8/30/15 – April Herron – “Real Religion”
Sermon: Sermon
The Letter of James was written to followers of Jesus in various places who were learning to be Christ’s church in the world. It is filled with exhortations on how to truly live God’s way. The passage we read in this week’s text insists that hearing God’s word must be followed by doing God’s word. April preaches from James 1:17-27, and her title is “Real Religion.”
Scripture: Scripture
8/23/15 – April Herron – “Home”
Sermon: Sermon
Psalm 84 expresses the human longing to dwell in God’s presence: “My soul longs, indeed it faints, for the courts of the Lord.” Psalm 84 also celebrates that all creatures have a home with God: “Even the sparrow finds a home and the swallow a nest for herself where she may lay her young.” April reflected on how she has seen the principle of “a home for all” being actualized in the church and in the community since her arrival at Rolling Hills UMC seven weeks ago.
Scripture: Scripture
8/16/15 – Youth SSP Sunday
Sermon: Sermon
The youth reflected on their experiences with the Sierra Service Project, representing projects at four different sites. Teams went to Oregon, Nevada, Nicaragua, and California. Each had their own adventures; common themes united their work. A favorite scripture passage from 1 Corinthians 13, describing the qualities of love, guided our worship. In addition to hearing from our youth speakers, we were gifted in the morning with the musical contributions of vocal soloist Abigail Whitman and guest organist James Calhoun.
Scripture: Scripture
8/9/15 – Jonathan Chute – “Soul Food”
Sermon: Sermon
Jesus addresses the crowd that followed him across the sea and shared the miracle of the loaves and fishes. He suggests that their interest in him is because they ate their fill of bread the day before, rather than any hunger for God. He’s not angry or upset, but Jesus wants the people to understand that he is offering more than just a full stomach. The text for Jonathan’s sermon was John 6:24-35, and his title was “Soul Food.”
Scripture: Scripture
8/2/15 – Jonathan Chute – “Nothing to Work With”
Sermon: Sermon
The gospel tells John’s version of the feeding of the multitude. Of all the stories of Jesus’ life and work, this is the only one that appears in all four of the gospels. Each version differs in some of the details, but the central theme remains. A crowd of five thousand has gathered with Jesus in the wilderness. There is clearly not enough for them all to eat, and the disciples are overwhelmed by the situation. In the midst of their anxiousness Jesus offers them a sign of God’s abundance and care. The text for Jonathan’s sermon was John 6:1-14, and his title was “Nothing to Work With”.
Scripture: Scripture
