Embrace Church Sermon Audio

Tuesday (6/9) Noon Check-In

Topics Covered:
-Pastor John shared a brief history of anti-black racism in America (much of it taken from Facebook post by Dominique Gilliard)

-Reflection on difference between "being aware of racism" and "actively working to dismantle racism in America."

-John announced a book reading group for the summer on "How to be an Anti-Racist," by Ibram X. Kendi.

-Other books/movies mentioned:

"Slavery by Another Name" by Douglas Blackmon

"Just Mercy" (film and book by Bryan Stevenson)

"Trouble I've Seen" by Drew Hart

Sermon (June 7, 2020) | Kristina Osborn: Genesis (Part 1): From Creation to Commission

Trinity Sunday

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:4, Matthew 28:16-20

Embrace Sunday Gathering (11am, June 7, 2020)

Trinity Sunday

Music:

This is My Father’s World

Glory to God Forever

God With Us

So Will I (100 Billion X)

Sermon: Pastor Kristina: Genesis (Part 1): From Creation to Commission

Tuesday (6/2) Noon Check-in

Topics Covered:
-Looked at the MANY examples throughout scripture of godly people defied cultural norms and resisted the unjust laws of the empire.

-Talked the "Uproar in Thessalonica" caused by Paul and Silas. They were turning the world upside down and acting contrary the law of the land.

-Two types of peace that MLK mentions in his letter from the Birmingham Jail: 1 - Absence of tension, and 2 - Presence of Justice. Biblical peace is the latter.

-Esther 4:14 - “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

-Sang "The Kingdom is Yours" by Common Hymnal

Embrace Sunday Gathering (11am, May 24th, 2020)

Pentecost!

Music:

Breathe on Me, Breath of God

Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit Rain Down

Fullness

Sermon: Pastor John: Racism, Whiteness, and Freedom Wind

Sermon (May 31, 2020) | John Gallaher: Racism, Whiteness, and Freedom Wind

Pentecost

Scripture: Acts 2

Thursday (5/28) Noon Check-in

Topics Covered:
The Holy Spirit in Scripture
The Holy Spirit as Power AND Gentleness/Intimacy
The invitation to surrender and loosen our grip on control

Raniero Canalametssa quote: "The Holy Spirit is the personification of this mystery of God who is, at the same time, absolute power and immeasurable tenderness, irresistible movement and infinite rest."
(from the book "Come, Creator Spirit")

Kristina original: "Holy Spirit, Gift of God"

Tuesday (5/26) Noon Check-In
*Sorry about the static in the audio!*

Topics Covered:
-Pastor John Gallaher shared a reflection on Embrace's value: "Gritty Christ-Followers." Gritty Christ-Followers value small things and practice patience.
-Grit is "passion and perseverence for long-term goals" -Angela Duckworth
-"We grow slowly, and love takes time." -Rich Mullins
-"Ours is a God who waits. Who are we not to? It takes what it takes for the great turnaround. Wait for it." -Fr. Gregory Boyle
-Mark 4:30-32

Embrace Sunday Gathering (11am, May 24th, 2020)

Music:

Christ Be Revealed

The Kingdom is Yours

Blessed Assurance

Do it Again

Scripture: Acts 1:6-14

Notable thoughts:

-Church shouldn’t help us escape reality, but teach us to deal with reality in healthy and loving ways.

-"awed to heaven, rooted in earth...We should be able to join the angels in praise, and keep our feet in time and place." -Walter Brueggemann

-“From the point of view of today’s kingdoms, such a “gospel” is innocuous; it does not challenge them (the kingdoms) in any way. If the “kingdom” has to do with the “beyond,” those who preach it will have no conflict with the “here and now.” That is why such a truncation of the gospel is attractive, not only to those who conduct affairs in the present reign, but also to many Christians who thereby seek to avoid problems and conflicts with the present order.” -Justo Gonzalez

Easter (Part 7): Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth

Scripture: Acts 1:6-14

Notable thoughts:

-Church shouldn’t help us escape reality, but teach us to deal with reality in healthy and loving ways.

-"awed to heaven, rooted in earth...We should be able to join the angels in praise, and keep our feet in time and place." -Walter Brueggemann

-“From the point of view of today’s kingdoms, such a “gospel” is innocuous; it does not challenge them (the kingdoms) in any way. If the “kingdom” has to do with the “beyond,” those who preach it will have no conflict with the “here and now.” That is why such a truncation of the gospel is attractive, not only to those who conduct affairs in the present reign, but also to many Christians who thereby seek to avoid problems and conflicts with the present order.” -Justo Gonzalez