Sermon Notes (Page 3)

This week we will read from the book of Exodus, the letter to the Romans, and the Gospel of Matthew. These texts wrestle with many things, but we will focus on the concept of “freedom” in both the ancient world and our modern lives: Exodus 12:1-4, 12-14 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, “This month will be the first month; it will be the first month of the year for you. Tell the whole…

Throughout August we have followed the Revised Common Lectionary. Every week our readings wrestle with a particular theme. This week we are still in the Book of Genesis, the letter to the Romans, and the Gospel of Matthew. These texts wrestle with many things, but we will focus on the concept of “pride” in both the ancient world and our modern lives: Genesis 45: 1-15  Joseph could no longer control himself in front of all his attendants, so he declared,…

Over the next two months (Aug 6 – Sept 24) we will follow the Revised Common Lectionary. Although we will not observe an “official” worship series, all of our readings will wrestle with a particular theme. We will follow the Book of Genesis, the letter to the Romans, and the Gospel of Matthew. This week we will wrestle with the concept of “legacy” in both the ancient world and our modern lives: Genesis 32:23-31  23 (Jacob) took them and everything that…

This week we continue our 6-week series called Unity in Diversity: The Beauty of The United Methodist Church. For four weeks we have explored the rich history and theology that we share as United Methodists. Whether you are new to this congregation or have been a part since the beginning, you know that we are diverse in our history, our background, our education and socio-economic status, our theology, our age, and so much more! Enriched by this diversity, we are…

This week we begin a new 6-week series called Unity in Diversity: The Beauty of The United Methodist Church. Through these coming weeks, we will explore the rich history and theology that we share as United Methodists. This first Sunday, we kick off this series in the perfect way: by welcoming new members into the congregation of La Jolla United Methodist Church! Some new members are Confirmands who are professing their faith; some are transferring their membership from other congregations;…

This week and next, we will remain in the Revised Common Lectionary before moving into our next series. This Second Sunday after Pentecost includes texts that remind us that God’s presence and call can rarely be described as expected or ordinary. (Side note: this season is often called “ordinary time” because it is a long season counted by ordinal numbers, not because it is common or uneventful.) Abram isn’t young when God calls him to leave everything he knows. Matthew…

This week our church will celebrate two special Sundays in one: Trinity Sunday, as celebrated by all mainline churches, and Peace with Justice Sunday, a special event the United Methodist Church. On Trinity Sunday we recognize the triune nature of God. On Peace with Justice Sunday we emphasize our “social holiness,” the practice of loving God and our neighbor through peacemaking efforts and justice-seeking activities. United Methodists relate to this special Sunday by seeking peaceful solutions, creating and supporting peace-related…

As we prepare for this Sunday, we look forward to the celebration of Pentecost! This week’s message will explore two New Testament texts. Through the imagery of fire and the act of breathing, we will consider the theme of inspiration and empowerment, stirring our hearts to make a positive impact on our communities and the world around us. In Acts 2, we witness the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, where the disciples were filled…

As we prepare for the upcoming Sunday worship service, we eagerly anticipate the celebration of Ascension Sunday. This special occasion invites us to delve into the theme of “Anticipation” and explore its significance in our spiritual journey. Our focal point will be found opening verses of the book of Acts. In this text, we encounter the disciples in a moment of profound transition as Jesus ascends to heaven, promising the arrival of the Holy Spirit. Through this passage, we are…

We conclude our series “1/2 Truths” where every week we have explored and analyzed a common Christian phrase. Last week we considered the phrase “God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It,” and this week we move on to the phrase “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin.” Like many of the other phrases we’ve explored, this one seems great on its surface. Of course we should love those who sin! Indeed, Paul reminds us that we all fall short…

We continue the series “1/2 Truths” where every week we will explore and analyze a common Christian phrase. Last week we considered the phrase “God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle” and this week we move on to the phrase “God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It.” How many times have you heard this statement? This exclamation is typically employed at the end of a discussion or argument. I have rarely heard this phrase used any…

We continue the series “1/2 Truths” where every week we will explore and analyze a common Christian phrase. Last week we considered the phrase “Everything Happens for a Reason” and this week we move on to the phrase “God Won’t give You More Than You Can Handle.” This week we explore a phrase that seems so comforting at first! When we are at the depths of misery and pain, this might suggest that there are limits and that God is…