White Rock UMC

White Rock UMC

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White Rock UMC episodes

  • The Day After Sunday - Second Sunday of Advent... Tech Edition

    In today's episode Rebecca is joined by Rev. Phil Dieke and Dexter Evans. Dexter is the man that makes all the magic happen behind the scenes. In this conversation you'll hear the many hats Dexter wears on a Sunday morning, as well as his history with both church and technology. 

    A bit of a warning, Rebecca had some internet issues and Phil was recording from home with a sick kid. Our apologies for the hiccups, but as discussed in this episode, it's not about perfection rather trying things and being willing to make mistakes. 

    As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the "why behind the worship." Email us with your questions or comments at [email protected].

    28 min
  • Advent Day 9: Romans 8:22-25

    Today is Monday December 6, 2021.

    Our text for today is Romans 8:22-25:

    22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

    Where do you see new life emerging? What is the pain experienced in the birthing of this new life?

    3 min
  • Advent Day 8: Malachi 3:1-7

    Today is Sunday December 5, 2021.

    Our text for today is Malachi 3:1-7:

    See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

    For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; 3 he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

    5 Then I will draw near to you for judgment; I will be swift to bear witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired workers in their wages, the widow and the orphan, against those who thrust aside the alien, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.

    6 For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, have not perished. 7 Ever since the days of your ancestors you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, “How shall we return?”


    "If we take this passage seriously, we come face to face with the fact that there are things in our lives and in our world that need refining."

    What needs cleaning out and cleaning up in our lives in order for us to make space for the Messiah?

    4 min
  • Advent Day 7 - Luke 9:1-6

    Today is Saturday December 4, 2021.

    Our text for today is Luke 9:1-6:

    Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. 3 He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. 5 Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

    What would this Christmas season be like if we divested from the over, commercialized season of extravagant gift giving? Do we need more or less stuff with us as we journey to Bethlehem?

    4 min
  • Advent Day 6: Philippians 1:18b-26

    Today is Friday December 3, 2021.

    Our text for today is Philippians 1:18b-26:

    18 What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice.
    Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. 20 It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26 so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.

    Question:

    How is it with your soul? How is it with your body? How is it with your mind?

    5 min
  • Advent Day 5: Luke 1:68-79

    Today is Thursday, December 2, 2021.

    Our text for today is Luke 1:68-79:

    68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
    for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
    69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us
    in the house of his servant David,
    70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
    71  that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
    72 Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
    and has remembered his holy covenant,
    73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
    to grant us 74 that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
    might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness
    before him all our days.
    76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
    for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
    77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
    by the forgiveness of their sins.
    78 By the tender mercy of our God,
    the dawn from on high will break upon us,
    79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

    If you could pray a blessing or prophecy over someone, what would you say? How would you invite God's amazing grace into that person's life?

    4 min
  • Advent 1 - O Come Emmanuel: Hope

    Rev. Phil Dieke kicked off Advent and our new worship series, "O Come Emmanuel: Experiencing God Among Us." The theme for week one of Advent is Hope. Phil discusses his complicated relationship with hope, specifically hope in relationship to fear. This complicated relationship ties into the scripture reading for week one of Advent, Luke 21:25-36 - an apocalyptic text.  

    Let us know what you think about hope, fear, and their relationship to time!


    You can watch this week's sermon on our YouTube Channel here:

    https://youtu.be/JNJpyR5xS6g

    20 min
  • Advent Day 4: Luke 11:29-32

    Today is Wednesday, December 1, 20201.

    Our text for today is Luke 11:29-32:

    29 When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. 31 The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here! 32 The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here!


    During a season of sharing, what part of God's story are you willing to share with others? How might you invite people to come and see this thing that is taking place?

    4 min
  • Advent Day 3: Revelation 22:12-16

    Today is Tuesday, November 30, 2021. 

    Our text for this morning is Revelation 22:12-16:

    12 “See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

    14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

    16 “It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

    As we enter this season of Advent, what are you hoping for? Take a few moments today to practice deep breathing and pay attention to the tension in your body. How might you seek salvation during the season of Advent?

    3 min
  • The Day After Sunday - Advent 1: Hope

    Mitchell joins Rebecca and Phil again to discuss the first Sunday of Advent, and the first week of our series "O Come Emmanuel: Experiencing God Among Us." They discuss the history of the hymn O Come Emmanuel and the various ways it was used throughout worship, the use of candles and various aspects of liturgy and the liturgical calendar, and this complicated notion of hope in relationship to fear.  

    Let us know your thoughts about this week's worship or anything discussed in this week's podcast. We always love to hear from you.

    You can watch this week's episode on our YouTube Channel here:

    https://youtu.be/14vxIPodxwY

    38 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.