April 3, 2016 – April Herron – “Pursuing the Mystery”
Sermon: sermon
John 20:19-28 suggests that if Jesus is really risen from the dead, then it could be important to gather regularly with other disciples because Jesus tends to show up at those group gatherings. A gathering of disciples is a place to exchange good news and to ask questions. It’s a place where, expected or not, Jesus may become present to convey peace and assurance, as well as to commission and instruct.
Our opportunities to gather in worship, prayer, and scripture study return to their usual schedule this week. Worship at 8:30 am, 10 am, and 5:30 pm will focus on two of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances to his disciples, and in particular his interactions with Thomas, who is well known for declaring, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25) April’s sermon title is, “Pursuing the Mystery.”
Scripture: scripture
April 10, 2016 – April Herron – “An Hour for Making Peace”
Sermon: sermon
As the Easter season continues, we at RHUMC are enjoying the opportunity to renew our connection with Biblical figures whose faith was exemplary, though it may have come to them in surprising ways. Acts 9 contains one of the most dramatic and decisive stories of the New Testament. When fearsome Saul sets out to capture more Christians, has a completely unexpected encounter with the risen Christ, and suddenly finds himself blinded and dependent on others, the course of history is changed. Saul ultimately becomes known as Paul, the great traveling evangelist who transcended geographic, religious, and cultural boundaries for the sake of the gospel, and wrote major portions of what we now call the New Testament. A crucial but possibly lesser known character in the story is Ananias, who is chosen by God to bring healing and good news to a known enemy. Much courage and faith is needed for Ananias to be able to accept this commission. April’s sermon title is “An Hour for Making Peace.”
Scripture: scripture
April 17, 2016 – Youth Sunday – “Knowing, Growing & Showing God’s Love”
Sermon: sermon
It’s Youth Sunday this week, with all services led by the youth of RHUMC. The texts for the sermons will be the same at all three, with different youth speakers in the morning and evening. The overall theme for the day is Knowing God’s Love, Growing in God’s Love, and Showing God’s Love. The texts for will be the same at all three services as well, Psalm 23, John 15:1-5, and Matthew 5:13-16.
Our preachers for 8:30 and 10 a.m. services will be Kyle Kleinick, Ethan Droesch and Partick Woodland. At 5:30 we will hear from Taylor Lemke, Ryan Anderson and Patrick Holihan. These youth been part of our youth group, volunteered with Sierra Service Project, taken part in Sunday worship, or all of the above. We look forward to their reflections on life and faith as they share with us this Sunday. In addition to reading scripture and providing the sermons, youth will be leading prayers, reading scripture, and serving as ushers.
April 24, 2016 – Jonathan Chute – “The Bridge”
Sermon: sermon
This week’s text describes a difficult time in the life of one of key leaders of the early church. Peter has been called before the council of the church in Jerusalem. They hear that he has been living and eating with gentiles. That is not what he was supposed to do. Peter is in trouble. So he tells them about a dream that came to him one night. Against everything he thought he knew, this dream convinced him that the message of Christ was for all people – even those once seen as unacceptable. The text for Jonathan’s sermon is Acts 11:1-18, and his title is “The Bridge.”
Scripture: scripture
