Sermons on John (Page 3)

The Image of Community

As we journey into summer and the season after Pentecost, we follow the arrival of the Holy Spirit with a celebration of the mysterious Trinity. The idea of the Trinity has surely inspired volumes of works simply to explain its theological concept. It is difficult for us to understand how God can be both infinitely whole and also three completely separate persons (Creator, Christ, Spirit). Perhaps the phrase from John below says it well: “you can’t handle it now.” And…

Sparks of the Spirit

Pentecost Sunday is a long-standing tradition in Christian churches because it is the moment of the arrival of God’s Holy Spirit among the faithful followers. Classical Christian theology affirms God in trinity, and this moment brings completion to the triune presence. Scripture: John 14:8-17, 25-26; Acts 2:1-8, 12-21 (CEB)

Good Friday: Were You There?

Technical note: This service was held at Pacific Beach UMC and is reposted here for the convenience of LJUMC community members. Good Friday marks the day when hate and fear did their worst…the day of Jesus’ crucifixion.  On this day of grief and sorrow, we will gather with one another, in God’s care, to remember Jesus’ death on a cross. LJUMC joins the good people at Pacific Beach UMC in their sanctuary in prayerful reflection online and in-person for Good…

Maundy Thursday

The Maundy Thursday celebration is traditionally an honoring of Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. Told in all four of the Gospels, this tradition celebrates the institution of Holy Communion. In addition, the Gospel of John tells of a new commandment to love one another. The word “maundy” is from the same Latin root of the word commandment. We join together with the people of Pacific Beach UMC for an in-person and online service to confess and be pardoned, to…

Giving Up Being Right

Technical Note: We apologize. The first 10 minutes of the embedded video has no sound. We are blessed with leadership from Rev. Mark Wiley, who has served around the Southern California region including in Santee. Pastor Mark continues our Lenten series with a poignant reminder that we’re not always right–and that’s ok! Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21 (NRSV); John 12:1-8 (CEB)

The Light of Home

Note: Due to unforeseen circumstances, both Pastor Bob and Pastor Derek were prevented from being in Worship, and instead our South District Superintendent, the Rev. Sandy Olewine, brought a message of light and hope. Our Scripture this week comes from John 1:10-18.  It is the second half of the prologue to John’s Gospel. For the author of the Gospel of John, Jesus is the Word of God and the light that gives life.  Yet the truth is, no matter how…

Family Candlelight Service

Our 5:00 pm Christmas Eve Service focuses on children and families and will tell the story of Christmas through scripture and song. Children may be invited to join an informal visual tableau (no rehearsal required!) with fun costumes and easy movements. We will conclude with Christmas carols and candles.

Everyone Who Belongs

As we approach the end of our Christian year with Reign of Christ Sunday (sometimes called Christ the King), we might consider where we place Christ in our lives. Have we kept Jesus at the center of our awareness, remembering his parables and teachings? Have we remembered each day and even each moment to follow the commands to love God with all that we have and to love our neighbors as ourselves? Have we allowed Christ to reign in our…

Seeking Light in the Darkness

This Sunday is Trinity Sunday and begins our regular season that follows Pentecost. This is the longest season in our Lectionary calendar, lasting all the way until we begin the church year again in Advent! We include one of the most-often-memorized scriptures. Many of us memorized John 3:16 in early Sunday School classes, and some of us even know the following verse as well. Scripture: John 3:1-17 (CEB)

Our Daily Bread

In the third week of our sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer, Pastor Lea asks what it means to ask God for “enough” when we live in a world of abundance, and how we can partner with God to share our abundance with others, that they might have enough.  Scripture: Matthew 6:9-11 (CEB), John 6:30-31,35 (CEB)

Risking the Salvation of God

This is the end of Lent and the beginning of our celebration of resurrection! This is a time of looking forward with renewed hope after a period of darkness. This is a time that surely feels surprising, even to the point that we may even doubt what we see and what we feel. Could it be?? Scripture: John 20:1-18; Acts 10:34-43