White Rock UMC

White Rock UMC

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White Rock UMC episodes

  • Advent Day 24 - Titus 2:11-14

    Today is Tuesday December 21, 2021.

    Our text for today is Titus 2:11-14:

    11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12 training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14 He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.


    "How do you experience the grace of God? As you have journeyed through Advent, how has God shown up to you and for you?"

    3 min
  • The Day After Sunday - Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love

    In this final episode for 2021, Rebecca, Mitchell, and Phil discuss the fourth and final Sunday of Advent. They talk about traditions of the church and how kid decorated ornaments have been a hit; potential fundraisers for "Merry Christmas, You Brood of Vipers;" the need to slow down and turn down the noise in a season when everything is so fast and loud; and many other fun things. Warning, if you are a fan of the bagpipes, some of the content may be offensive to you (just kidding... kind of). 

    We have loved the opportunity to talk about the Why Behind the Worship in 2021. As we move into 2022, we want to hear from you. What questions do you have about worship, and specifically the why behind the worship. Let us know by emailing [email protected].

    We're going to take a break for two weeks. The Day After Sunday will be back Monday, January 10th. We hope to see you for Christmas Eve worship either online or in person. Details for Christmas Eve worship can be found here. 

    Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

    33 min
  • Advent Day 23 - Luke 1:46b-55

    Today is Monday December 20, 2021.

    Our text for today is Luke 1:46b-55:

    46 And Mary said,

    “My soul magnifies the Lord,

    47  and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
    48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
    Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
    49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
    50 His mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
    51 He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
    52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
    and lifted up the lowly;
    53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and sent the rich away empty.
    54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
    55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
    to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

    "Have you ever felt like Mary describes feeling in this passage - blessed and humbled to be part of something much greater than yourself? Reflect on that experience and what it taught you."

    3 min
  • Advent Day 22 - Hebrews 10:5-10

    Today is Sunday December 19, 2021. The Fourth Sunday in Advent!

    Our text for today is Hebrews 10:5-10:

    5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,

    “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,

    but a body you have prepared for me;
    6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings
    you have taken no pleasure.
    7 Then I said, ‘See, God, I have come to do your will, O God’
    (in the scroll of the book it is written of me).”

    8 When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, “See, I have come to do your will.” He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. 10 And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

    Do you think that Jesus showing up is a sign that God needs a reset or is it something else?

    4 min
  • Advent Day 21 - Luke 13:31-35

    Today is Saturday December 18, 2021.

    Our text for today is Luke 13:31-35:

    31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33 Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35 See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

    Are you feeling overwhelmed with all you have to do this holiday season? What is a practice or discipline you can do that will keep you focused on your purpose? What is your purpose right now, today?

    4 min
  • Advent Day 20 - Isaiah 42:10-18

    Today is Friday December 17, 2021.

    Our text for today is Isaiah 42:10-18:

    10 Sing to the Lord a new song,
    his praise from the end of the earth!
    Let the sea roar and all that fills it,
    the coastlands and their inhabitants.
    11 Let the desert and its towns lift up their voice,
    the villages that Kedar inhabits;
    let the inhabitants of Sela sing for joy,
    let them shout from the tops of the mountains.
    12 Let them give glory to the Lord,
    and declare his praise in the coastlands.
    13 The Lord goes forth like a soldier,
    like a warrior he stirs up his fury;
    he cries out, he shouts aloud,
    he shows himself mighty against his foes.

    14 For a long time I have held my peace,

    I have kept still and restrained myself;
    now I will cry out like a woman in labor,
    I will gasp and pant.
    15 I will lay waste mountains and hills,
    and dry up all their herbage;
    I will turn the rivers into islands,
    and dry up the pools.
    16 I will lead the blind
    by a road they do not know,
    by paths they have not known
    I will guide them.
    I will turn the darkness before them into light,
    the rough places into level ground.
    These are the things I will do,
    and I will not forsake them.
    17 They shall be turned back and utterly put to shame—
    those who trust in carved images,
    who say to cast images,
    “You are our gods.”

    18 Listen, you that are deaf;

    and you that are blind, look up and see!

    "So here's my unique summary of this passage... huh?"

    What passages in the bible make you go "huh?" What might we we miss when we try to categorize every scripture as either "joyful" or "lament," as either "good" or "troubling"?

    5 min
  • Church & Society - Rev. Lisa Garvin, Chaplain at SMU and board member of the General Board of Church and Society

    Rev. Lisa Garvin joined Rev. Phil Dieke for our December gathering of Church and Society. Lisa is the Chaplain and Minister to the Southern Methodist University (SMU) campus. She also serves on the board of the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS).   

    In their conversation Lisa and Phil discuss the importance of Church and Society as the advocacy/justice branch of the United Methodist Church. Lisa shares how her role works not only with individuals, but also the institution as a whole seeking to transform individuals while also making systemic changes.   

    See below for links to a variety of resources that are referenced throughout the conversation. 

    GBCS webinar links:

    “Envisioning a Just Transition Panel Discussion” (12/9/2021)
    “EN-Roads Climate Interactive Workshop” (12/9/2021)
    “Indigenous Climate and Water Justice” (12/8/2021)
    “Climate Change and Front-Line Communities" (12/8/2021)
    “Theological Reflection on Climate Justice” (12/7/2021)
    “Climate Justice as a Global Movement” (12/6/2021) 

    Michael Pollan's book "This is Your Mind on Plants"   

    Nicolle Wallace Trilogy   
    Jame's Hollis' book "Living an Examined Life" 

    To catch up on previous episodes of our Church and Society, check out our YouTube Playlist.

    55 min
  • Advent Day 19 - Luke 13:31-35

    Today is Thursday December 15, 2021.

    Our text for today is Luke 13:31-35:

    31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33 Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35 See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

    "How are we listening to God this season, and how can we remain committed to the good news of Jesus this Christmas?"

    4 min
  • Sermon - The Third Sunday of Advent: Joy

    The theme for the Third Sunday of Advent is joy. Rev Mitchell Boone preached from Philippians 4:1-14 and Paul's instruction to "Rejoice in the Lord always." Mitchell discussed the difference between happiness and joy, specifically that happiness is something we pursue, something that is fleet, while joy is a state of being.  

    How are you experiencing joy this Advent season?

    You can watch this week's sermon (and watch Mitchell dodge the wasp attack) on our YouTube Channel here:

    https://youtu.be/VB5ON0RRkoQ

    26 min
  • Advent Day 18 - Psalm 80:1-7

    Today is Wednesday December 15, 2021.

    Our text for today is Psalm 80:1-7:

    1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
    you who lead Joseph like a flock!
    You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
    2  before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
    Stir up your might,
    and come to save us!

    3 Restore us, O God;

    let your face shine, that we may be saved.

    4 O Lord God of hosts,

    how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
    5 You have fed them with the bread of tears,
    and given them tears to drink in full measure.
    6 You make us the scorn[a] of our neighbors;
    our enemies laugh among themselves.

    7 Restore us, O God of hosts;

    let your face shine, that we may be saved.


    Do you enjoy reading the Psalms? Do you resonate with the Psalmists plea in today's text?

    4 min

About White Rock UMC

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A podcast channel containing different episodes and unique content produced by White Rock UMC in the heart of East Dallas.