by Rev. Grant Armstrong Jonah 1 & 2 Online Offering - Web based giving to First UMC 

SERMON NOTES

Jonah was a prophet of Israel around __________B.C.

__________ __________ from God comes in many different forms.

Our rebellious __________ doesn’t just affect us.

Revival always begins with __________.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

If you were trying to “get away from it all,” where would you go?

Why do you think Jonah believed he could avoid God’s directive?

In Jonah’s prayer of reluctant submission from chapter 2, what line most stands out to you and why?

In the entire book of Jonah, a large fish is only mentioned three times. Why do you think we tend to focus on the fish instead of the other aspects of this story?

Who is your Nineveh? How specifically will you need to repent so you can be obedient in reaching and serving your Nineveh?

Next: Jonah: Bad News EvangelistJonah 3

by Holly Acheson James 1:6, Acts 16:31-34 Online Offering - Web based giving to First UMC 

SERMON NOTES

The Four Fs of Faith include:__________ Not

__________ Not

__________ Not, and

__________ Not

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

Describe a time when you have been put on the spot to say something.

What kind of things are most likely to cause you to fret? Why do those things trouble you?

When do most sense God’s presence? What do you think causes that awareness?

How can life’s “messes” help us encounter God and grace?

What are you going to do outside of this weekly worship time to be intentional about eternity?

Next: Jonah: Running from GodJonah 1 & 2

"Its!"

Pennywise (the dancing clown) is here to take us all down to Killer Clown College: we're looking at both the 1990 and the 2017 adaptations of Stephen King's It. (Ally loves clowns so much she subjected us all to five hours of them.)

While comparing these two films, we'll also offer tactical advice on fighting groups of children, a discussion on how a physical bad guy can ruin a chance at supernatural scares, and the argument that professional clowns need to clean house rather than protest movies. Thats right, we're coming for you, big Top! 

 

Links for this episode:

The Matrix Revolutions - Agent Smith Laughs

Seinfeld - “The Foundation” - Kramer and Karate

The Mummy Returns - The Scorpion King Returns

Rubber trailer

Boogerman playthrough

Kamina vs Viral Swordfight - Gurren Lagaan

How Many 5 Year Olds Can You Realistically Take in a Fight

by Rev. Grant Armstrong 1 Kings 19:19-21 Online Offering - Web based giving to First UMC 

Sermon Video - Christie & Judy

SERMON NOTES

God will sometimes yoke us to a __________ __________.

We are free to __________ or __________ what Jesus has done for us.

God’s __________ becomes a disciples only safety net.

“So Elisha returned to his oxen and __________ them.”

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

What is the heaviest thing you’ve ever had to pick up and carry?

Elijah was directed to Elisha while he was working in the field. What are some other examples of God interrupting people on the job to call them into service?

If Jesus called us to “think about what I have done for you,” what would come to mind?

Could Elisha have followed Elijah faithfully without destroying his previous source of security?

Where is God calling you to make Him your sense of security instead of the things of this world?

Next:

Take Up Your Cross: Witness

by Rev. Grant Armstrong 1 Timothy 4:6-13 Online Offering - Web based giving to First UMC 

Sermon Video - Shelby Davis

SERMON NOTES

Maturity passes up __________ to pass on __________.

Maturity renders greater __________ as the walk continues.

Maturity has more to do with __________ than __________.

“Be an example to all believers in what you __________,

in the way you __________,

in your __________,

your __________,

and your __________.”

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

Who has been your favorite teacher, and why?

What are some of the “Old Wives Tales” and “godless ideas” that church people argue about today?

Paul described a life of faith as a struggle. Where do you see that remaining true for Christ followers today?

Tell of an experience where you witnessed great maturity in a young person.

Who is helping you to walk with Christ? Who are you helping to walk with Christ?

Next:

Take Up Your Cross: Work1 Kings 19:19-21

Blake is excited for Guillerrmo Del Toro's The Shape of Water, but it's not out yet. So we're looking at Let Me In instead and the problems that plague monster-human relationships with it.

Also discussed: What makes a monster? Do Beauty and the Beast need a good counselor? Can a monster ever be a part of society? And--most importantly of all--would you love a monsterman?

Links for this episode:

Pool Scene - Let The Right One In

Pool Scene - Let Me In

Beauty and the Beast fanart - "Change Back"

by Rev. Grant Armstrong 2 Samuel 24:18-25 Online Offering - Web based giving to First UMC

Sermon Video - Lilli and Katie InterviewSermon Video - Lilli and Katie Dance

SERMON NOTES

Our worshipping __________ mean something very different today than they did for King David.

Worship is absolutely __________, and incredibly __________.

“I will not present burnt offerings to the Lord my God that have cost me __________.”

Our __________ aren’t overcome through __________ God less.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

Describe a time when you overcame obstacles to get somewhere really important.

How does knowing that Jesus has already offered the greatest sacrifice for you impact the way you worship?

Do you think God would have accepted David’s offering if he hadn’t invested in it?

What are the plagues people still need to overcome in their lives today?

What is the sacrifice of praise that God is asking of you today?

Next:

Take Up Your Cross: Walk1 Timothy 4:6-13

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Luke 9:23-26, 57-62 Online Offering - Web based giving to First UMC

Sermon Video - Richard and Kathy Crum

SERMON NOTES

There’s a point when we must move from __________ to __________.

Jesus is still looking for folks who are __________ - __________.

Jesus drew the __________, and then He also drew the __________.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

As we celebrate World Communion weekend, what is your most powerful memory of communion?

Jesus shares this difficult teaching with the crowd after He fed the multitude. What kinds of responses do you imagine Jesus received?

What do you think Jesus means when He talks about those who are “ashamed of [Him] and [His] message?”

Jesus does not come across as compassionate when potential followers offered reasons to delay their service with Him. Where do you see Jesus drawing lines like that for His followers today??

What is the specific cross Jesus is calling you to carry right now? What is the specific sacrifice that kills off a part of you that doesn’t honor or trust God?

Next: Take Up Your Cross: Worship2 Samuel 24:18-25

It's Octobereen for I'm The Host, that special time of year where we open the dark carnival of horror again. This year we're kicking off with Tucker and Dale vs Evil and the broader trend of meta-horror movies. What is meta-horror? How is meta-horror? Why is meta-horror!?

Kurt's Notes: Our next episode will be using Let Me In (the American adaptation of Let the Right One In). 

Links for this episode:

Sock Puppets - youtube.com

Tucker and Dale vs Evil trailer - youtube.com

Behind the Mask: Rise of Leslie Vernon trailer - youtube.comCabin in the Woods trailer - youtube.comScream trailer - youtube.comShaun of the Dead trailer - youtube.com

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Luke 11:37-44 Online Offering - Web based giving to First UMC