Grace and Peace

A farewell from Pastor Ben on his last Sunday before moving to Minnesota. The audio isn't great quality, but there is so much gratitude for God's gift of belonging to each other. Journey on with your neighbors, friends; you are so blessed to have them.

Pastor Ben Masters preached "We Are Each Other's People" on November 7, 2021.

Scripture readings: Ruth 1:1-18 and Mark 12:28-34.

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All Saints Sunday is the perfect time to launch our new worship series, "Growing in Gratitude." We give thanks for those who have gone before us, who like us and like Lazarus, are "the walking wounded" (in the words of Johnny Cash). What is it like to be called from death to life? Just ask the walking wounded, and they'll tell you about God's grace.

Pastor Ben Masters preached "Just Ask the Walking Wounded" on October 31, 2021, All Saints Sunday.

Scripture readings: Isaiah 25:6-9 and John 11:1-3, 17, 32-44.

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Concluding our seven-week series, "Manna, Miracles, and Mercy," we receive God's answer when we cry, "Enough!" God comes near with bread and grace, calling us anew and strengthening us for the journey.

Content note: Since the reading from 1 Kings describes longing for death, here's a timely reminder: Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, help is available. Call 1-800-273-8255 or text chat at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Pastor Ben Masters preached "God Comes Alongside" on October 24, 2021.

Scripture readings: 1 Kings 19:1-8 and Mark 7:31, 8:1-10. The Scripture readings are not included in this week's audio.

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Even when we turn down the bread of life, God comes to us in grace. As Wisdom, God invites us to a fabulous party where all can find a true, meaningful life. As the incarnate Word, God welcomes us to learn this life by doing. Through Jesus Christ, Wisdom and Word, we can show our neighbors the love of God—the God of manna, miracles, and mercy.

Pastor Ben Masters preached "The Party at Wisdom's House" on October 17, 2021.

Scripture readings: Proverbs 9:1-6, 9-12 and John 6:56-69

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When the Israelite community saw God's provision, they asked "What is it?" God's daily dose of love might defy logic, but it will sustain us—even as we enter the wilderness of transition. When it comes to grace, there is always enough from the hand of God—the God of manna, miracles, and mercy.

Pastor Ben announced that he will be following his husband Hierald to Minneapolis, where Hierald has accepted a new call. Ben's last Sunday in Hector will be November 7, 2021.

Pastor Ben Masters preached "A Daily Dose of Logic-Defying Love" on October 10, 2021.

Scripture readings: Exodus 16:2-3, 11-18 and John 6:22-35

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Five loaves and two fish—what good is that? But instead of answering on our terms, Jesus changes the question: "What will God do with that?" Keeping our senses open to the Spirit, we'll discover surprising answers today. For these surprises, we give thanks to the God of manna, the God of miracles, the God of mercy!

Pastor Ben Masters preached "What Good Is That?" on October 3, 2021.

Scripture readings: 2 Kings 4:38-44 and John 6:1-15

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God gets personal, searching for your face in the crowd to call you "Daughter," "Son," "Beloved Child." That has implications for those of us made partners in Christ's ministry of healing. Our fall series continues, giving thanks to the God of manna, the God of miracles, the God of mercy.

Pastor Ben Masters preached "God Gets Personal" on September 19, 2021.

Scripture readings: Judges 11:29-35 and Mark 5:21-43

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The Savior who heals us now sends us to heal and care for our neighbors. But what does that mean? Explore what this ministry of healing means in the first sermon in our fall series. Blessed be the God of manna, the God of miracles, the God of mercy!

Pastor Ben Masters preached "Made Partners in Christ's Ministry of Healing" on September 12, 2021.

Scripture readings: Ezekiel 2:1-10, 3:1-3 and Mark 6:1-13

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Sadly, there are times people oppose building beloved community. How will we respond? Because Christ has grabbed hold of us, we are empowered and sustained by a righteousness that is not our own.

Pastor Ben Masters preached "Christ Grabs Hold" on August 8, 2021.

Scripture readings: Nehemiah 4: 1-3, 6-11, 14 and Philippians 3:4b-14.

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Building beloved community sounds nice, but the instinct to look out for ourselves first lingers. Thankfully, God takes initiative, enabling us both to want and to live out God's dream. We first glimpsed that dream in Christ's solidarity with humanity, and so with God's help will stand alongside our neighbors.

Pastor Ben Masters preached "To Want and to Live out the Dream of God" on August 1, 2021.

Scripture readings: Nehemiah 5:1-12 and Philippians 2:1-13.

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