Message Title: Welcome to the Family
Theme: Christian 101
Season: 12 Days of Christmas
Main Text: John 1: 10-18
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14;
RCL Scripture: Jeremiah 31:7-14; ; Psalm 147:12-20; Ephesians 1:3-14; John 1:(1-9), 10-18
Focus: Jesus is God incarnate who came to earth to adopt all.
Function: To recognize there isn’t a chosen race but the family of God.
Other Notes: Communion Sunday

SCRIPTURE READING: Ephesians 1:3-14  ³Bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing that comes from heaven. ⁴ God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world. ⁵ God destined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ because of his love. This was according to his goodwill and plan ⁶ and to honor his glorious grace that he has given to us freely through the Son whom he loves. ⁷ We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace, ⁸ which he poured over us with wisdom and understanding. ⁹ God revealed his hidden design^[b] to us, which is according to his goodwill and the plan that he intended to accomplish through his Son. ¹⁰ This is what God planned for the climax of all times:^[c] to bring all things together in Christ, the things in heaven along with the things on earth. ¹¹ We have also received an inheritance in Christ. We were destined by the plan of God, who accomplishes everything according to his design. ¹² We are called to be an honor to God’s glory because we were the first to hope in Christ. ¹³ You too heard the word of truth in Christ, which is the good news of your salvation. You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit because you believed in Christ. ¹⁴ The Holy Spirit is the down payment on our inheritance, which is applied toward our redemption as God’s own people, resulting in the honor of God’s glory.

INTRODUCTION: Saint Nicholas Traditions

1. Audience Engagement:
   1. How old were you when you were first told about Santa Claus?
   2. What traditions did your family have revolving around Santa?
2. Saint Nicholas of Myra
   1. Lived March 270 to December 343
   2. Greek/Christian Bishop
3. Saint Nicholas Traditions (Dec 6th)
   1. Italy: “On St. Nicholas Eve in December, children in Molfetta, a city on the Adriatic Sea, put a plate on the table with a letter asking for gifts and promising to be good in the coming year. During the night, San Nicola fills most of the requests and piles the plates with chocolates, candies, and other good things.” (St Nicholas Center)
      1. “Because Nicholas is the patron saint of young women wanting to be married, young women still come to the Basilica di San Nicola in Bari on the 6th of December to put a note to the saint with three coins in a special box.”
   1. Romania: “On the night of December 5th, boots are cleaned and carefully polished to be put by the door or on the windowsill to wait for St. Nicholas’ (Sfantul Nicolae) visit. He is generous to adults as well as children, putting a little present in each boot—usually nuts, tangerines, sweets, chocolate and small useful items, like new socks. Larger gifts come at Christmas.” (St Nicholas Center)
   1. Holland: “After the Reformation, St. Nicholas was largely forgotten in Protestant Europe, although his memory was kept alive in Holland as Sinterklaas. There St. Nicholas is said to arrive on horseback on his feast day, dressed in a bishop’s red robe and mitre and accompanied by Black Peter (Zwarte Piet), variously described as a freed slave or a Moor, to help him distribute sweets and presents to good children or lumps of coal, potatoes, or switches to bad ones.” (Britannica)
      1. “Black face” is involved in the Dutch traditions and is a controversial topic today.
   1. Sources:
      1. https://www.stnicholascenter.org/around-the-world/customs
      2. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Nicholas-Day
      3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas_Day

TRANSITION: Today we prepare for a different holy day, Epiphany (January 6^th). That’s right until January 6^th we are still in Christmas season. So, if anyone wonders “when exactly do I take down my tree?” it’s January 6^th. Then bake yourself a King Cake or give each other books and celebrate Jesus as King.

We’re going to talk about the One True King from the Gospel of John’s perspective this morning.

MAIN TEXT: John 1: 10-18 ¹⁰The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light. ¹¹The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him. ¹²But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, ¹³born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God. ¹⁴The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. ¹⁵John testified about him, crying out, “This is the one of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is greater than me because he existed before me.’” ¹⁶From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace; ¹⁷as the Law was given through Moses, so grace and truth came into being through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸No one has ever seen God. God the only Son, who is at the Father’s side, has made God known.

EXPLAINATION: Jesus is God incarnate who came to earth to adopt all.

1. John’s Gospel opens very different from the other 3.
   1. Matthew and Luke both include some form of Christmas story.
   2. Mark just jumps into the story with John The Baptist announcing the coming Messiah.
   3. BUT John ties Jesus of Nazareth to the beginning of all things—Genesis 1:1
2. John wants to emphasize that God isn’t doing something new, nor is this a new God. This is the same God with the same plan.
   1. Jesus is God dwelling with God’s people. The Incarnate God.
      1. Jesus isn’t the first tale of a deity that walks among the people. The Greeks worshipped Zeus and he was known to frolic among the female humans… getting himself into trouble.
   2. Up until this point—a deity’s interaction with humans was about amusement and usually to the detriment of humans.
      1. Jesus of Nazareth is different. He is the eternal God who created all things and intends to pour out his grace. This is a God who adopts the abandoned and calls them his own.
         1. Our status as children of God isn’t born from any human thing—its entirely a gift from God.
      2. I love the language “grace upon grace” here (WP). This language indicates the fullness of God’s love. This grace isn’t temporary, short lived, or conditional—it’s the fullest form of grace.

TRANSITION:

1. Today, as we reflect on John 1, I want to officially say: “Welcome to the family!”
2. Next week we will celebrate the Baptism of Jesus and discuss how baptism is one way to express that we’re joining the family.

INTERPRETATION: Jesus is God incarnate who came to earth to adopt all.

1. Today is day 9 of the 12 days of Christmas.
   1. January 6^th is Epiphany and marks the beginning of a new season…. But we’ll talk about that next week!
      1. Some Epiphany traditions include King Cake or giving each other books to symbolize the “wise” men who gave Jesus gifts.
2. But no official action is required to receive God’s love or grace.
   1. Jesus called people to live transformed lives in light of the truth of Christ. BUT FIRST Jesus cared for people’s basic needs. Actions don’t earn you favor, God already gives it freely.
   2. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs & a lesson for the church about salvation
      1. Abraham Maslow formed a theory about the basic needs in each human.
      2. In order to develop the higher rungs of the pyramid, one must take care of the lower needs.
      3. The church has been known to flip this on it’s head when it comes to ministering to the poor, refugees, etc.
         1. Hear the gospel message, claim Jesus as your savior, and THEN we’ll feed you. (this is how the homeless shelter operates in my hometown).
         2. But the practice of Jesus wasn’t to give people drug tests or make them break up with their live in partners before they would get care. Jesus first cared for their physical needs.
            1. He healed. He fed. He cast out demons.
            2. THEN if the people stuck around, he called them to a different life.
               1. Woman at the well
               2. Adulterous woman
         3. The irony, is the bottom rungs aren’t always lacking. Sometimes people are drowning in excess stuff or cushioned by excess security and that needs balancing out before Jesus moves forward.
            1. i.e. Rich Man.

APPLICATION: To recognize there isn’t a chosen race but the family of God.

1. As God’s followers—we aren’t to put prerequisites on grace. We are to pour out care and compassion and let God do the rest. As the person sticks around, a life can be transformed BUT God is the one guiding the transformation—not our own ideas.
2. COMMUNION:  Let’s start off the year with a family meal!? I know with the holidays, there’s a good chance you’ve had your fill of these BUT this one isn’t just about food, it’s about a gift.
   1. No conditions. Jesus opens up the table to all. You’re invited into the family.
   2. The bread represents his body.
   3. The juice represents his blood.
   4. By his life, death, and resurrection we are all united into the family of God.

CONCLUSION: Christmas isn’t about Santa, Saint Nicolas, or Presents. It is about the actions God takes to heal creation and recall all of us to him.No matter what any one else may tell you—God invites you. God desires you. God calls you his own. Welcome to the family, may we continue to grow together.

Message Title: Living out the Plan
Theme: back to basics
Season: Advent
Main Text: all
Scripture Reading: all
RCL Scripture: Micah 5:2-5a; Psalm 80:1-7; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-55
Focus: Multiple prophetic voices point to Jesus as the plan for restoration.
Function:To shape our lives as prophetic voices pointing towards Christ.
Other Notes:

INTRODUCTION: New Beginnings—

1. Previously: ice breakers (benefit of being a rookie), team building exercises, remembering names
2. Work friends & Actual friends
   1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: What is the difference between a work friend and a friend?
      1. Seinfeld Meme
   1. Joke about Jesus being in his 30’s and having 12 close friends.

TRANSITION:

SCRIPTURE READING:

Micah 5:2-5a As for you, Bethlehem of Ephrathah, though you are the least significant of Judah’s forces, one who is to be a ruler in Israel on my behalf will come out from you. His origin is from remote times, from ancient days. ³Therefore, he will give them up until the time when she who is in labor gives birth. The rest of his kin will return to the people of Israel. ⁴He will stand and shepherd his flockin the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. They will dwell secure, because he will surely become great throughout the earth; ⁵he will become one of peace.

Psalm 80:1-7 Shepherd of Israel, listen! You, the one who leads Joseph as if he were a sheep. You, who are enthroned upon the winged heavenly creatures. Show yourself ²before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh! Wake up your power! Come to save us! ³Restore us, God! Make your face shine so that we can be saved! ⁴Lord God of heavenly forces, how long will you fume against your people’s prayer? ⁵You’ve fed them bread made of tears; you’ve given them tears to drink three times over! ⁶You’ve put us at odds with our neighbors; our enemies make fun of us. ⁷Restore us, God of heavenly forces! Make your face shine so that we can be saved!

Hebrews 10:5-10 ⁵ Therefore, when he comes into the world he says, You didn’t want a sacrifice or an offering, but you prepared a body for me; ⁶you weren’t pleased with entirely burned offerings or a sin offering. ⁷So then I said, “Look, I’ve come to do your will, God. This has been written about me in the scroll.” ⁸He says above, You didn’t want and you weren’t pleased with a sacrifice or an offering or with entirely burned offerings or a purification offering,which are offered because the Law requires them. ⁹Then he said, Look, I’ve come to do your will.He puts an end to the first to establish the second. ¹⁰We have been made holy by God’s will through the offering of Jesus Christ’s body once for all.

Luke 1:39-55 ³⁹Mary got up and hurried to a city in the Judean highlands. ⁴⁰She entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ⁴²With a loud voice she blurted out, “God has blessed you above all women, and he has blessed the child you carry. ⁴³Why do I have this honor, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. ⁴⁵Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her.” ⁴⁶Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! ⁴⁷ In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. ⁴⁸He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored ⁴⁹because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name. ⁵⁰He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God. ⁵¹He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations. ⁵²He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. ⁵³He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed. ⁵⁴He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy, ⁵⁵just as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.”

EXPLAINATION:

1. Micah
   1. Jewish lens:
      1. Threat of Assyria is strong, looking at their own demise on the horizon
      2. looking for restoration through an offspring of David, a shepherd and king
      3. “she” who would give birth could be a personification of Jerusalem (Daughter Zion)
   1. Christian lens:
      1. We hear words of Jesus coming to Mary
      2. -Scripture has layers-
         1. Cultural lens for the time the text was written
         2. For us today
         3. For those tomorrow
2. Psalm 80
   1. Like Micah, this passage speaks of a people experiencing loss. Either they are in exile or about to return and attempt to rebuild. They’re looking for God’s restoration.
   2. Prayer for hope in God’s work.
   3. There are times, especially during great loss or suffering that the words of the psalms or prophets remind me I’m not alone in waiting on God.
3. Hebrews
   1. Like the Micah passage, this passage has layers.
   2. The author of Hebrews uses the words from Psalm 40 to speak of Jesus and what he has accomplished.
   3. – scripture has layers-
4. Luke
   1. Mary visits Elizabeth and we see 3 prophetic moments happen (just before a 4^th)
      1. John leaped in this mother’s womb “this is the messiah!!!”
      2. Elizabeth proclaiming
      3. Mary’s Magnificat

INTERPRETATION:

1. Prophets like Micah & poetry in the Psalms are traditional ways of speaking to God and hearing God speak. The majority of these voices came from older Jewish men (with few exceptions like Miriam, Deborah, or Hannah)
   1. In Luke, the prophetic word comes from 3 unlikely characters: the unborn, the “barren” woman, and the virgin woman. These are voices that would not have been listened to in formal or traditional settings.
2. Think on the Magnificat for a moment:
   1. When Mary first heard from the Angel, her response was “let it be”
      1. Simple, honorable, but also reserved
   2. When Mary was with Elizabeth, her response was prophetic poetry called the Magnficat
      1. Grand, expressive, praise filled
   3. Mary’s prophetic moment was shared with a relative, friend, companion rather than the Angel.

APPLICATION:

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: If you are looking for a new product to buy (PICK ONE), what influences your buying decision: Advertisements, articles reviewing the product, or a friend’s review?
   1. Statistics say that the words of a friend have greater influence than advertisings. We trust the words of our friends more than we trust the fluffy, polished, photogenic words of a company.
2. This same premise transfers over into other parts of our lives.
   1. A famous Methodist evangelist named Rodney Smith has a well known quote on the subject:
      1. “There are 5 gospels: matthew, mark, luke, john, and the Christian. Most people will never read the first four.”
   2. Another quote typically attributed to St. Francis of Assisi (though that is up for debate) says:
      1. “Preach the Gospel at all times, when necessary, use words.”
3. You are the avenue for people to hear the message of God—what message is your life sending?
   1. The message:
      1. God’s plan has not changed
         1. God desires a direct relationship with all of creation.
      2. This relationship has been tainted and Jesus has come to restore it.
      3. Jesus is the great equalizer- humbling the proud and elevating the lowly.
      4. Jesus is the purifier- satisfying the sacrificial system once for all time.
         1. Jesus removes the qualifiers.
         2. No longer do you have to be “good enough,” Jesus IS the good enough. Consider this a group project and Jesus’s grade is what everyone gets.
      5. Jesus came for all people and all creation—so that all may know God.
         1. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection opened those doors.
      6. God intends to restore creation and we are waiting for that day.
      7. Things will not stay this way.
4. Jesus is the reason for the season. Jesus is ALSO the reason for all of creation. Jesus is the reason for our relationships with others and with this world. We are Jesus’ ambassadors on this earth, waiting for the fulfillment of scripture so all may be reunited and restored.
   1. 2 Corinthians 5:20

CONCLUSION:  We’ve spent the past 4 weeks going back to the basics. At the very beginning, we learned that having a rookie attitude was a benefit. Keep a teachable spirit. Keep learning. Keep preaching the gospel through your lives.

Go from this place- announcing the birth of Jesus, not just with Christmas celebrations but also with the grace we provide and the love we share.

Series conclusion: Rookie smarts—benefit of starting new, having humility and a teachable spirit.

11/21/2021

Message Title: One True King!
Theme: CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY
Season: Ordinary
Main Text: John 18:33-37
Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 23:1-7;
RCL Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:1-7; Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 93; Psalm 132:1-12, (13-18); John 18:33-37; Revelation 1:4b-8
Focus: Jesus is the one True King!
Function: To reject powers, authorities, companies that claim Jesus’ endorsement.
Other Notes:

SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Samuel 23:1-7 These are David’s last words: This is the declaration of Jesse’s son David, the declaration of a man raised high, a man anointed by the God of Jacob, a man favored by the strong one of Israel. ²The Lord’s spirit speaks through me; his word is on my tongue. ³Israel’s God has spoken, Israel’s rock said to me: “Whoever rules rightly over people, whoever rules in the fear of God, ⁴is like the light of sunrise on a morning with no clouds, like the bright gleam after the rain that brings grass from the ground.” ⁵Yes, my house is this way with God! He has made an eternal covenant with me, laid out and secure in every detail. Yes, he provides every one of my victories and brings my every desire to pass. ⁶But despicable people are like thorns, all of them good for nothing, because they can’t be carried by hand. ⁷No one can touch them, except with iron bar or the shaft of a spear. They must be burned up with fire right on the spot!

THRONES: 

1. Game- 
   1. Drawing Chain: 2 people 1 person draws on the other person’s back and the other person has to try to draw what they feel. 
   2. Pictionary
   3. “Password”—The password is…
2. Answers
   1. King of the Mountain (game)

TRANSITION: 

MAIN TEXT: John 18:33-37 ³³ Pilate went back into the palace. He summoned Jesus and asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?” ³⁴ Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others spoken to you about me?” ³⁵ Pilate responded, “I’m not a Jew, am I? Your nation and its chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?” ³⁶ Jesus replied, “My kingdom doesn’t originate from this world. If it did, my guards would fight so that I wouldn’t have been arrested by the Jewish leaders. My kingdom isn’t from here.” ³⁷ “So you are a king?” Pilate said. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this reason: to testify to the truth. Whoever accepts the truth listens to my voice.”

1. My kingdom doesn’t originate from this world
2. My guards
3. My kingdom isn’t from here

The One True King—Discussions of the king & descriptions of the King

ACTIVITY- read 3 passages and look for descriptions of Jesus and his kingshimp

Daniel 7: 9-10 ⁹As I was watching, thrones were raised up. The ancient one took his seat. His clothes were white like snow; his hair was like a lamb’s wool. His throne was made of flame; its wheels were blazing fire. ¹⁰A river of fire flowed out from his presence; thousands upon thousands served him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood ready to serve him! The court sat in session; the scrolls were opened.

1. “ancient one” 
2. Clothes “white like snow”
3. Hair “lamb’s wool” 
4. Flame throne

Isaiah 9:6-7 ⁶ A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever.

Revelation 1: 12-14 ¹² I turned to see who was speaking to me, and when I turned, I saw seven oil lamps burning on top of seven gold stands. ¹³ In the middle of the lampstands I saw someone who looked like the Human One.^[a] He wore a robe that stretched down to his feet, and he had a gold sash around his chest. ¹⁴ His head and hair were white as white wool—like snow—and his eyes were like a fiery flame. ¹⁵ His feet were like fine brass that has been purified in a furnace, and his voice sounded like rushing water. ¹⁶ He held seven stars in his right hand, and from his mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword. His appearance was like the sun shining with all its power.

Revelation 17:14  ¹⁴ They will make war on the Lamb, but the Lamb will emerge victorious, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those with him are called, chosen, and faithful.”

Revelation 19: 13-16 ¹³ He wore a robe dyed^[a] with blood, and his name was called the Word of God. ¹⁴ Heaven’s armies, wearing fine linen that was white and pure, were following him on white horses. ¹⁵ From his mouth comes a sharp sword that he will use to strike down the nations. He is the one who will rule them with an iron rod. And he is the one who will trample the winepress of the Almighty God’s passionate anger. ¹⁶ He has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: King of kings and Lord of lords.

1. Artist depiction of Jesus from Rev 19

APPLICATION: 

1. Our God is capable of bringing about the restoration. 
2. OUr God desires restoration.

CONCLUSION: 

Message Title: The Reconciliation Plan
Theme: Back to basics
Season: Advent
Main Text: all
Scripture Reading: all
RCL Scripture: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18
Focus: God’s plans are of reconciliation.
Function: To put our actions where our mouth is.
Other Notes: to include all creation; to be humble hearts acting on Gods love, NOT judging the worthiness of others

INTRODUCTION:

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: What do you do if you run into someone but forgot their name?
2. Small talk is awful
   1. The pressure of small talk can build up the stress enough, to not be able to receive names during introductions into my head.
      1. I’m the worst at remembering names in those first social meetings

SCRIPTURE READINGS:

Zephaniah 3:14-20 ¹⁴Rejoice, Daughter Zion! Shout, Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem. ¹⁵The Lord has removed your judgment; he has turned away your enemy. The Lord, the king of Israel, is in your midst; you will no longer fear evil. ¹⁶On that day, it will be said to Jerusalem: Don’t fear, Zion. Don’t let your hands fall. ¹⁷The Lord your God is in your midst—a warrior bringing victory. He will create calm with his love; he will rejoice over you with singing. ¹⁸I will remove from you those worried about the appointed feasts.They have been a burden for her, a reproach. ¹⁹Watch what I am about to do to all your oppressors at that time. I will deliver the lame; I will gather the outcast. I will change their shame into praise and fame throughout the earth. ²⁰At that time, I will bring all of you back, at the time when I gather you. I will give you fame and praise among all the neighboring peoples when I restore your possessions and you can see them—says the Lord.

Isaiah 12:2-6 ²God is indeed my salvation; I will trust and won’t be afraid. Yah, the Lord, is my strength and my shield; he has become my salvation.” ³You will draw water with joy from the springs of salvation. ⁴And you will say on that day: “Thank the Lord; call on God’s name; proclaim God’s deeds among the peoples; declare that God’s name is exalted. ⁵Sing to the Lord, who has done glorious things; proclaim this throughout all the earth.” ⁶Shout and sing for joy, city of Zion, because the holy one of Israel is great among you.

Philippians 4:4-7 ⁴Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say, be glad! ⁵Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near. ⁶Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. ⁷Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.

Luke 3:7-18 ⁷Then John said to the crowds who came to be baptized by him, “You children of snakes! Who warned you to escape from the angry judgment that is coming soon? ⁸Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives. And don’t even think about saying to yourselves, Abraham is our father. I tell you that God is able to raise up Abraham’s children from these stones. ⁹The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be chopped down and tossed into the fire.” ¹⁰The crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” ¹¹He answered, “Whoever has two shirts must share with the one who has none, and whoever has food must do the same.” ¹²Even tax collectors came to be baptized. They said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” ¹³He replied, “Collect no more than you are authorized to collect.” ¹⁴Soldiers asked, “What about us? What should we do?” He answered, “Don’t cheat or harass anyone, and be satisfied with your pay.” ¹⁵The people were filled with expectation, and everyone wondered whether John might be the Christ. ¹⁶John replied to them all, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is more powerful than me is coming. I’m not worthy to loosen the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ¹⁷The shovel he uses to sift the wheat from the husks is in his hands. He will clean out his threshing area and bring the wheat into his barn. But he will burn the husks with a fire that can’t be put out.” ¹⁸With many other words John appealed to them, proclaiming good news to the people.

EXPLAINATION: God’s plans are of reconciliation.

1. Out of order to highlight that today is GAUDETTE Sunday—notice the pink candle. This represents Joy.
   1. Isaiah 12:2-6–God has done glorious things
   2. Philippians 4:4-7–Transformed hearts and lives—gentleness and the peace that surpasses all understanding
2. Zephaniah 3: 14-20
   1. My favorite part about the Zephaniah passage is that this is the one bright side in the small prophecy. Previously, Zephaniah talked about fire that would burn things—but now the fire appears to be more of a refiner’s fire than all-consuming hell-fire.
3. Luke 3:7-18
   1. John does not say new stuff to his Jewish audience, but reminds them of the Jewish teachings that they needed to follow.
      1. This wasn’t anything new
   2. Consider the “chaff” that Jesus sorts as the chaff in each of us rather than people who are wheat and people who are chaff.

INTERPRETATION: God’s plans are of reconciliation.

1. God’s people are not to just speak words of holiness but to show their BELONGING to God’s family with their participation in God’s plan.
   1. Remember our struggle with coming up with a list last week?
   2. I think John’s conversation with the crowd is at the core of our own struggle—we don’t always connect our faith with our actions.
2. A changed heart evidenced by actions
   1. Crowds – if you have 2 shirts, give 1 away, share your food
   2. Tax collectors – collect no more than you are authorized
   3. Soldiers – don’t cheat, harass, and be satisfied with your pay

APPLICATION: To put our actions where our mouth is.

1. God is in the restoration & reconciliation business
   1. We should do the same
   2. How are we opening doors for healing & reconciliation?  PAUSE
2. Follow this train of thought for a moment:
   1. Just feeding the poor is not enough—for they will be hungry again.
      1. Yes, I know that the saying goes “give a man a fish he’ll eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.”
      2. But I’d like to consider that until the systems are changed that make the poor vulnerable, we will continue to have the poor.
      3. Until God’s kingdom is brought, we are called to fight the systems that make others vulnerable.
3. Our experience this weekend with Jubilee is step one—we don’t just give gifts; we get to know and care for families.
   1. Are there other ways that we can take the essence of Jubilee into practice in the rest of our lives?
      1. Not just serving people
      2. But caring about them

CONCLUSION: God’s plan isn’t about fancy words or fun small talk. God’s plan is restoration and redemption.

Benediction: May we walk the talk.

We did not get a video this week, however, we have a recording on FB.
12-5-2021

Message Title: My Place in the Plan
Theme: Back to basics
Season: Advent
Main Text: all
Scripture Reading: all
RCL Scripture: Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6
Focus: The role of God’s people in The Plan is participation.
Function: to serve, love, and spread hope as our participation in God’s plan
Other Notes: pointing towards christ’s return and God’s plans, calling people to changed lives
intro ideas: “Rookie Smarts” any intro 101 lessons

INTRO: TEAM BUILDING EXERCISES –

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: How do you feel about Team Building Exercises?
   1. Do you have a favorite?
2. I used to work a YMCA camp in SD –every year as we prepared for the summer we would have team building exercises to develop our trust and communication skills. These exercises were always facilitated by our High Ropes/ Rock Climbing instructors. – PHOTOS OF ME AT CAMP
   1. Human Knot
   2. Spider Web
   3. Wall Challenge
3. As much as I dislike ice breakers, team building exercises can be cheesey but they TRANSFORMED the way we worked as a team. AND THEN when we brought campers through the same program, their interaction with other campers would completely shift. These became life lessons they would carry with them.

TRANSITION:

Scripture Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 Look, I am sending my messenger who will clear the path before me; suddenly the Lord whom you are seeking will come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you take delight is coming, says the Lord of heavenly forces. ²Who can endure the day of his coming? Who can withstand his appearance? He is like the refiner’s fire or the cleaner’s soap. ³He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver. He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. They will belong to the Lord, presenting a righteous offering. ⁴The offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in ancient days and in former years.

Luke 1:68-79  ⁶⁸“Bless the Lord God of Israel because he has come to help and has delivered his people. ⁶⁹He has raised up a mighty savior for us in his servant David’s house, ⁷⁰just as he said through the mouths of his holy prophets long ago. ⁷¹He has brought salvation from our enemies and from the power of all those who hate us. ⁷²He has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and remembered his holy covenant, ⁷³the solemn pledge he made to our ancestor Abraham. He has granted ⁷⁴that we would be rescued from the power of our enemies so that we could serve him without fear, ⁷⁵in holiness and righteousness in God’s eyes, for as long as we live. ⁷⁶You, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way. ⁷⁷You will tell his people how to be saved through the forgiveness of their sins. ⁷⁸Because of our God’s deep compassion, the dawn from heaven will break upon us, ⁷⁹to give light to those who are sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide us on the path of peace.”

Philippians 1:3-11 ³I thank my God every time I mention you in my prayers. ⁴I’m thankful for all of you every time I pray, and it’s always a prayer full of joy. ⁵I’m glad because of the way you have been my partners in the ministry of the gospel from the time you first believed it until now. ⁶I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus. ⁷I have good reason to think this way about all of you because I keep you in my heart. You are all my partners in God’s grace, both during my time in prison and in the defense and support of the gospel. ⁸God is my witness that I feel affection for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. ⁹This is my prayer: that your love might become even more and more rich with knowledge and all kinds of insight. ¹⁰I pray this so that you will be able to decide what really matters and so you will be sincere and blameless on the day of Christ. ¹¹I pray that you will then be filled with the fruit of righteousness, which comes from Jesus Christ, in order to give glory and praise to God.

Luke 3:1-6 In the fifteenth year of the rule of the emperor Tiberius—when Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea and Herod was rulerover Galilee, his brother Philip was rulerover Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was rulerover Abilene, ²during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—God’s word came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. ³John went throughout the region of the Jordan River, calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. ⁴This is just as it was written in the scroll of the words of Isaiah the prophet, A voice crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight. ⁵Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be leveled. The crooked will be made straight and the rough places made smooth. ⁶All humanity will see God’s salvation.”

EXPLAINATION:

1. Malachi 3 – prophecy believed to be about John the B and Jesus
   1. Jesus is the refiner’s fire who will restore, purify, (improve?) God’s people
   2. John is the one preparing the way for Jesus
2. Luke 1– Zachariah’s prophecy about Jesus and the role of his son in announcing God’s intentions
   1. Jesus already has raised us up
   2. God keeps God’s promises
   3. John would speak of the forgiveness received because of God’s compassion
3. Philippians 1 – hope and direction for congregations
   1. Partners in the ministry of the gospel
   2. Partners in God’s grace
   3. Love might become more and more rich with knowledge and insight
4. Luke 3– John the Baptist at work
   1. The role of the church is to point towards Christ

INTERPRETATION:

1. John the Baptist was called to proclaim the coming of the Messiah
   1. He had a role to play.
2. God *could* just accomplish God’s will on God’s own. BUT God chooses to involve us.
   1. From Genesis and the creation of humans, God gave us roles to play in God’s plans.
   2. The story of Jesus is no different.

APPLICATION:

1. Our participation
   1. Serving
      1. Regardless of their story
         1. Paul was in prison and the Philippians cared for him
      2. Without sorting people into “worthy” or “unworthy”
      3. Every time we make a qualifier for service, God removes it
   2. Loving All people
      1. Just like with service, we are not putting conditions on love: “I’ll show you love if you behave like me, if you talk like me, if you think like me, if you vote or love like me”
   3. Spreading hope
      1. NOT condemnation
      2. Not backhanded hope
         1. “God loves sinners like you too”

CONCLUSION

COMMUNION

Message Title: The Big Plan
Theme: Back to the Basics
Season: Advent 1
RCL Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36
Focus: Christmas isn’t about a baby, it’s about a Savior fulfilling God’s plan.
Function: To prepare our hearts for the fulfillment of that plan and actively wait, living faithfully.
Other Notes: God wants all creation restored (think back to garden), we’re in the second advent now- waiting for this to come true.
intro ideas: “Rookie Smarts” any intro 101 lessons

SERIES INTRODUCTION: Happy New Year! Welcome to Advent and the beginning of a new church year. During the season of Advent, things will look a little different, as you have already noticed. We will be reading 4 passages from scripture and incorporating those into our sermon lesson rather than 1 main text. 

SERMON INTRODUCTION: 

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: 
   1. How many of you ACTUALLY like “Ice Breaker” questions? 
   2. What is the best “ice breaker” question you’ve heard? 
      1. I like “look at your arms, hands, legs and find a scar. Tell us about that scar”
      2. I have some great one for women’s only conversations too 😉 
2. Starting something new isn’t always fun… especially when you know that you’re going to have to answer ice breakers questions AND you’re an introvert. 
3. I attended a conference, years back where Liz Wisemen (author of Rookie Smarts) talked about the advantage of starting something new and being the rookie. Now, she wasn’t talking about having the best answer to ice breakers BUT she did talk about the benefit of a learning attitude. 

TRANSITION: We are going to practice a Rookie mindset by getting a smattering of scripture that will help lay the foundation to bring us Back to the Basics – to start Christmas isn’t about a baby, it’s about a Savior. 

MAIN TEXT: (SCRIPTURE READINGS)

Scripture Readings: 

Jeremiah 33:14-16 ¹⁴ The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill my gracious promise with the people of Israel and Judah. ¹⁵ In those days and at that time, I will raise up a righteous branch from David’s line, who will do what is just and right in the land. ¹⁶ In those days, Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is what he will be called: The Lord Is Our Righteousness. 

Psalm 25:1-10 I offer my life^[b] to you, Lord. ²My God, I trust you. Please don’t let me be put to shame! Don’t let my enemies rejoice over me! ³ For that matter, don’t let anyone who hopes in you be put to shame; instead, let those who are treacherous without excuse be put to shame. ⁴ Make your ways known to me, Lord; teach me your paths. ⁵ Lead me in your truth—teach it to me—because you are the God who saves me. I put my hope in you all day long. ⁶ Lord, remember your compassion and faithful love—they are forever! ⁷ But don’t remember the sins of my youth or my wrongdoing. Remember me only according to your faithful love for the sake of your goodness, Lord. ⁸ The Lord is good and does the right thing; he teaches sinners which way they should go. ⁹ God guides the weak to justice, teaching them his way. ¹⁰ All the Lord’s paths are loving and faithful for those who keep his covenant and laws.

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 ⁹ How can we thank God enough for you, given all the joy we have because of you before our God? ¹⁰ Night and day, we pray more than ever to see all of you in person and to complete whatever you still need for your faith. ¹¹ Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus guide us on our way back to you. ¹² May the Lord cause you to increase and enrich your love for each other and for everyone in the same way as we also love you. ¹³ May the love cause your hearts to be strengthened, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his people. Amen.

Luke 21:25-36 ²⁵ “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, there will be dismay among nations in their confusion over the roaring of the sea and surging waves. ²⁶ The planets and other heavenly bodies will be shaken, causing people to faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world. ²⁷ Then they will see the Human One^[b] coming on a cloud with power and great splendor. ²⁸ Now when these things begin to happen, stand up straight and raise your heads, because your redemption is near.” ²⁹ Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. ³⁰ When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. ³¹ In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that God’s kingdom is near. ³² I assure you that this generation won’t pass away until everything has happened. ³³ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away. ³⁴ “Take care that your hearts aren’t dulled by drinking parties, drunkenness, and the anxieties of day-to-day life. Don’t let that day fall upon you unexpectedly, ³⁵ like a trap. It will come upon everyone who lives on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶  Stay alert at all times, praying that you are strong enough to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand before the Human One.”^[c]

EXPLAINATION: Christmas isn’t about a baby, it’s about a Savior fulfilling God’s plan.

1. Jeremiah
   1. Even in the midst of exile, God is promising restoration and redemption. 
2. Psalm 
   1. David is expressing hope in God to keep God’s promises
3. 1 Thessalonians
   1. Paul instructs the Christians in Thessalonica to stay faithful to God while they wait for those promises to be fulfilled. 
4. Luke
   1. Jesus describes the signs pointing to God’s plans being fulfilled. 

INTERPRETATION: To prepare our hearts for the fulfillment of that plan and actively wait, living faithfully.

1. God’s plans didn’t start with the manger. God’s plans didn’t end with the cross. 
   1. Gordon Hickley’s quote
   2. Christmas is the prologue to Easter. Christ’s return is the epilogue. 
      1. It is ironic that we spend much more time focusing on Christmas when without Easter, Christmas is just a sweet story of a baby being born into less than desirable circumstances. 
      2. Easter is where the story REALLY unfolds. Acts 1 has us waiting with anticipation as we’re promised Jesus will return as he left. 
2. How are you waiting? Is your waiting pointing towards the truth and hope of Christ? 
   1. Waiting isn’t just for Advent or Christmas time—we are in the Second Advent, waiting for Christ to come back and fulfill all the promises found in scripture. We are waiting even now. 

APPLICATION: To prepare our hearts for the fulfillment of that plan and actively wait, living faithfully.

1. Ways to get involved with Advent: 
   1. Advent calendars – these all start on Dec 1^st. Advent begins 4 Sundays before Christmas, so the date changes every year therefore many start counting at Dec 1^st for consistency. 
      1. Could be treats, crafts, or random acts of kindness challenges
      2. Could also be a “reverse advent calendar” – print off ideas in the back. 
   2. Advent Spirals- instructions in the back 
      1. This could be paired with family devotions, prayer, or listening to some Christmas music together at the end of the day. 
   3. Advent Devotions- 
      1. Sarah Bessey- Waiting, Accepting, Journeying, Birthing https://www.sarahbessey.com/shop/advent?fbclid=IwAR0UKTR9nRiMO1VdVCyXlU3UytUp6Ywk79XIznlkhAkITPEyvjxKy3KRcqE 
      2. Walter Brueggemann- Celebrating Abundance https://www.amazon.com/Celebrating-Abundance-Devotions-Walter-Brueggemann/dp/0664262279/  
      3. Scott Erikson- Honest Advent https://www.amazon.com/Honest-Advent-Awakening-God-Us/dp/0310361877/ 
      4. Thomas G. Long- A Surprising God https://www.amazon.com/Surprising-God-Advent-Devotions-Uncertain/dp/0664267238/ 
      5. Zondervan has an Advent Verse Mapping program https://www.zondervan.com/p/versemapping-adventsignup/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=zbibles-vm-advent&fbclid=IwAR2UX0_R3IOf6Sebutn_TPH76xeRY6tDfUpyhbb6rZMm9fJjTYgwdoMeZu8 
   4. Advent Playlists
      1. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Mdxc5vcsIGBLWm9V1paGz?si=ace02f31252d42c0 
2. These activities are great for advent BUT they are also great for the second advent. What ways could you incorporate waiting, expectation, and faithfulness into your daily lives year round? 

CONCLUSION:  I invite you to go back to the basics, back to the beginning and learn something knew about God. Start over this Advent season. Today is a new day, a new church year—you have a chance to begin this relationship again. 

Message Title: Not the King
Theme: Thrones
Season: Ordinary
Main Text: Mark 13:1-8
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25
RCL Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 or Daniel 12:1-3 or 1 Samuel 2:1-10** Psalm 16 Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25 Mark 13:1-8
Focus: Jesus warns his disciples to not be led astray by false teachers.
Function: To raise caution towards our allegiances and loyalties by weighing them against scripture.
Other Notes:

SCRIPTURE READING: Hebrews 10:11-25 ¹¹ Every priest stands every day serving and offering the same sacrifices over and over, sacrifices that can never take away sins. ¹² But when this priest offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, he sat down at the right side of God. ¹³ Since then, he’s waiting until his enemies are made into a footstool for his feet, ¹⁴ because he perfected the people who are being made holy with one offering for all time. ¹⁵ The Holy Spirit affirms this when saying, ¹⁶ This is the covenant that I will make with them. After these days, says the Lord, I will place my laws in their hearts and write them on their minds. ¹⁷And I won’t remember their sins and their lawless behavior anymore. ¹⁸ When there is forgiveness for these things, there is no longer an offering for sin. ¹⁹ Brothers and sisters, we have confidence that we can enter the holy of holies by means of Jesus’ blood, ²⁰ through a new and living way that he opened up for us through the curtain, which is his body, ²¹ and we have a great high priest over God’s house. ²² Therefore, let’s draw near with a genuine heart with the certainty that our faith gives us, since our hearts are sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies are washed with pure water. ²³ Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable. ²⁴ And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. ²⁵ Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.

CROWN GAME:

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT:
   1. Can you recognize a monarch by their crown?
      1. Ursala from The Little Mermaid
      2. Joffrey Baratheon from GOT
      3. Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland
      4. King Aragorn from The Return of the King
      5. The White Witch/Queen Jadis from The lion, The witch, and the wardrobe
      6. Bonus: Queen Anna from Frozen
2. I’m a sucker for stories about monarchs, both historical and fiction. Give me the story of King Arthur or King George VI and I’m all in. What is it about the stories of royalty that draws us in?

TRANSITION: Next Sunday is the final Sunday in the church calendar, known as Christ the King Sunday or Reign of Christ Sunday. We will take 2 weeks to consider kingship and Jesus’s role.

In our text today, Jesus warns of leaders who would mislead Jesus’ disciples and warns them to stay sharp. Let’s consider loyalty as we dive into this text.

MAIN TEXT: Mark 13:1-8 As Jesus left the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look! What awesome stones and buildings!” ² Jesus responded, “Do you see these enormous buildings? Not even one stone will be left upon another. All will be demolished.” ³ Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, ⁴ “Tell us, when will these things happen? What sign will show that all these things are about to come to an end?” ⁵ Jesus said, “Watch out that no one deceives you. ⁶ Many people will come in my name, saying, ‘I’m the one!’ They will deceive many people. ⁷ When you hear of wars and reports of wars, don’t be alarmed. These things must happen, but this isn’t the end yet. ⁸ Nations and kingdoms will fight against each other, and there will be earthquakes and famines in all sorts of places. These things are just the beginning of the sufferings associated with the end.

EXPLAINATION:

1. “one of his disciples said”—an unnamed disciple is in awe of the Temple and expresses this awe to Jesus.
2. “All will be demolished.”- Jesus seems to be in a dark place as he mentions that destruction will come to this beautiful place.
   1. At times in the different scriptures, Jesus predicts his death and the destruction of the Temple and the language can be confusing. However, this time, Jesus doesn’t blend those two topics. The Temple will fall. This beautiful, holy place will fall.
3. “when will these things happen?”- naturally the disciples want to know when these events will unfold and how to be prepared.
4. “Watch out that no one deceives you.”–Jesus doesn’t directly answer, his reply is to not be led astray.

INTERPRETATION:

1. Put it in context:
   1. Just before this conversation, Jesus pointed out the giving of a poor widow. Even in her poverty, she gave to God.
   2. Now we have disciples in awe of this pretty building. What a juxtaposition?! This beautiful elaborate building is just a building. It doesn’t ensure the faithfulness of God’s people. Jews were supposed to provide for the widow, yet this woman was destitute. What happened?
2. Little Apocalypse: In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus had already been teaching the disciples that he would be killed (starting in Mark 8). The disciples were to prepare for ministry without Jesus by their side. However, this apocalyptic teaching was different, this wasn’t about Jesus’ death…directly.
   1. These words of doom could sound overwhelming but there is more that the disciples may not be considering: Jesus will not be there when this destruction comes. They will experience this tragedy alone. Will they remain faithful amid suffering?
   2. Jesus’ prediction comes true:
      1. 70 A.D. the temple get’s destroyed and is never rebuilt again.
   3. Imagine the despair in Jesus’ followers when 40 years later the holy temple of God is destroyed. Would they remember these words? Would they feel comforted or that the world is ending?
3. The End of the World: Every generation has events that feel like the end of times. Every generation has people speaking out saying “The End is Near!” because we need to “read the signs of the times!” Yet here we are in 2021 preparing for 2022.
   1. 70 AD temple destruction
   2. WWII
   3. Vietnam
   4. 9/11
   5. COVID

APPLICATION: To raise caution towards our allegiances and loyalties by weighing them against scripture.

1. Trials and tribulations are easy temptation breeding grounds to switch allegiances for self-preservation.
   1. In The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Edmund initially fostered a relationship with Queen Jadis because he thought she would elevate him above his siblings.
   2. In The Lord of The Rings, the Hobbits of Hobbiton intentionally ignored the rest of the world. They didn’t get involved. Their corner of the world was happy and safe, why should they interfere?
2. Leaders can have selfish motives. It is important to ask questions and to assess things through the lens of Scripture with the guidance of God’s Spirit.
   1. Prince John in Robin Hood wanted the wealth of his kingdom for himself.
   2. The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland wanted subjects to flatter her and entertain her.
3. We must temper our allegiance even to good leaders.
   1. Jesus first and foremost is our King.
   2. Every other law of the land or word of a ruler should be tempered through the words of Christ.
4. Reflection:
   1. Are we, as Christians, able to be critical thinkers?
   2. Are we able to test every leader, ruler, and power against the words of Christ?
   3. Can we tell the difference between false rulers and the One True King?

CONCLUSION: Next week we will celebrate the One True King. Come back next week and we will look for attributes of our king. Then we can test others according to the truth of Christ.