One of the things we try to avoid at Bluegrass United Church of Christ is being overly legalistic. For some, it brings up past traumas of being involved in overly zealous and protective church experiences that bordered on abusive. But in the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul declared that in God's economy, love is not passive, or even optional. Paul said that all of the law and commandments were summed up in one saying, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Then he said that love does not harm the neighbor and is actually what fulfills God's law. We call it the Law of Love.

MESSAGE: "The Law of Love" by Kenny Bishop

SCRIPTURE: Romans 13:8-10

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There was never anyone like Dolly Parton. We lost her to eternity this week, and many in the church community felt the loss very deeply. Today, we spend some time remembering her and taking her at her word. Dolly had a lot to say; it often came in the form of something witty that drove the point home. Today we look at her words and apply them to Jesus' teachings when he warned his disciples of the dangerous mission they faced together.

MESSAGE: "Dolly Said" by Kenny Bishop

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 16:21-28

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Just as one body has many different parts, the Christian community is made up of people with different gifts, abilities, and roles. No one person can do everything, and every person has something valuable to contribute. Paul encourages believers to use their gifts faithfully, whether serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, or showing mercy. We believe it is a message of diversity, interdependence, and shared purpose and the community becomes stronger when everyone brings their unique gifts and uses them for the good of others.

MESSAGE: "Finding the Sweet Spot" by Pam Lee-Miller

SCRIPTURE: Romans 12:4-8

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In the ancient text, there's an emotional moment when Joseph finally reveals his true identity to his brothers who had betrayed him and sold him into slavery years earlier. Overcome with emotion, Joseph sends everyone else from the room and weeps as he reveals his true identity to them. His brothers are terrified, but Joseph reassures them that he has no intention of taking revenge. At its heart, it's a story about reconciliation, forgiveness, and finding hope without denying the pain of the past.

MESSAGE: "An Unexpected Family Reunion" by Pam Lee-Miller

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 45:1-15

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How many of us know that faith isn't measured by how well we navigate sunny days? Faith is tested in the wind, in the darkness, and in those moments when the waves seem stronger than our hope. Storms test our strength, but they can also test our resolve and our belief in ourselves. The book of Matthew tells a story about a terrified Peter finding Jesus where he'd never expect to find him - walking on the waves made big by the wind. But, as amazing as that was to see, Peter was still distracted by the danger around him. Sometimes the storm can get the best of us... sometimes.

MESSAGE: "The Storm" by Kenny Bishop

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14:22-33

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Most of us have learned about the time Jesus fed a few thousand people with just a little bit of food. For something like that to happen, it would have to be a miracle. God would have to make the impossible possible. But, according to the story, that's exactly what happened. But was the miracle how so many ate on so little, or was the miracle that thousands of people and strangers came together for each other?

MESSAGE: "The Real Miracle" by Kenny Bishop

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14:13-21

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The scriptures, especially the early ones, are filled with stories that we find unusual and bizarre by today's standards. One of those stories is about two brothers, Jacob and Esau, and their difficult relationship, not just with each other, but with parents and spouses, too. It's a story of family dysfunction, lies, deceit, and a lot more. But God still used these people to carry out a divine plan.

MESSAGE: "All in The Family: Twisted Lies & God's Amazing Grace" by Pam Lee-Miller

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 29:15-30

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In the scriptures, water is portrayed as a life-giving, life-saving resource that is invaluable to humanity. It sustains us in ways we often don't comprehend. Water also signifies spiritual health and sustenance. When we're thirsty and in need of its blessings, we find it as our source for God's provision for our lives.

MESSAGE: "Does Your Soul Need a Drink?" by Pam Lee-Miller

SCRIPTURE: John 4:13-14

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In just a few days, the U.S. will celebrate 250 years as a nation. The current state of politics and policy, the lack of morality among some of our nation's leaders, along with a seeming disregard for history and the lessons it has taught us, is making it hard for many of us to feel the celebration. What are we supposed to do with this tension? How do we respond when we're faced with the tension between gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and the threats we feel at losing them? Today, we discuss what it means to be a patriotic citizen in these tense and uncertain times.

MESSAGE: "Patriots" by Kenny Bishop

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 22:15-21

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We get tired and wonder if there's much to hold onto while our world seems to spiral. Elder Daniel Beasley shares a message of hope and promise that inspires us to stay the course and hold on to our faith.

MESSAGE: "Hold On Just a Little While Longer" by Daniel Beasley

SCRIPTURE: Romans 5:5

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