘Stairway to Heaven’ with Plant singing the a cappello solo at the end of the…

If Only [one_half] Psalm 81 [one_half] Two of the biggest and most powerful words in the English language are at the center of our conversation today. Those two words are: if only! Have you ever spoken those words? They often come as an expression of regret or disappointment. If only… I had more money, was taller, had stronger relationships, had not made…

The Woman at the Well John 4:1-26 Our worship today is designed to expand our desire to be people of deep compassion.  Be sure to be present at a worship service that meets your need and challenges you to grow in compassionate ministry.   Take time to read the account of the woman at the well from John 4 before arriving for worship. …

[one_half] The Joy of Worship Psalm 95 We close off this week with a spirit of joy as we read Psalm 95.  Don’t you just love it?!  “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” Not all Psalms are songs of joy.  Some are deeply distressed words of pain and conflict. …

[one_half] Trust God for What You Need Exodus 16:1-8 Join us from 6:00 to 7:00 in the sanctuary tonight as we continue to explore some of our favorite Lenten themes from our scripture readings.  Child care is always available!  Be sure to bring your questions and your witness about how God’s Word has been impacting your Lenten journey with Graceful Foundations. Did…

[one_half] Let’s Get Back on Track Ezekiel 36:22-32 Throughout the Old Testament we find a wonderful relational refrain where God reestablishes the covenant with the people of Israel. In various forms God says, “you will be my people and I will be your God.” It is God’s way of saying, “Let’s get back on track!” The phrase typically comes into play after…

[one_half] God Will Find a Way Romans 4:6-13 In the early 1700’s our old friends John and Charles Wesley (originators of the Methodist movement) found themselves in quite a wrestling match with the Church of England.  They were both ordained into the priesthood within the structure of the church.  But they soon bumped in to a dilemma of doctrine.  As they read…

[one_half] The Formula of Faith Psalm 128 Do you feel like climbing the steps of Jerusalem again today?  Well, this is another great Psalm of Ascent that will allow us to join ancient voices as we make our way to the temple!  Our theme for the week is the transforming grace of God.  So we start the week with one of the…

[one_half] Graceful Foundations of Transformation John 3:1-17 I hope you will have a chance to read the Gospel lesson from John 3 before you arrive at worship today.  Take a couple of minutes to prepare your heart as we gather together at 8:00, 9:30 or 11:00. The third chapter of John contains one of the best known passages in the New Testament. …

[one_half] Eternal Faithfulness Psalm 121 I have never been to Jerusalem but I have heard so many stories of joy as people speak about walking ‘up’ to the holy city.  Thousands of people each year make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land so they can approach Jerusalem and come close to the site of the ancient temple where Jesus worshiped and taught. …

[one_half] Planting Embers II Timothy 1:3-7 6:00 to 7:00 tonight will be our second gathering for our Lenten Study.  Each session will be a ‘stand alone’ conversation so you don’t have to worry about missing anything from last week.  I hope you will join us in the sanctuary for a time of prayer and Lenten study.  We will focus on the readings…

[one_half] Seraching, Finding or Celebrating? Matthew 18:10-14 Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? That is the question the disciples asked of Jesus to start off this conversation! Have you ever wondered who will be the greatest? Maybe it will be Mother Theresa or Billy Graham? No, according to Jesus (and I think he would know!) it will be a…