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Immanuel UCC - West Bend

Having spoken last week about "six-word memoirs" that personally guide our lives, I now take a look at one of the earliest "collective expressions" of belief known as a creed. In this message, I share why I personally believe in Christ's resurrection and the impact it has on my life. 
 
Opening Hymn: I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord (Hymnal 457) 
Closing Doxology: We Praise Your Name! Alleluia!

Having spoken last week about "six-word memoirs" that personally guide our lives, I now take a look at one of the earliest "collective expressions" of belief known as a creed. In this message, I share why I personally believe in Christ's resurrection and the impact it has on my life.

Opening Hymn:  I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord (Hymnal 457)
Closing Doxology:  We Praise Your Name!  Alleluia!

Easter 4 - Why I Believe in the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 12-19)

Unlike Matthew and Luke, Mark hits the ground running - ignoring the details concerning Jesus' birth and heading straight into Jesus' baptism. Perhaps the most unique aspect of Mark's account is that "the heavens are town apart and the Spirit descends like a dove on Jesus." The rending of heaven language draws attention God's "invasion" of our world in the person of Christ and the consequent giving of the Spirit. By identifying with sinners, we participate in Christ's baptism through our own baptism. And the greatest source of our faithfulness is rooted in viewing ourselves as God's beloved child. 
 
Opening Hymn: Praise the Lord, Sing Hallelujah! 
Closing Doxology: Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

Unlike Matthew and Luke, Mark hits the ground running - ignoring the details concerning Jesus' birth and heading straight into Jesus' baptism. Perhaps the most unique aspect of Mark's account is that "the heavens are town apart and the Spirit descends like a dove on Jesus." The rending of heaven language draws attention God's "invasion" of our world in the person of Christ and the consequent giving of the Spirit. By identifying with sinners, we participate in Christ's baptism through our own baptism. And the greatest source of our faithfulness is rooted in viewing ourselves as God's beloved child.

Opening Hymn: Praise the Lord, Sing Hallelujah!
Closing Doxology: Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

Walk Wet: Why Baptism Matters (Mark 1:1-11)

Inspired by God's Spirit, the "anointed" one brings good news of redemption, liberation, and healing. God's favor is coming to bring gladness to those who mourn and renewal to the ruined. The blessed of the Lord will greatly rejoice with their whole being because of God's glorious salvation. 
 
Opening Carol: How Great My Joy! 
Ministry of Music by Youth Choir: Rejoice in the Lord! 
Closing Doxology: Rejoice! Rejoice!

Inspired by God's Spirit, the "anointed" one brings good news of redemption, liberation, and healing. God's favor is coming to bring gladness to those who mourn and renewal to the ruined. The blessed of the Lord will greatly rejoice with their whole being because of God's glorious salvation.

Opening Carol: How Great My Joy!
Ministry of Music by Youth Choir: Rejoice in the Lord!
Closing Doxology: Rejoice! Rejoice!

Advent 3 - Restoring the Ruins: Good News of Great Joy (Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11)

After experiencing God's renewed commitment to journey with wayward Israel, Moses asks to see God's glory. God promises to reveal the divine glory, but warns that Moses cannot see the Divine Face, for such an unmediated gaze on the Divine would be lethal to Moses. God then promises to protect Moses from this direct gaze. Moses then receives a revelation of God's glory that resounds through the remainder of sacred scripture. God's renewal of the covenant through Moses stands as a pivotal moment in the sacred story. It's themes arise again and again, bringing comfort and hope to God's people. Even more, these themes are used in the New Testament to help us understand Jesus, ourselves, and the world. 
 
Opening Hymn: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing 
Closing Doxology: We Praise Your Name! Alleluia!

After experiencing God's renewed commitment to journey with wayward Israel, Moses asks to see God's glory. God promises to reveal the divine glory, but warns that Moses cannot see the Divine Face, for such an unmediated gaze on the Divine would be lethal to Moses. God then promises to protect Moses from this direct gaze. Moses then receives a revelation of God's glory that resounds through the remainder of sacred scripture. God's renewal of the covenant through Moses stands as a pivotal moment in the sacred story. It's themes arise again and again, bringing comfort and hope to God's people. Even more, these themes are used in the New Testament to help us understand Jesus, ourselves, and the world.

Opening Hymn: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Closing Doxology: We Praise Your Name!  Alleluia!

Ordinary Time 19 - "Show Me Your Glory" (Exodus 33:12-34:7)

All of us are in exile. Some (if not most of us) are in the wilderness. The fears and the frustrations of the desert quickly lead to complaints and murmurings. In today's story, the people of God grumble in the wilderness and God responds, not with anger, but with the gracious provision of manna. Though the wilderness is not comfortable, easy, or desirable, it is the training ground in which we learn to trust God. 
 
Opening Hymn: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise 
Closing Doxology: Now Thank We All Our God

All of us are in exile. Some (if not most of us) are in the wilderness. The fears and the frustrations of the desert quickly lead to complaints and murmurings. In today's story, the people of God grumble in the wilderness and God responds, not with anger, but with the gracious provision of manna. Though the wilderness is not comfortable, easy, or desirable, it is the training ground in which we learn to trust God.

Opening Hymn: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Closing Doxology: Now Thank We All Our God

Ordinary Time 15 - Bread from Heaven: A Feast in the Wilderness (Exodus 16:2-15)

Jacob's life was characterized by deception and foolhardy ambition and he paid the price for it in having to flee his home out of fear for his life. Twenty years later when he returns, he encounters God in the form of a man who wrestles with him throughout the night. In the end, Jacob's name (which means "deceiver") is changed to Israel (which means "one who struggles with God"). In this encounter we discover how "wrestling with God" may not be a sign of spiritual immaturity or doubt, but actually a means to blessing and the very key to our identity. 
 
Opening Hymn: If You But Trust in God to Guide You 
Closing Doxology: Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

Jacob's life was characterized by deception and foolhardy ambition and he paid the price for it in having to flee his home out of fear for his life. Twenty years later when he returns, he encounters God in the form of a man who wrestles with him throughout the night. In the end, Jacob's name (which means "deceiver") is changed to Israel (which means "one who struggles with God"). In this encounter we discover how "wrestling with God" may not be a sign of spiritual immaturity or doubt, but actually a means to blessing and the very key to our identity. 

Opening Hymn: If You But Trust in God to Guide You
Closing Doxology: Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

Ordinary Time 8 - Wrestling with God (Genesis 32:22-31)

The Apostle Paul admonishes the Corinthian church to follow up on its good intentions (yet poor execution) in regard to the "Jerusalem Collection". In order to persuade the Corinthians, Paul does not use the language of the marketplace - speaking of dollars, cents, etc. - but instead uses the language of grace, pointing to God's extravagant grace revealed in Christ: "For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9) 
 
Join us for our "After the Through the Bible Chat" at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85234631805 
Password is same for regulars. If you need it, email Pastor Rich or Jenny.

The Apostle Paul admonishes the Corinthian church to follow up on its good intentions (yet poor execution) in regard to the "Jerusalem Collection". In order to persuade the Corinthians, Paul does not use the language of the marketplace - speaking of dollars, cents, etc. - but instead uses the language of grace, pointing to God's extravagant grace revealed in Christ: "For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Join us for our "After the Through the Bible Chat" at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85234631805
Password is same for regulars. If you need it, email Pastor Rich or Jenny.

Above and Beyond: The Grace of Giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-15)

In the middle of one of the most encouraging and inspiring chapters in the Bible, the Apostle Paul writes of a three-fold groaning, a "symphony of sighs" experienced by the world, ourselves, and God. It is in this hopeful groaning in a suffering world that we find ourselves, and it is precisely here where God is at work. 
 
Opening Hymn: Morning Has Broken 
Closing Doxology: Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

In the middle of one of the most encouraging and inspiring chapters in the Bible, the Apostle Paul writes of a three-fold groaning, a "symphony of sighs" experienced by the world, ourselves, and God. It is in this hopeful groaning in a suffering world that we find ourselves, and it is precisely here where God is at work.

Opening Hymn: Morning Has Broken
Closing Doxology: Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

Ordinary Time 6 - Symphony of Sighs: Hopeful Groaning in a Suffering World (Romans 8:18-28)

After five chapters defending his apostolic legitimacy, Paul concludes by listing all the tragedies and triumphs of his ministry and pleading for the Corinthians to open their hearts wide to him - to return his love and commitment with their love and commitment. This is a beautiful passage with much to teach us about encouragement, integrity, love, and purity. 
 
Join us for our "After the Through the Bible Chat" on Zoom at 7:30 p.m. 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83877153300 
Password is the same for regulars. If you need the password, email Pastor Rich or Jenny.

After five chapters defending his apostolic legitimacy, Paul concludes by listing all the tragedies and triumphs of his ministry and pleading for the Corinthians to open their hearts wide to him - to return his love and commitment with their love and commitment. This is a beautiful passage with much to teach us about encouragement, integrity, love, and purity.

Join us for our "After the Through the Bible Chat" on Zoom at 7:30 p.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83877153300
Password is the same for regulars. If you need the password, email Pastor Rich or Jenny.

Grace Under Pressure: Authentic Ministry in an Idolatrous World (2 Corinthians 6:1-7:4)

For those obsessed with external manifestations of power and glory, Paul demonstrates how the Gospel is communicated in and through our weaknesses, frailties, flaws, and cracks. God hides the "treasure" of the Gospel in common, ordinary, fragile "clay jars". With this awareness, Paul encourages the Corinthians by speaking of the extraordinary power of God revealed in very ordinary people. 
 
Join us for our "After the Thru the Bible Chat" at 7:30 p.m. 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87166277941 
If you need a password, email Rich or Jenny.

For those obsessed with external manifestations of power and glory, Paul demonstrates how the Gospel is communicated in and through our weaknesses, frailties, flaws, and cracks. God hides the "treasure" of the Gospel in common, ordinary, fragile "clay jars". With this awareness, Paul encourages the Corinthians by speaking of the extraordinary power of God revealed in very ordinary people.

Join us for our "After the Thru the Bible Chat" at 7:30 p.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87166277941
If you need a password, email Rich or Jenny.

Cracked Pots: Treasure in Earthen Vessels (2 Corinthians 4:1-15)

The Apostle Paul feels compelled to defend his decision to delay his visit to Corinth since their are strong voices in Corinth accusing Paul of fickleness and untrustworthiness. Paul writes honestly about how he had to make difficult decisions that he hoped would demonstrate his love to the Corinthians even though some had interpreted his choices in a more negative light. Paul realizes he might have made some mistakes and poor decisions, but he assures them that this is no evidence of his unreliability. Instead, he simply sought to do what was best out of love for them. 
 
To join us on Zoom for the "After the Thru the Bible Chat" at 7:30 p.m. just click here: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87873224376 
For regulars, the password is the same as always. For newcomers, email Jenny or Rich for the password.

The Apostle Paul feels compelled to defend his decision to delay his visit to Corinth since their are strong voices in Corinth accusing Paul of fickleness and untrustworthiness. Paul writes honestly about how he had to make difficult decisions that he hoped would demonstrate his love to the Corinthians even though some had interpreted his choices in a more negative light. Paul realizes he might have made some mistakes and poor decisions, but he assures them that this is no evidence of his unreliability. Instead, he simply sought to do what was best out of love for them.

To join us on Zoom for the "After the Thru the Bible Chat" at 7:30 p.m. just click here: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87873224376
For regulars, the password is the same as always. For newcomers, email Jenny or Rich for the password.

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