Is this a Success Story?

(If it is, I think I would prefer failure)

We live in a "success o holic" culture and the thought of failure terrifies us. Dr. Jim Keck will explore the surprising aspects of the birth of Jesus that might push us to see 'failures" in new and spiritual ways.

The angels in the Bible often begin their communication by saying "Fear not." It's as if the first duty on the job description of an angel is to calm us down a bit. We will try to listen for the whispers of angels this week at First-Plymouth as we explore how how fears and anxieties prevent us from a more angelic way of life.

Advent begins as the sun sets with a sudden haste and the bleak night's darkness loiters into the next day. In these short, cold days we are asked to hold on with an expectation that God will do a new thing and our true Light will emerge. In the first Advent sermon Dr. Jim Keck will ask us to look at life itself with a vivid anticipation of emerging newness.

In 1922, Pope Pious became alarmed at the rising class division and rampant nationalism sweeping the world. Although World War One had ended, there were already storm clouds brewing for future violence. He declared it was time for a "Kingship of Christ" which would make love the ruler of our hearts. This week is Christ the King Sunday and we will imagine together what the world would look like if love reigns.

onah is told by God to go to Ninevah, but he hops on a boat to Tarshish which is the exact opposite direction. Abraham Maslow, the great psychologist, believed that people have a tendency to run away from their own greatness and he labeled this the "Jonah Complex." People, nations and institutions can turn away from their true destiny and fail to live up to their true calling. Join Dr. Keck for an exploration of the Jonah Complex.

Jonah is told by God to go to Ninevah, but he hops on a boat to Tarshish which is the exact opposite direction. Abraham Maslow, the great psychologist, believed that people have a tendency to run away from their own greatness and he labeled this the "Jonah Complex." People, nations and institutions can turn away from their true destiny and fail to live up to their true calling. Join Dr. Keck for an exploration of the Jonah Complex.