God Invented Rest
Message Title: God Invented RestTheme: Flopped Inventions & New DiscoveriesSeason: EpiphanyMain Text: Mark 1:29-39Scripture Reading: Psalm 147:1-11, 20cRCL Scripture: Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39Focus: Amid Jesus’ ministry, he took time to rest.Function: To accept the gift of rest and find time to recharge our own metaphorical batteries.Other Notes: Alfred L … Continue reading God Invented Rest
Can We Really Know?
Service originally recorded on 1/24/2021 Message Title: Can We Really Know?Theme: Flopped Inventions & New DiscoveriesSeason: EpiphanyMain Text: Mark 1:14-20Scripture Reading: Psalm 62:5-12RCL Scripture: Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20Focus: Mark depicts Jesus calling his first disciples different from John’s Gospel.Function: To find peace in the exploration of scripture by acknowledging … Continue reading Can We Really Know?
A Message from Beyond — quarantined service
Service from 1/31/2021: I was contact traced during COVID and required to stay home for 10 days (incubation time) until I could test negative. This service was broadcast on Facebook live from my home. Message Title: A Message from BeyondTheme: Flopped Inventions & New DiscoveriesSeason: EpiphanyMain Text: Mark 1:21-28Scripture Reading: Psalm 111RCL Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; … Continue reading A Message from Beyond — quarantined service
Illuminated Discoveries
Message Title: Illuminated DiscoveriesTheme: Flopped Inventions & New DiscoveriesSeason: EpiphanyMain Text: John 1:43-51Scripture Reading: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18RCL Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20); Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51Focus: Nathaniel, the skeptic, becomes a disciple of Jesus.Function: To review the changes of the church over time and recognize the dawn of change to come.Other … Continue reading Illuminated Discoveries
Waters Changing Tides
Message Title: Waters Changing TidesTheme: Flopped Inventions & New DiscoveriesSeason: EPIPHANY (started Jan 6th)Main Text: Mark 1:4-11Scripture Reading: Psalm 29RCL Scripture: Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11Focus: John the Baptist baptizes Jesus, and a voice claims Jesus as his son.Function: To commit or recommit to the continual transformation of our baptism.Other Notes: (Wisemen … Continue reading Waters Changing Tides
Shout it from the Roof Tops
Message Title: Shout it from the Roof TopsTheme: God’s consistencySeason: ChristmasMain Text: John 1:(1-9), 10-18Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-14RCL Scripture: Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20; Ephesians 1:3-14; John 1:(1-9), 10-18Focus: Jesus was present & part of the plan from the beginning.Function: To practice awe and wonder while considering the implications of our beliefs on our lives.Other Notes: … Continue reading Shout it from the Roof Tops
I wrote an article for my local paper.
A few people loved it. However, not everyone liked it. I realized quickly that when talking about controversial topics, not everyone will hear a new opinion. Especially, if that new opinion challenges their ethos. The following week, the newspaper released two “letters to the editor” in response to my article. What fascinated me is that … Continue reading I wrote an article for my local paper.
Risky Business
Message Title: Risky BusinessTheme: Waiting on GodSeason: AdventMain Text: Isaiah 40:1-11;Scripture Reading: Mark 1:1-8RCL Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8Focus: God speaks of a future peace for Judah.Function: To commit to a life of peace-bringing and search out ways to bring peace. Other Notes: Traditional themes each week: Hope, Peace, … Continue reading Risky Business
God, You’re Late
Message Title: God, You’re LateTheme: Waiting on GodSeason: AdventMain Text: Isaiah 64:1-9;Scripture Reading: Mark 13:24-37RCL Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37Focus: Isaiah asks God to provide Judah’s hope of restoration. (the People are blaming God)Function: To pick up our Gospel responsibility and leave God’s responsibilities to God.– To wait, trust, … Continue reading God, You’re Late
Farm Animals & Kings
Message Title: Farm Animals & KingsTheme: Christ the King SundaySeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Matthew 25:31-46Scripture Reading: Psalm 100RCL Scripture: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100; Psalm 95:1-7a; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46Focus: Jesus’ parable calls for action, not just pretty words.Function: To get involved in the messiness of the Gospel by loving people that are hard to love. Other … Continue reading Farm Animals & Kings
Forest Roots: A Bonus Episode
Originally preached on 11/15/2020 at Liberty Baptist Church in Tipton, In Title: Forest Roots: A Bonus EpisodeTheme: KNOW YOUR ROOTSSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Judges 4:1-7Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:14-30RCL Scripture: Judges 4:1-7; Psalm 123; Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18; Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30Focus: Israel forgets the dependable character of God.Function: To be a Christian … Continue reading Forest Roots: A Bonus Episode
Commitment to My Roots
11/1/2020 Sermon Message Title: Commitment to My RootsTheme: KNOW YOUR ROOTSSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Joshua 3:7-17Scripture Reading: Matthew 23:1-12;RCL Scripture: Joshua 3:7-17; Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Micah 3:5-12; Psalm 43; 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Matthew 23:1-12; Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10, 22; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12Focus: God commits to Joshua and makes it known to Israel through big … Continue reading Commitment to My Roots
Back to Our Roots
Message Title: Back to Our RootsTheme: KNOW YOUR ROOTSSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Deuteronomy 34:1-12;Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:34-46RCL Scripture: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18; Psalm 1; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46Focus: Moses dies and transfers leadership to Joshua as Israel enters the Promise Land.Function: To think about our roots as we plan our future … Continue reading Back to Our Roots
Do You Even Know Me?
Message Title: Do You Even Know Me?Theme: Heretics & Holy ProphetsSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Isaiah 45:1-7Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:15-22RCL Scripture: Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 96:1-9, (10-13); 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22Focus: God speaks through the prophet to King Cyrus.Function: To worship God for his dominion has no bounds and to celebrate that God … Continue reading Do You Even Know Me?
Musical Heresy
Originally preached on 10/4/2020 Message Title: Musical HeresyTheme: Heretics & Holy ProphetsSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Isaiah 5:1-7Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:33-46RCL Scripture: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19; Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:7-15; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46Focus: Israel did not stay faithful to the message God gave their ancestors.Function: To hold our love of history/tradition in balance with … Continue reading Musical Heresy
Unclear Expectations
Originally preached 10-11-2020 Postscript: This sermon also saw some changes between the preparation, practice, and preaching. I’ll share the video of the sermon when it is uploaded to youtube. Message Title: Unclear ExpectationsTheme: Heretics & Holy ProphetsSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Isaiah 25:1-9Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:1-14RCL Scripture: Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23; Philippians … Continue reading Unclear Expectations
Isaiah 1:11-17- late night reading
It’s 11pm and I can’t sleep. My mind has been quite sour all day so I turned to scripture. Just yesterday I encouraged church people to read through Isaiah since we’ll be talking about it over the next three weeks. So here I am, lying in bed reading the opening chapters and this passage stood … Continue reading Isaiah 1:11-17- late night reading
Popular Kids
Postscript: the recording of this sermon was outside and a very windy day. Therefore, the audio is awful and I won’t be posting a video. Message Title: Popular KidsTheme: Life Lessons from the PlaygroundSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Matthew 21:23-32Scripture Reading: Exodus 17:1-7RCL Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16; Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32; Psalm 25:1-9; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew … Continue reading Popular Kids
That’s So Unfair!
Post Script: Once again, my sermon took an interesting turn compared to what I had prepared. What a fun conundrum on Sunday! I got to church and tried to print off my sermon, but the printer wasn’t working. I make an outline and used that in place of my manuscript notes. Here’s the full service … Continue reading That’s So Unfair!
Forgive and Forget
9/13/2020 at Homecoming Outdoor Worship Post Script: this sermon was not an easy one to write. I really struggled with this passage because of my own story of forgiveness. Message Title: Forgive & ForgetTheme: Life Lessons from the PlaygroundSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Matthew 18:21-35Scripture Reading: Exodus 14:19-31RCL Scripture: Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21; … Continue reading Forgive and Forget
Be the Bigger Person
Post Script: This sermon unfolded differently than the manuscript I prepared. Check out this link to my YouTube channel if you would like to compare the two: Sermon on 9/6/2020 Message Title: Be the Bigger PersonTheme: Life Lessons from the PlaygroundSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Matthew 18:15-20Scripture Reading: Exodus 12:1-14RCL Scripture: Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 149; Ezekiel 33:7-11; … Continue reading Be the Bigger Person
Whose Redemption Story Is this?
Outside Worship at Liberty Baptist Church in Tipton, IN on 8/30/2020 Message Title: Whose Redemption Story Is this?Theme: Redeemer of StoriesSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Exodus 3:1-15;Scripture Reading: Romans 12:9-21RCL Scripture: Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b; Jeremiah 15:15-21; Psalm 26:1-8; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28Focus: God invites Moses to be part of the redemption of Israel.Function: To … Continue reading Whose Redemption Story Is this?
Writer’s block and Speaker’s remorse
Sometimes, I can be extremely naive to my own mistakes. I can be clueless to the ways I may offend individuals, living blissfully in my ignorance. As I reflect on each sermon or professional conversation, I look back and see when I’ve made insensitive or inappropriate errors in communicating. One particular blunder has continued to … Continue reading Writer’s block and Speaker’s remorse
Unconventional Redemption
Message Title: Unconventional RedemptionTheme: Redeemer of StoriesSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Exodus 1:8-2:10;Scripture Reading: Romans 12:1-8;RCL Scripture: Exodus 1:8-2:10; Psalm 124; Isaiah 51:1-6; Psalm 138; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20Focus: God uses women in Israel’s exodus & redemption story.Function: To find yourself and others in the Big Redemption story and see your little redemption coinciding with The Big … Continue reading Unconventional Redemption
Sugar Coated Plans (Family Dysfunction Redeemed Part 2)
Liberty Baptist on August 16th, 2020 Message Title: Sugar Coated PlansTheme: Redeemer of StoriesSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Genesis 45:1-15;Scripture Reading: Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32;RCL Scripture: Genesis 45:1-15; Psalm 133; Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Psalm 67; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28Focus: God redeems the story of 12 brothers.Function: To not blame or attribute God for our pains, … Continue reading Sugar Coated Plans (Family Dysfunction Redeemed Part 2)
Family Dysfunction Redeemed Part 1
Liberty Baptist on August 9th, 2020 Yes, the cinematics are terrible. My apologies. Message Title: Family Dysfunction Redeemed Part 1Theme: Redeemer of StoriesSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28;Scripture Reading: Romans 10:5-15;RCL Scripture: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b; 1 Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85:8-13; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33Focus: Abraham’s family dysfunction is generational but … Continue reading Family Dysfunction Redeemed Part 1
By Any Other Name
Message Title: By Any Other NameTheme: Redeemer of StoriesSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Genesis 32:22-31Scripture Reading: Romans 9:1-5;RCL Scripture: Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 17:1-7, 15; Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21Focus: Jacob wrestles a mysterious person and receives a name change.Function: To recognize the redemption arch in our own story and that God hasn’t finished … Continue reading By Any Other Name
Evil Plans Foiled
Message Title: Evil Plans FoiledTheme: Stories of TransformationSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Romans 8: (12-25) 26-39; Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52RCL Scripture: Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm 105:1-11, 45b or Psalm 128; 1 Kings 3:5-12; Psalm 119:129-136; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52Focus: Paul says nothing can separate us from God’s love.Function: To receive God’s unconditional love and to celebrate our adoption and how … Continue reading Evil Plans Foiled
Justice, Symbols, and Statues
I am a white, cisgender, female. Though I am a Baptist pastor, I have experienced minimal interruptions on my career path. I experience the benefits of white privilege daily. Do not misunderstand me, I have experienced true trauma in life, things that I turn to therapy and medication to handle, but my life is not … Continue reading Justice, Symbols, and Statues
Silly things with my husband
My husband and I like to joke that we are needs and collectors of hobbies. One of our favorite nerdy pastimes is Pokemon Go. Today we invested four hours in Community Day for Gastly. Yes, you read that right. Four hours of catching Pokemon around town. I may not have photos of me and Josh…. … Continue reading Silly things with my husband
Paintings
I enjoy painting. I prefer to use acrylic as my main medium though I have used oil in the past but would grow frustrated with paint thinner and clean up. However, I do not do well with water color…I’m rather impatient and water color requires more patience. Honestly, I hadn’t painted since early 2018. Prior … Continue reading Paintings
The Constancy of Change
Message Title: The Constancy of ChangeTheme: Stories of TransformationSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Romans 7:15-25a;Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30Focus: Paul speaks about the struggle of following God’s word.Function: To pursue the upward spiral of spiritual formation by connecting with God, community, and education.Other Notes: COMMUNION// THE BUTLER (Cecil Gains changes his mind about the Civil Rights movement) … Continue reading The Constancy of Change
Playing Favorites
Message Title: Playing FavoritesTheme: Psalms and Songs: songs from 1960’s music with similar feelings to psalmsSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18;Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:40-42RCL Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14; Psalm 13; Jeremiah 28:5-9; Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42Focus: This psalm is a psalm of praise for the God that chose David to be king.Function: To … Continue reading Playing Favorites
God, Can I Borrow Your Smite Machine?
Message Title: God, Can I Borrow Your Smite Machine?Theme: Psalms and Songs: songs from 1960’s music with similar feelings to psalmsSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Psalm 69:7-10, (11-15), 16-18Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:24-39RCL Scripture: Genesis 21:8-21; Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17; Jeremiah 20:7-13; Psalm 69:7-10, (11-15), 16-18; Romans 6:1b-11; Matthew 10:24-39Focus: David asks for God’s help to smite his enemies.Function: … Continue reading God, Can I Borrow Your Smite Machine?
Not Hopelessly Romantic but Faithfully Loving
November 11th, 2019 Message Title: Not Hopelessly Romantic but Faithfully LovingTheme: History is Our StorySeason: Ordinary TimeColor: GreenMain Text: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12Scripture Reading: Luke 19:1-10Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144, Isaiah 1:10-18, Psalm 32:1-7, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10Focus: Paul greets the Thessalonians a second time with a hopeful thought wrapped up in … Continue reading Not Hopelessly Romantic but Faithfully Loving
The Story of Assimilation or Confrontation
July 28th, 2019 Message Title: The Story of Assimilation or Confrontation Theme: History is Our StorySeason: Ordinary TimeColor: GreenMain Text: Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19)Scripture Reading: Psalm 85RCL Scripture: Hosea 1:2-10, Psalm 85, Genesis 18:20-32, Psalm 138, Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19), Luke 11:1-13Focus: Paul moves from foundational beliefs on Christ to practical beliefs as believers.Function: to acknowledge our risk … Continue reading The Story of Assimilation or Confrontation
The History of Hymns
July 21st, 2019 Message Title: The History of HymnsTheme: History is Our StorySeason: Ordinary TimeColor: GreenMain Text: Colossians 1:15-23Scripture Reading: Amos 8:1-12RCL Scripture: Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52, Genesis 18:1-10a, Psalm 15, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42Focus: After Paul’s greeting, he grounds his letter in the gospel before proceeding into teaching. Function: To remember the foundation of our … Continue reading The History of Hymns
Attaboy Doesn’t Mean All Done
July 14th, 2019 Message Title: Attaboy Doesn’t Mean All DoneTheme: History is Our StorySeason: Ordinary TimeColor: GreenMain Text: Colossians 1:1-14Scripture Reading: Psalm 82RCL Scripture: Amos 7:7-17, Psalm 82, Deuteronomy 30:9-14, Psalm 25:1-10, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37Focus: Paul introduces himself to the Colossians and expresses gratitude. Function: To realize that one job well done is only the … Continue reading Attaboy Doesn’t Mean All Done
Freedom Isn’t Free
June 30th, 2019 Message Title: Freedom Isn’t FreeTheme: History is Our StorySeason: Ordinary TimeColor: GreenMain Text: Galatians 5:1, 13-26,Scripture Reading: Psalm 16RCL Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20, 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21, Psalm 16, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62Focus: Paul reminds the Galatians that we are not bound by a law but are … Continue reading Freedom Isn’t Free
Roman Soldiers, Christians, and Unity
June 16th, 2019 Message Title: Roman Soldiers, Christians, and UnityTheme: History is Our StorySeason: Ordinary TimeColor: GreenMain Text: Romans 5:1-5Scripture Reading: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 RCL Scripture: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15Focus: Paul writes a letter to the Roman church to keep their faith grounded in Christ. Function: To step up as active … Continue reading Roman Soldiers, Christians, and Unity
Paint the Town Red
June 9th, 2019 Message Title: Paint the Town RedTheme: PentecostSeason: PentecostColor: RedMain Text: Acts 2:1-21Scripture Reading: GOING ROGUE!! Acts 10: 44-48RCL Scripture: *Acts 2:1-21 or Genesis 11:1-9, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, Romans 8:14-17 or Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-17, (25-27)Focus: The Holy Spirit comes first to the Jews (all ages and genders) and later to the Gentiles.Function: … Continue reading Paint the Town Red
Churches, Families, and Unity
June 2nd, 2019 Message Title: Churches, Families, and UnityTheme: Skeptics, Heretics, and the GospelSeason: EasterColor: WhiteMain Text: John 17: 20-26Scripture Reading: Psalm 97RCL Scripture: Acts 16:16-34, Psalm 97, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26 Focus: Jesus is praying for future believers to reflect the unity & love that the father and son share. Function: To be rooted … Continue reading Churches, Families, and Unity
American Baptist Churches- Dakotas Ordination Paper
Preface: This document was written fall of 2017. Much has changed in my life since then (read moving to a different state, starting a new church, divorce, remarriage, etc). While much of this still represents my perspective, things have changed. I look forward to writing another document like this or perhaps a post script to … Continue reading American Baptist Churches- Dakotas Ordination Paper
Prayer & The Art of Listening
June 14th, 2020 Message Title: Prayer & The Art of ListeningTheme: Psalms and Songs: songs from 1960’s music with similar feelings to psalmsSeason: ORDINARYMain Text: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19;Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23)RCL Scripture: Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7); Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Exodus 19:2-8a; Psalm 100; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23)Focus: Our unknown author speaks of God rescuing … Continue reading Prayer & The Art of Listening
