Jesus and Me ... and the Cats

And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring,  heirs according to the promise.  Galatians 3:29 (NRSV) When Paul wrote to these words to the Galatians, it was to assure them that they didn't need to first become Jews to be Christians.  Abraham had put his faith in God and God's promises, and since the Galatians had put their faith in God through Christ, they were counted among the descendants of Abraham and heirs to God's promises. It is during times like this that Christians and the Church are being called to own the missional imperative that is found in Genesis 12:2-3. “I will make you into a great nation,      and I will bless you; I will make your name great,      and you will be a blessing... 3  ... and all peoples on earth      will be blessed through you. ”                Genesis 12:2-3 I am white, like 93% of the denomination I b...

I am the  Lord , your Holy One,      the Creator of Israel, your King. Thus says the  Lord ,      who makes a way in the sea,      a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse,      army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise,      they are extinguished,     quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things,      or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing;            Isaiah 43:15-19a (NRSV) " Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old."  Does this mean we disregard the lessons of the past?  My experience is that the history of God's interactions with humanity informs and forms our faith.  The past also provides wonderful metaphors that help guide us and aid in discerning God's will.  Yet in Isaiah 43:18 it s...

"Behold, I will do a  new thing, ..."  Isaiah 43:19a For me, the new thing that God is doing in my life is calling me to serve Constantine and White Pigeon United Methodist Churches in Michigan. The interactive worship services for Donnellson, Embury and Fort Madison United Methodist Churches will continue at: Starting Sunday, July 5, I will begin offering interactive on-line worship services as pastor of Constantine and White Pigeon United Methodist Churches until such time as my new churches can offer live-streaming. I also plan on offering a mid-week post as well as publishing my Sunday sermons on this blog. Blessings on your day!

Click on the links that appear in the order of worship to take you to music, scripture and more.  A new tab will open to take you to the site.  After the video is over, close that tab and you'll return to this page. GATHERING GOOD MORNING YOU BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE OF GOD! “Now is the Time to Worship” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBczkmLHdVo CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 116:1-2, 12,17) I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me? I will offer you thanksgiving sacrifice and call on the name of the Lord. SONG    “To God Be the Glory” #98 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CeBoSQsBR0 CHILDREN’S MESSAGE   “Something to Talk About” Source: https://sermonwriter.com/childrens-sermons/something-to-talk-about/ When you finish reading a very good book, do...

Click on the links that appear in the order of worship to take you to music, scripture and more.  A new tab will open to take you to the site.  After the video is over, close that tab and you'll return to this page. GATHERING This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! “This is the Day” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy1opQWH0iQ Call to Worship :    (Psalm 8) O Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth! Your glory is chanted above the heavens by the mouths of babes and infants. When I look at the heavens, the work of God's hands, the moon and the stars which God has established; What are human beings that God is mindful of us? Yet God has made us little less than God, and crowned us with glory and honor. Let our response be one of worship and adoration! Hymn: “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee”   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXwXQnsaL3A      ...