Colville United Church of Christ Sermons

Where is the Wisdom in the World today? This was one of our Pairing and Sharing questions today. This was a sermon about what blocks us from having more wisdom in our world. Upset by the betrayal of trust in the Catholic Church with the massive abuse scandal in Pennsylvania caused this to take a different twist in looking at wisdom. Let me know what you think.

Sacred Texts: Proverbs 9:1-6 * Ephesians 5:15:20

(audio of readings) https://www.dropbox.com/s/zx5xx1p2kqqmlxb/18-0819%20Proverbs%209%20Ephesians%205%20Liz.mp3?dl=0

(text of readings)https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs9:1-6;Ephesians5:15-20&version=NRSV

This was my "un-sermon_ of the year! If followers of Jesus can work on the guidelines from Paul to the Church in Ephesus, we can be a model for the world. Usually we are as reluctant as most people to do the heard work on ourselves with support from the community. There is nothing flashy here - which makes for a better sermon -- yet maybe nothing more important that committing ourselves for this model of attitude and behavior. In this, we can transform the world.

Sacred text: Ephesians 4:25-5:2

audio - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ap36j21ejhtammx/Ephesians%204%2025-5%202%20Ginny.mp3?dl=0

text - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%204:25-5:2&version=NRSV via @biblegateway

As I looked at the sacred texts this week, all I could think about was that Franklin Graham is in the Pacific Northwest and coming to nearby Spokane in a few days. I am usually polite and in the UCC we a taught to be tolerant of difference but I am sorry -- the Franklin Graham Christianity is doing damage and in my mind is fantasy religion. In a culture that is more and more blurring the boundaries of reality and fantasy, it is time to speak out. The Bible does not support this and the sacred text today - Ephesians 4:1-16 (audio https://www.dropbox.com/s/ghw3hy10bfjp0hg/18-0805%20Ephesians%204%201-16%20Annie.mp3?dl=0) guides us back to reality. Also, take a look at Exodus 16 and John 6:24-35 referenced in the sermon

Rita Stoess was the long time Organist (1972-1996)among other things for the Colville UCC. Since moving away she has remained close to the Church. Visiting today, Rita shared her great musical skills on our Organ. Here are some excerpts.

Prelude: This is My Father's World, M Burkhardt

Offering: Allegretto, H Purcell

Postlude: They'll Know We are Christians By Our Love, arr W Held

Five Loaves and Two Fish and 5,000 people. An impossible situation it would seem. Unless you adopt and Jesus Follower Attitude. Our pairing and sharing time was conversation about which type of person you are - glass half full or half empty. This self understanding is important as we explorer our journey in having a Jesus Follower Attitude. Sacred Text: John 6:1-21 or audio https://www.dropbox.com/s/hd4kui69iffsjdn/18-0729%20John%206%201-21%20%20Lisa.mp3?dl=0

Church Leader Liz Gill led the sermon reflection time. She begins with a wonderful reflection about spiders. Yes, spiders! You have to hear it. This leads into our Church pairing and sharing time with great questions for reflection. Engage these questions as you hear them wherever you are. My favorite: What are your spiders? The sermon reflection time concludes with some words from Pastor Jim. Sacred Texts: Psalm 23 and Jeremiah 23:1-6

A great day in Church as we had one baptism and 3 new members to the Church. It got me to thinking about "Belonging>" We belong to God and God belongs to us in our Church Community. What is the purpose of the Church other than a place to belong - to celebrate our belonging. This is what I spoke to on this day Sacred Texts: Amos 7:7-15, Ephesians 1:3-14

There is some basic logic in this message. Being a follower of Jesus leads to the invitation to Change. First, we must make changes. Second, we must be part of changing the world in ways of God's imagining at Creation. Yet, I don't like change and I am not alone. On this podcast, we hear from Mark 6:1-13. Then you will hear the Pairing and Sharing time. If you have someone with you - pause the audio and discuss these questions. Or write in your journal. 1) Tell a story of a big change you made in your life, and 2) Reflect on some change you will like to make. Then listen to my thoughts on this Gospel and the importance of Change.

Today''s focus was Healing as we looked at some healing stories of Jesus. How does physical healing happen? During our paring and sharing we were invited to address two things: *Tell a healing of the body story? *What would a community health care system look like that was consistent with the ways of Jesus? Listening to this might give you some insight into the spiritual nature of physical healing. Sacred Texts: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43

On June 24, 2018, the Colville UCC renewed its 6 year covenant as an Open and Affirming Church in the United Church of Christ. We did the in conjunction with ONA Sunday in the UCC. The renewal ceremony includes the reading of our 2012 Statement that was voted on by the Congregation.