Ok, enough, already! This is the time of year when we’re supposed to be thankful. But what does that really mean — especially when life can be so gritty? Let’s go beyond superficial platitudes and explore what it looks like for real people living in the real world to live thankfully. Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians […]
Author Archives: Guest Speaker
Here I Am. . . Where Are You?
Imagine hearing God call your name in the quiet of the night to ask your help with a specific task. How would you respond? Excitement? Fear? Questions? All of the above? This sermon explores God’s call on your life. This was our Indiana Black Pride Celebration Service with special guest preacher, Rev. Candy Holmes — […]
Full Frontal Faith
How would it feel to stand stark naked in front of God, baring your skin and your soul? With your darkest secrets exposed, how will God respond? This sermon looks at what it means to live with a Spirit of vulnerability and authenticity, and to embrace the “you” that God created you to be! Brent […]
When People Pray
What difference does prayer make? If you’ve ever pondered this question you are not alone. We were pleased to welcome special guest Carolyn Olivier from Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. Carolyn shared with us how prayer, along with the generosity of Jesus MCC, made possible a recent humanitarian trip to Haiti. God worked some miracles […]
The Joy Factor
Fear. . . Joy. . . Two of the most powerful words in our vocabulary. Which word comes closer to describing your typical state of mind? This Sunday we’ll explore several factors that have the potential to unleash a ‘joy revival’ in your life! This message was brought to us by Rev. Dr. Mona West, […]
Living the Reality
Do you ever feel discouraged and overwhelmed by the challenges you face? Like there’s no way out? This Sunday we’ll look at a riveting story from the Old Testament about how someone named named Leah faced — and overcame — her own enormous challenges. There is much we can learn from her powerful example! This […]
A Sunday Morning Story
Our Gospel Choir helps us celebrate Black History Month by re-enacting — in testimony and song — what they experienced growing up in African American churches. As they weave their story, they invite each of us to reflect on our own past — and what we can learn from both the beautiful and difficult experiences. […]
Hard Times Cafe
Every single one of us will face hard times in life. That’s a given. The big question is: How will I respond? Will I make the most out of them — or let them go to waste? This sermon explores how to turn our struggles into something powerful and positive. Today’s scripture: James 1:2-8 Watch […]
Being The Hands and Feet of Jesus
This Sunday we celebrate World Missions Day 2009! Watch an exciting report of wonderful things our congregation has accomplished in Sudan and for the Navajo Nation, including a special guest appearance by the Joseph Esparza, Director of the Southwest Indian Foundation. Share in the celebration! Today’s scripture: James 2:14-18 Watch the webcast, then watch the […]
Peculiar People
The Bible says followers of Jesus are supposed to be a “peculiar people.” In other words, we are called to live in a counter-cultural way. But what does that mean? Some Christian have taken it to mean they ought to cut themselves off from society and adopt old fashioned norms. Is that really what God […]
Profiles In Courage
This Sunday we welcomed Indiana Black Pride and Rev. Dr. William Knight! Rev. Knight is the pastor of Water of Life MCC in Tucson, Arizona. Today’s scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6-8 Due to technical difficulties, you will see, but not hear the first 30 seconds of today’s web cast during which Pastor Jeff introduces our special guest […]
What a Little Love Can Do!
In this sermon we hear from Melody Merida, Ceci Spence, and Chris Tenpas, three of our folks who went to Sudan earlier this year. We’ll learn about their journey — both physical and spiritual. We’ll have a chance to think together about what we may be called to do as we seek to make a […]
Are You There, God?
What do you do when it feels like God is far away? Our impulse may be to act like God is far away — but that can lead to actions that are self-destructive. There’s a better way, and we’ll look at the example of Habakkuk to get some practical ideas. This sermon was brought to […]