The Christmas Eve sermon is based on a variety of scripture passages pertaining to the nativity of Christ, but in particular we can discuss Isaiah 9:2-7.
Isaiah 9:2-7
2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.3You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.4For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.5For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.6For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
ABOUT OUR DECEMBER PREACHING THEME
Past Imperfect, Present Tense, Future Indicative
During Advent, Pastor Louise’s sermons will look in two directions: back to the past to explore ancient biblical prophecies and forward to the future, to catch a glimpse of hopeful prospects. What we see in those two directions has much to offer us as guidance for our lives today, in a world that is broken and fearful, where even now God is working to mend and reconcile. Scripture witnesses to a profound hope that is more truthful than nostalgia and more powerful than wishful thinking. What is the “peace of Christ” and how does it make a difference in our hearts and relationships? Where is the evidence of it? What does it call us to do? You’re invited to share your thoughts and ideas…
Real Men (and Women) Ask for Directions, based on Isaiah 31:1-10
ABOUT OUR DECEMBER PREACHING THEME
Past Imperfect, Present Tense, Future Indicative
During Advent, Pastor Louise’s sermons will look in two directions: back to the past to explore ancient biblical prophecies and forward to the future, to catch a glimpse of hopeful prospects. What we see in those two directions has much to offer us as guidance for our lives today, in a world that is broken and fearful, where even now God is working to mend and reconcile. Scripture witnesses to a profound hope that is more truthful than nostalgia and more powerful than wishful thinking. What is the “peace of Christ” and how does it make a difference in our hearts and relationships? Where is the evidence of it? What does it call us to do? You’re invited to share your thoughts and ideas…
Isaiah 31:1-10
Peace When There Is No Peace based on Isaiah 11:1-10
ABOUT OUR DECEMBER PREACHING THEME
Past Imperfect, Present Tense, Future Indicative
During Advent, Pastor Louise’s sermons will look in two directions: back to the past to explore ancient biblical prophecies and forward to the future, to catch a glimpse of hopeful prospects. What we see in those two directions has much to offer us as guidance for our lives today, in a world that is broken and fearful, where even now God is working to mend and reconcile. Scripture witnesses to a profound hope that is more truthful than nostalgia and more powerful than wishful thinking. What is the “peace of Christ” and how does it make a difference in our hearts and relationships? Where is the evidence of it? What does it call us to do? You’re invited to share your thoughts and ideas…
Isaiah 11:1-10
The overarching theme for the month of November (which includes Stewardship Dedication Sunday on the 14th) is “The Future Is Now” The investment of our gifts, our work, our faith and our very lives in God’s Reign prepares the way for a truly promising future.
The Gospel reading the sermon is based on is: Luke 21:5-19.
Luke 21:5-19
5When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6“As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” 7They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” 8And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them. 9“When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” 10Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. 12“But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17You will be hated by all because of my name. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By your endurance you will gain your souls.
The sermon for October 10 is based on Luke 17:11-19.
Luke 17:11-19
11On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, 13they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. 15Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? 18Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”
Filed under: sermon germination
The scriptural theme for October is ”Increase Our Faith.” Some biblical role models show us how to open ourselves to spiritual growth.
The sermon for October 3 is titled: No Strangers at the Feast, in recognition of World Communion Sunday.
How have you been called to the table? Do you feel welcome? What things might people perceive as barriers to being welcomed at the Lord’s Table? How can we make sure the invitation is received?
(These questions are not meant to be exclusive or exhaustive, speak your mind).
The sermon for September 26 will be based on Genesis 38.
Tamar was an ancestor of both David and Jesus. The story is a portrait of one who risked honor that right be done.
This passage contains some elements still used to justify modern moral judgements. What is the true moral of this story how does it relate to our lives today?
I loved that new African chant we sang this morning! Why don’t we ever sing the good old hymns??!
The service just didn’t do anything for me at all. You were speaking directly to me today.
I felt God’s presence in a powerful way. I don’t like it when we say the creeds; they’re from another time and they don’t express my beliefs anymore!
I feel irritated every time I hear people change the words of the Doxology to make them “politically correct.” What’s wrong with God the Father?! I really connect to God in the silence after the prayer of confession.
I really connect to God before the service begins as the congregation is happily greeting one another. Having the words of hymns and scripture text on screens is a great idea! It lifts our heads up out of the hymnals and helps us sing better.
Don’t change a single thing! If things don’t change, I’m outta here!
Part of Fairmount’s wonderful diversity shows up in our worship preferences. We feel drawn to the Divine through different ways and means, and what one of us finds inspiring leaves another cold. The design of our worship spaces, the sincerity of our greeting, the ease of navigating to the nursery and restrooms and coffee hour, the acceptance of infants and children — all these factors and many others shape people’s worship experience even before the service begins.
Nothing is more important, and nothing captures more of your ministers’ attention than does worship preparation. I care so much about the worship experience and attendance because to me the worship of God forms the heart of a faith community, and informs every other part of our mission. Contrary to what we sometimes think, the worship leaders do not “perform” before an audience known as the congregation. Rather, the worship leaders seek to express the hopes, dreams, needs, questions, cutting edges, and assumptions of the congregation, guided by Scripture and the Reformed theological tradition, and animated by the Holy Spirit, which we all offer to God as we participate in worship.
Though we were not able to introduce a new contemporary service this Fall, we are committed to worship that is welcoming and accessible to all. Though we value traditional excellence, we’ll continue to plan services that include newer hymns, spiritual songs, and multicultural music, broaden our use of media (projecting words and images on screens), and engage persons of all ages and faith experience. Currently, you can hear podcasts of the sermon and choir anthem from our website. We are also developing on-line worship resources that could help you worship with us when you can’t physically be present on Sunday morning.
Here are a few suggestions to enhance your experience of worship:
1) Pray. Pray for the worship leaders, including musicians and preacher. Pray that God will help you receive the Word God intends for you.
2) Participate. Join in the songs and prayers and passing the peace. Some people like to read along silently as the Scripture text is read; others simply like to listen. The Psalmist encourages us to “make a joyful noise before the Lord” but even if you don’t sing, read the words—hymns are often chosen because they reflect the theme or Scripture of the day.
3) Recognize that different worship practices speak to people. If a sermon or prayer or hymn didn’t touch you this week, trust that it was meaningful to someone. And come back next week with expectation that God will meet you there.
4) Reach out to fellow worshipers. Try sitting near other worshipers. Greet those around you. Though we try to make our bulletin “user friendly,” assist worshipers who may not understand it.
5) Share your thoughts and ideas and suggestions. You can provide input to any upcoming sermon on this blog Thoroughly PostModern Minister. NEW: give feedback on sermons after they’ve been preached at FPCtalkback.wordpress.com.
6) Practice. Worship is counter-cultural, and unlike any other activity of our lives. We learn to worship by worshiping! Hope to see you regularly in worship at Fairmount!
Filed under: Uncategorized
I’m troubled by evidence that friendship—like so many other values—has become commodified. There are “friends with benefits” and friends in high places that reduce it to a transaction—I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine. The mobility of our society and the frantic pace of busy lives also make it more difficult to form and sustain friendships. But those realities have not decreased the human need for connection, for empathy and support. At the dawn of creation God said It is not good for the people to be alone. Woven into our basic identity is the instinct for kinship formation—originally key to physical survival, forming social bonds is still an essential ingredient to mental and emotional health. Human community has evolved only in how it is formed, not in its necessity for the good life. Not surprisingly then, the Internet has created new ways of friendship formation through virtual connection.
Part of the study component of my sabbatical involves exploration of social networking and its potential for community building in the church. But I didn’t actually wait for my sabbatical. One night this week I was at home working on this sermon and as sometimes happens had hit the wall. Nothing seemed to be working, so I sent a plea to my Facebook contacts to name the qualities they most valued in a friend. I was deluged with responses! Loyalty, honesty, trustworthiness were included. Help when you need it. Willingness to listen. “Friendship is born of shared experience,” wrote one man. Almost everyone spoke of the unconditional love of a true friend: “Someone who knows your best and worst traits and accepts you in spite of it all.” You get the feeling these people know what they’re talking about. It occurred to me that this cyber-interaction reflected a certain dimension of friendship: I asked for help. . . .and received it in abundance! Alone in my office, tapping away on my laptop, I was nonetheless surrounded by others who cared enough to respond. I guess I’m not saying Facebook replaces face-to-face encounters, but there’s something to say for its immediacy and ability to link people across geography and generation. My favorite definition of a friend came from a Fairmount middle schooler whose quick response demonstrated that he practices what he preaches: A friend is someone who, when you have had a bad day or need someone to talk to about your problems, says “I’m right here for you.”
