Sermon Notes (Page 4)

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…

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 Helps Those Who Help Themselves.” On one hand, this makes sense. A similar expression I’ve heard of this idea is: “You can’t pray to win the lottery without buying a ticket.” This fits with common sense. It doesn’t make sense to…

This week we will begin a series called “1/2 Truths.” Every week we will explore and analyze a common Christian phrase. We’ll ask ourselves what we really mean when we repeat these phrases, and why they are both comforting and uncomfortable. Most of our common phrases are only half true. Together we will pray, learn, and examine our hearts in order to find the whole truth through God’s love and grace. Deuteronomy 30: 15-20 (CEB) 15 “Look here! Today I’ve set…

The season of Lent is essential in Christian tradition, and is made up of the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter Sunday. This Lent, we focus on the Gospel of Luke, and are guided by the book Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws by Rev. Adam Hamilton. While Palm Sunday is still a week away, this Sunday we focus on Jesus’ final week and final teachings. At the conclusion of this week’s text, Jesus…

The season of Lent is essential in Christian tradition, and is made up of the forty days (not including Sundays) that lead up to Easter Sunday. This Lent, we focus on the Gospel of Luke, and are guided by the book Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws by Rev. Adam Hamilton. This week’s text shows Jesus interacting with a particular marginalized community. Skin diseases like the one described in the text below had special rules in the Jewish…