Christmas Eve and the Fourth Sunday of Advent -

we return to the story of Mary being visited by the angel Gabriel, and the surprising news of her holy pregnancy. Her response is truly revolutionary. She sings a song of praise and joy to God, a prophetic song about a world turned upside down.

On the third Sunday of Advent, John the Baptist plays a pivotal role as the messenger and a witness. He is the witness who testifies to the light coming into the world. It's up to us to decide whether or not we'll receive his testimony.

On this second Sunday of Advent we encountered the oddest of Christmas figures -John the baptizer. John noisily intrudes on our Christmas cheer, reminding us that Jesus comes to save sinners, and the road to Bethlehem runs through the cold cleansing waters of the Jordan.

Advent - It celebrates the most important news about the past and the most important news about the future. Christ has come; and Christ is coming back.

Focusing on the Great Judgement Parable in Matthew 25, Pastor John gives insight on how we will be judged for caring for those in need.

“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

Pastor John welcomes new members to our congregation after his sermon, A Wonderful Web of Dependencies.

Our guest preacher, Dr. Dave Behrs, gave an enlightened and interesting sermon based upon the parable of the Ten Bridesmaids. Using the lyrics from our anthem of the day, Oh Lord Hear Us, and its chorus of Kyrie Elieson, his sermon weaved the parable and Christ's admonishment to be prepared as we do not know when the Lord will call us.

We celebrated All Saints' Day, a time for the Church to remember all those saints, known and unknown, who have gone before us and have faithfully walked the Christian path. The mood of this service was one of celebration and joy for all those people who have borne fruit for the kingdom by their service to Christ. And a time of remembrance for those who touched our lives personally to helps us in our faith journey.

This is a recording from Verna's Memorial Service requested by the family.

The sermon, God and Caesar, focused on a scene in Jesus' life where he is asked a question about paying taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22:15-22). His answers to such questions challenged the religious and political establishment of his day, and kicked off a reform movement that continues today.