Text: Romans 14:4-12 “How do we know we are following the way of Christ?… How do we navigate the culture around us? What happens when Christians disagree profoundly with each other?” There are just a few of the questions that Rev. Christine Chakoian believes Paul is trying to answer in his letter to the…
A Way Forward? 25-cent words
Texts: Philippians 4:8-9, Matthew 22:34-40 This past year as I taught confirmation, one of our lessons focused on how we are all theologians. I wrote that word up on the board and one of our students exclaimed – WOW! That’s a 25-cent word! There was an old idiom that you shouldn’t use a 50-cent word…
A Way Forward? Fixed And Free
The United Methodist Church is at a crossroads. On the one hand, we do incredible work together because of our connection across the globe. Missionaries go from everywhere to everywhere. We are present amid disaster and crisis providing relief. New faith communities have been formed in West Des Moines, Camaroon, and Russia. And these things…
Your Greater Purpose
Text: Isaiah 1:10-20 This morning’s scripture… wow. These are the words God speaks to the prophet Isaiah as he is called into service. This is the message that Isaiah is called to shared with the kings and rulers of Israel, the children of God. God, who created them… God, who rescued them from slavery in…
Staying Awake
Scripture: Acts 2-:7-12 This afternoon, our Volunteers in Mission, VIM Team will head to Omaha. Maybe you could already see the sleeping bags, luggage and tools outside our main entrance as you came in to worship this morning. We’ll pack everything up, get everyone securely in the vehicles, and head out. And pray that our…
Like a Child: Say You’re Sorry
Text: Matthew 18:21-35 Last week, Pastor Todd helped us to launch our series, “Like a Child,” by reminding us of how Jesus welcomed little children in not one, not two, but three of our gospels. In each place, Jesus reminds the disciples, and us, that unless we humble ourselves or have the faith of a…
What’s Mine is Yours
Later this morning, our church will welcome nine new members. These young people have been working hard all year long to learn more about the faith that we hold together. And they will stand before the congregation at our second service this morning and will confirm and profess that faith for themselves. While a few…
Abiding in Love
Loneliness is a growing epidemic in our society. Yes, I said epidemic. Studies have now shown that loneliness and social isolation raises our stress hormones, causes inflammation, and can lead to heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, dementia, and more. In fact, some claim that it could even be a bigger health risk than smoking or obesity.…